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With only five starters returning, Brookhart still confident in unit
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Sunday, Mar 09, 2008
Coach J.D. Brookhart is confident that an area of both emphasis and concern will serve his University of Akron football team well in 2008.
''In four years, I think the defense has been the strength of the team in many ways,'' Brookhart said. ''It's not perfect by any means, but we have developed a little bit of a mentality over there.''
With the Zips facing major personnel losses on defense from 2007 to 2008, Brookhart said he will be looking closely for replacements to emerge in spring practice, which began Tuesday and will culminate with the annual spring game April 5.
''We lost a lot on defense. It's a challenge, but I am encouraged,'' Brookhart said. ''We will have more depth on the line. Our biggest question mark is the secondary.''
Gone from the secondary are cornerbacks Reggie Corner (who tied for first in the Mid-American Conference with seven interceptions) and Davanzo Tate, and strong safety Chevin Pace. Also gone is rover John Mackey, who was tied for ninth in the MAC with three interceptions.
The lone returning starter is free safety Andre Jones, who was second on the team in tackles (79) and had three interceptions.
''It happens every year . . . it hits a segment of your team,'' said Brookhart about the secondary losses. ''It's a concern, but hopefully your system is not too complicated for guys to step in, and you recruit a talent level that is equal or better than the previous.''
At linebacker, the major loss is Brion Stokes, who led the Zips in tackles (90), tackles for loss (17) and sacks (5.5). However, returnees Kevin Grant and Doug Williams ranked third and sixth on the team in tackles with 74 and 56, respectively.
On the defensive line, tackle Jared Cecchetti is gone, but nose tackle Eric Lively and end Almondo Sewell (second in tackles for loss with 14) are back. The Zips also have highly touted Ryan Bain, a 6-foot-2, 305-pound transfer from Iowa.
The Zips' defense in 2007 was in the upper third of the MAC statistically for much of the season. But some lackluster late performances against Bowling Green, Ohio and Central Michigan doomed UA to finish seventh in the MAC in total defense (408.7 yards per game) and tied for sixth in points allowed (29.2 per game).
Brookhart believes that with five returning starters and quality backups, transfers and freshmen, that there will be depth on defense in 2008.
''We always want to walk out of here (spring practice) knowing who our top 22 are on defense because we will play two deep (at each position),'' Brookhart said. ''Now, you have to get the guys you have some experience.''
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Coach J.D. Brookhart is confident that an area of both emphasis and concern will serve his University of Akron football team well in 2008.
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