The Zips' moves during spring drills to improve their offensive output might seem inconsistent at first glance.

Akron ranked 12th in the 13-team Mid-American Conference in total offense (311.7 ypg) last season. The team's leading wide receiver from a year ago, Jabari Arthur (86 receptions, 1,171 yards, 10 touchdowns), has graduated. The team's leading rusher, Bryan Williams (728 yards, 4.8 ypc), has been moved to the secondary.

Junior quarterback Chris Jacquemain, the starter for most of last season, appears to have come out of spring ball as the No. 1 signal-caller.

"Jacquemain set the pace as the starter all spring, but Matt

(Rodgers) pushed him the whole way," coach J.D. Brookhart said. "I am pleased with where we are at this point with both of our quarterbacks."

Jacquemain threw three interceptions during the Blue-Gold spring game; however, Brookhart was willing to excuse two of the three.

Akron's offensive staff believes there is plenty of depth at running back, even with Williams moving to shore up a depleted defensive backfield. He had a terrific spring game with 11 tackles and one sack.

Senior running back Dennis Kennedy, who rushed 117 yards and two scores in the spring game, appears to have recaptured his 2006 form. The Zips also have University of Miami senior transfer Andrew Johnson and junior Alex Allen (420 rushing yards in 2007) in reserve.

Akron was in dire need of a playmaking wide receiver to emerge. So senior free safety Andre Jones, one of the MAC's finest, made the move and caught five passes for 71 yards in the Blue-Gold game. West Virginia transfer Jeremy Bruce should help as well.

--The Zips expect to open their long-awaited on-campus stadium -- InfoCision Stadium -- on Sept. 19, 2009 against Indiana.

--Akron returns five All-MAC players in LT Chris Kemme, DE Almondo Sewell, LB Kevin Grant, RB Dennis Kennedy (from 2006), and RB turned DB Bryan Williams.

SPRING MOVERS:

WR Andre Jones -- Thought to be a top returning free safety in the MAC, Jones was moved to wide receiver to fill a glaring hole in Akron's attack. He was the top punt returner in the conference a year ago (16 returns, 14.5 ypr).

DB Bryan Williams -- If Williams continues to play the way he did in the Blue-Gold game, this move will look like a stroke a genius. The team's leading rusher last season, Williams has a shot to play pro ball as a defender. He led the MAC in kick returns last season at 31.9 yards per attempt.

RB Dennis Kennedy -- After a miserable 2007 season, Kennedy has sprung to life and is looking to reassert himself. He was second-team All-MAC in 2006 when he rushed for 914 yards. University of Miami transfer Andrew Johnson will challenge for playing time.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We plan on playing about 20 people on defense each game and will regularly rotate the skill positions on offense." -- Akron coach J.D. Brookhart.

2008 OUTLOOK: The Zips are desperate to bounce back from consecutive losing seasons. The offensive line should be much stronger, while quarterback play is expected to be more efficient. There is plenty of depth at running back, and the wide receiver spots are untested. On the defensive side, seven defensive backs from a year ago are gone, and that group will be inexperienced. NT Ryan Bain, DE Almondo Sewell, and LBs Kevin Grant and Doug Williams give Akron a chance to be pretty good up front.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Junior QB Chris Jacquemain will need to show big improvement over last season. His offensive line should provide better protection and run block better than they did in 2007. If RB Dennis Kennedy can return to form and at least two wide receivers emerge, Akron could fashion a respectable attack. Senior RB Andrew Johnson and West Virginia transfer Jeremy Bruce at WR could help spark this unit. Senior TE Merce Poindexter is solid.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Akron anticipates playing its 3-3-5 scheme again in 2008. The Zips were better than their 408.7 yards per game yield would have indicated last season. Injuries and a struggling offense didn't help matters. Iowa transfer Ryan Bain should anchor the middle from his nose tackle spot. DE Almondo Sewell is proven pass rusher. LB Kevin Grant is a returning All-MAC player and LB Doug Williams has a chance to be the same. Akron's biggest concern is in the secondary where seven letter winners have departed. The team's leading rusher from a year ago, Bryan Williams, will make an immediate impact at strong safety.

SCOUTING SPECIAL TEAMS: Brookhart took charge of the special teams last season, and the Zips demonstrated remarkable improvement. Akron had the MAC's top kick and punt returners. Sophomore PK Igor Ivelijic hit 15 of 18 field goals last year and returns. Punter John Stec also returns.

ROSTER REPORT:

--The Zips elected two of their three captains for 2008. LB Doug Williams and TE Merce Poindexter are the defensive and offensive captains. The special teams captain is to be determined.

--RG Zack Anderson (shoulder) and LB Sean Fobbs (knee) both sat out spring ball after surgery. Both expect to be ready for the start of pre-season drills.

Previous Report: 03/27/2008