Beacon Article

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Akron football

Strength in middle boosts Zips

Center Borrieci adds fuel to running game

By David Lee Morgan Jr.

Beacon Journal staff writer

To be an effective center at the Division I college level, there's a theory that the player must be a little different from the rest of his cohorts on the offensive line.

If that's the case, then University of Akron coach J.D. Brookhart has the right man for the job.

``He's one of those down and dirty, old-school-type of players,'' Brookhart said of Zips starter Jim Borrieci.

``He's a pretty nasty player. And in practice, he's a wild man. He treats practice like a game and he has his share of scuffles on the field, especially during (preseason camp) but that's the attitude you're looking for up front.''

Borrieci, a native of Dublin, Ohio, has been instrumental in helping the Zips' running game come to life.

In wins against Buffalo (44-21) and Central Florida (26-21) the past two weeks, Akron's offense racked up 338 yards rushing, with junior running back Brett Biggs compiling back-to-back 100-yard games (165 and 150). In the Zips' first five games of the season, they rushed for 346 yards.

Brookhart said Borrieci and the rest of the line is starting to feel more comfortable with the new offensive scheme.

``They all are making strides,'' Brookhart said.

Borrieci, who has made 31 consecutive starts, was a preseason candidate for the Rimington Award, which honors college football's top center.

Notebook

Brookhart is pleased that the running game is becoming more consistent but he isn't satisfied with the offense.

``We should have done a better job of going after big plays,'' Brookhart said about the attack in the Central Florida win last week.

Akron's longest pass play was 40 yards.

``With the run game developing like it did, we should have had bigger pass plays,'' he said. ``I went back and critiqued my play-calling and there are a number of things I would've done differently.''

Brookhart said he routinely grades his performance after every game like he does his players.

``After we watch tape, we go around the room and talk about each position and talk about the lessons that could be taken from that particular game,'' he said. ``We also talk about things the coaching staff could do different and improve on. I critique myself and I also have my staff critique me as well.''

[Captain Kangaroo]

Take a look at what was posted on GoZips.com October 18th. Look at Cut-n-Paste Morgan's article. Tell me why he has a job:

Q: What are the advantages to having a smaller running back?

A: "You look at the NFL and the good portion of the backs are 5-foot-10. Athletically changing direction, you wouldn't think a 6-foot-4 could change direction like a 5-foot-10 kid. A lower center of gravity has its advantages."

Q: Are you at the mix where you want to be in terms of running plays versus passing plays?

A: "We should have done a better job of going after big plays. With the run game developing like it did, we should have had bigger pass plays. Play-action should have been effective and some other things we should have gone to. I went back and critiqued my play calling and there are a number of things I would have done differently."

Q: Do you grade yourself?

A: "Absolutely. After we watch the tape, we go around the room and talk about each position and talk about lessons that could be taken from that particular game. We also talk about things the coaching staff could do different and improve on. I critique myself and I also have my staff critique me as well."