Captain Kangaroo

Back from arm injury, Penn State's Williams eager to shineBy GENARO C. ARMAS, Associated Press WriterSTATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - While sidelined by a severely broken left arm late last season, Derrick Williams ached to get back on the football field, so much so that he cried while watching one practice from afar. (GP1's gotta love this kid )That's when coach Joe Paterno walked up to his star wideout and told him to use the time off as a learning experience. "I didn't want to hear that at all," Williams said Wednesday. "But in the long run, I know it helped me a lot."Last season's impact freshman is back, and he's eager to show off in spring practice what he learned from the bench."I always tell people when you miss practice, it's one of the toughest things in the world to miss something you love so much," Williams said. "But I can read coverages better. I got new insights from the experience. Just learning the game more."Early last season, Williams helped ignite a potent offense as a big-play receiving threat. Paterno also used the speedy Williams at times in the backfield, where he averaged 4.8 yards a rush on 22 carries and three touchdowns before hurting his arm in a last-second loss to Michigan in October.The injury knocked him out for the year. Williams was forced to scale back in the weight room, and it took him awhile to regain his range of motion in the arm.He admits that having to watch Penn State's Orange Bowl win in January from the sidelines was tough, but he understood why Paterno was being cautious.Williams says he is now 100 percent and the arm is fine when taking a hit in practice. The real test is still five months away, when the Nittany Lions open the new season on Sept. 2 against Akron.There will be some different faces in the huddle. Left tackle Levi Brown is the only returning starter from last year's offensive line. Anthony Morelli, the backup quarterback the last two years, will likely be playing quarterback instead of Michael Robinson, who graduated.Morelli can relate with Williams about the view from the bench."It was really tough, but it was a learning experience," Morelli said. "I've got to put that behind me and get ready for the season."That means lots of reps this spring between Morelli and Williams and the rest of talented receivers as they try to develop a rapport that can carry over to the fall. Getting timing down is key."They're all new to me this coming season," Morelli said. "I just wanted to practice with Derrick and them. They're a lot faster."Morelli has a stronger arm and is more of a drop-back passer than Robinson, who could beat opponents through the air or on the ground. But Morelli hasn't played many meaningful minutes yet in his career, and there's no telling how the revamped offensive line will look come fall.Hard-nosed running back Tony Hunt, a 1,000-yard rusher, will be back, along with backup Austin Scott. Deon Butler, who caught nine touchdowns last season, and sure-handed Jordan Norwood return at receiver as sophomores. Wideout Chris Bell, one of this year's top recruits, may also be an important contributor right away.Williams' return should be a boon for Morelli, too. Williams said he's not practicing in the backfield much this season because coaches are familiar with his talents, including a 40-yard dash that has been clocked at less than 4.3 seconds."We just don't want to be a one-hit wonder, then come back the next year and stink it up," Williams said.Spring practice concludes April 22 with the annual Blue-White scrimmage.

Just thinking...for those who think the 5-of-6 roadies to begin the football season is bad...the Zips women's softball team had their first THIRTY games on the road this season! They came through around .500, with wins over Oregon State and Notre Dame.Can the Zips football team "sack up" and become road warriors, following the example of the Zips women? BTW: Can female softball players "sack up?" Or, do they "labia up" when the odds are against them?Yes...it is the off-season...the comedy gets a tad weak in the spring...

