The University of Akron Athletics
Monday Press Conference Quotes - Oct. 16, 2006
October 16 | Football
Third-year University of Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart visited
with the local media Monday during his weekly press conference in
Rhodes Arena.
Head Coach J.D. Brookhart
On his general thoughts about the bye
week…
"We are back to work, we had seven guys on the road recruiting last
week. The coordinators and myself stayed in house and cleaned up
some things, looked at our first six games. We had our first
practice for Miami last night. We are getting closer to healthy.
Most everyone is back right now and (offensive tackle) Tim Crouch
has been re-instated. We are moving forward. It's a new game this
week."
On having everyone back and healthy...
"We've had some guys banged up. There were a lot of bumps and
bruises and the week off helped everybody. We gave our guys a
little bit of rest and still tried to stay sharp. But you have
ankles and wrists, bruised ribs, different things like that. I
don't think anyone sat out of practice yesterday. A week off now
was good timing after six weeks of banging. It was nice to have a
week off and get guys their bodies back."
On sophomore running back Dennis Kennedy...
"I'd say he's about 90 percent (healthy). The pain is good, his
strengths almost back. So 90-95 percent."
On four of the next six games being at home...
"Again for me, I haven't made a big issue of it. I think it's
always nice to be home, certainly in front of your own crowd. There
is a comfort level there, an expectation level there that I think
means a lot to the players. It will be nice to be in front of home
fans."
On the backup running backs with Kennedy not being 100
percent...
"Andre Walker, Bryant McMillon and Aaris Reed all have gotten reps.
Andre is number two (behind Dennis Kennedy). He has done some nice
things and has come a long way since camp."
On the last couple of games where the opposing quarterback
was the leading rusher...
"That's just part of the game these days. Those guys are getting a
lot of yards on scrambles. It's a tough situation. You have to
cover the five receivers that are out in play, the running backs,
tight ends and receivers, and you have to be able to react to the
run. You do things with your pass rush lanes to try to contain
those things. It's an added dimension that makes it difficult."
On the backup quarterback situation...
"For the most part, Carlton Jackson has been number two. I don't
think it's a huge difference because they don't get a ton of reps.
I think the first few weeks, Carlton probably looked better. There
was a spell there where I thought Chris Jacquemain had jumped
ahead. Carlton has been doing a nice job the last couple of weeks.
He actually had gone home one weekend for a family emergency and
Jacquemain stepped up and did a nice job that week. But CJ came
back and has been doing well."
On Miami's win in Buffalo last weekend...
"You hope it tired them out and that they would be worn out from
that road trip. I am sure it was no fun sitting in the hotel for
two days. I am sure it was not of fun for the kids and/or the
coaches. They got back last night and have to start preparations a
day behind. Its not easy I am sure."
On junior defensive back John Mackey...
"John's a fairly stout kid. He weighs more than you think and is
faster than you think. He's awesome. John is impressive and he
plays through pain. He's had a number of nagging injuries. The
biggest thing about John is it's (playing) really important to him.
He's spoke up in a team meeting and shows that he has some
leadership ability. I really hope that he expands it."
On last week's practices...
"On Tuesday it was lighter, it was more staying sharp for the pass
game and then special teams. We worked field goal and punt
everyday, extensively on punt. On Wednesday and Thursday, I ramped
it up a little bit. We put the pads on and tried to stay sharp with
the run and pass. We tried to keep our conditioning level up. We
weren't out there a long time but I thought it was good work when
we were out there."
On lack of offense in last few games...
"I think the running backs could of done a better job running the
ball. From my standpoint I think I put them in a position that made
them a little bit unsure of what they're exactly doing all the
time. We have to fine tune that. I hope are going to be a more
consistent overall."
On place-kicker Jon McClain...
"The biggest thing with Jon is just getting him back into the
groove which I think he is. He is getting the ball off better than
he has the first two weeks. I feel comfortable with how far he's
come, much improved."
On the offensive and defensive lines...
"We're disappointed that obviously we haven't gotten more pass
rush, more pressure. Some of it can be explained. We would still
like to see more offensively, it's been hit and miss - a little bit
inconsistent. Certainly, its some on them, some on me. Hopefully
that is cleaned up."
On playing Miami this Saturday...
"Offensively they're pretty dangerous. They've got two very good
receivers. They have a couple good backs. They're moving the ball.
You watch Purdue and they had a great chance to win against them.
Against Northern Illinois they overthrow a pass or they win it, and
Northern's a good football team. Miami has played good competition.
I think their defense is starting to get the experience. They have
been in and out with their quarterback, Mike Kokal had a couple of
games where he was out of it and they started the young freshman
which makes it difficult. Kokal is very good. They've got weapons.
I think they are a little bit a victim of their schedule and some
circumstances. They're a good football team."
On senior offensive lineman Tim Crouch and his
emotions...
"I think he's like any other human being who has their points where
they break. We all got them. He's emotional and it means a lot.
Sometimes he carries it the wrong way. Timmy's a great kid, no
question about it. We're not all prefect."
