 Daniel Raudabaugh and the RedHawks took their lumps in 2008 Miami quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh certainly shouldered plenty of burden during – and following – the 2008 campaign. Not only did the respected Miami program finish with just one conference win and two total victories last year, Miami’s offense was at or near the bottom of several statistical categories. While the defense also posted some surprisingly bad numbers, as well, Raudabaugh knew his own play and position would be scrutinized.
The Coppell High School (Texas) graduate ultimately started nine of 12 RedHawk contests and appeared in 11 during the 2008 campaign. As new head coach Mike Haywood took over the reins in December, he made it clear every position was up for grabs, and the spring game ultimately served to determine a depth chart heading into fall practice.
When the spring drills came to an end, Raudabaugh was once again atop the depth chart. After a summer of hard work, he is now chomping at the bit to start his final season.
 Raudabaugh is working in a new system “This summer, we took a lot more on ourselves to work a little harder,” Raudabaugh said. “I think … it improved timing; it improved chemistry; it improved attitude and trust in one another.”
He continued, “When you know exactly where your receiver is going to be and when he is going to be there, you can just let it go. It feels good. You know what is going to happen. That is the type of thing that I think we are going to need this year and that we haven’t (always) had in the past.”
Indeed, Haywood has emphasized that a successful passing game is a collective effort, and coaches are insisting on disciplined routes. If the receivers get healthy and continue to improve on such things as routes and consistency, Haywood feels there is talent that could lead to better numbers. Most importantly, however,any statistic needs to reflect a path to victories. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win,” Raudabaugh said.
Two years ago, Raudabaugh and the RedHawks posted a 5-2 MAC record on the way to a MAC championship game appearance. Although Central Michigan pulled away late for a 35-10 win and a second straight MAC title, Miami fans were optimistic about 2008. The RedHawks would return a veteran lineup on both sides of the ball. Ultimately, however, theirexperience failed to produce the expected dividends, and the RedHawks stock crashed.
It will be a much less-experienced team that takes the field against Kentucky this week, but Raudabaugh has good vibes. That positive optimism includes his feelings about a youthful line that has the dual task of protecting him and opening some holes for what Haywood hopes will be a more consistent and dangerous running game. ”They’re a close-knit bunch,” Raudabaugh said of the offensive front.” Haywood, meanwhile, noted the line has begun “to develop some continuity” as fall camp continues its journey toward Saturdays opener at Paul Brown Stadium.
Raudabaugh appeared markedly more comfortable with the new offense and also performed relatively well during the team’s annual fall “picnic” scrimmage.” He attributes the improvement to a number of things, including work with quarterbacks coach Morris Watts, who has helped Raudabaugh improve his footwork. “It all starts with your feet. You’ve got to have your balance and your set point and your launch point ready to go (in order) to put the ball in the right place at the right time,” he said.
The senior signal caller also sees benefits from the challenges that coaches have placed on the squad. “I’m mentally sharper than I’ve ever been before. I think camp was tough, mentally and physically, but I think it made our team better …. We’re going to come out this year, and we’re going to play as a family. If one fails, we all fail, and ‘My brother is not too heavy,’ as coach Haywood stressed.”
Returning just eight starters and coming off a poor 2008, most preseason prognostications have Miami finishing at or near the bottom of the MAC East. If Raudabaugh and the RedHawks have their way, they will prove such predictions wrong. Asked if he was anxious to join his teammates in a traditional post-win rendering of the Miami fight song. “Raudabaugh said, “I can’t wait to sing it.”
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