Miami-OH Redhawks

Head Coach

Shane Montgomery	4th year
07-08	6-7
MAC	5-2
FCR	111

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Entering his 4th season Shane Montgomery has righted the ship, the RedHawks won six games following a two win season in 06’. Fifteen starters return including 8 to a defensive unit that was solid, with improvement on offense and in the turnover battle this is a team that will once again be a major player in the MAC.

Quarterback - At quarterback junior Daniel Raudabaugh returns, he threw for 2,431 yards but had 12 interceptions to go with his 12 TD’s. Redshirt freshman Clay Belton looked good this spring and the battle for the starting position will probably go down to the wire.

Running Backs - Sophomore Thomas Merriweather is the likely starter at tailback, he has the size to run between the tackles and the speed to break it to the outside, Merriweather had only 143 yards rushing last year in a limited role but did contribute four TD’s.

Receivers - The receiving corps is led by sophomore Eugene Harris who had 46 catches for 542 yards and two TD’s. Also returning are junior Dustin Woods and sophomore Chris Givens, true freshman Dan Green showed this spring that he was special talent and will be on the field. At tight end senior Tom Crabtree returns, he’s a capable receiver and also contributes in the running game.

Offensive Line - The O-Line is led by a pair returning seniors on the left side Dave DiFranco at left guard and at tackle senior Steve Sutter. Also returning is another senior at center Josh Satterwait, new faces upfront will be at right tackle junior Zachary Marshall and at right guard sophomore Bob Gulley. It’s time for this unit to come together if the RedHawks expect to contend for the MAC title, the run blocking is an area that needs the greatest improvement.

Defensive Line - The front four did s good job last year and three starters return, Miami was 108th in scoring, lost the turnover battle yet managed to play for the MAC championship, much of the credit goes to the pressure they put on the opposing QB’s. On the outside both senior Joe Coniglio and junior Travis Craven return, they combined for 11 sacks, with Coniglio getting 7 ½. Returning at nose tackle is junior Martin Channels; he’ll be joined by a pair of sophomores who saw action last year in Sean Redwine and Alex Stewart.

Linebackers - Returning at the weakside spot is last year’s MAC Defensive Player of the Year, senior Clayton Mullins who recorded 143 tackles and plays sideline to sideline. Also returning are junior Joey Hudson in the middle and on the strongside junior Caleb Bostic, Hudson was 2nd team All-MAC and Bostic chipped in with 103 tackles. This is clearly the best Linebacking unit in the MAC and they’ll only get better.

Defensive Backs - This a veteran unit led by senior Robbie Wilson at strong safety and junior Jordan Gafford at free safety, thet combined for 164 tackles and Gafford will be in line for postseason honors. At the corners will be juniors Wendell Brunson and Jeff Thompson, Thompson led the team with three interceptions last season and Brunson appears poised to make a name for himself as a shut down cover guy.

Special Teams - At punter senior Jake Richardson is a Ray Guy finalist after averaging 45.0 yards last season, handling the placekicking will be senior Nathan Parseghian who was 13 of 20 but not much range, he could be pushed by junior Trevor Cook. The return units were outstanding last year with Eugene Harris averaging 9.3 on his punt returns and sophomore Jamal Rogers just under 23 yards on his kick returns.

Schedule - They open with Vandy at home a very winnable game, at Michigan and Cincy in weeks two and four will be difficult. They don’t have to face Central Michigan and get Ball St at home but will travel to Bowling Green, six homes games in the MAC is a plus. They’ll be in contention and with improvement on the offensive side of the ball expect to see Miami get 9+ wins and a spot in the MAC title game this season.