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.

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