Spring Break
The Daily OrangeDouble Switch
Akron is hoping two radical position changes will pay off this season
By Heather Crowley
Posted: 9/4/08, 12:45 AM EST Section: Sports
Meanwhile Williams, in his first game at strong safety, nabbed the game's sole interception. He even flashed his running back speed, returning the pick 62 yards from the Akron goal line into the Badgers' territory. That set up an Akron field goal which pulled the Zips within one touchdown.
But neither switch represents the first time Brookhart has shifted his best players around the field.
In 2004, Brookhart moved his leading tackler, Domenik Hixon, to wide receiver. Hixon flourished at his new position, hauling in 66 receptions to tie the Akron single-season record.
Hixon even took his act to the NFL and, although perhaps best-remembered for his collision with former Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett that almost left Everett paralyzed, the fourth-round pick eventually won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants.
In 2005, Brookhart turned his backup quarterback Jabari Arthur into a wide receiver as well. Arthur caught 184 passes over the course of his career at Akron - a school record - and is now a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. As a wide receivers coach at Pittsburgh for four years, Brookhart helped develop NFL wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald from Arizona and Tampa Bay's Antonio Bryant.
The most difficult part of the transition for Jones has been running routes. Jones said his extensive time in the film room has helped him get a better understanding of the game.
"(Jones) was a great running back in high school so we felt that was a pretty logical move because we needed a little help at the receiver position," Brookhart said. "I felt that defensively Bryan was recruited defensively by most Big East teams coming out of high school so we are hoping that will be a pretty good fit for him."
Williams, on the other hand, initially came to Akron to play safety. But his success as a running back at Valley Forge Academy in Pennsylvania made him the most qualified candidate to fill in that spot with the Zips. Last season as Akron's main back, Williams rushed for 728 yards on 152 carries with two touchdowns.
But neither switch represents the first time Brookhart has shifted his best players around the field.
In 2004, Brookhart moved his leading tackler, Domenik Hixon, to wide receiver. Hixon flourished at his new position, hauling in 66 receptions to tie the Akron single-season record.
Hixon even took his act to the NFL and, although perhaps best-remembered for his collision with former Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett that almost left Everett paralyzed, the fourth-round pick eventually won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants.
In 2005, Brookhart turned his backup quarterback Jabari Arthur into a wide receiver as well. Arthur caught 184 passes over the course of his career at Akron - a school record - and is now a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. As a wide receivers coach at Pittsburgh for four years, Brookhart helped develop NFL wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald from Arizona and Tampa Bay's Antonio Bryant.
The most difficult part of the transition for Jones has been running routes. Jones said his extensive time in the film room has helped him get a better understanding of the game.
"(Jones) was a great running back in high school so we felt that was a pretty logical move because we needed a little help at the receiver position," Brookhart said. "I felt that defensively Bryan was recruited defensively by most Big East teams coming out of high school so we are hoping that will be a pretty good fit for him."
Williams, on the other hand, initially came to Akron to play safety. But his success as a running back at Valley Forge Academy in Pennsylvania made him the most qualified candidate to fill in that spot with the Zips. Last season as Akron's main back, Williams rushed for 728 yards on 152 carries with two touchdowns.
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