The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Pass Halfway Point of Preseason
August 18 | Football
The University of Akron passed the halfway point of preseason
camp and made its first step in anticipation of the 2009 academic
year.
The team broke its routine, as they had to move from Bulger Dorm -
where they lived as a team for the first 14 days - to their "home"
for the year. The move was necessary to prepare Bulger for those
students that will take residency there this weekend as classes a
The University begin on Monday, Aug. 24. The move forced the Zips
to have an early afternoon practice, instead of the normal morning
session.
"I do not think we responded well to the change of schedule," said
UA head coach J.D. Brookhart. "I am glad we
will have a full week of classes and practice prior to the week
leading up to the Penn State game so our guys will be in a good
rhythm come September 5. We shortened practice a bit today but I
thought we had some really good moments. Right now, it is about
making sure every gets and stays healthy while continuing to focus
on all the little things. It is those minute details that can cost
you a game."
After practice a pair of seniors - Zack Anderson and Amin Kabir
- each talked about camp to date with both praising the defense and
the Zips running backs.
ZACK ANDERSON
"It has been good to practice at InfoCision Stadium and on Summa
Field. We can now have a true home-field advantage as we start to
get the feel for the place. The biggest part has been the ability
to break in the new turf and firm it up, packing down the rubber
pellets. Selfishly, I like the short walk across the street rather
than making the hike down to Schrank.
"This camp my first focus was staying healthy. Secondly, I needed
to continue working on my footwork in pass protection. I feel like
I have a good power step and my hand placement has improved. Since
we are a veteran group, we have done a better job reading and
picking up blitzes.
"Our group is doing well so far. Jake Anderson worked very
hard, both physically and mentally, in the off season to prepare
for this year because he knew he was stepping into a big role.
Having four guys who have played together for basically three years
will benefit our offense. We get along on and off the field, which
helps.
"I have really been impressed with the defense. It is really cool
seeing them fly around and seeing their overall speed. It is making
us (offense) better and I think their speed and strength will make
it tough on opposing teams as well.
"Individually, the one player I would say that has stood out is Norman
Shuford. He has made the transition from defense to offense
really well. He is still a rookie, basically, but he is doing
really well on the running plays and getting better in the passing
game. I can not wait to see him at his full potential."
AMIN KABIR
"I think camp is going pretty good so far. The main thing is the
chemistry this team has. When I arrived (2006), we did not have the
chemistry like we do now. There were some clicks and people kind of
kept to their own groups. Coach Brookhart has really done a good
job getting us to come together. I actually know everyone on the
team and feel I can talk to and hang out with any of my teammates.
There is a great brotherhood this year.
"I feel my role is motivate my teammates and bring a certain level
or energy. I am also still searching for my role on this team,
whether it be a leader on special teams or doing my part of
defense. I just want to do whatever I can to make the team better.
There is a place on this team for my energy so I know I can at
least do that every day. This year I have really made it a point
not to let the little or big things get me down; things that would
have caused me to miss a lift session in the summer or loose
concentration on the field. This year, I am letting all those
things go and moving one; no excuses.
"I really like our running backs. We all know what Alex Allen
can do and Dale Martin is getting there
physically. Norman and DeVoe Torrence run hard. I
also like the defense as a whole, no one player has really stood
out. Watching film, it was said we look like a pack of hungry
lions. You see everyone right there (where the tackle is made). It
has really been a team commitment to get better."
