10 Questions for the 2023 Season

[catdaddyp]

Who will be the backup Quarterback?

It’s clear Irons will be the starter as long as he’s healthy, but who will step in if injuries hit or a change of pace is needed? At least initially, Jeff Undercuffler is the likely choice. However, Virginia Tech transfer Tajh Bullock has a big arm and brings a different dimension to the run game. The staff may devise packages for Bullock just as a way to get him on the field and take advantage of his skillset, regardless of who else is at QB. This scenario would allow Wasel to redshirt and continue to develop without the unneeded pressure of learning on the fly.

 

Will the run game be any better?

The running back position has been significantly upgraded with the additions of Lorenzo Lingard and Drake Anderson. Throw in talented redshirt freshman Charles Kellom (and eventually a healthy Price) and this group will certainly improve on last year’s numbers of an abysmal 89.6 ypg (including all 12 games). As good as the passing game was/is, a strong rushing attack will make this offense even more potent.

 

Who will replace Shocky Jacques-Louis?

Coach Moorhead confirmed wide receiver is the strength of the team at MAC media days. Alex Adams and Daniel George have two of the three receiver positions locked up and someone else will need to separate themselves for the third spot. It sounds like Jasaiah Gathings currently has the inside track. The redshirt sophomore and North Carolina native had a promising start to 2022 before an injury derailed his season. He will be pushed by Myles Walker, transfer Phaizon Wilson, and several other talented freshmen.

 

Will the Offensive Line be able to run block effectively?

The OL was adequate at pass blocking and downright poor at run blocking outside of a handful of games. That will change. Offensive linemen, especially in an offense like Moorhead employs, must display as much athleticism as their defensive counterparts. Meaning on top of the general traits OL need, they also need to be able to move well enough to seal off defenders (especially on the edge), get to the second level, and be able to run. Too many of the OL last year struggled in those areas. Incoming transfers Keon Kindred, Ben Frank, Joshua Blanchard, and AJ George will immediately help. The staff brought in Keylen Davis and Tyhler Williams in the 2022 class and they should be ready to substantially contribute as redshirt freshmen. Toss in preseason All-MAC selection RT Nate Williams along with veterans Ronan Chambers, Brian Kilbane, Alex Robarge, Tony Georges, and the OL is starting to look like a group that is ready to open some holes for the backs.

 

Will the DL be able to create pressure on the quarterback?

The defense struggled to create pressure on the quarterback without blitzing in 2022. Even with the blitzes, defenders were stonewalled way too often, leaving the back end of the defense in difficult situations. The athleticism and potential has been increased during the offseason, but the key to this year’s group is developing at a much quicker rate than last year’s DL. Returning are two of Akron’s 2022 highest rated DL (according to PFF) in DE Ryan Johnson and DT Kyle Thomas. 

The interior of the DL may surprise with the additions of transfers Terray Jones, Lama Lavea, and JUCO Tyler Carter. Devan Robinson has one more opportunity to make a difference and Kiawan Murphy was singled out by coach Moorhead last year as a guy that was quickly developing. 

On the edge is where the Zips will have far more options than in 2022. Last season Victor Jones, Zach Morton, and Ryan Johnson were the only productive options. Now a slew of players will be available. Senior Julian Richardson will be expected to provide some pass rush and will be joined by transfer Ahmad Rabah along with JUCOs Antonio Smith and Kabbash Richards. JUCOs CJ Nunnally and LaJoshua Jackson bring some versatility and stoutness against the run.

 

Who will replace Bubba?

Losing Bubba is tough, there is no way around it. Former JUCO Antavious Fish will have the first shot at filling some big shoes. Fish was inconsistent in 2022 as he was finding his way in coach Tibesar’s defense. When Fish was locked in, he was impressive. Sophomore Jaharon Griffin and JUCO Gage Summers will push Fish for snaps. At the other LB spot, sophomore Bryan McCoy will start and compete with Andrew Behm and transfer Shammond Cooper.

 

How good can this secondary be?

If there is a consistent pass rush, the secondary could be very strong against the pass. Physicality will not be a question with this group as run fits should be solid. Between the linebackers and secondary, Zips fans can expect some big hits in 2023. 

Transfers Joey Hunter, Judson Tallandier, and JUCO Silas Proby have been brought in to compete at CB. Returners Tyson Durant and Devonte Golden-Nelson had their moments in 2022. Transfer Terence Thomas will compete with Darrian Lewis at NB.  Cam Threatt, Rishad Hence, and a few freshmen could also see time.

