By John Agovino Aug 21, 2007, 16:30 GMT
OFFENSE: Akron only averaged 19.7 ppg in '06, and this year could actually be worse with only four starters returning. The only positive from a year ago was the passing attack, but that area is a big concern this time around. QB Luke Getsy is gone and most likely lefty Carlton Jackson will be under center to start the year. Jackson will feel some heat from fellow sophomore Chris Jacquemain, but regardless of who is throwing the football there will be limited targets down field. David Harvey and Jabari Arthur were supposed to be the top receiving threats, but Arthur suffered an ankle injury in the off- season and Harvey was excused from spring drills to take care of some personal issues. Last season, Harvey grabbed 43 balls for 914 yards and 10 scores, so it is obvious the team will miss his production. As for the ground attack, it should improve on its 111th ranking from a season ago. In '06, Akron averaged just 83.8 ypg, and although the team will need to replace some starters on the offensive line, tailback Dennis Kennedy returns for his junior season after rushing for 914 yards a year ago, earning Second Team All-MAC honors.
DEFENSE: If the Zips are going to have success this season it will be because of the play of the defense which returns eight starters. The big concern is the front line, which returns only Jared Cecchetti. Last year, the Zips only collected 17 sacks, so it is extremely important for newcomers Eric Lively and Wallace Pendleton to step in and produce immediately. While the line is something of a concern, the linebacking group for Akron could be tops in the MAC. Brion Stokes is the best of the bunch and is coming off a season in which he collected 79 tackles, 13 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. John Mackey and Kevin Grant are just as talented, leading the defense with 88 and 87 tackles, respectively. The defensive backfield is also filled with experience and depth. Reggie Corner and Davanzo Tate will man the outside, while hard-hitting Andre Jones does his thing from the free safety position. Corner led the squad last season with four INTs and is one of the top shutdown defensive backs in the league.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Last season, this unit was a threat solely because of the speed of Harvey, but with his return up in the air the Zips lose that 30 yards per return. If Harvey does not come back, expect to see Brandon Anderson get a shot. Punter John Stec did an admirable job last season, averaging 38.6 yards per punt. Splitting the uprights this season will most likely be senior Matt Domonkos, who was just 2-of-8 last year.
OUTLOOK: 2006 was definitely an off year for the Zips, but it could be more of the same this season if they are unable to get the offense going. An inexperienced QB and a lack of overall talent could spell disaster, regardless of how well the defense plays. Another strike against the Zips is their schedule which is extremely tough. The team has seven road games, including four in its first six. Some of those road games come against the likes of Ohio State, Indiana and Connecticut. With a suspect offense and a tough schedule, it looks like another down year for Akron.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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