Defense wins Championships

[Dr Z]

University of Akron senior linebacker Brion Stokes was named the Mid-American Conference East Division Defensive Player of the Week for his effort in the Zips’ 27-20 victory over Can't State, allowing the Zips to reclaim the coveted Wagon Wheel.Stokes (Charlotte, N.C./Butler HS) registered a team-high 10 tackles, including nine solo stops. He also had a tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery. The tackle for loss came midway through the second quarter when the Golden flushes, leading 7-0, attempted a fake field goal. Stokes sniffed out the play and dropped the holder for a four-yard loss. Later in the quarter, Stokes recovered a Julian Edelman fumble on the Can't State 33. Three plays later, Akron scored to tie the game at 7-7 with 53 seconds left in the half.With senior captain John Mackey leaving the game in the first quarter with an injury, Stokes led a defensive unit that forced four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries), had seven tackles for losses (including three sacks) and held Can't State to just 3-of-13 on third down conversions.This marks the second time Stokes has won the MAC’s weekly honor. Last year, he was tabbed for collecting four sacks in the Zips’ win over Buffalo. Akron, who leads the MAC in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense, has a player selected MAC East Defensive Player of the Week three times in four weeks this season with Reggie Corner garnering the honor in week one and Mackey being honored in week three.Stokes currently ranks second on the team in tackles with 27 and, with his eight stops behind the line of scrimmage, leads the MAC, while ranking ninth in the NCAA, in tackles for losses. Stokes also has a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a safety this season as the Zips lead the MAC and rank sixth nationally in turnover margin (+1.75).source

[Captain Kangaroo]

Congrats to Brion! He's been a great player since day 1. We'll miss him next season.