Akron
Akron

Akron Team Report

Updated: April 26, 2012 02:30 EST

There were many objectives that Akron coach Terry Bowden wanted to work on during this year's spring practice period. The Zips had to find playmakers on offense and put pressure somehow on the opponents' defense. Akron had to improve on the defensive side by limiting the big play and making critical stops. And the Zips had to find better leadership, get tougher, meaner and in better conditioning.

The Zips managed to take several steps forward in accomplishing numerous factors that should make them a better team in 2012. Last year, the Zips ranked 94th in total defense and 116th out of 120 teams in scoring defense in the FBS. The Zips showed improvement on the defensive side throughout the spring, including making turnovers and limiting points in the spring scrimmage.

Several players have shown promise on the defensive side, including end Albert Presley, cornerbacks Emmanuel Larty and Bill Alexander and defensive lineman Cody Grice.

"That's the No. 1 thing we can do as a team, is play better defense," Bowden said. "They have to come away from here (spring game) happy that they gave up just 14 points. I felt the defense showed a lot of maturity out there ... They didn't give up the big play."

Senior quarterback Dalton Williams is expected to be named the starter in the fall after a strong spring. Williams, a transfer from Stephen F. Austin University, completed 37-of-55 passes for three touchdowns in the spring game. Last year's starter Clayton Moore remains in the mix for the starting position and Kyle Pohl gained valuable experience in the spring.

"If one of them would have come out there and outdone the others in a big way, it would have been easier on me, but I think you know what the reality is," Bowden said. "We'll pick a quarterback. We just won't pick one now."

Wide receivers Marquelo Suel and Dee Frieson both looked impressive in the spring game and converted safety L.T. Smith closed the spring with 13 catches for 107 yards.

"I still see a lot of opportunity," Bowden said. "Guys who can take the ball and go 80 yards or 60 yards are at a premium. Receivers that can outrun people and catch the deep ball are essential to being able to have a great [vertical] passing attack."

--Akron first-year coach Terry Bowden's personality and TV background has led to increased attention for the football program. Bowden was mic'd for the spring game and two cameras followed him, with the possibility of a TV show in the works.

"We're trying to bring the season with some footage of spring and the operation. I think it's going to be with our TV show," Bowden said. "I think we're set with our television show for next year and we're looking forward to it."

--Bowden won't name a starter at quarterback with the three main candidates all lacking consistency. Dalton Williams, Clayton Moore and Kyle Pohl all shown flashes of potential, but each are missing a key element to win the starting job.

SPRING MOVERS:

LT Jarrod Pughsley -- The redshirt junior is slated to take over the coveted left tackle starting spot after shedding over 50 pounds of weight. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Pughsley did a good job containing defensive end Albert Presley in spring drills and showed good footwork.

RB Jawon Chisholm -- Put together an impressive spring by showing the new coaching staff his intensity in practice. His ability to run, catch passes and block is a valuable commodity for the offense.

CB Bill Alexander -- Earned the praise of first-year coach Terry Bowden with his excellent and physical play in the spring. His ability to cover man-to-man and play zone is a plus for a defense looking for playmakers.

CB Emmanuel Lartey -- The 5-foot-11 Lartey showed that he's a physical player despite his size with a good skill set to cover man-to-man and form a solid duo with cornerback Bill Alexander.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There's a sense of hope. There's a sense of excitement and anticipation. I don't know that we've earned it yet, but we've got some enthusiasm. I think people are just wanting good things to happen. We can't confuse enthusiasm with accomplishment. We haven't accomplished anything yet, but we've got a lot of people who are excited." -- Akron coach Terry Bowden.

2012 OUTLOOK: New coach Terry Bowden's personality and honesty has brought a fresh approach to the struggling program. Bowden's made big changes on the tempo of the offense and emphasized rapid improvement on defense. The Zips looked like a different program in the spring. Leadership was a key element that Bowden stressed to his new players. The Zips are heading in the right direction for the first time in years.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Injuries on the offensive line slowed some of the progress. The Zips are trying to put more pressure on opponents with a faster pace and a no-huddle spread offense. A starting quarterback has yet to be named, but early indications are that senior transfer Dalton Williams will be the starter. Running back Jawon Chisholm had one of the best springs among the offensive players and Marquelo Suel finished with a big performance in the spring game.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Zips haven't been able to stop teams for several years, allowing 38.5 points a game last year. The defense concluded the spring with an impressive showing in the annual scrimmage game. Junior college transfer Albert Presley is a game-changer judging by his big-play ability in the spring. The secondary is improved, but depth is an issue at several positions.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking game and special teams was a sore spot all spring. The Zips have to get better in this area before the start of the 2012 season. The kicking game remains a big problem. Tyler Williams is a player to watch next fall at kickoff returner. Last year's kicker A.J. Fox lacked consistency in the spring.

TOP NEWCOMERS:

DE Albert Presley -- Proved unblock able for most of Akron's linemen. The junior college recruit was one of the bright spots for the defense in the spring. His ability to get in the backfield and cause havoc is something to build on for next year.

QB Dalton Williams -- The Stephen F. Austin transfer immediately thrust himself into contention for the starting spot with a solid spring. His grasp and knowledge of the offense showed with his smooth transition to the new program and school.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Nick Rossi was moved to fullback to linebacker in the spring.

--L.T. Smith showed that his adjustment from safety to wide receiver was a good call by ending the spring game with a team-leading 13 catches for 107 yards.

--Cody Grice's play along the defensive line was a positive after he was switched to help the defense from fullback.