For Those who Don't Read the BJ

[Guest Zip88]

Posted on Thu, Sep. 16, 2004

Passes working for Zips

Despite the 0-2 start by Akron, Frye has offense connecting in the air

By David Lee Morgan Jr.

Beacon Journal staff writer

Was there any doubt that University of Akron senior quarterback Charlie Frye would get off to a fast start this year?

Probably not.

He entered the season as the school's all-time leading passer, and is seventh on the Mid-American Conference's all-time passing list. And after the first game of the season, he was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week for the East Division.

Despite being 0-2, the Zips lead the MAC in passing offense (311.0 yards per game) and total offense (398.5 yards per game).

Frye is the main reason Akron's passing offense is so effective. The other reason is the receivers are doing a solid job.

Junior wide receiver Domenik Hixon, who is in his first year as a receiver after spending the past two seasons as a starting free safety, leads the MAC in receiving. He has 15 catches for 175 yards.

Junior Jason Montgomery is second in the conference with 14 catches for 153 yards, a 76.5 yards-per-game average.

Against Middle Tennessee, Montgomery had career highs in catches (10) and yards (118). Hixon had seven receptions for 116 yards, both also career highs.

``It's exciting what these receivers have turned themselves into,'' said Akron coach J.D. Brookhart. ``They are very accountable of where they need to be. They understand the scheme, Jason in particular. He's such a valuable asset because he knows all the positions. We are able to move him around.

``They are making plays out there,'' Brookhart added. ``I'm very pleased with their progress.''

Montgomery said he likes the way Frye distributes the ball.

``It's not really set to go to a certain person,'' he said. ``Charlie reads defenses well. If you run your route, you might not be the primary read, but you have to be ready for the ball as he goes through his reads.''

Montgomery also said the receivers this year have been trying to prove just how effective they can be as a unit. Hixon and Montgomery are the starters, and junior Jamie Goodwin is also in the rotation.

Last year, Akron's receivers were Matt Cherry, Nick Sparks and Miquel Irvin, and that trio finished in the school's top 10 in career receptions.

``A lot of articles were saying that we (the receivers) are the weakest part of the team,'' Montgomery said. ``It's a lot of pressure on us, but at the same time nobody was expecting us to do well.''

Note

Akron senior defensive end Chase Blackburn is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Virginia. He injured his knee against Middle Tennessee last week and was wearing a brace at practice Wednesday.

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[Dr Z]

``A lot of articles were saying that we (the receivers) are the weakest part of the team,'' Montgomery said. ``It's a lot of pressure on us, but at the same time nobody was expecting us to do well.''

Not true Jason. I predicted good things from the WR's many times on this board.

Somebody needs to get J the ZipsNation address.

[Guest ZIPMAN]

THANKS DAWG FOR ARTICLE ABOUT THE ZIPS AND FRYE............I DON'T READ ABJ...IT'S

NOT POPULAR AT THE ISLANDS...........ONLY THE TOLEDO BLADE.

DA ZIPMAN

[Zipsrifle]

I don't know how summer practices work, but I was under the impression that Frye was working with these guys a lot. If that was the case, how much of the rest of the team was out there in addition? If it was only receivers, then that might explain why they've got it figured out so well while everyone else is still trying to catch up. If this isn't the case, then I'm thankful we've got talented receivers. I for one was really worried about the receivers. In fact, I pretty much had everything backwards.

[Guest Virginiaraptor]

Good luck to your team today. I have been a life long UVA fan, through the good and bad, and let me tell ya, we have had alot of bad. I would like to say for those of you that are attending the game, I hope you enjoy (enjoyed) your stay in Charlottesville. There are always fans of every team that make you wonder if they are all holes. I think you will find the vast majority of fans at VA are good natured. Now for the game. I am actually pretty worried about Akron. Your QB scares the hell out of me, not to mention the receivers. I think this game is going to be a lot closer than people think. The weather will be partly cloudy and Scott Stadium has a massive pump system that will dry the field. Again good luck to the Zips and lets hope for no injuries.