Spring Break
Experienced DBs anchor Zips defense
Adam Ferrise
Issue date: 4/24/07 Section: Sports
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Whether it's because of inexperience (quarterbacks, offensive line) or sheer lack of production (tight ends, place kickers), there are many questions that went unanswered during its spring practice schedule, which concluded on Saturday.
One unit Brookhart won't have to worry about in the offseason will be his defensive backs. The Zips return five experienced players from last season. Seniors Reggie Corner, John Mackey, Davanzo Tate, Chevin Pace and Yamari Dixon as well as junior Andre Jones, are all returning after successful 2006 campaigns.
Corner led the team with four interceptions last year, Mackey led the Zips in tackles (88, 52 solo) and Tate was third in the Mid-American Conference with 13 pass breakups. Jones recorded seven defended passes and 77 tackles.
"The defense looks great," Brookhart said. "There's not a lot of hesitation. The guys are playing fast with not a lot of thinking, just reacting."
Statistically speaking, the Zips' pass defense was their strength last season. They yielded 186 passing yards per game and allowed opponents to complete just 54 percent of their passes, third lowest in the conference.
With everyone back from last year, the unit looks even stronger.
"We know how each other plays," said senior rover John Mackey. "We're more consistent and more experienced."
Mackey said the chemistry between the defensive backs is much better than it was last year, thanks to special counseling sessions the Zips attended.
The starters and backups "are really close," he said. "Everyone is a lot more comfortable."
Brookhart said the secondary was not tested much during the spring because of the changing offensive scheme and the struggles of the young quarterbacks to adapt.
"They had a nice spring," Brookhart said of his defensive backs. "But it's a concern (that they weren't tested). It bothers you that you can't get a lot of work done."
The lack of live repetitions may hinder a less experienced group. But the senior-laden secondary is focused on improving.
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