UA coach sees little to cheer
Brookhart unimpressed after closed scrimmage
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
University of Akron coach J.D. Brookhart had a definite opinion what he liked best Wednesday about his team's second scrimmage of the preseason.
''That it's over,'' he said without a trace of humor.
The injury-riddled Zips held an 80-play, 70-minute scrimmage at the Stile Athletics Field House that was closed to the public and to the media. Brookhart might have felt it was closed to the UA players as well.
''Without looking at the tape, there wasn't much to like,'' Brookhart said. ''I am really disappointed right now. Our injury situation is killing us. I have no idea where we are at right now because of that.''
The Zips were without starting noseguard Ryan Bain, wide receiver candidate Deryn Bowser and several other key performers as the clock surges toward the opener Aug. 30 at the University of Wisconsin.
The good news is that starting defensive linemen Almondo Sewell and Eric Lively, who combined for 73 tackles in 2007, and tailback Dennis Kennedy, who has rushed for 1,201 yards in his first three seasons, have recovered from injuries and participated in the drills Wednesday.
The first half of the scrimmage was offense versus defense. Starting quarterback Chris Jacquemain completed 9-of-15 passes for 89 yards. Backup Matt Rodgers completed 8-of-13 for 49 yards.
The second half was dedicated to third-down situations, with both the first and second units converting 4-of-8 opportunities.
''It was sloppy; it was inconsistent,'' Brookhart said. ''We have guys in positions they have not played because of injuries. We are kind of piecing it together.''
Jacquemain, who started nine games last year, agreed there is work to be done and that a return to health would help.
''There were some good things today. There were some bad things,'' Jacquemain said. ''At times, we were sloppy and didn't execute. But our effort was there. We are banged up. All we can do is keep working hard and work to get ready for Wisconsin.''
Brookhart said his primary concern, besides the injuries, is the work of the secondary, which will feature new starters at every position.
''Right now, we are playing a lot of inexperienced guys back there,'' he said. ''That is showing a little bit.''
Brookhart said the young cornerback who has caught his attention is freshman Manley Waller of Decatur, Ga., who recorded 112 tackles in his junior and senior seasons at Southwest Dekalb High School.
Waller has speed passed on by his mother, Gwen Torrence, who won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympic Games in the 200 meters and two relay gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
''He has a great spirit out there,'' Brookhart said. ''He is a tremendous competitor, and he has very good speed.''
Brookhart said few individuals stood out in the scrimmage. When asked whether he could name any or many, he paused for a full 10 seconds, then said, ''I don't know.''
The Zips will continue preseason camp with practices today and Friday. Preparation for Wisconsin will begin Sunday, and classes start Monday.
After a road game Sept. 6 at Syracuse, the Zips play their first home game at 1 p.m. Sept. 13 against Ball State.
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Brookhart unimpressed after closed scrimmage
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
University of Akron coach J.D. Brookhart had a definite opinion what he liked best Wednesday about his team's second scrimmage of the preseason.
''That it's over,'' he said without a trace of humor.
The injury-riddled Zips held an 80-play, 70-minute scrimmage at the Stile Athletics Field House that was closed to the public and to the media. Brookhart might have felt it was closed to the UA players as well.
''Without looking at the tape, there wasn't much to like,'' Brookhart said. ''I am really disappointed right now. Our injury situation is killing us. I have no idea where we are at right now because of that.''
The Zips were without starting noseguard Ryan Bain, wide receiver candidate Deryn Bowser and several other key performers as the clock surges toward the opener Aug. 30 at the University of Wisconsin.
The good news is that starting defensive linemen Almondo Sewell and Eric Lively, who combined for 73 tackles in 2007, and tailback Dennis Kennedy, who has rushed for 1,201 yards in his first three seasons, have recovered from injuries and participated in the drills Wednesday.
The first half of the scrimmage was offense versus defense. Starting quarterback Chris Jacquemain completed 9-of-15 passes for 89 yards. Backup Matt Rodgers completed 8-of-13 for 49 yards.
The second half was dedicated to third-down situations, with both the first and second units converting 4-of-8 opportunities.
''It was sloppy; it was inconsistent,'' Brookhart said. ''We have guys in positions they have not played because of injuries. We are kind of piecing it together.''
Jacquemain, who started nine games last year, agreed there is work to be done and that a return to health would help.
''There were some good things today. There were some bad things,'' Jacquemain said. ''At times, we were sloppy and didn't execute. But our effort was there. We are banged up. All we can do is keep working hard and work to get ready for Wisconsin.''
Brookhart said his primary concern, besides the injuries, is the work of the secondary, which will feature new starters at every position.
''Right now, we are playing a lot of inexperienced guys back there,'' he said. ''That is showing a little bit.''
Brookhart said the young cornerback who has caught his attention is freshman Manley Waller of Decatur, Ga., who recorded 112 tackles in his junior and senior seasons at Southwest Dekalb High School.
Waller has speed passed on by his mother, Gwen Torrence, who won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympic Games in the 200 meters and two relay gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
''He has a great spirit out there,'' Brookhart said. ''He is a tremendous competitor, and he has very good speed.''
Brookhart said few individuals stood out in the scrimmage. When asked whether he could name any or many, he paused for a full 10 seconds, then said, ''I don't know.''
The Zips will continue preseason camp with practices today and Friday. Preparation for Wisconsin will begin Sunday, and classes start Monday.
After a road game Sept. 6 at Syracuse, the Zips play their first home game at 1 p.m. Sept. 13 against Ball State.
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ang! Do you think they are going to redshirt him?
