The University of Akron Athletics
Quotes From J.D. Brookhart About Wisconsin
August 25 | Football
University of Akron Head Football Coach J.D. Brookhart
Press Conference
Game 1- at #12 Wisconsin
Saturday, August 20, 2008- Noon (ET) 11:00am (CT)
Big Ten Network Telecast
Madison, Wis. - Camp Randall Stadium
Opening Statement:
We'll start off this year, like most years, with a Big Ten opponent
(Wisconsin) that is ranked 12 or 13 depending on who you look at.
They aren't trying to hide what they are, which is a strong,
physical Big Ten football team that wants to run the ball. They are
big, strong and physical across the board on both sides of the
ball. They don't try to hide it or trick you. They just play Big
Ten football. It's a good opportunity for us. It's a great place to
play and they are a ranked football team. We're going to find out
where we stand in several places. It's a good challenge for our
team.
Wisconsin runs more of an old school type of Big Ten
football don't they?
Yes. They have got a big line, several tight ends and running back
that are about the size of guards for most teams. They are talented
indeed and their running back situation is pretty secure. They have
a 230-pound tailback, a 250-pound fullback and some good tight
ends, one of whom is extremely good at receiving.
Did you have to prepare for two quarterbacks since
Wisconsin had a battle for the position?
No. Allan Evridge is their starter. He is transfer from Kansas
State and has some experience. Wisconsin is not going to spread the
field and try a quarterback run. They use his mobility to escape
and run play action. They have good skill and speed at receiver.
They are going to run the ball, take their shots and feel their way
through the first game.
With all the injuries this summer, how does your squad look
going into the first game?
We are getting closer to healthy. Right now Eric Lively (defensive
line) is out for this game. Right now we have numbers but not the
experience in some places. We still plan to play 22 on defense as
we always do.
We have more offensive players involved in special teams this year
than we ever have. I think that is going to help on the defensive
side. All three tailbacks are involved in some aspect of the return
game, whether they are first or second team player. This is
something we haven't had in the past and it should take some
pressure off the starting defense.
As a coaching standpoint, what do you want to see from your
team this game?
I want to see 11 guys flying to the football on defense, executing
on offence and carrying over the technique to the field. That's
always the hardest thing. I want to find out about our receiving
corps that has a sum of 27 receptions returning from last year.
The two deep roster from spring till now haven't changed
much, does that disappoint you?
No. I felt good about our spring. I was hoping for some twos to
step up and they did. We did lose a corner, but we have some youth
at corner and we may play Andre Jones over there as well.
Did you notice any big difference with the 40 second play
clock in your scrimmages?
No. I think we had one penalty in two scrimmages that was reset to
25 instead of 40. I think the biggest thing is substitutions. If
you run a guy on a deep ball you may want to sub in for him.
Is your special teams still your A+ team?
I hope so (being the special teams coach). We did well in the
return game last year and we hope to repeat that success.
(Placekicker) Igor Iveljic has been kicking the ball well. It's
something we really stress and I think the kids understand that. We
hope our punt and kick coverage units show big improvements this
year.
How do you feel about your linemen?
Offensively, we have four guys back with experience. We have good
depth and possibly 10 guys that could play this season.
Defensively, we have better depth but more inexperience. We plan to
play several guys.
How do you feel about your freshman class?
I like the class and we are going to have seven guys travel this
weekend.
How has Chris Jacquemain matured?
Playing quarterback is a position that requires a commitment level
beyond the other positions and a desire to want to carry the team.
Chris has committed to this and has made himself a better player.
With other positions there is only so much that can be done to
improve physically where as quarterback is more mental. Chris has
done a great job improving in this area. He now operates the
offensive and continues to improve in his decision making.
