Transfers could boost Zips in quest for more
AKRON ZIPS
2023 RECORD: 2-10 (1-7 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 10th
2023 RECORD: 2-10 (1-7 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 10th
MRO STAFF
While the Akron Zips won just one MAC game in 2023, they picked the perfect time/team to pull it off. With a Nov. 1 victory over arch-rival Kent State, UA took possession of the Wagon Wheel trophy.
It was the highlight of Year Two under head coach Joe Moorehead. Now Zips fans are hoping for ... well, MORE!
More MAC and non-conference wins, please! Akron was 2-10 (1-7 MAC) in each of the last two years, and the . . .
While the Akron Zips won just one MAC game in 2023, they picked the perfect time/team to pull it off. With a Nov. 1 victory over arch-rival Kent State, UA took possession of the Wagon Wheel trophy.
It was the highlight of Year Two under head coach Joe Moorehead. Now Zips fans are hoping for ... well, MORE!
More MAC and non-conference wins, please! Akron was 2-10 (1-7 MAC) in each of the last two years, and the . . .
. . . 2024 slate is loaded with challenges. UA opens at Ohio State and finishes at home against Toledo.
Injuries (e.g. QB DJ Irons) contributed to last year's struggles, Transfers may contribute to this year's progress.
OFFENSE:
Both Irons and Jeff Undercuffler Jr. are gone, but the Zips picked up Ben Finley in the transfer portal. He previously saw action at both North Carolina State and California and was at the helm when NCSU upset a ranked North Carolina squad in 2022. Overall, he has recorded 246 career passing attempts, 1,484 yards, 7 TDs and 9 interceptions.
Senior WR Alex Adams was a First Team All-MAC selection in 2022, but was limited to seven games (22 catches, 188 yards, 2 TDs) last year. With Finley at the trigger, a healthy Adams could again be very productive.
With UA ranked last in rushing in 2023, it could use considerable more production from the run game. Michigan State transfer Jordan Simmons (5-11, 195, Sr.) may be part of the solution. He'll be running behind a mix of experience and youth along the line.
Injuries (e.g. QB DJ Irons) contributed to last year's struggles, Transfers may contribute to this year's progress.
OFFENSE:
Both Irons and Jeff Undercuffler Jr. are gone, but the Zips picked up Ben Finley in the transfer portal. He previously saw action at both North Carolina State and California and was at the helm when NCSU upset a ranked North Carolina squad in 2022. Overall, he has recorded 246 career passing attempts, 1,484 yards, 7 TDs and 9 interceptions.
Senior WR Alex Adams was a First Team All-MAC selection in 2022, but was limited to seven games (22 catches, 188 yards, 2 TDs) last year. With Finley at the trigger, a healthy Adams could again be very productive.
With UA ranked last in rushing in 2023, it could use considerable more production from the run game. Michigan State transfer Jordan Simmons (5-11, 195, Sr.) may be part of the solution. He'll be running behind a mix of experience and youth along the line.
DEFENSE:
The Zips ranked ninth among MAC teams in scoring defense (28.0 ppg) and were seventh in total defense (335.0 ypg).
A key returner up front is CJ Nunnally IV. The senior earned First Team All-MAC honors last year while recording 10.5 TFL in league play. His overall numbers included 65 tackles and eight QB hurries. Senior Bennett Adler and junior Lama Lavea are also returning starters along the D-line.
There is also experience at the linebacker level. Senior Antavious Fish (6-0, 235) recorded 86 tackles (4 TFL), while Bryan McCoy earned Third Team All-MAC accolades. He owned a team-high 95 tackles (7 TFL).
Senior safety Daymon David (a former 4-start recruit) transferred in from Oregon and joins Darrian Lewis to anchor the Zips secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Kicker Noah Perez is now with East Carolina. Transfer Garrison Smith connected on 8 of 10 field goals at McNeese State in 2023. Senior Dante Jackson returns as punter, but the Zips were 12th in punting average while booting the second most punts among MAC teams last year.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
>> A crystal ball would come in handy for predicting the impact of transfers. However, at first glance it looks like UA helped itself with some key portal pickups.
>> Health, of course is a concern, and the non-conference schedule includes trips to Ohio State, Rutgers and South Carolina.
The Zips also have a challenging start to MAC play, going to Ohio before hosting an improved Bowling Green.
>> If UA can stay relatively healthy, this COULD be one of the more balanced Zip offenses in a while.
>> The Zips defense showed some improvement during the 2023 campaign. A continuation of that progress would help the cause.
So would some improvement on special teams.
The Zips ranked ninth among MAC teams in scoring defense (28.0 ppg) and were seventh in total defense (335.0 ypg).
A key returner up front is CJ Nunnally IV. The senior earned First Team All-MAC honors last year while recording 10.5 TFL in league play. His overall numbers included 65 tackles and eight QB hurries. Senior Bennett Adler and junior Lama Lavea are also returning starters along the D-line.
There is also experience at the linebacker level. Senior Antavious Fish (6-0, 235) recorded 86 tackles (4 TFL), while Bryan McCoy earned Third Team All-MAC accolades. He owned a team-high 95 tackles (7 TFL).
Senior safety Daymon David (a former 4-start recruit) transferred in from Oregon and joins Darrian Lewis to anchor the Zips secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Kicker Noah Perez is now with East Carolina. Transfer Garrison Smith connected on 8 of 10 field goals at McNeese State in 2023. Senior Dante Jackson returns as punter, but the Zips were 12th in punting average while booting the second most punts among MAC teams last year.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
>> A crystal ball would come in handy for predicting the impact of transfers. However, at first glance it looks like UA helped itself with some key portal pickups.
>> Health, of course is a concern, and the non-conference schedule includes trips to Ohio State, Rutgers and South Carolina.
The Zips also have a challenging start to MAC play, going to Ohio before hosting an improved Bowling Green.
>> If UA can stay relatively healthy, this COULD be one of the more balanced Zip offenses in a while.
>> The Zips defense showed some improvement during the 2023 campaign. A continuation of that progress would help the cause.
So would some improvement on special teams.
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