For Warren Ball, the final proof came when the University of Akron football team put on the pads for the first time for Friday morning’s practice session.
Monday, the opening of camp, was the first clue. Even though the players weren’t in pads, everyone in attendance could see why Zips coach Terry Bowden and his staff welcomed the former Ohio State running back, who arrived at UA with a year of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-1, 232-pound Ball took a handoff from quarterback Thomas Woodson, hesitated ever so slightly to allow his blockers to set up and then jetted to the outside.That patience showed itself once again in Friday’s first practice, when the defense looked as if it had Ball trapped for a no-gain at best. Instead, after waiting for the hole to develop, he picked his way through for five yards.
Physically, Ball resembles former Zip Jawon Chisholm, but possesses more speed, with a time of 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash. After averaging 4.6 yards per carry in limited time at Ohio State, Ball could be a significant asset to the UA offense this season.
“What you notice about Warren is how big he is relative to what we’ve had here, to be as fast and strong as he is,” Bowden said.
Ball said UA offered what he was looking for.
“This was probably the best fit,” the sport industry major said. “I was blessed to get my degree at OSU and have four outstanding years there. I was just looking to make the best move and have the opportunity to come play.”
Of course, Ball would love to showcase his skills, but he doesn’t talk like a newcomer to the program — he sounds like he’s been here for each of his college years. There’s little talk of individuality and plenty of talk about team. And that’s noticeable given that his status as the No. 1 running back is written in ink in the team’s media guide.
“If he does his part, that’s what we expect out of him,” Bowden said of Ball. “When you bring in a one-year guy like that, you don’t promise him a starting position, but if you’re going to be a soothsayer that’s probably how you should line it up.”
Not that Ball cares if he starts or comes off the bench.
“I try not to pay attention to that honestly,” he said. “I’m just here to contribute in any way I can and, when my number is called, make the most of it. I try not to get involved in anything outside ... of what I can control and what I can do for this team.”
Of course, if Ball can contribute the way Bowden hopes, it should help improve the Zips’ fortunes in the Mid-American Conference’s East Division. And that’s all that matters, Ball said.
“My goals are to do whatever I can to contribute, help this team win and win the MAC,” he said. “Coach preaches doing that every day — win the MAC.
“We’re really hungry for that from summer workouts and every day in practice. That’s the mentality, so just coming and learning whatever. As an older guy, helping to bring some of the younger guys up as well, and just chase that MAC.”
Perhaps something Ball will teach those younger players is to not look back. No one could blame him for doing just that, considering the Buckeyes’ running back situation. OSU coach Urban Meyer recently dismissed Bri’onte Dunn, a GlenOak graduate who was expected to challenge for the starting running back job, after reports of a domestic violence incident. Had Ball stayed, that might have provided him with an opening to get significant playing time in Columbus. He doesn’t look at the situation that way, however.
“Not at all,” Ball said definitively when asked if he had any regrets about the transfer to UA. “I think everything happens for a reason — not speaking on Bri’onte’s situation, just on my behalf.
“I’m happy to be here and once I made that move, I haven’t looked back since. I’m just looking forward, so I’ve enjoyed my time here thus far and I’m just ready for the season and whatever comes forward.”
Camp summary
Bowden’s take on Session 5: “Although we’re not scrimmaging until Saturday, we got a feel for full contact. It was good to see the kids get a little altercation and playing with a little emotion, and I don’t mind it early while they have all that energy still. It was a good day. Nobody got hurt; we got a lot of work done.”
Observations
• Ball looks the part and, at least on the first day in full pads, played the part of starter. He excelled in 7-on-7 drills in which he played against a defensive line. In full-squad drills, he not only showed some strength, but also escapability.
• Ball’s presumed backup, sophomore Van Edwards, won’t be conceding the starting job. He broke a couple of runs, including one that would have gone for a score in a game situation.
• Junior Anthony Young had a rough go at the receiver position early on but came through later in 11-on-11s with a nice grab on a long pass.
• After a cornerback got the best of him on a slant, Akron native Jerome Lane Jr. came back two plays later with one-hand, diving grab in the end zone for a score.
• Wide receiver JoJo Natson continues to show signs he could be a huge weapon.
• The cornerback who got the best of Lane on one play? Junior Mikee Hayes, who stood out in the defensive backfield.
• Senior cornerback DeAndre Scott also had a couple of nice pass breakups and passes defensed.
• Former Kenmore standout Deon’Tae Moore, a junior defensive end, had a tackle-for-loss
• Junior defensive lineman Ibrahima Camara batted a pass.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at www.ohio.com/zips. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ.