The University of Akron Athletics
J.D. Brookhart Weekly Press Conference
August 27 | Football
The following is a transcript
of head coach J.D. Brookhart's discussion with the media from
today's weekly press conference.
On the team's current quarterback situation...
"The injuries made it difficult. We didn't have a clear
look at what they (Carlton Jackson and Chris
JacquemainChris Jacquemain">)could do because of that. They both had nice
camps and improved greatly. When we sat down to make that decision,
we all felt we could win with both and they both exceeded my
expectations. As we told them in the beginning, it came down to who
we could trust the most to limit mistakes and errors. We felt most
comfortable with Chris, and we don't want to give him a short
leash. We want to give him an opportunity and not have him looking
over his shoulder. On the other hand we will play CJ (Jackson) in
the first series in the second quarter because he deserves to play,
and you have to have a back-up ready. We looked at the two
quarterback system, and it's just not feasible. It doesn't give a
good voice to the team."
On coaching inexperienced quarterbacks...
"t's been different, but we're much further along than I
anticipated. "I think they are ready to go play a game."
On true freshman Matt Rodgers' progression at the quarterback
position...
"Excellent, he is the best freshman I have ever been around
mentally. He picked it up really well – better than(former UA
quarterback Luke) Getsy ever did. You would hate to throw him in
the mix right now, but you wouldn't be uncomfortable."
On the the offensive and defensive line...
"We will have three freshmen starting on the offensive line, and
I've said it a number of times – they are going to be good.
They are not physically where you want them to be, but they are
close. Mike Schepp has been outstanding with leading
that crew. The defensive line is thin; we are young. Some of these
freshmen and redshirt freshmen are going to have to be thrown into
the mix, and they are going to have to perform. It will be a
challenge."
On Mike Schepp...
"Mike Schepp is a jack of all trades (filling
numerous positions on the offensive line). He is good enough to be
a starter. He has been a savior for us."
On the team's leadership...
"The leadership has been global. The standout guys,
offensively is Mike Schepp, and defensively it would have to be
John Mackey.
Our linebackers and corners are some of our strengths right now on
defense. Offensively speaking, the tight-ends and running backs
are."
On the wide receivers...
"There are going to be some new faces. Yamari
Dixon has had a good camp. Stephon
Fuqua and Brandon Williams have really improved their game.
Alphonso Owen will be in there. Marcus
Patterson has always been steady. Guys are making strides and a
lot of guys are getting their real game experience."
On the other position players...
"Gary Pride and Jerome
Royal have both been good at receiver. Jerome will probably
wait a year, but I think he could do some things if we need him to.
He is very fast. Gary is physically able to do it, but missed a
week with issues with the clearing house. Defensively, Almondo
Sewell will be playing a lot of football. Linebackers, all the
young kids will be good. They are all at different levels maturity
wise. Brian Brikowski in two years might be the best.
He's a big young kid that is just going to get better. As for the
DB's Jalil Carter could be in the mix. We'll see as we
go. The placekicker will be Igor Ivelijic. The punter is John
Stec."
On the NCAA's new kickoff rule change...
"It's going to make a huge difference. Almost every ball
will be returned now."
On what he told to the quarterbacks regarding his decision
to start Jacquemain...
"I had them both in and I told them the competition is over. I not
making any promises. Just because you're starting the season,
doesn't mean you're going to finish it. But, we are not going to
pull you in week 3 or 4. Who knows which way it's going to go, the
good news is we got two good quarterbacks we can win with."
On the running backs...
"Dennis (Kennedy) is number one. No question. He has had a great
camp. Alex Allen is number two and Bryan
Williams is number three. I would anticipate seeing all three
of them with Joe Tuzze and Joe Mcdaniel at fullback. Andre
Walker has his place as well."
On your expectations...
"This league is so even. You can win every one of these
(conference) games, or you can get beat. Our goal will remain the
same: we want to win the MAC Championship."
Below is the transcript of head coach J.D.
Brookhart's discussion with the media on today's Mid-American
Conference teleconference.
On concerns about facing Army..
"They've got tough kids who play hard and are fundamentally sound.
You can get a little iffy with the scheme with them having a new
coordinator."
On playing at Cleveland Browns Stadium...
"It's going to be a great experience playing in an NFL stadium, a
local stadium. The team will cherish it, remember it. It will be a
great experience for them."
On the quarterback situation...
"We went to spring ball with three kids. The two sophomores (Carlton
Jackson and Chris Jacquemain) both got hurt and missed about
half of spring ball. Both played well enough to start, but in the
end it was all about who made less mistakes, less errors. We went
with Chris Jacquemain. We will also play Carlton
Jackson a series in the second quarter because we need that
experience. They both exceeded my expectations."
On the differences between this year's team and last
year's and the team's leaders...
"The chemistry of the team is better than it has ever been.
Specifically, Mike Schepp and John
Mackey have stepped up and been good vocal leaders. I just know
these kids will be a good football team."
On Boise State's upset of Oklahoma last season at the Fiesta
Bowl...
"It gives everybody great hope. As we grow our programs in this
league, scheduling always will be an issue. Sometimes we're stuck
playing some games to get money to support our programs, but it
also showed how even things are getting in college football."
