May 2006 Zips Football Update

[Captain Kangaroo]

Zips Blips: Some Zips Football Notes for May 2006The Pitfalls of December FootballWhile every other team in the MAC sans Toledo could devote full attention to recruiting in December, the Zips were forced to juggle managing an official recruiting visit weekend with preparation for a Championship game. Obviously it worked out pretty good for the Zippers who garnered the top-rated recruiting class in the MAC along with a MAC football Championship. But, it was a challenge.Practice Makes PerfectWord is the staff could not be happier with the progress made during the 2006 spring practices. There was good competition at virtually every position and noticeably more talent and athletes than in either of the two prior years. An interesting contributor to the progress made this spring was the ability to practice in December. Again, while 11 MAC schools weren’t allowed to practice, the Zips held numerous scrimmages with the young freshmen and sophomores. The trickledown effect was a much higher level of preparedness when spring camp opened. The EdgeChris Jacquemain gained an ever-so-slight edge over Carlton Jackson for the back up QB position with his performance in the spring game. The battle is still close and bears watching in August.Wide ReceiverWord is the staff can’t wait to see Jabari line up against MAC DB’s this season. There’s no one in the MAC with Jabari’s combination of size and speed. He will be utilized to the fullest this season. Brandon Williams and Jermaine Lindsay also had very impressive spring sessions and will see substantial PT this fall.Cruz ControlJose Cruz is yet another Zip that impressed this spring. He’ll be the Zips #3 TE in August, but he’ll see a lot of action. Guys who know the MAC say Cruz would be the #1 TE for most MAC schools.Replacing RohrAl-Teric Balaam had a great spring, culminating with an excellent spring game. He’s a sure tackler and will also see substantial PT this fall. Look for Mickey Baker to enter August with the best shot to start, however. The staff was also pleased with the progress Doug Williams made after converting from DL to LB.Secondary ConsiderationsFreshman Wayne Cobham’s name keeps popping up as an impact player this fall. Look for him to push the upper-classmen for PT. And by the way…if you want to get your picture alongside the next Zips “star”…the one the staff feels is really a special athlete and a shoe-in NFL draft pick…be ready with your camera when Brandon Anderson walks past. He ran a 4.38 this spring and is drawing athletic comparisons to Dominic Hixson. Note: Anderson had minor wrist surgery a few weeks ago. He’s expected at 100% when summer camp breaks.Running BackExpect Alex Allen to get about as many carries in 2006 as Kennedy got spelling Biggs last year. Kennedy will carry the bulk of the load. Word is he’s a little better “finisher” than Biggs. That, coupled with the holes generated by our veteran, dramatically deeper 2006 offensive line make the expectations for Dennis Kennedy pretty high this coming season.Offensive Liner-notesKeith Huebner was singled out as having an outstanding spring. Conversely, Elliot Bates had knee surgery this past winter and is still rehabbing. He should be available once August rolls around.“The Flea”If you wondered who the diminutive (5’ 5”) #22 was on the Zips sidelines during the spring game, it was James Howell. He’s a Zips track sprinter that wanted to try out for football. It is expected he’ll again be back with the football team in August.May DayWhile many of the University of Akron students slept, with visions of cook-outs and keggers dancing in their heads, the football staff was…and remains… hard at work with May recruiting. May is a great time to meet with players and see physically how they’re looking, meet with their HS coaches and also to pick up game tapes. While the Zips have already made offers to several HS prospects (seniors-to-be), the offer process will kick into high gear in June. Also – the geographic focus areas for Zips’ recruiting this year will pretty much remain unchanged from last season.Lively SpecimenEric Lively has put on about 25 lbs. He’s now up to around 285. That extra beef is hoped to sustain the D-line while Kiki gets a breather. Last season the Zips struggled a bit to defend the run whenever Gonzales caught a breather on the sidelines.Atop the ChartsFastest Zips Football Player – Brandon Anderson, with his 4.38Strongest Zips Football Player – Andy Alleman, with Kiki Gonzales also getting a few votesRoy Jones Jr. “Pound for Pound” Strongest Zip: Frank BerchieZip with the most “Football Smarts?” – Luke Getsy. The staff raves about his almost daily growth as a player.“Frosh” LegsIt is fully expected the Zips will start both a freshman punter and place kicker in Happy Valley September 2nd.Comings and GoingsNo one I spoke to at the University knew much about the walk-on baseball player (Flynn). If I find out anything I’ll be sure to post it. Walk on Tim Zetts left the team. His cousin is the QB for YSU and he’s expected to end up there. 2005 recruit DL Kevin Garner did not make grades. This is his final semester at Akron. Despite the rumors on the Liberty message board, no other Zips have submitted transfer paperwork as of 5/16/06.Class of 2007 Recruit InformationIf you check our scout.com you see about a million names associated with the Zips. A handful will actually don the Blue and Gold, however. Here are some names and notes regarding some of the players with published interest in the Zips:Zac Kasparek – Zips seem to be the leader for his services…unless a major BCS school enters the picture. Penn State is rumored to be interested.Frank Edwards (St Ed’s) - 5’ 8”, 185 lbs and the Zips would really like to have him.Thomaz Hilton (Y-town Rayen) – 6’3”, 190. The Zips have not offered, but are very interested.Gary Pride (Colerain) – 5’ 9”, 180 lbs and the Zips have offered a scholarship already.Ken Bruton (Miamisburg) – 6’ 2”, 205 and the Zips have offered a scholarship already. Ben Burkett (St John’s Toledo) – Would love to have him, but he’s expected to go to OSU.Ben Davis (Piqua) – 6’ 4”, 265lbs. Highly thought of, but the Zips have yet to offer.Jake Kaiser (Greensburg Central Catholic) – 6’ 8” 280 lbs. He’s a distant relative of Coach Morehead. The Zips are hoping the bloodlines help.Carson Byrd (Trotwood Madison) – 6’ 3” 255 lbs. The Zips would take him now if they could. Highly thought of.Fitzgerald Bobo (Duquesne) – 6’ 4”, 190. Zips definitely interested, but no offer yet.Lamar Mason (Pittsburgh Central Catholic) – 6’ 1” 185 lbs. Zips definitely interested, but no offer yet.Tim Cortazzo (Penn Trafford) – 6’ 175 lbs. Appears to be a mutual love between Tim and the Zips. He could be the first commitment of the 2007 class.Lamont Smith (Pitt Central Catholic) – 5’ 7” 155 lbs. Zips have interest, but not yet an offer.Kyle Jefferson (Glenville) – Zips love him…but so does Jim Tressel…so it probably won’t happen.Zac Kristan (Dublin Coffman) 6’ 3” QB. Zips have interest, but no offer yet.Mark Woodridge (Walsh Jesuit) 5’ 9” 190 lbs. Zips love him.That’ all I can offer for May. Hopefully I can get the time to put together a June update in about 4 weeks.