In a league with many question marks, Miami University figures to be one of the schools most in need of answers. Answers, that is, in the form of players who can execute in the systems being installed by new coach Mike Haywood and his staff.

Haywood comes to Oxford via Notre Dame, for which he was both a player and assistant coach. He also has assistant coaching experience at several other high profile programs (e.g. Texas, LSU) and MAC schools. The combined experiences not only helped mold Haywood as a coach, they provided him with contacts. A number of those contacts are now members of a coaching staff that is intent on returning the RedHawks to their more traditional role as a perennial MAC contender.

As senior quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh pointed out during a MAC media day interview, players are drawn to Miami, in part, because of its winning tradition. That tradition, however, was hardly evident in 2008 when the RedHawks won just one conference game during an abysmal 2-10 season.

What made it more surprising was that Miami entered 2008 with high hopes based on the availability of experienced offensive and defensive units. Nonetheless, the Red and White were near the bottom of national rankings in a number of offensive and defensive categories. They were 107th in scoring, 101st in scoring defense and 110th in turnover margin.

You know it has been “that kind of year” when a former walk-on punter from the local area – Jake Richardson – is named most valuable player. Granted, Richardson was the MAC’s leading punter and set a Miami single season punting record with a 45.38 yard average. He could well be punting on Sundays this fall. The award nonetheless reflects the struggles of a team that floundered in 2008.

Haywood, who took over after head coach Shane Montgomery resigned shortly after the

season finale, quickly began his drive to emphasize mental toughness and individual discipline. Both qualities are incorporated into a revamped RedHawks style that will include a heavy dose of “smash-mouth football.”

Even as Haywood’s staff was establishing the framework for a more aggressive 2009 squad, they also were busy recruiting a large freshman class that appears to fit the “smash-mouth” goals very well.

OFFENSE: Haywood noted the team’s poor performance in the red zone last year was in no small part related to a very inconsistent ground game. “You have to be able to run the football in the red zone,” he said.

Miami returns several experienced running backs, who bring a variety of skills to the field. Junior Thomas Merriweather emerged from a spirited spring competition as the No. 1 running back on the depth chart. He led the RedHawks with 565 yards (3.9 ypc) and four touchdowns in 2008. J.R. Taylor averaged 4.9 yards per carry and had two 100-yard performances last season.

Redshirt freshman Danny Green and senior Andre Bratton, a valuable receiver out of the backfield (33 catches, 246 yards) are also in the mix. A new face who eventually could make a significant contribution to the ground game is Quincy Landingham. The 6-0, 228-pound sophomore running back is a transfer from Wisconsin, but an injury prevented him from showing his skills during spring ball.

Whoever gets the ball to start the season, he will likely receive the handoff from quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh. The Coppell, Texas native took some heat last year while Miami’s offense finished just one spot from the MAC’s bottom in total offense (all games). “When you’re a quarterback, you touch the ball every play, and I take it personally,” Raudabaugh said.

The senior actually connected on 58.6 percent of his passes, but tossed nine interceptions against 8 TDs in 2008. Consistency, he said, is the key. Raudabaugh believes new quarterbacks coach Morris Watts is helping him improve and build on the toughness and experience Raudabaugh already brings to the table. “I’m excited,” he said.
“Offensively, we’ve got some weapons. We can make plays.”

Redshirt Freshman Zac Dysert moved into the second spot on the depth chart following spring practice. Sophomore Clay Belton started three games in 2008 but was injured during the stretch run and also missed spring practice snaps due to an injury. A final piece of the quarterback picture could be talented freshman Austin Boucher, who turned down a scholarship offer from Ohio State and won Most Valuable Offensive Player honors in the prestigious Big 33 Game),

While Miami lost a good pair of tight ends, the RedHawks benefit from experience at the wide receiver position. “I’m looking forward to some of those guys coming back off injury,” said Haywood, who believes the passing game will become more consistent as receivers embrace a broader goal. “We need to join as one – to be more unified and leave our egos at the door.”

Chris Givens (6-2, 204, jr.) and Jamal Rogers (5-11, 167, jr.) finished atop the depth chart following spring drills. Givens led Miami in touchdown receptions (seven) and yards per catch (14.7 ypc.) in 2008 and also returned kickoffs. Eugene Harris is s TD threat with each reception and excels at punt returns.

One of the biggest areas of concern for Miami fans might be the offensive line. Three starting linemen are gone. Left to anchor the 2009 front are junior Bob Gulley (6-4. 308) and sophomore Brandon Brooks (12 starts as a freshman). The latter is both big (325 pounds) and athletic (36-inch vertical jump and the strongest RedHawk in two weight-lifting categories). Gully was banged up in 2008, but nonetheless answered the bell to start eight games at either right tackle or left guard, where he is slated to start 2009.

Brad Bednar, a 273-pound grayshirt freshman, won the starting center job during spring drills. Nate Williams (6-5, 308, right guard) and Ken Staudinger (6-5, 272, right tackle) round out the projected RedHawk front line.

DEFENSE: Miami enters 2009 much less heralded, but with a lot to prove. One goal will be to prove 2008 was an aberration for a program that has produced nationally-ranked defenses.

Haywood took a major step toward moving the RedHawks defense in a more proactive direction when he brought in Carl Reese as defensive coordinator. “Bull” Reese has 38 years of coaching behind him, including stops at Texas and LSU, both of which fielded a nationally-ranked defense. “We’re doing some different things on defense,” Haywood said. “We want to have an aggressive mentality.”

Senior Caleb Bostic is the lone returning linebacker from last season’s ballyhooed trio of Bostic, Joey Hudson and Clayton Mullins. Bostic had a breakout season in 2007 when he recorded 103 tackles. After slipping to 40 tackles in nine games last season, Bostic has one final campaign to move past potential and make his mark.

Several newcomers looked good in spring practice, and with a new scheme/approach, the linebacking group could be a real plus for this year’s defense.

Like the offensive line, Miami’s defensive front will need to answer some questions. It yielded a MAC-worst 2,500 yards rushing to 12 opponents. Senior tackle Martin Channels (6-0. 319) has the most experience. He likes to get into the opponent’s backfield and had eight tackles for loss in 2008.

Possibly the most anxious RedHawk to start the season is Jordan Gafford. The 6-0, 206-pound safety out of Columbus broke a bone in his leg during the second game of 2008 (against Michigan). While he tried to get back on the field, it didn’t work out. “The year in general was tough,” Gafford said. “It feels like forever” (since I’ve played).

With the departure of fellow safety Robbie Wilson, Gafford’s experience, knowledge and skills will be particularly valuable. Other letter-winning secondary players include Jeff Thompson, Brandon Stephens, Wendell Brunson, Peris Edwards, Anthony Kokal and Cornelius Ward.

SPECIAL TEAMS: In a year of inconsistent performances, one area did shine for Miami. That was special teams. Punter Jake Richardson and place kicker Nathan Parseghian were solid contributors. Both graduated after earning All-MAC First Team honors. Junior Trevor Cook (placekicker) and Chris DiCesare (punter) take over kicking duties. Seth Phillips, injured last spring, took over kickoff duties at mid-season in 2008.