Thursday, Aug. 27 (AM) – Scott Scarborough has laid devastation to the University of Akron since he arrived as president a short time ago, cutting through the middle of the campus like a John Elway drive to the Dawg Pound.
In fact, by mandating 213 layoffs, eliminating the baseball program and all but closing landmark buildings while at the same spending an obscene amount of money to help renovate the home he moved into, he has become so unpopular in Summit County that he makes the hated Elway look like a folk hero.
But Scarborough might have finally done something right by hiring former Browns offensive lineman Larry Williams as the school’s new athletic director.
A 10th-round choice in the 1985 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, the 6-foot-5, 290-pounder spent four years (1985-88) with the Browns, including the last three as the starter at left guard.
Williams brings not only a fresh face and a broad smile to a school that needs plenty of both at the top around Scarborough, but also some things that can help UA navigate through this difficult time.
“He was a tough guy and a smart guy when he played here,” said longtime Browns radio color analyst Doug Dieken, who should know what it takes to be a good offensive lineman after manning left tackle for the team for 14 seasons (1971-84). “The smartest guy I ever played with was Robert Jackson. Larry had smarts like that, too.
“He was also tough and physical – a big, burly, strong guy. Really, he was like a lot of the linemen the Browns had back then who could defeat you with their body and their brains as well.”
Williams’ four seasons with the Browns resulted in four trips to the playoffs, three Central Division titles and two AFC Championship Game appearances.
And, oh, yes, a lot of fun – a lot of fun. Browns games during that time were like Sunday afternoon parties. A good time was had by all. Just ask any fan who lived through that memorable period.
The University of Akron needs all the fun and good times it can get right now. If Larry Williams can remember the way from 30 years ago – and I’m sure he can – then he just might be able to steer the school in that direction.
