INSIDE SLANT
The Akron program decided not to waste any time and seek a new direction by firing head coach J.D. Brookhart the day after the season ended. Under Brookhart, the Zips showed promise of becoming a powerhouse.
Akron captured the MAC East Division title and won the MAC Championship Game in 2005, the first time the Zips won the conference title and earned a bowl bid in the school’s Division I era. Under Brookhart, the Zips added several other milestones, defeating a BCS opponent—North Carolina State in 2006 and Syracuse in 2008—for the first time in school history. Brookhart finished with a 5-1 record against rival Kent State, including a memorable win this season to spoil KSU’s bowl chances.
“I don’t want to be bitter,” said Brookhart, who had a 30-42 record in six seasons at Akron. “Me and my family have had six great years in Akron we have thoroughly enjoyed. We love this place. At the same time, I realize, this is a business.”
What led to Brookhart’s dismissal was the inability to capitalize on the 2005 success. The Zips posted a 17-31 mark in the four seasons since winning the MAC title. The four straight losing seasons and rash of problems in the program contributed to Brookhart’s firing.
The Zips started the season with high hopes with the opening of the $61.6-million InfoCision Stadium in September. The Zips defeated Morgan State in the first game played at InfoCision Stadium. It was all downhill from that moment.
Senior quarterback Chris Jacquemain, a starter in 2007 and 2008, was dismissed from the team early in the season for a violation of team policy. Jacquemain’s dismissal led to a snowball effect.
Recruiting coordinator Reno Ferri was placed on administrative leave pending a review if he violated NCAA rules, with Ferri eventually resigning.
A handful of injuries to key players led to Akron stumbling to a 3-9 mark. The Zips lacked a running game and put little pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Akron finished with 1,421 yards, with Joe Tuzze leading the team with a scant 244 yards. The defense finished with 11 sacks and allowed opponents to convert 49 percent of their third down attempts. Andre Jones was the lone reliable playmaker on offense. The senior was a jack-of-all-trades for the Zips, finishing with 553 receiving yards, 34 rushing yards, one incompletion, four punt returns for 18 yards, three kickoff returns for 59 yards and 21 tackles.
The Zips defeated Morgan State, Kent State and Eastern Michigan in Brookhart’s final season.
NOTES, QUOTES
Game Of The Year: Akron 28, Kent State 20—The Zips defeated their rivals behind a solid game from wide receiver Jeremy LaFrance, who caught eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Andre Jones added six receptions for 93 yards.
Players Of The Year:
WR Andre Jones—Played numerous positions for a team with injury issues. Jones started on both the offensive and defensive side. Jones became the second player in the nation to start at three different positions in 2009, starting at safety, corner and wide receiver. Jones finished with 553 yards receiving and 21 tackles.
WR Deryn Bowser—A freshman, Bowser was an instant contributor until suffering a season-ending injury. Bowser started all six games he played, ending with 21 receptions for 307 yards and five touchdowns.
LB Brian Wagner—The freshman was a star from the first game. Wagner rolled up a team-high 132 tackles and seven tackles for a loss. He added two interceptions and recovered two fumbles.
Fast Forward: The Zips can’t move forward until they find a new head coach. The firing of J.D. Brookhart with one year left on his contract signals a new direction for the program. The Zips have posted four straight losing seasons, failing to build on the 2005 MAC title and building of the $61.6-million InfoCision Stadium. The new stadium is a big draw for potential recruits. The Zips need several players to return healthy after suffering season-ending injuries.
Recruiting Trail: Despite dealing with the prospects of losing his job, J.D. Brookhart had an impressive class set to sign with Akron. The Zips had 10 commitments in place before Brookhart’s firing on Nov. 28. The new $61.6-million InfoCision Stadium was a big draw to recruits. The big haul in the talented class is defensive tackle Christopher Henderson, a four-star Rivals.com recruit ready to help Akron’s woeful defensive line. Linebacker Chase Hoobler is another player expected to contribute immediately. The key for Akron will be finding a new coach as soon as possible to keep several players from changing their minds.
Quote To Note: ”Lots of factors play into a decision like this, but, in the end, four straight losing seasons in the MAC is not representative of where we want to go as a program. This university has made a tremendous commitment to the football program, as you can tell from the wonderful facilities that we have and a good and growing fan base that we hope to continue to grow. Now it’s time for a new vision and a new voice.”—Akron Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill on the firing of coach J.D. Brookhart.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Players To Watch In 2010:
WR Deryn Bowser—In six starts, the freshman managed to lead the Zips with five touchdown catches. Bowser missed the final six games with an injury. He had 21 receptions for 307 yards in six games.
LB Brian Wagner—One of the best freshmen in the country. Wagner was a bright spot for a defense without many playmakers. He recorded 132 tackles and intercepted two passes.
QB Matt Rodgers—Showed some promise before suffering a season-ending injury. Will battle Patrick Nicely for the starting spot in 2010.
Pro Prospects:
WR Andre Jones—Should get looks by NFL teams due to his ability to play numerous positions. Started at corner, safety and wide receiver for the Zips in 2009.
KR Dashan Miller—A threat to return a kickoff for a touchdown, Miller might get an opportunity as a free agent.
Roster Report:
• LB Aaron Williams was lost for the season after fracturing his radius at Buffalo.
• TB Broderick Alexander lost his redshirt season with just five games left in the regular season. Alexander finished with
• DL Joe Rash was ruled out for the season after suffering a knee injury at Syracuse.
• QB Matt Rodgers suffered a season-ending left knee injury against Ohio.
• DB Diamond Weaver was out for the season after having hernia surgery early in the season.
• WR Deryn Bowser was lost for the season after fracturing his fibula at Buffalo in Week 6.
• TB Alex Allen plans to petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.
