AKRON, Ohio – Much as it did yesterday, the University of Akron football team worked out for just over two hours in helmets and shorts Friday afternoon on Schrank Field. However, a large focus of today’s session focused on individuals drills.

Friday’s practice, which was more traditional than yesterday’s rapid-fire approach, started with the team coming together to work on special teams, namely punting, punt protection/coverage and PAT/field goal. After a few periods of that, the team broke off into their position groups and focused on technique, footwork, timing and all the nuances of their respective positions. The individual drills lasted deep into practice before the squad came back for the offense to face the defense as a team. A few periods of team drills gave way to seven-on-seven drills (the offense’s backs and receivers working against the defense’s linebackers and secondary), while the offensive and defensive lines worked separately. A final special teams period, which saw nearly the whole team work on tackling fundamentals, was all that stood in the way of a final team session, where the squad faced third-down and two-minute situations.

“I said yesterday that if all of our practices this fall were as fast-paced and energetic as day one, I would be happy,” said fourth-year head coach J.D. Brookhart. “I have now been happy twice. I like how our team is responding and I like their enthusiasm.

“Again, it is hard to get a real picture with us just wearing helmets, but tomorrow we will be able to put the shoulder pads on and have more contact. Specifically, the drills at the end of today’s practice are tough to gauge. Without pads, it is hard to know if your backs can get those hard-earned yards or if the defense can make the stop. Also, when we ended practice with the two-minute plays, we have not installed those plays so it is hard to judge how things went.”

The Zips will practice on both Saturday and Sunday before taking Monday off. Check back with GoZips.com Monday to get a full spring roster and updated depth chart, reflecting the first four days of practice.

Akron will hold its annual spring game on April 15 (Sunday) at 4 pm in the Athletics Field House. Prior to the game, the Zip baseball team will host Central Michigan at 1 pm. All the events of the day – presented by Sky Bank – will be released as details are solidified.