The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Football Reaches Halfway Mark of Spring Drills
April 03 | Football
AKRON - The University of Akron reached the midpoint of spring drills under first-year head coach Rob Ianello on Friday, a three-hour session at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field in full gear.
"Today's practice was long by design," Ianello said. "We had a relatively short practice Thursday morning (from 6-8 am) and we will not practice again for three days.
"We have reached the halfway point and some guys are starting to separate themselves, some in a good way and some in a not so good way with a group in the middle fighting and working very hard."
The workout, which involved a good deal of third-down situations, was similar to previous sessions with the team in full gear. The mood of practice was set early with the "bull in the middle" drill to elevate the team's enthusiasm and physicality. However, there was a twist. Previously, Coach Ianello picked the two combatants. This time, he only choose one player and that player picked his opponent. Also, the "Oklahoma" drill was used (featuring a one-on-one point of attack drill, offense blocking defense, with a running back trying to get by) prior to the team situations.
"Although I was not real pleased with our intensity and enthusiasm Wednesday, I thought the defense got the better of the offense that day," Ianello said. "Today, I thought the offense got the better of the defense for the most part. That was a key part of what I told this team today. Football is a game of momentum. When you have it, you can not let it go. When you don't, you have to do whatever it takes to grab it."
Illustrating that point, while the offense did have the upper hand for the majority of practice, the session ended on the goal line. The defense rallied to keep the offense out of the endzone numerous times. However, when the practice's final play was run, a one-time win or do up-downs which has become a staple of spring drills, Alex Allen scored, giving the offense the win for the day and giving the offense a 2-1 lead in like situations.
The Zips will have two more weeks to prepare for the April 17 Blue-Gold Spring Game, starting at Noon, as part of the 2010 Spring Football Festival.
REMEMBER:
Fans have until April 9 to be eligible for great prizes at the Spring Football Festival by renewing your season tickets early. Those who do renew by the 9th will automatically be registered to win
Also as part of the Spring Football Festival, there will be a Youth Football Clinic, starting at 10 am with registration at 9:30 am.
