The Buchtelite

Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Buchtelite File Photo

The University of Akron football team is undergoing a major offensive overhaul.

With quarterback Luke Getsy gone, the Zips will not only have to find a new quarterback but integrate a new offensive system.

Under Getsy, a classic drop-back passer with the elusiveness of a statue, the Zips moved the ball with a traditional offensive scheme where the quarterback passes and the running back chews up yards on the ground.

Next season, the Zips will have a different approach to moving the ball. The three candidates for the starting quarterback job (Carlton Jackson, Chris Jacquemain and Sean Hakes) are nothing like Getsy.

All three are more athletic and suited for a style of offense that has been sweeping through the Mid-American Conference and the country.

The system uses the quarterback as the second - and sometimes first - option as a ball carrier, which is commonly known as the spread offense.

The Zips aren't exactly utilizing the spread, but more of a no-huddle offense that uses the quarterback as a main ball carrier out of the backfield.

"I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a spread," offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead said. "To me, spread means you aren't going to have a fullback or tight end on the field. To me, it's more of a no huddle than a spread. We're very deep and talented at the running back and tight end and we're going to utilize those guys."

Moorhead said that the change came about because of the personnel that UA has heading into next season.

He said the new system - which will include more options and direct quarterback run plays - not only suited the quarterbacks, but the skill position players and offensive line as well.

"With the guys we have now, they're young, they're inexperienced, but they're very athletic," Moorhead said. "They can throw the ball well and they add the extra dimension of being able to run the ball."

Head coach J.D. Brookhart said the change to a different style of quarterbacks is an evolution of the game that has come about for a number of reasons. One is the increasing speed of opposing defenses.

"You look at the speed of defenses, and there aren't many times you get to drop back, set your feet and have time to throw," Brookhart said. "The athletes are too good out there, so you have to have a guy out there that can move."

Another reason Brookhart said the change has come about is because it is easier to find and recruit an athlete than a passer.

Continued...

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