Frye Grad Notes

[Captain Kangaroo]

Just after Browns rookie quarterback Charlie Frye received his bachelor of arts degree in education from the University of Akron during graduation ceremonies Saturday, he talked about how important it was for him to finish school.

``Right before I was drafted, I was going out to Arizona to work out and (University of Akron) coach (J.D.) Brookhart told me to make sure I got my degree,'' Frye said. ``He's a great man. It was a privilege to work with coach Brookhart for a year.''

After Frye's junior season, he considered entering the NFL Draft, but Brookhart, who just completed his first season as coach of the Zips, convinced Frye to stay for his senior season.

Frye also had two other people who wanted nothing more than for him to earn his degree -- his parents, David and Sally.

Now, with a college degree in his pocket, Frye can concentrate on playing quarterback for the Browns.

``It's one less thing (school) I have to worry about,'' he said. ``Every career is going to end, and in the NFL, you need a Plan B, and I have one.''

Frye leaves Akron as the school's all-time leading passer and holds 54 school records.

``Time flew by,'' he said. ``I still remember moving into the dorms, waving bye to my parents and being ready to start my college life. But I can truly say that when I left here, everything has been completed.

``As far as my football career goes, I don't think I could have done anything else. I left everything out on the field out at the Rubber Bowl. I'm leaving here as a member of the Browns, but I'll always be a Zip.''