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SportsFifth Akron Practice Sees New Drill
4/3/2007 7:32:51 PM | Craig Simpson
One phase of the game University of Akron head football coach J.D. Brookhart is emphasizing this spring is special teams, as evidence by the fourth-year coach becoming the special teams coordinator.
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The NCAA has implemented a rule change for the 2007 season, moving each kickoff back five yards, so teams will be kicking from their own 30 instead of 35. In theory, that will allow for more returns and less balls reaching the endzone for touchbacks. Today, Brookhart emphasized to his team the importance of getting down the field, shedding blocks and making tackles because statistics show the further a team returns kickoffs, the easier it is to score.
The remainder of the two-and-a-half hour session on Schrank Field was similar to the previous four practices. However, the workout ended with a 20-minute scrimmage situation, which is longer than usual.
Some highlights from the "scrimmage" included quarterback Carlton Jackson making two nice runs for a first down on the first two plays. Then, he was moving the ball before being involved in a collision, sideling the sophomore for the remainder of the drill. When the second unit took the field, running back Andrew Johnson found a seam on the first play and out-ran the defense virtually untouched for a 65-yard score. Johnson will have to sit out next fall as he transferred from the University of Miami this semester. Johnson is a Pittsburgh, Pa., native (Penn Hills HS) and will have one year remaining after next fall. Defensively, junior linebacker Doug Williams came through with a sack.
"Through five practices, you can tell Dennis (Kennedy) is healthy," Brookhart said. "He is really playing well. Stephon Fuqua has shown real improvement at wide receiver, which is good due to the number of injuries we have had at the position. The young offensive tackles have made progress and Mike Schepp is a real leader for the line. On defense, Nate Robinson really showed up today. Doug Williams is having a real good spring, as is Yamari Dixon."
The Zips will hold its annual spring game on April 15 (Sunday) at 4 pm in the Athletics Field House. Prior to the game, the Zip baseball team will host Central Michigan at 1 pm. All the events of the day "“ presented by Sky Bank "“ will be released as details are solidified.
SOURCE: University of Akron
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