Offensive Strengths
In my opinion, the Akron Zips have the best group of running backs, period. Coming off a season of devastating injuries, much of it to the RB position, Akron has recruited and developed some tremendous talent in the backfield. Brandon Payne and Rob Hendry return averaged 91 and 99 yards per game in the outings they played in last year. They will be joined by talented fullbacks Dan Basch (one of my favorite players in the MAC), who averaged 6.5 yards per carry in 2001, and Ashanti Barbee (5-11, 237). But it doesn?t end there. Marcus Sanders, a highly recruited and much ballyhooed RB from near by Ravenna, Ohio, has sat out his year after leaving Minnesota to play for Akron. At 5?10?? 185, the 4.35 speedster will provide some ?big-play? abilities missing from the players stated above. Thomas Plummer was a highly recruited RB from Canada and looks bigger and stronger this season. Plummer will also be in the thick of things for the Zip rushing attack. Matt Carter, Jerrell Ringer and Ty Washington provide some excellent depth. Charlie Frye had a terrific season as a Redshirt-freshman last year. He passed for over 2,000 yards last year and surpassed the 300-yard mark in two games. As he continues to improve, he may become an all-conference performer. Nick Sparks is a talented athlete and good backup who also may play some WR this year. Speaking of WRs, Matt Cherry is becoming a real talent in this league. The junior averaged nearly 60-yards per game receiving and had three TDs. During a practice this spring I witnessed him take a quick pass, do three moves, break two tackles, and score a 70-yard TD. He will definitely get some all-conference votes by year-end, mark my words. Charles Bailey, Dion Elie, Morris Ellington, Bates Szakos and Toledo transfer, Miquel Irvin, give Frye some good targets.
Offensive Concerns
Every year I talk about how big, physical and talented the Akron offensive line is and I certainly think they will become that way again this year. But the Zips did lose four starting linemen and seven starters over all from last year?s squad. Only Aaron Conley (6?3?? 295) returns, but several lettermen will move into starting rolls. Guys like Bryan Shaw (6?3?? 283), Justin Hein (6?7?? 335), Aaron Feller (6?4?? 289), Jumbo Bridger (6?2?? 303), Mike Piccirillo (6?2?? 295), Mike Grzeskowiak (6?6?? 318) and Jud Cummings (6?4?? 294) really need to jell quickly. Both WR Jake Schifino and TE Tim Ritley graduated and will be sorely missed. Although there was a rash of injuries in 2001, there was still more offensive talent than what was shown at times. The Zips averaged only 375-yards and 26-points per game and much of that was inflated by the 64-61 OT win against Eastern Michigan. They will need to due better this season to survive a brutal schedule.
Defensive Strengths
During the spring practices in 2001, the Akron coaches were comparing DE Dwayne LeFall (6-3, 248#) to former Zip great, Jason Taylor, now with the Miami Dolphins. LeFall was scheduled to start last year and make significant contributions, but needed to get his grades in order and did not play. He is back on the team and playing like a madman. Marques Hayes ((6?1?? 252) was 9th in the league last year in QB sacks, returns at the other DE. Tim Wilkes (6?2?? 246) should make an impact as a backup DE. The interior LBs are solid, led by Toledo native Diontre Earl. Earl made a strong showing at Ohio State as a true freshman before getting hurt during practice in mid-September and was lost for the remainder of the year. He is back at full strength. Chase Blackburn (6?3?? 223), Ryan Myers (6?1?? 230), Doug Sutton (6?4?? 228) and Eastern Michigan transfer Ryan Robinette (6?2?? 233) give a lot of quality players for Owens to rotate. Myers led the team in tackles last year and looks to be a focal point on this defense. Corvin Amos, Jesse Smith and Rickey McKenzie are experienced DBs with some talent.
Defensive Concerns
The interior DTs are not very big and do not get a very push against opposing offensive lines. Ryan Schultz (6?4?? 257), Dorian Beard (6?0?? 258), Ryan Gargasz (6?6?? 260) & Bobby Gardner (6?4?? 230) are listed in the two-deep lineup right now. They will be pushed by Antonio Shippy (6?3?? 340) and Darius Thomas (6?3?? 275) to improve a unit that the most yards in the MAC last year, 471, and the most points at 33 per game. The Zips had the poorest pass defense in the MAC in 2001 giving up 285 yards per game. That must improve dramatically since this year?s schedule features several pass happy teams and some high quality college QBs to encounter. Akron gave up a MAC-high 26 TDs in 2001, so this is an area Owens and company must address John Fuller is a talented sophomore, so moving him from FS to SS may be a start in the right direction for the defensive backfield. Said Lee Owens, "We must trim at least 100 yards off of our defensive output last year to be a factor in our division." New defensive coordinator Joe Tresey, along with a score of new defensive coaches, will have their work cut out for them to get this unit to play much better.
