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Sold Out! Thanks to all of you who are coming for your support of Zips Basketball. http://gozips.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20160801nmze1k

App State is getting overlooked because, despite winning 11 games, they're the third toughest non-conference game on our schedule, behind road trips to Wisconsin and Marshall. As far as what kind of team Akron is, here's a (very) general overview: On offense, our QB was a pleasant surprise last year after starting out as the 3rd string backup but there's a lot of room for improvement. Our RB is a big question grad transfer Warren Ball from Ohio State is expected to be the feature back. The WRs are fast, talented, and deep. The O-line is a patchwork of transfers and youth with some talent but it's kind of an unknown. Defensively, the DL is good and DE in particular is the most talented position on the roster. They will make your QB's life miserable. LB is a massive question mark, but the DBs look pretty good. Most importantly, this is the first Akron team in a decade that's going into the season with confidence and swagger. Terry Bowden has them believing that they can beat anybody.

I’ll give 8 quick thoughts – 1.) Interesting that Ball is listed as the #1 back already. That’s exciting to see. He must have made a good impression since he arrived on campus. 2.) In passing situations, we can have 5 wideouts, including – Lane, Natson, Wolf, Traylor-Bennett, and <insert next best wideout here>. That will be awesome. 3.) NOW we finally have some line depth. And a ton of Juniors. That really bodes well for next year. Hope we bring in a lot of Freshman OL’s in the ’17 class and redshirt them. Then we’ll really have some solid long-term depth for the future. 4.) Kicking position scares the bejeebers out of me. 5.) I’ll be disappointed if Jones doesn’t overtake Hope for the starting FC job. 6.) Our DL looks awesome. 7.) Junius has the leg up on Bell? That’s another battle that bears watching in camp. 8.) I love our secondary. Linebacker still seems to be a glaring weakness. Hopefully we get some pleasant surprises. The PT is there for the taking for whomever wants it.

I'm really excited to see how having Jerome helps open up things for JoJo Natson.