Article: Bowden aiming to change perception and results at Akron

[ZachTheZip]

http://msn.foxsports.com/ohio/story/bowden-aiming-to-change-perception-and-results-at-akron-021714

[Balsy]

I've said it before, I'll say it a million times more: Bowden is the best thing to happen to this football program, second only to John Heisman. The guy is a good coach, he's a good public figure and if there was truly anyone who could turn this thing around, it's him

For the first time EVER, I'm actually excited for next football season. And I can't wait to see some of these guys at the spring game.

[K92]

Nice article. Thanks for sharing, Zach.

I can't wait to see this year's edition on the field either, Balsy. The depth at linebacker blows my mind. Brown, March, Mizell, Rossi, Evans, Lane, Moore & Williams. Wow.

[Dr Z]

Is it football season yet?

[skip-zip]

The guy is a good coach, he's a good public figure and if there was truly anyone who could turn this thing around, it's him

I've said it dozens of times already.....

If a guy with this kind of experience and record of success cannot turn Akron into a winner, we're going to have to look at other factors for reasons why Akron can't climb the football ladder.

[Zipgrad01]

Nice article. Thanks for sharing, Zach.

I can't wait to see this year's edition on the field either, Balsy. The depth at linebacker blows my mind. Brown, March, Mizell, Rossi, Evans, Lane, Moore & Williams. Wow.

And you forgot Jamel Turner

[UA1987]

And you forgot Jamel Turner

Jamel Turner is listed as a LB, but he needs to put on 25 lbs and play D/E. We also have John Rachal coming off an injury that showed promise at LB (right JZ).

[Zipgrad01]

Jamel Turner is listed as a LB, but he needs to put on 25 lbs and play D/E. We also have John Rachal coming off an injury that showed promise at LB (right JZ).

I agree 100% about Jamel Turner. We need help at DE and that is where he really excelled in HS. Get him to 235 and cut him loose on the QB.

[johnnyzip84]

Jamel Turner is listed as a LB, but he needs to put on 25 lbs and play D/E. We also have John Rachal coming off an injury that showed promise at LB (right JZ).

I agree 100% about Jamel Turner. We need help at DE and that is where he really excelled in HS. Get him to 235 and cut him loose on the QB.

Rachal definitely impressed last spring. The abundance of these types of players (fast, aggressive linebackers/DEs) has had a big, positive influence on our ability to cover on special teams.

[Balsy]

I was about to say, do you guys think there is a chance of converting any on our impressive list of LBs to DE? We seem to lack an elite pass rusher.

[Blue & Gold]

Last year when Lane & Moore signed, Bowden was asked whether they'd play LB or DE, as both are around 6'-3"or4" & 210-220 lbs.. Bowden was rather set on keeping them both at LB. However, it'll be interesting to see what weight these guys come in at after a year of lifting. Both could be quality DE's.

[K92]

I am anxious to see Moore & Lane (assuming their grades are in order). I have wondered the same thing as Balsy and B&G, if these 2 could play DE. The couple of times I saw them on the field last summer caught my attention not so much because of their play, but because they both looked so good in pads. Tall with broad shoulders. You know, like football players.

[LZIp]

I would not be shocked for one of the St. V stud freshmen to get some reps on defense

[Balsy]

I am most excited about our defense next year! Our offense on the other hand...I'm rather concerned about it. 2013 it was just enough to get by, but we need more than that. The WR's need to step it up, we need a more consistent running game and Pohl needs to step into the leadership spot.

If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Hakeem Lawrence redshirted last year? Hopefully between him, DJ Jones, Connor Hundley and Jawon Chisholm we can get some healthy competition.

[UA1987]

I am most excited about our defense next year! Our offense on the other hand...I'm rather concerned about it. 2013 it was just enough to get by, but we need more than that. The WR's need to step it up, we need a more consistent running game and Pohl needs to step into the leadership spot.

If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Hakeem Lawrence redshirted last year? Hopefully between him, DJ Jones, Connor Hundley and Jawon Chisholm we can get some healthy competition.

I think Pohl will have an improved 2014. He gutted out a bad injury last year that hampered his play. I also look for MTB to be much improved. He had a bad year, but he was just a true freshman. Pohl will be looking for him this year. What would help is if Sconiers comes back - has anyone heard? Wolf will also be a nice addition at WR. We are fine at running back and our line should be OK. Overall I think we'll see some improvement in results by the offense over last year.

Our defensive line and backs have many questions, but I believe we have the atlhetes to play defense, overall, as good as last year if not slighty better.

Special teams should be a focus during Spring and Fall camp. Jeff's teams did come around after some early mishaps last year.

Overall, with our 2014 schedule, and potential improvements, despite losing some very good players, my gut says - bowl eligible and an exciting year.

[johnnyzip84]

I think Pohl will have an improved 2014. He gutted out a bad injury last year that hampered his play. I also look for MTB to be much improved. He had a bad year, but he was just a true freshman. Pohl will be looking for him this year. What would help is if Sconiers comes back - has anyone heard? Wolf will also be a nice addition at WR. We are fine at running back and our line should be OK. Overall I think we'll see some improvement in results by the offense over last year.

Our defensive line and backs have many questions, but I believe we have the atlhetes to play defense, overall, as good as last year if not slighty better.

Special teams should be a focus during Spring and Fall camp. Jeff's teams did come around after some early mishaps last year.

Overall, with our 2014 schedule, and potential improvements, despite losing some very good players, my gut says - bowl eligible and an exciting year.

Good assessment, UA1987 I believe I heard Frenchy or Dunn say during a late season pre-game that Sconiers is expected to be back.

[lance99]

I think Pohl will have an improved 2014. He gutted out a bad injury last year that hampered his play. I also look for MTB to be much improved. He had a bad year, but he was just a true freshman. Pohl will be looking for him this year. What would help is if Sconiers comes back - has anyone heard? Wolf will also be a nice addition at WR. We are fine at running back and our line should be OK. Overall I think we'll see some improvement in results by the offense over last year.

Our defensive line and backs have many questions, but I believe we have the atlhetes to play defense, overall, as good as last year if not slighty better.

Special teams should be a focus during Spring and Fall camp. Jeff's teams did come around after some early mishaps last year.

Overall, with our 2014 schedule, and potential improvements, despite losing some very good players, my gut says - bowl eligible and an exciting year.

That is my biggest fear. Especially the DB's. If they play well, we should be alright. I expect 7 wins this season, unless they beat Penn State, then I go for broke and say 10 wins!

[Balsy]

I must say I'm feeling a really good season! My gut tell's me 9-3; but I honestly can't believe myself saying that. It's just not possible. So, I agree with lance. I too expect a 7 win season. Unlike years past where the OOC play was almost certainly guaranteed to be 1-3, I can see us 2-2 (even 3-1).