Special Teams
Akron?s all-time leading scorer, Zac Derr, has graduated, leaving a huge hole at the placekicking spot. Derr had ice in his veins and made three FGs with 0:09 seconds or less in games last year alone. Billy Sullivan, Andy Heihl and Marik Hughes are all vying for the job. Andy Jerdon returns as the teams punter, but he was very average last year at 38-yards per boot. Traditionally Akron is one of the best teams at kickoff and punt returns, and this year should be no different.
Schedule
Akron plays their most difficult schedule in school history. Three road trips to Iowa, Maryland and Virginia is not fair for a young team that is talented, but will suffer through some growing pains. Within the MAC the Zips travel to UCF and archrival Kent State, but they catch a break by hosting Marshall and Miami. Crossover games are manageable with Central and Eastern Michigan. Akron plays only five home games and seven away.
Omar?s View = 3-9; wins against Liberty, @Ohio and Buffalo; losses @Iowa, CMU, @Maryland, @Virginia, Miami, @EMU, @ UCF, Marshall & @Kent State.
Overview
I will go record right now to state that if there a team that could be the division?s "Cinderella," it?s Akron. The Zips were divisional co-champs with Marshall in 2000 but six season-ending injuries to starters in 2001 doomed what was thought to be a promising season. Akron is 14-10 against MAC teams since 1999 and hoping to rebound and become a contender this year. Offensively there is a ton of talent at the skilled positions and there should be solid QB play from Frye & Sparks. The offensive line needs to improve, but there is some untapped talent to work with. The coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball should help and Akron does have some quality DE?s and LB?s. My concern is the DT?s and stopping the run with such a rugged schedule. But it?s this ambitious schedule that has me most concerned for Akron this year. Seven road trips and three very difficult non-conference games are a glaring red flag staring at Akron. That, and a questionable kicking game with the graduation loss of Zac Derr, forces me to give a little more pessimistic view for the Zips this fall. Lee Owens is a good coach and may do some special things with this team this year, but until I see the defense actually make significant improvements, I?ll stick with my conservative 4-8 prediction.
BOLD PREDICTION Akron will open the season at Iowa and play them very tuff before dropping a close game late in the contest.
Pivotal Game:
Central Michigan (9/14/02): The Zips open with two very difficult games on the road (Iowa & Maryland). The Chippewas are the home opener and their MAC opener since all games count this year. With the ?Chips being improved and Akron most likely entering this game 0-2, a win here is nearly a must for this season for Akron to have any chance at success this season.
In my opinion, the Akron Zips have the best group of running backs, period. Coming off a season of devastating injuries, much of it to the RB position, Akron has recruited and developed some tremendous talent in the backfield. Brandon Payne and Rob Hendry return averaged 91 and 99 yards per game in the outings they played in last year. They will be joined by talented fullbacks Dan Basch (one of my favorite players in the MAC), who averaged 6.5 yards per carry in 2001, and Ashanti Barbee (5-11, 237). But it doesn?t end there. Marcus Sanders, a highly recruited and much ballyhooed RB from near by Ravenna, Ohio, has sat out his year after leaving Minnesota to play for Akron. At 5?10?? 185, the 4.35 speedster will provide some ?big-play? abilities missing from the players stated above. Thomas Plummer was a highly recruited RB from Canada and looks bigger and stronger this season. Plummer will also be in the thick of things for the Zip rushing attack. Matt Carter, Jerrell Ringer and Ty Washington provide some excellent depth. Charlie Frye had a terrific season as a Redshirt-freshman last year. He passed for over 2,000 yards last year and surpassed the 300-yard mark in two games. As he continues to improve, he may become an all-conference performer. Nick Sparks is a talented athlete and good backup who also may play some WR this year. Speaking of WRs, Matt Cherry is becoming a real talent in this league. The junior averaged nearly 60-yards per game receiving and had three TDs. During a practice this spring I witnessed him take a quick pass, do three moves, break two tackles, and score a 70-yard TD. He will definitely get some all-conference votes by year-end, mark my words. Charles Bailey, Dion Elie, Morris Ellington, Bates Szakos and Toledo transfer, Miquel Irvin, give Frye some good targets.
Offensive Concerns
Every year I talk about how big, physical and talented the Akron offensive line is and I certainly think they will become that way again this year. But the Zips did lose four starting linemen and seven starters over all from last year?s squad. Only Aaron Conley (6?3?? 295) returns, but several lettermen will move into starting rolls. Guys like Bryan Shaw (6?3?? 283), Justin Hein (6?7?? 335), Aaron Feller (6?4?? 289), Jumbo Bridger (6?2?? 303), Mike Piccirillo (6?2?? 295), Mike Grzeskowiak (6?6?? 318) and Jud Cummings (6?4?? 294) really need to jell quickly. Both WR Jake Schifino and TE Tim Ritley graduated and will be sorely missed. Although there was a rash of injuries in 2001, there was still more offensive talent than what was shown at times. The Zips averaged only 375-yards and 26-points per game and much of that was inflated by the 64-61 OT win against Eastern Michigan. They will need to due better this season to survive a brutal schedule.