Joseph goes first overall to Saskatchewan in CFL dispersal draftat 16:36 on April 12, 2006, EST.TORONTO (CP) - The Saskatchewan Roughriders made quarterback Kerry Joseph the first player taken in the CFL dispersal draft Wednesday. Saskatchewan obtained the No. 1 pick prior to the draft by dealing import running back-kick returner Corey Holmes, non-import safety Scott Gordon, a negotiation list player and 2007 first-round pick from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The six-foot-one, 215-pound Joseph ran for 1,006 yards last year with Ottawa, becoming just the third quarterback in CFL history last season to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing plateau (Damon Allen and Tracy Ham were the others). Joseph threw for 4,466 yards with 25 touchdowns, but also had 23 interceptions. Inconsistency at quarterback was a problem last year for Saskatchewan (9-0), who finished fourth in the West Division with veterans Nealon Greene and Marcus Crandell took turns under centre. But Saskatchewan gave up a lot in the deal. Holmes was the CFL's top special-teams player last year and a finalist for the league's outstanding player award, won by Toronto's Allen. The draft was of players under contract to the Ottawa Renegades, who were suspended for the 2006 season by the CFL on Sunday. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who also reportedly coveted Joseph, took offensive lineman Ibrahim Khan second overall. The six-foot-four, 305-poud Khan was Ottawa's first-round pick (second overall) in the 2004 Canadian college draft out of Simon Fraser University. The top lineman in Canadian college football in 2003, Khan, an Ottawa native, appeared in 15 games for the Renegades last season. Saskatchewan, at No. 3, took receiver Jason Armstead with the second overall selection. The five-foot-10, 160-pound receiver was Ottawa's leading receiver last year with 89 catches for 1,307 yards, which left him fifth in both categories in the CFL. The former University of Mississippi star was also third in the league in punt returns (70 for 699 yards, one touchdown) and kickoff returns (51 for 1,082 yards). He also returned five missed field goal tries for 221 yards. Calgary then took linebacker Cam Yeow. Ottawa selected Yeow with the No. 2 pick in last year's Canadian college draft out of the University of Akron.

I think you misread me. I see no way in hell that the Big East comes calling ANYONE. It is already too big. The MAC-related fallout will be in the near future, when when teams depart the Big East and look to join...or most likely form...their own conference.

If we followed UCF and Marshall to C-USA, Mack Roades would eclipse the immortal Dennis Helsel in my book. No way such a move happens.It will be interesting to see what transpires when the Big East downsizes. I think that could/will affect the MAC pretty severely.

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McNees looking at his options again By Kevin GormanTRIBUNE-REVIEWSunday, April 9, 2006 During Duquesne's tumultuous season and subsequent coaching search, Shenango senior Steve McNees remained committed to the Dukes. After meeting with new coach Ron Everhart on Friday, McNees asked for a release from his national letter of intent and scholarship with Duquesne. "We just weren't real comfortable with the situation," said Steve's father, Bill McNees, who retired last week as Shenango's coach last week after 25 seasons. "They still wanted Steve to come to Duquesne. We just thought our best thing for Steve was to get his release and look at other options. There will be a lot of interest in him, I'm sure." Bill McNees wasn't specific about what led to the change of heart or which schools are showing interest, but his son certainly has an impressive high school resume to fall back on. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 28.4 points, 8.0 assists and 6.9 assists per game last season and finished with 2,192 career points. Akron and Can't State were among the schools showing interest in McNees prior to his signing with Duquesne. McNees is the Dukes' second WPIAL recruit to ask out of his scholarship, following Bishop Canevin swingman Antonio DiMaria. "It's not how you plan it, that's for sure," Bill McNees said. "You roll with the punches."

Zac Derr? I don't even think he officially made it to a training camp? Swap him for Frye.BTW: Ryan Myers played for the Jets last season.

Me, as Terry Pluto's boss....I LOVE it!

With Dambrot as the head coach I don't thing obtaining better ties to the Akron area is a priority. He's already as good as it gets.

Not to sound too "pos"..............but we're the defending MAC champions and I think we are infusing a lot more overall talent in 2006 than we're losing from 2005. Unless you're Can't, every college program loses some key seniors.

If that's the case (I know it isn't) we'd have the wrong coaching staff at the U of A.Maybe that's the way they approach things at Can't, but not here.

Your theory has more validity than you might think:

