The Zips have some work to do this spring on the offensive side of the ball.

Akron will need to retool its offensive line and break in a new quarterback, after a disappointing 5-7 mark last fall.

"We were missing some leadership pieces," Akron coach J.D. Brookhart said. "We couldn't get over the hump whether it was in game situations or practice. We had a lot of penalties and had some major problems in our kicking game."

The heir apparent to Luke Getsy behind center is Carlton Jackson, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound southpaw from Pompano Beach, Fla. Jackson appeared in four games last season and completed one pass for two yards. The Zips media guide says Jackson has "Michael Vick-like qualities."

Akron also needs to replace four starters along the offensive line. Junior right tackle Chris Kemme, second-team All-MAC last fall, is the lone returning starter.

In the meantime, Brookhart's squad is stocked at running back and wide receiver, with seasoned performers in running back Dennis Kennedy and wide receivers Jabari Arthur and David Harvey returning.

The Zips ranked near the bottom of the MAC in red-zone offense at 66.7 percent (26 of 39), including four interceptions, and were five of 11 on red-zone field goals. The Zips gave up 31 sacks in 12 games (2.58 per) compared to 21 in 13 games in 2005 (1.62 per) and were flagged 9.3 times per game for 74 yards. Often times, these penalties were drive killers.

Akron has a wealth of experience returning on defense. The nose tackle is a key player in the Zips' scheme and finding a successor to All-MAC performer Kiki Gonzalez will not be easy. The defensive unit ranked in the top half of the conference in most statistical categories and finished with an average yield of 322.4 yards per game. Brookhart will look to senior rover John Mackey for leadership.

The Zips also are desperate to identify a kicker after last season's miscues. With a strong defense and a maturing offense, there will be that much more of a premium placed on field goals.

BUILDING BLOCKS: Akron has had solid quarterback play for the last six seasons with Charlie Frye and Luke Getsy. The baton is now being passed to Carlton Jackson, set to begin his third year in the program. Jackson has completed one pass for two yards so far in his college career. How quickly he can settle in and be effective will go a long way toward determining the outcome of the Zips' 2007 season.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Former NFL defensive back Emmanuel McDaniel has been hired as the cornerbacks coach, replacing Aaron Alford who accepted a similar position at Utah. Tight ends and tackles coach Mark Nori left just before the start of spring drills.

SCHEDULE SIUTATION: Any schedule has to be better than what the Zips were left with last season, playing five of their first six games on the road and not having a second home game until Oct. 21. The Zips open against Army at Cleveland Browns Stadium and then play at Ohio State and at Indiana. Akron begins MAC play against Kent State on Sept. 22 at the Rubber Bowl. At some point, administrators are going to have to deal with a deteriorating home stadium.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We were missing some leadership pieces." -- Akron coach J.D. Brookhart talking about his 2006 team, which finished 5-7.

STARS OF 2007: WR David Harvey -- A threat from anywhere on the field, Harvey gives Akron a dynamic pass receiver and kick returner. The Pittsburgh Penn Hills High School product led the MAC in kick returns (30.0 ypr) and ranked among conference leaders in receiving yards per game (76.1) and all-purpose yards per contest (119.9). Chosen second-team All-MAC, he averaged 21.3 yards per reception (914 yards, 43 receptions) and ranked among national leaders in that department, including 10 TD receptions.

LB Kevin Grant -- The junior from Herndon, Va., ranked second on the club in tackles (7.3 per game) and had a consistent season. He lists at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds and was a Freshman All-American in 2005.

RB Dennis Kennedy -- After recovering from a shoulder injury, the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., junior did most of his damage in the second half of the season and averaged 83.1 rushing yards per game for the year. A second-team All-MAC selection, Kennedy is a better runner than 4.0 yards per carry would indicate. He also catches the ball well out of the backfield.

LB Brion Stokes -- A second-team All-MAC selection in 2005, Stokes ranked third on the squad in tackles (6.6 per game) and registered 13 TFLs, including 4.5 sacks.

TOP NEWCOMERS: NT Nate Robinson -- Although Robinson appeared in 11 games last season after transferring from Rutgers, he is a newcomer to the starting lineup. A fifth-year senior, Robinson lists at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds and will step in for Kiki Gonzalez at nose.

OL Casey Estrada -- A highly regarded offensive line prospect (6-5, 285), Estrada already is enrolled at Akron with two seasons of eligibility remaining. He starred for Sacramento City College and earned first-team All Mid-Empire Conference notice.

RB Bryan Williams -- Williams initially signed with Pittsburgh out of Akron Buchtel High School, but opted for Valley Forge Military Academy and now returns home to play for the Zips. He was selected for the Big 33 game following his senior year.

WR Vincent Hill -- An incoming freshman, the Fort Washington, Md., native was clocked at 4.47 in the 40 and caught 67 passes for 1,390 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior to lead Friendly High to a 3A state title.

ROSTER REPORT: Coach J.D. Brookhart dismissed at least five players following the 2006 season in an effort to clean up some attitudinal issues.