Events Calendar
In This Section
New eateries expand menu of options
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Day with Warren Buffett enriching to UA students
WISDOM FROM BILLIONAIRE WARREN BUFFETT
Wadsworth group plans vet tribute
Judge sentences four in nursing home case
FedEx says IRS won't be imposing penalties
U.S. Walmarts to stay open Thanksgiving
Most Read Stories
Suitcase causes bomb scare at Akron bus terminal
Akron City Council OKs higher speed on I-77
Chapel Hill isn't rolling right along
Motorcyclist killed, wife injured in Stark County crash
New eateries expand menu of options
Man says he was punched, robbed by 3 people in parking lot
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Louisville athlete commits to play for Boston College
Family found dead in Ohio home
Blogs:
Pets:
It Takes All Kinds
The Heldenfiles:
Tuesday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
An interesting thought from a reader
Akron Zips:
Akron vs. Mount Union — Liveblog
Tribe Matters:
Indians announce spring dates
Cleveland Browns:
Mangini doesn't name a quarterback
Kent State Sports:
Flashes interested in another Cincinnati player
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Shaq: It’s All About Winning Championships
Buckeye Blogging:
Buckeyes Roll 100-60 / Season Outlook
Varsity Letters:
Report: Walsh baseball player commits
All Da King's Men:
More On The Fort Hood Jihadist
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Simply Incapable of Telling The Truth
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (63) Commonwealth Fund Report on Primary Care
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Clock Tender- Extending the Life of Collector Car Clocks
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Rumors: Akron Starbucks Closing
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
Aeromsith looking for new singer as Steven Tyler contemplates solo career
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
Video: 'Modern Warfare 2' hits the streets
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.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
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.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Posted 07:07 PM, 10/12/2008
it's looking like time for JD to go