Perry QB picks GramblingChristopher Horner/TRIBUNE-REVIEWBy Kevin GormanTRIBUNE-REVIEWWednesday, April 5, 2006Desmond Brentley never let go of his dreams to play Division I football, but the Perry quarterback had resigned himself to the notion that he would have to attend prep school to attract interest.Then, Brentley did what he knows best -- taking a step back and letting it fly. If Division I programs weren't going to recruit him, he would recruit them."When I thought about it, I figured my name wasn't out there enough," said Brentley, a two-time City League Player of the Year. "I sent out a package with my highlight tape and newspaper articles about me to schools. The response we got back was tremendous."Now, Brentley is headed to one of the most famous college football programs in the country. He signed Saturday with black college football power Grambling State University in Louisiana, the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champions. Grambling produced Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and Eddie Robinson retired as the winningest coach in college football."They've got a rich history," Brentley said. "I'm excited."Under the direction of first-year coach Melvin Spears -- who replaced Williams -- the Tigers averaged 371.3 passing yards per game last season. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Brentley put up some impressive numbers of his own at Perry, becoming the first City player to pass for 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons and finishing with 4,344 yards and 49 touchdowns.Last fall, Brentley completed 109 of 206 passes (52.9 percent) for 2,226 yards and 29 touchdowns to lead Perry to its sixth consecutive City League title.Brentley hopes to compete for the starting job at Grambling, where Bruce Eugene set an NCAA Division I record with 140 career touchdown passes and school single-season records with 56 touchdowns, 305 completions and 4,928 yards last season."Their quarterback just graduated, and the position is up for grabs," Brentley said. "Hopefully, I can get the starting job."Brentley has added motivation. He waited on scholarship offers from Akron and Temple to gauge Pitt's interest. When the Panthers passed, Brentley was left empty-handed when the other schools pulled their offers late last fall. He planned to attend Milford Academy, a prep school in New Berlin, N.Y.Now, Brentley has circled a date on his calendar, as Grambling's tentative 2007 schedule includes a Sept. 8 game against Pitt at Heinz Field."I've got the opportunity," Brentley said. "It's just extra incentive for me. I've got to work hard. I think it's a great opportunity for me to play early.

I don't think there were any female coaches, but this chick sure kicked some ass in the finals:

I really don’t see what the big stink is regarding the schedule. The weekday games suck, but in general it is pretty competitively balanced.Saturday September 2 at Penn State State College, PaBig deal…we’ve played there several times before. The sky didn’t fall. No one died. Penn State is a tall order for any MAC school at this time, but we have a 5th year senior QB and a bunch of returning starters. And for once, we have a defense that can force punts. PSU is a great start to our season. I look for a game similar to Wisconsin of a couple years back. Saturday September 9 at N.C. State Very good opportunity to beat an ACC school. NC State loses some key players…and to be quite honest…they aren’t an upper-echelon team to begin with. This should be a competitive game, much like the games a few years ago vs. Virginia and UConn. Hopefully JD’s game day savvy carries us where Lee Owens couldn’t.Saturday September 16 at Central MichiganHope no one on our sidelines forgets the blown 17-0 lead from 2005. If you want to compete for a MAC championship you have to win this road game. Will we be beat up after playing two BCS schools? No more than CMU, who opens with Boston College and Michigan. Saturday September 23 NORTH TEXASGood, competitive home opening game. Much like MTSU 2 years ago, but I don’t see a repeat of that outcome. Saturday September 30 at K-ent StateYou’re a fool if you count this as a road game. This is a home game for the Zips. A freaking 7 mile bus trip. And, we’ll have 2X…maybe 3X the fans at that game than K-ent.Saturday October 7 at CincinnatiA second great chance at an OOC BCS win. A four hour bus ride for the Zips ain’t no big thing. Saturday October 21 MIAMI Miami at home, and October 21st should be some decent weather. Assuming the Zips and Miami are tied for 1st in the MAC East, bank on 20K+ for this game.Saturday October 28 at Toledo* FINALLY we get to play Toledo. A tall order to beat them in the Glass Bowl, but if you want to win a championship that’s where the road goes through. 2 hour road trip is sweet.Saturday November 4 BOWLING GREEN* Would have been a HUGE game had Jacobs not left early for the NFL, but still a very big game. Like Miami, it is held on a Saturday which bodes well for tailgating. Hopefully no one is stupid enough to move it to a weeknight if ESPN99 calls.Thursday November 9 BUFFALO This sucks. Freaking lousy opponent, and it is on a weeknight. For what? To be on ESPNU? 99% of the college football fans will be watching the “regular” game on ESPN2. Give me a break. Attendance-wise it will suck. It should have been held on a Saturday, regardless of the Thursday game the following week. It screws the local Akron fans royally.Thursday November 16 at Ohio Athens, Ohio ESPNU 7:30 p.m.Thursday game certainly screws the road trip for most of us. Friday November 24 WESTERN MICHIGAN Very winnable game on our home field to finish the season. That’s what you want. But…FRIDAY? Again, I don’t get the avoidance of Saturday. Yes, the HS playoffs are going on, but screw them. Thursday November 30 MAC Championship Game Detroit, Mich. ESPN 7:30 p.m.Always a fun time. I’ll deal with the Thursday conflicts for this one.From a competitive point of view I really like the schedule. Good OOC chances for wins, and our primary competition’s teams visit the Rubber Bowl on a Saturday. Date-wise, the last two weekday home games really suck. Welcome to the MAC, I guess.Prediction: 7 or less wins = Disappointment8 wins = Expected9+ wins = Start worrying about JD moving on. Hope the new contract and stadium is sufficient motivation for him to hang around Summit County for a couple more years.