Senior safeties Nate Thompson and DJ Martin are primed for big seasons. They will be backed by Jaden Woods and potentially Corey Thomas. Safety is the only position on offense and defense that did not have a portal addition this offseason (unless Terence Thomas is considered a safety as a NB).

 

Will the special teams be improved?

The kicking improved as the spring game wore on and JUCO P Dante Jackson was recently signed. Akron has an excellent special teams coach in Allen Tucker and all phases of special teams should take a leap.

 

Will a 3-4 alignment be seen more in 2023?

The roster is far more versatile and will allow coach Tibesar to show some looks he was not able to in 2022. Tibesar will probably display a defense more in line to his previous stops, but expect to see the 4-2-5 nickel alignment when facing 11 personnel.

 

Can Akron win the East?

Football (and athletics in general) are very much “what have you done for me lately” in today’s society. 99% of national pundits think Akron will be a doormat. If social media and message boards are any indication, the rest of the MAC fanbases also don’t take Akron seriously. Everyone is allowed an opinion, but that does not mean it’s correct. Sometimes even the loudest voices or media members with a platform are misinformed. Most are completely ignoring how competitive this team was in MAC play and the improvement that was made as the year progressed. The other key factor that has been ignored is recruiting. Coach Moorhead has used the portal as well or better than any other G5 school and is also landing some very talented players from the high school/JUCO ranks, not just at one or two positions, but throughout the roster. 

If the Zips are to become a dominant program in the MAC it will start on both sides of the line of scrimmage. While Akron may not have an elite OL or DL (yet), progress is being made and enough talent is in place to compete in 2023.
Ohio has the easiest path to the East, but that does not mean they are a shoe-in. Expect the Zips to “upset” a number of teams and their fan bases this season. Enjoy the ride, it’s going to be an exciting year. 

Edited July 22, 2023 by catdaddyp

[72 Roo]

Brilliant 10 questions Catdaddyp. Unfortunately you have got me fired up to see Zip football ASAP. This summer downtime is the worst part of the year for those of us who need a Zip fix of some sort. Your post helped to ease the pain of waiting. This season is going to be a great ride. Not all winning, but great effort and better talent. We will surprise the MAC. Thanks!

 

BTW, I agree with your assessment of the QB position. Joe will give DJ the chance to hold the position, but if a better talent shows itself Joe will not hesitate to do what is best for the team. 

[catdaddyp]

45 minutes ago, 72 Roo said:

Brilliant 10 questions Catdaddyp. Unfortunately you have got me fired up to see Zip football ASAP. This summer downtime is the worst part of the year for those of us who need a Zip fix of some sort. Your post helped to ease the pain of waiting. This season is going to be a great ride. Not all winning, but great effort and better talent. We will surprise the MAC. Thanks!

 

BTW, I agree with your assessment of the QB position. Joe will give DJ the chance to hold the position, but if a better talent shows itself Joe will not hesitate to do what is best for the team. 

I’m with you. Ready for the season to arrive! I’ve been going through and watching a bunch of full JUCO game film just to get a better idea of the incoming players. Also have watched other MAC games from last year. Add in the recruiting dead period and it’s such a slow time of year.

 

I forgot to add that at any point Hunter, Tallandier, T.Thomas, N. Thompson, and DJ Martin are starting in the secondary, it would be a secondary full of former P5 players. Not sure how many other teams would be able to claim that.

[Ham]

A few years ago we had a beast at RB that churned out the yards with an under talanted freshman line.  It looks like with additions and experience our O line will be at least OK or much better.  Maybe LL and the rest of the RB's will keep us ballanced.  I think Irons is a decent runner, but he tends to get beat up.  We will need a back up ready to take over since Morehead expe.cs the QB to run a bit  The V Tech guy just may over take Irons.  On D, a pass rush may be the best help for our secondary.  (Second best would be the offense controlling the ball more and finishing with some TD's.). As catdaddyp has researched, we have improved our tallent.  Will these men blend into a team?  I think we have the coaching tallent to get the best out of this group and meld them into a team.  Temple will be a great chance to for tell the season.  Probably better than us on paper; let's see how well we measure up on the field!

[GoZips86]

Great post, Cat! I personally hope Wasel never sees the field this season, I want him to redshirt and take his time getting in there. I have HIGH hopes for him as the QB in the future. High hopes. 

[Ham]

If Bullock pans out (3 years of eligability), we may see Wasel in the portal.  I would hope that Morehead can find the oportunity to give Wasel some meaningful minutes without loosing his redshirt year.  Keeping both engaged this year could lead to some great competition in '24.

[MangoZip]

So have they/will they publish the camp practice schedule?