Akron Zips

Head Coach

J.D. Brookhart	5th year
07-08	4-8
MAC	3-5
FCR	94

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - J.D. Brookhart enters his fifth season at helm; the Zips were 4-8 last season and return 13 starters. Akron needs improved play from the quarterback spot as the offense was ranked 111th nationally last year. The lines on both sides of the ball are solid so they could surprise some teams but will need improve in the red zone if they want to get above the .500 mark.

Quarterback - At quarterback junior Chris Jacquemain returns as the starter, he needs to improve on last years 10 TD’s and 11 interceptions or redshirt freshman Matt Rodgers could push for playing time. Jacquemain is a decent runner and showed more consistency this spring, Rodgers has a nice arm and is the future of the program.

Running Backs - At running back senior Denis Kennedy is the incumbent, he had a big sophomore season but took a giant step back last season. Kennedy will be pushed for playing time by junior Alex Allen who was second on the team last season with 420 yards rushing and seven TD’s. The Zips also brought in Maimi-Fla transfer Andrew Johnson; he was impressive this spring and could figure prominently in the attack. Starting at fullback will be junior Joe Tuze who’s primarily a blocker but will get a few carries.

Receivers - Senior Andre Jones will move to the offensive side of the ball this season and will start at one spot. The other spot will be manned by junior Jeremy Bruce, a transfer from West Virginia who has speed and skills to contribute immediately. At tight end senior Merce Poindexter is solid; he’ll contribute in both the passing and running attacks.

Offensive Line - Akron returns four starters to the O-Line will be led y left tackle senior Chris Kemme who is one of the MAC’s best. Also returning upfront are right tackle sophomore Corey Woods, and both guards sophomore Mike Ward and junior Zach Anderson. The lone newcomer will be at center, where junior Elliot Bates will start. This is a solid group that will help the offense improve on last year’s anemic attack, look for the running game to show great improvement.

Defensive Line - This is a young unit with sophomore Almondo Sewell on the outside and inside they’ll have senior tackle Eric Lively and on the nose will be junior Ryan Bain. Sewell was outstanding last season and is a future All-MAC performer, Bain is transfer from Iowa who showed this spring that the Zips will be tough against the run.

Linebackers - Returning for his senior year in the middle will be Kevin Grant, he’s the leader of the defense and by MAC standards he a big physical presence. Also returning is senior Doug Williams who’ll line up at the Bandit position, he’ll be called upon to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The unit newcomer will be sophomore Sean Fobbs at the SAM spot, a bit undersized he has the speed to rush and contribute in pass defense.

Defensive Backs - At corner will be two new starters in seniors Brandon Anderson and Miguel Graham, they’re both good athletes who’ve contributed on special teams but will be asked to do more this season. At strong safety will be senior Bryan Williams who led the Zips in rushing last year, it’s a move but that says he’s a team first individual, never a bad thing. At the ROVER spot will be junior Wayne Cobham and the free safety will be sophomore Jalil Carter.

Special Teams - Handling the placekicking again will be sophomore Igor Ivelji who was 15-18 on FG attempts and had great range. At punter junior John Stes returns, he averaged just 37.5 yards last year. The return game is outstanding as senior Bryan Williams averaged 31.9 yards on kickoff returns and senior Andre Jones averaged 14.9 yards on his punt returns.

Schedule - Seven road games and Cincy at home, not good. Better than average lines on both sides of the ball, this should keep them in most games. The MAC will be very competitive, look for the Zips to get only 3 wins this fall.