Akron has come a long way as a program, this marking their second (SECOND!) bowl game appearance in their programs history.
By: Mike Vahey
They won seven games this season for the first time since 2005, and a win will give them their first eight game win season since 1987. Terry Bowden has slowly but surely turned this team around and enough cannot be said about that.
The Aggies from Utah State are continuing their streak of bowl games, this marking their 5th straight, and are looking to keep the momentum going for another season. The motivation for this team will be sending out Chuckie Keeton on a high note as he’s the heart and soul of this team. Look for them to put the ball in his hands early and often in his final collegiate game.
While these teams aren’t stocked with NFL ready talent, there are several players on each team worth noting as they could be potential players at the next level. Let’s take a look:
Akron
Jatavis Brown, #1, OLB, SR
Brown is an undersized but overactive linebacker who plays sideline to sideline with high effort. The most impressive trait about Brown is his closing speed, able to close the gap with great acceleration and effort. While he is a bit diminutive, he packs a serious punch due to his explosion and timing. It remains to be seen where he’ll be at the NFL level as he’s best at playing downhill and his size suggests he may play safety. However, he’s a violent player and is truly fun to watch on tape.
Darryl Monroe, #4, ILB, SR
Graduate transfer from Washington State where he was a productive, if unremarkable player during his tenure there. Again, he’s proved to be a productive player for the Zips in 2015, though he took a backseat to Brown on this defense during the season. Though he doesn’t excel in any one area he demonstrates the ability to avoid blockers with his quickness and agility, moves through traffic well and is never out of a play with good pursuit habits. However, he’s undersized and not the explosive athlete teams covet from their interior players.
Michaelee Harris, #2, WR, SR
The Louisville transfer had a solid senior season for the Zips, posting 763 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s suffered a slew of injuries in his career, which have definitely hampered his productions and his athleticism. He has good size, not overly tall but is well built and lean. He is a guy that is really competitive when the ball is in the air, he’s a leaper and he will make more plays on the jump ball than one might think. One thing that cannot be questioned is his love for football, sticking to it despite the rash of injuries he’s undergone. Could be a UDFA with some upside.
Utah State
Chuckie Keeton, #16, QB
Injured early on in the season with a sprained MCL, he has returned in recent weeks and recently set the career touchdown record for Utah State. Used in both the run and pass game for Utah State, and has good arm strength to make difficult throws. Though he is a great athlete, he looks to throw first and if he doesn’t like what he sees, he can make plays with his feet. There are concerns over his knee injuries that may cause some teams to shy away from his as a prospect.
Hunter Sharp, WR, #4
Sharp has been the most consistent playmaker Utah State, especially in 2015 and made his way to the All Mountain West team back to back years. At 6′ and 190 pounds, he played pretty much every position, in the slot, split out wide, wherever they needed him. He runs very precise routes, and has great quickness to get in and out of his breaks. What really stands out is his ball skills, with the ability to go up and high point the ball and is a natural “hands’ catcher. Expect to hear his name called on the third day of the draft.
Kyler Fackrell, LB, #9
Fackrell has great combination of size (6’5″, 250) and speed and is an excellent athlete for Utah State. Has been asked to do pretty much everything for them through the course of his career and made the first team all-conference this year. He is athletic enough to play in coverage but where he excels is getting to the quarterback and causing havoc in the backfield. He has a great motor and has a knack to find the ball and get to the ball (had 5 fumble recoveries this season). Projects to be a mid to late round prospect.
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