UA1987

Dr. Z - remember Western Cult - very Machiavellian. I have to trust Bowden on this one. The RB coach better have daily conversations and visits with this kid as should others. Not one bad word/act or bye - model student athlete or shove off. I am reminded of Faust's troubles with troublemakers and JD's too. Both were fired. Hope it works out for everyone.

'Best 11 on the field' - who knows where they could put him and what he could do - discussion could all be for not as he may win the starting job. If Chapman doesn't win it, I'd like to see your boi in the games this year from time to time not toting a clip board on the sideline - maybe in some wildcat formation or anything else our coaches can work out. Win now in 2015. I would hope we can all agree on that.

ZOut - The discussion is here as this is a forum to discuss these things. Bowden has said he wants to get the best 11 on the field on all squads. I think I gave you plenty of examples - here's another - Goodman QB to WR. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but having a good offensive athlete on the sideline considering our need to have playmakers there would difficult to take. To me, your posts seem like a relative or a friend that is excited about this kid making it to the pros at QB and the big money. If so, chances are very slim - it would be best to encourage him to get a degree and learn how to be part of a team and let the chips fall where they may.

Balsy - Pohl without a concussion or sprained ankle is a good QB - remember Michigan and Pitt?

Good athletes move around to different positions all the time. D'Orazio from QB to WR; Rossi from LB to Fullback; McNamara from O line to D line; Williams from LB to T/E; Grice from FB to DL to name a recent few. You train and practice - you don't just walk on the field into a position. What you are describing ZOut is a selfish primadonna. We need athletes that want get on the field and contribute to winning - this year.

By 'if he can play' I meant the game of football (not just QB) at this level. If Chapman turns out to be a special athlete, but can't yet beat out Pohl due to lack of experience or maturity, then I would not like to see him holding a clipboard for much of this season. Trot him in there in 2015 and use his skills as a weapon, even if it might not be at QB. I do think he has a good shot for a lot of playing time at QB this year (maybe the starter) and next year there is nobody else now so he should be the guy, but if he has special skills - play him somewhere often as we need help on the O.

Balsy - that some kind of crush you have on this Chapman kid. I hope you're right, but you may want to tune down your glorification of this newcomer till he does something.

We used D'Orazio (ex-QB) in prior years in several pass situations that went for long yardage (1 for a score?). I agree it would be beneficial to get as many playmakers on the field as possible. If this Chapman kid can play - put him all over the place.

I don't think Bowden would be going backwards platooning Pohl and Chapman (if Chapman looks good enough). Remember, the pre-Spring depth chart shows Pohl as the starter. Spurrier platooned the QB position at South Carolina a few years ago. I think it can be done with a veteran coach. As this season is pivotal, we may need to take a guy out periodically if things are not clicking. Do everything we can to win while developing or maintaining a viable alternative in case of injury. Some will cry the rhythm of the offense would be disrupted. Maybe, but keeping any QB in that is struggling (including the replacement) can disrupt your chance to win. Taking the starter out for bit to let him see the defense and contemplate what needs to be done on the field may help turn things around.

Well, what would you think about a dual QB system. I've always hated it, but we may be heading there. If Pohl doesn't produce, we may see Chapman. Is this what we can expect in 2015? What happens if Chapman falters - back to Pohl? Very delicate balance - all egos must be left behind - 'wanting to win is everything' - Vince Lombardi

I'm not out - just might ride on if Terry and the boys don't win. Might go fishin in the Keys who knows. I'm starting to lose interest (in all college football) and after all these years I need a big season here at Akron. I deserve it - we all deserve it. I'm all in this year.

Well Gent's, and you too Balsy, (just kidding), I'm I putting it on the line here. Either we go bowling in 2015 or I'm checking OUT after 28 years as Zips football fan. Nine months to determine my sentence. Thought I'd give everyone a consolation prize in case we go South. Note to all: I checked out as a Tribe fan in 1994 after being a fan for 26 years as a Cleveland diehard (loved Pete Franklin and Joe Tate) - anyone remember 1995 (I admit I tuned in a little)? We may be on the verge of something big when I've finally drawn the line (good for Zips fans wherever you are - sound like Joe Tate's 7th inning stretch delivery?).

