Player spotlight: Akron QB Kyle Pohl

Story posted September 4, 2014 in CommRadio, Sports by Tyler Zulli

Most quarterbacks at the collegiate level are guys that were, at least to some extent, highly touted quarterbacks in high school. Some played other positions, lining up on the defensive side of the ball, or shining on special teams. But for Akron starter Kyle Pohl, however, there seems to be a different story altogether. 

While in his sophomore year, Pohl broke the single season reception record at Valley View High School with 43 receptions. With those types of numbers, it would lend college coaches to believe that Pohl could be a wide out at the next level.

Instead, Pohl decided to give quarterback a shot entering his junior year. After attempting a few passes his sophomore year, Pohl went from record-breaking wide receiver to starting quarterback at Valley View in just one year.

With his dual threat ability, Pohl exceled at the quarterback position, throwing for 16 touchdowns and over 1700 yards in his junior year. He added nearly 300 yards with on the ground, punching in another three scores. 

Pohl, the now junior signal caller for the Zips, is out to prove that his team isn’t going to go down quietly when they step foot in Beaver Stadium this Saturday.

Akron will come into Beaver Stadium with momentum following a 41-0 thumping of Howard University in week one. Pohl had the offense clicking, putting up over 500 yards of offense with 400 of those coming through the air.

The junior completed nearly 64 percent of his passes on the day as Akron jumped out to a 21-0 in the first five minutes. He thrived in his first start of the 2014 season, throwing for over 300 yards and four scores in Akron’s 41-0 win over Howard at home. Pohl was also the leading rusher on the day for the Zips, adding nearly 50 yards on the ground.

Yes, Akron opened up with a light opponent in Howard. And yes, coming into Beaver Stadium for Penn State’s home opener is a completely different beast. But that said, Pohl and his Zips will come into Happy Valley with a ton of confidence and can’t be taken lightly.

The numbers lean heavily in Penn State’s favor, as spreads have ranged from as low as 15 points to as high as 20 points for this Saturday’s matchup between the Nittany Lions and Zips.

Penn State opens the Big Ten conference schedule next week in Piscataway with a showdown against Rutgers. A game that many have had circled for quite some time, James Franklin can’t afford to allow his club to overlook a talented Akron squad. Pohl is experienced, talented and capable of putting up points against this Nittany Lion defense.

Tyler Zulli is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email Tzull34@gmail.com.