Defensive Strengths
During the spring practices in 2001, the Akron coaches were comparing DE Dwayne LeFall (6-3, 248#) to former Zip great, Jason Taylor, now with the Miami Dolphins. LeFall was scheduled to start last year and make significant contributions, but needed to get his grades in order and did not play. He is back on the team and playing like a madman. Marques Hayes ((6?1?? 252) was 9th in the league last year in QB sacks, returns at the other DE. Tim Wilkes (6?2?? 246) should make an impact as a backup DE. The interior LBs are solid, led by Toledo native Diontre Earl. Earl made a strong showing at Ohio State as a true freshman before getting hurt during practice in mid-September and was lost for the remainder of the year. He is back at full strength. Chase Blackburn (6?3?? 223), Ryan Myers (6?1?? 230), Doug Sutton (6?4?? 228) and Eastern Michigan transfer Ryan Robinette (6?2?? 233) give a lot of quality players for Owens to rotate. Myers led the team in tackles last year and looks to be a focal point on this defense. Corvin Amos, Jesse Smith and Rickey McKenzie are experienced DBs with some talent.
Defensive Concerns
The interior DTs are not very big and do not get a very push against opposing offensive lines. Ryan Schultz (6?4?? 257), Dorian Beard (6?0?? 258), Ryan Gargasz (6?6?? 260) & Bobby Gardner (6?4?? 230) are listed in the two-deep lineup right now. They will be pushed by Antonio Shippy (6?3?? 340) and Darius Thomas (6?3?? 275) to improve a unit that the most yards in the MAC last year, 471, and the most points at 33 per game. The Zips had the poorest pass defense in the MAC in 2001 giving up 285 yards per game. That must improve dramatically since this year?s schedule features several pass happy teams and some high quality college QBs to encounter. Akron gave up a MAC-high 26 TDs in 2001, so this is an area Owens and company must address John Fuller is a talented sophomore, so moving him from FS to SS may be a start in the right direction for the defensive backfield. Said Lee Owens, "We must trim at least 100 yards off of our defensive output last year to be a factor in our division." New defensive coordinator Joe Tresey, along with a score of new defensive coaches, will have their work cut out for them to get this unit to play much better.
Special Teams
Akron?s all-time leading scorer, Zac Derr, has graduated, leaving a huge hole at the placekicking spot. Derr had ice in his veins and made three FGs with 0:09 seconds or less in games last year alone. Billy Sullivan, Andy Heihl and Marik Hughes are all vying for the job. Andy Jerdon returns as the teams punter, but he was very average last year at 38-yards per boot. Traditionally Akron is one of the best teams at kickoff and punt returns, and this year should be no different.
Schedule
Akron plays their most difficult schedule in school history. Three road trips to Iowa, Maryland and Virginia is not fair for a young team that is talented, but will suffer through some growing pains. Within the MAC the Zips travel to UCF and archrival Kent State, but they catch a break by hosting Marshall and Miami. Crossover games are manageable with Central and Eastern Michigan. Akron plays only five home games and seven away.
Omar?s View = 3-9; wins against Liberty, @Ohio and Buffalo; losses @Iowa, CMU, @Maryland, @Virginia, Miami, @EMU, @ UCF, Marshall & @Kent State.
Overview
I will go record right now to state that if there a team that could be the division?s "Cinderella," it?s Akron. The Zips were divisional co-champs with Marshall in 2000 but six season-ending injuries to starters in 2001 doomed what was thought to be a promising season. Akron is 14-10 against MAC teams since 1999 and hoping to rebound and become a contender this year. Offensively there is a ton of talent at the skilled positions and there should be solid QB play from Frye & Sparks. The offensive line needs to improve, but there is some untapped talent to work with. The coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball should help and Akron does have some quality DE?s and LB?s. My concern is the DT?s and stopping the run with such a rugged schedule. But it?s this ambitious schedule that has me most concerned for Akron this year. Seven road trips and three very difficult non-conference games are a glaring red flag staring at Akron. That, and a questionable kicking game with the graduation loss of Zac Derr, forces me to give a little more pessimistic view for the Zips this fall. Lee Owens is a good coach and may do some special things with this team this year, but until I see the defense actually make significant improvements, I?ll stick with my conservative 4-8 prediction.
BOLD PREDICTION Akron will open the season at Iowa and play them very tuff before dropping a close game late in the contest.
Pivotal Game:
Central Michigan (9/14/02): The Zips open with two very difficult games on the road (Iowa & Maryland). The Chippewas are the home opener and their MAC opener since all games count this year. With the ?Chips being improved and Akron most likely entering this game 0-2, a win here is nearly a must for this season for Akron to have any chance at success this season.