You may be right about Monroe - didn't know his name yet

I believe Williams is listed as the starter at T/E - could change as we have Fitzpatrick (6'5" 215) and Kish (6'4" 260) on the roster at this position. Kish may play on short yardage situations as he was once an O-lineman. Better yet, condition 40 lbs on Kish and switch him to tackle. Also, we have a 2015 eligible linebacker coming in from the PAC 10, which could make the MIKE position crowded.

More info on Zach Guiser - Top 30 player (#26) in PA AA. Offers from BG, Buffalo, Temple and Can't. We stole him away from Can't... I like the guy already. Also very smart and good work ethic - I'll keep my eye on this position battle.

See post #39 for the pre-Spring 2 deep

Keener - Boyett is currently listed on the 2 deep behind Williams at left tackle. Note that all of our tackles on the 2 deep are Seniors. Again, we need some help from Jucos or transfers that can play tackle in 2016 and we need to uncover a good blue shirt or Juco that can play now. If nothing is done our equipment manager should be looking for the best flak jacket, concussion helmet, and knee braces for our QB's to wear. Athletic Trainer's - order a boat load of tape.

Newman Williams is now listed at 6' 2" 240 lbs on the pre-Spring depth chart for what it's worth.

Why not Guiser at FS (6' 1" 205, 16 INT's in high school, 2nd team PA AA and he has paid his dues here as a true and redshirt Freshman)? ... I'm sure Baggett, Cheek, Morrow, and Turner are going to be in the mix (Bivins is listed as a Rover) .

Things of note on the pre-Spring depth chart: 1) MTB and Horner are not on the two deep 2) Newman Williams starting at T/E 3) Boxen on two deep at NT 4) Guiser starting at FS 5) Lane at Rover 6) Ritz on two deep at right guard The offensive tackle spots still look weak to me. Bohan appears to have picked up his weight and is now on the depth chart at right tackle. By the way, Gauthney has been moved to the OL - another sign Akron's offense needs help here as is picking up a 400 pounder from NAIA Siena Heights. We need some more players on the O-line so lets hope Bowden and Funk can work some magic and pick up one or two blue shirts that can play tackle. Defense looks pretty solid.

My take on all of this: Bowden is trying to create hyper competition at the QB spot to light a fire under Pohl. Maybe Chapman will win the job this spring, but I would not want to sit Pohl, unless this new guy shows great signs of maturity and is clearly better in all aspects as this season is so important. I have to guess that Bowden used Chapman as motivation for improvement a little too much over the past year and possibly Kincade's name did not come up enough (mis-management), so Kincade felt it was best to move on to another program. I can't see how this was in any way good for our program as he was badly needed in the pipeline at this position. Now the stakes are even higher for 2015. We must win and go bowling in 2015 to recruit or we wither back.

7-5 with the Wagon Wheel returning and a bowl appearance, which should get recruiting and attendance trending in the right direction

This coach and how he assembles the offensive line in 2015 will play a large part in how the Zips do in the upcoming year. Let's hope his last name is not some sort of foreshadowing of how they will play. Here on the offensive line is where we need to place our scrutiny and until it is fixed we will struggle. I like Casimos, Kortokratz, and Erickson as newcomers, and maybe Boyett will help out in 2015. Still, I think we need further help. Maybe one of the true or r/s frosh will step in (Kemme did years ago), but I think we need at least one more transfer that is ready to play to stabilize this situation. Everyone can speculate about the QB as much as they want, but the line must improve in 2015 if the Zips want to win. In Spring - watch these 6 guys (including tight end) as how they play will decide the fortunes of Akron.

Keener, if you had your way you'd probably vote for a fully exposed roo shootin the kanga on a helmet.

The QB situation will play out this Spring. I'm shocked at the hate for Pohl and love for Chapman. The only thing Chapman has showed is a tendency to get kicked off of a football team. Not a leadership trait in my book. Anyhow, we shall see very soon. One thing I think we can all agree on is that 2015 is a big year for the Zips. We must win - and please no kangaroos on the white helmets with chick thighs (no wonder some of you liked it).