AKRON, Ohio – Day seven of Akron’s spring football practice had a scrimmage scheduled. Some injuries did not allow that to happen. However, the two-hour workout in the Athletics Field House did end with some situational team periods.

First, the offense was backed up against its own one yard line and its goal was to get a first down, which is did on one of the two attempts. Then the team turned around with the offense having the ball on the 20 to work on red zone situations. Within that segment, the ball was placed on various hashes and yard lines and the drill came to an end after a nice touchdown run off left tackle by transfer back Andrew Johnson.

While the drill ended with Johnson’s run, the defense had its share of success during Friday’s practice as well, including a 65-yard interception return for a score by Reggie Corner.

Each practice shows evidence of the team implementing more into the Zips’ game plan. Not only are the offenses and defenses installing more looks and plays, but special teams adds more and more each practice as well.

After talking with offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead yesterday, defensive coordinator Jim Fleming gives his take on spring drills to date:

What are some positives through seven practices?

“There is good chemistry and attitude with this team. We have had good leadership at each of the positional groups. The players are also working hard to meet the high expectation levels of performance we have put in place for them. I think we are a solid two-deep at safety and are close to being a solid two-deep across the whole secondary.”

What are some points of emphasis for this spring for the defense?

“Coming out of last year, we are focused on the defense doing more to win games. Our challenge is to score on defense, create more turnovers and be stingy. I have been pleased with the number of turnovers we have been able to force so far.”

What does spring practice mean for this group?

“We only have one proven starter along the defensive front (Jared Cecchetti) so the increased reps has been incredible. Also, while your upset a Kevin Grant gets injured, he is very knowledgeable and very experienced so you are pleased with the extra work an Al-Teric Balaam is getting. Also, we have the luxury of moving some players around to create different packages and put more speed on the field when needed. For instance, you could see a Mitchell Magloire on the defensive line, see a Chevin Pace play some linebacker or even see perhaps our best corner, Brandon Anderson, play some strong safety. The spring allows us to make these adjustments as we are not preparing for an opponent. Spring practice also is a time to continue improvement of fundamentals. We are striving for zero defects and no missed assignments.”

Other than the “names”, who is having a good spring so far?

“We are getting good leadership at each positional group on defense. I like what I have seen from Miguel Graham. Wayne Cobham has made real progress and Amin Kabir has shown some really good things.”

Akron will take the next three days off before returning to practice next Tuesday. 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.