Akron University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

·         Run/Pass %: 54/46

·         Run/Pass Attempts: 399/342

·         Points Per Game: 16.8

·         Points Allowed Per Game: 29.2

Key Returning Players:

·       Patrick Nicely, QB: Returning starting QB who threw for over 1700 yards in 2010 playing in all 12 games. Must improve his completion rate as well as interception rate for Akron to have any hope at being better in 2011.

·       Brian Wagner, LB: Leading returning tackler with 130 along with 2 INTs in 2010. One of the few    
       bright spots for a defense that gave up a lot of points in 2010. Must keep up his excellent play
       and hope that he gets some help on the defensive side.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

·       Rossi and March, LB: These two 3 star LBs have a chance to get playing time with Wagner
       being the only returning starting LB from 2010. They have the talent and if they are as expected, 
       they could be three or four year starters in 2011.

·       Kyle Pohl, QB: This 3 star QB from Ohio could possibly come in and start as a freshman considering how dreadful the passing game was in 2010. Time will tell how well Pohl can adapt to college game and we will see if he can become the Zips future QB.

Overall Assessment:

·       After 1-11 last season and getting outscored by over 10 points per game in 2010, Akron can only go up in 2011. The passing game must bring more to the table than the 1700 yards in 12 games that the Zips had last season. Defensively, there is a good building block in tackling machine Brian Wagner but other than that, the cupboard is pretty bare. Many players that did not play very much in 2010 will be expected to have very important roles this upcoming season. Best case scenario would be 3-4 wins and a good recruiting class giving hope for the future. Worst case would be another 1 win season and the ousting of the current head coach.