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Coach Brookhart to seek playmakers who can build on team's strengths
By David Lee Morgan Jr.
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007
The University of Akron football team already is trying to forget about the 2007 season, when the Zips went 4-8 (3-5 in the Mid-American Conference).
Now it's all about improving for 2008.
''Obviously, we were frustrated with the win total, but I am very encouraged by this team's chemistry and character,'' Zips coach J.D. Brookhart said. ''We will reap the benefits of that.''
Offensively, the instability at quarterback coming out of the preseason set the tone for the rest of the season.
Redshirt sophomores Chris Jacquemain (nine starts) and Carlton Jackson (three starts) never settled in, and the offense suffered.
The line began the year with one veteran, senior center Mike Schepp, and took time to develop, but by the end of the season, the unit improved. In fact, junior Chris Kemme earned second-team all-conference honors.
The running-back situation turned out to be a pleasant surprise, with Buchtel standout Bryan Williams and redshirt sophomore Alex Allen excel
ling.
Williams, a former University of Pittsburgh recruit who spent two years at Valley Forge (Pa.) Military Academy before coming to Akron, led the Zips in rushing with 728 yards (60.7 yards per game), which was 10th in the MAC. He also developed into one of the nation's premier kick returners. He led the conference with 21 returns for 670 yards, including a 95-yard touchdown return. His 31.9 yards-per-return average is second in the nation, a school record and No. 2 on the MAC all-time single-season list.
Williams was a third-team all-MAC selection at running back and as a returner.
''I couldn't be happier with the season Bryan had,'' Brookhart said. ''I am very proud of his accolades, but I am more proud of the man he has become and the maturity he has shown.''
Senior wide receiver Jabari Arthur (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) was expected to be one of the Zips' leaders, and he lived up to the expectations. The Montreal native, who was the No. 5 pick overall by the Calgary Stampeders in the April 2007 Canadian Football League draft, ended his career as one of the most prolific receivers in school history. He was a first-team All-MAC selection.
The Zips could have used another receiver to take pressure off Arthur. Juniors Stephon Fuqua and Brandon Williams can make plays and, with the experience they gained, should be more productive next year. The same goes for the quarterbacks.
''We must be more committed at some key positions,'' Brookhart said. ''We just need to find a couple of playmakers.''
The Zips' defense was a strength behind senior linebacker Brion Stokes, a second-team all-conference selection who led the team with 90 tackles. He averaged 7.5 tackles per game and had 51/2 sacks.
Freshman lineman Almondo Sewell played well and was named to the MAC second team, and junior linebacker Kevin Grant was a third-team pick.
The Zips' secondary is now under construction. Seniors Reggie Corner, a first-team all-MAC selection; John Mackey, a third-team all-conference pick; and Davanzo Tate will have to be replaced. Corner, a former Canton McKinley star, finished the season leading the MAC in interceptions, with seven, and finished second on the school's all-time list with 15 career interceptions.
Defensive backs Brandon Anderson and Andre Jones will return for their senior years, and both did a commendable job as starters. Sophomore Wayne Cobham played well when he took over for Mackey, who missed several games because of a knee injury.
After a shaky start, redshirt freshman kicker Igor Iveljic rebounded to finish as one of the top kickers in the conference. He was second in field goals (15-of-18 for 83.3 percent) and third in scoring (70 points).
David Lee Morgan Jr. can be reachedat dlmorgan@thebeaconjournal.com.
The University of Akron football team already is trying to forget about the 2007 season, when the Zips went 4-8 (3-5 in the Mid-American Conference).
Get the full article here.
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