If it weren't for Jason Taylor, Vic would be the Zips top NFL player ever:Safety Victor Green to retire as a JetApril 4, 2006NEW YORK --Safety Victor Green signed with the New York Jets on Tuesday so he can retire as a member of the team for which he played in 1993-2001.Green entered the NFL as a rookie free agent out of the University of Akron in 1993 and moved into the starting lineup as the Jets' strong safety in 1994. He was selected as a member of the Jets Four Decade Team in 2003.Green played for the New England Patriots in 2002 and the New Orleans Saints in 2003, finishing his career with 1,000 tackles, 725 of which were solo, 25 interceptions for 643 yards and three touchdowns. He also recovered 16 fumbles and forced 12 fumbles.

Man, that's the best post I've seen from you in years!

I think the most telling statistics can be gleaned for her final (4th) season:5 total wins: Lafayette (non-scholarship program)MSUW (whoever the hell that is?)Jacksonville State (2-9 after their loss to the Zips, 11-17 at year's end and fired their coach)Toledo (11-18, last in the MAC west) Miami (8-20 on the season)Included in her 23, 2005-6 losses are: A 45point loss to PittTwo losses to Can't: By 24 and 19 pointsLoss to YSU (finished 8-20) at the JARAfter 4 years you can't blame your losses on the previous coaching staff. You have to show SOME sort of steps towards being competitive. The MAC is an absolutely HORRIBLE women's basketball conference. To have such a cakewalk schedule year in year out and boast a 0.15 winning percentage is atrocious. The Zips are 1 "Cheryl Bowles" away from 16 wins. That's all it takes to bust into the MAC's upper echelon is one standout player. Kennedy could never get that player and 4 years. With no visible signs of progress, enough is enough.BTW: An comparison can be made to NIU's Joe Novak, who took over an atrocious football program and struggled mightily for 3 years. His win percentage was actually worse than Kennedy's if you can believe it. But, in his 4th year, with his players, he began turning things around. If Kennedy would have followed Novak's improvement pattern, she'd still be coaching.Joe Novak Year-by-Year 1996 Northern Illinois 1-10-0 1997 Northern Illinois 0-11-0 1998 Northern Illinois 2-9-0 1999 Northern Illinois 5-6-0 2000 Northern Illinois 6-5-0 2001 Northern Illinois 6-5-0 2002 Northern Illinois 8-4-0 2003 Northern Illinois 10-2-0 2004 Northern Illinois 9-3-0 Silicon Valley Bowl 2005 Northern Illinois 7-5-0 Total 10 seasons 54-60 (.473)

Man, that is flat-out wrong.

Pittsburgh area.

Steve Swiech6-9 Jr. C Elizabeth ForwardNotable: Led the Warriors to first section title, averaging 26.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4.2 blocks a game before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in playoffs. Owns school records in career points (1,353), rebounds (687) and blocks (231). Akron and Duquesne have offered scholarships.

I'm all for CSU getting out of the crapper. When Akron, Can't and CSU were playng tournament-level ball in the late 80's it was a blast. McFadden vs. McLaughlin was an epic match up! We won't compete for players. either. CSU has their own niche, being a 100% downtown, 99% commuter school.I don't buy into the "we have football so we can't compete againt the Horizon league in hoops" statement that seems to be popular now a days. Our football program helps sell the basketball program. The exposure the University gained via last season, and via Charlie Frye and others is priceless. It is only going to grow.Overall, MAC schools will have to up their coaches salary level in all major sports. I do believe that's starting to cost us competitively. Does giving Dambrot $220K/yr vs. $125k/yr merit even the smallest discussion regarding abolishing football? No chance. Hell...there are scads of terrible basketball programs out there with no university football programs to use as their scape goat.

Gee, thanks. I didn't know. I really thought it was "Dean."

If OU overpays their crappy coaches, the remainder of the MAC shouldn't be held accountable. Based opon the "OU Scale," Dambrot shoud be making $600k per year and JD should be somewhere around $800k!