AKRON, Ohio – The third day of Akron’s 2007 spring football drills took on a new feel with the Zips wearing full pads and  having full contact throughout the session on Schrank Field.

“I thought the first day with full pads was good,” said head coach J.D. Brookhart. “The kids were excited and hopefully that will continue.”

The morning began with Akron conducting its first, full-speed PAT/field goal drill.

“The kids are really buying into the importance of special teams and want to be a part of them,” Brookhart said. “Matt Domonkos has come out and kicked extremely well. In fact he is kicking the best I have ever seen.”

Domonkos currently has the placekicking job in hand as Igor Iveljic has not been is cleared to return to action, missing last season with an injury.

Afterwards, the squad jumped immediately into contact drills. The opening drill had a running back making runs behind an offensive lineman squared off against a defensive lineman. Five yards down field the saw tight ends blocking linebackers. Beyond that, wide receivers were blocking defensive backs.

The first time the team came together in a scrimmage situation, the units were full speed, but contact was somewhat limited. However, practice came to a close with a 10-minute, game-like scrimmage. The offense showed some promise, moving the ball successfully on each of its two drives. However, the defense came up with stops each time. He first drive ended when Doug Williams scooped up a fumble and returned it about 60 yards for a score. The next drive was halted when Parris McNeal picked off a pass and returned it about 60 yards for a score.

“Some of the individual drills were a little sluggish at times today but we overall I was pleased with today’s practice,” Brookhart said. “It was good to see us in a scrimmage situation wearing pads. I think we are improved in the running game. Dennis Kennedy ran the ball well and I saw some real positives along the offensive front. However, we struggled at times with consistency.

“The defense needs to continue work on stopping the run. I did not like what I saw early in the scrimmage, but we ended by getting two defensive scores.”

The Zips 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.