Playing big is a cliché, but Ball State’s secondary may have to do just that tomorrow against the University of Akron.
The Zips’ top three receivers are all six feet tall or taller.
Senior Jerrod Dillard, who is 6-foot-5, has 18 catches for 235 yards and a touchdown.
Their leading receiver is Zach D’Orazio, who has 30 catches for 390 yards. He also has four touchdowns. He is listed at 6-foot-2.
Ball State’s starting cornerbacks Eric Patterson and Jeff Garrett are both listed at 5-foot-10.
The Cardinals’ starting safety Brian Jones said Akron’s height doesn’t matter much for safeties, though.
“They’re bigger, but they can run as well,“ Jones said of Akron’s wide receivers.
The main difference between tackling bigger receivers and smaller ones is the form.
“When it comes to tackling, you have to take a different approach,” Jones said. “With big receivers, you have to form tackle them to make sure they get on the ground.“
Akron does have one receiver who is smaller, making it difficult for Ball State.
Freshman Fransohn Bickley has 26 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns. However, he’s only averaging nine yards per catch. Head coach Pete Lembo said Bickley is probably “one step faster“ than Ball State senior wide receiver Jamill Smith.
“You have to be ready for whatever,“ Jones said. “A speedy receiver can give you anything.“
Garrett will be matched up with one of Akron’s bigger receivers during the game, and he’s been preparing with one of Ball State’s bigger players.
“Jordan Williams is a big guy on our team,“ Garrett said. “… This week I’ve been going up against him a lot. He’s similar to those Akron players. Big receivers try to body you up.“
Garrett said bigger corners can use their hands more, while smaller corners can use their technique more.
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