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 OXFORD, OH - When new head coach Don Treadwell and his staff took over recruiting duties last year, the focus was on filling out a recruiting class that was already almost finished. Things were different this year, and early results from Miami’s National Letter of Intent signing day look promising as the RedHawks were able to address some key areas.
“Having a full year to recruit really does make a difference, because … we know much more now (about) what we need to address,” Treadwell said. “I think from top to bottom … this is a class that will add great value to our program.”
Treadwell called the class “very well balanced,” and the 25-member group does bring in nearly equal numbers on both sides of the ball. At the same time, it provides numbers – and some potential help – in key spots.
Miami finished last among BCS schools rushing the football last year. That, along with some kicking issues, hurt the RedHawks chances in several close games. Both areas were addressed in the 2012 class.
Kaleb Patterson is the son of a former Southeast Conference kicker and stands to be in the Miami mix at place kicker early. The Duncan, South Carolina native was an all-region kicker for Byrnes High School and state coaches voted Patterson Specialist of the Year. He was also a Shrine Bowl participant. Patterson made 10-of-19 field goals last season with a long of 54 yards. The 5-9, 160-pounder also converted 89-of-91 extra point attempts.
Treadwell and the staff were particularly impressed with Patterson’s ability to produce under pressure.
“His team has won championship after championship there in South Carolina. So, he’s kicked in a tremendous amount of big games … and he has come through,” said Treadwell, who noted Patterson was a “highly-recruited man at his position.”
More special teams potential comes from several players who have return capabilities. Fred McRae, a 5-9, 160-pound wide receiver from Chaminade-Madonna High School in Miami, Fla., committed to the RedHawks despite seven other offers. “He was one of the most dynamic players we saw this year as a return specialist,” Treadwell said.
As far as resurrecting a running game is concerned, Treadwell indicated improvement would need to come from two areas – both of which received an influx of talent.
“You do that (improve) with the offensive line, and you do that with who is carrying the ball.” Treadwell said. “We brought in … four offensive linemen and three running backs. So we feel very good with the potential of those areas.”
Offensive line is one of the tougher positions from which to get immediate results. But Miami landed some good talent, including two players out of Cincinnati’s renowned Greater Catholic League. Brandyn Cook is a 6-2, 295-pounder from St. Xavier High School. Nick Custer is a 6-4 lineman out of Elder.
Terry Davis (6-4, 305) is also out of Cincinnati (Wyoming H.S.), while Ryan Callen (6-5, 270) played his prep ball at Central High School in Hinsdale, Ill.
The hybrid lineman-receiver spot of tight end brought in 6-3, 240-pound Orlando David. A high school teammate of McRae in Miami (Fla), David had numerous offers, including Alabama, Nebraska, Illinois and West Virginia.
“Orlando is a tremendous athlete who could play just about any position on the field,” Treadwell said. “We’re very excited about him and his ability to block and play downfield as a mismatched receiver. A lot of different BCS schools wanted him, but he felt that Miami was the right fit for him. We have been blessed.”
Another tight end is 6-3, 251-pound Jimmy Rousher out of Canfield (Ohio) High School. The first-team Division II all-state selection as a senior is a competitor.
“It’s nothing for Jimmy to put on a 30- or 50-pound weight vest and go running at 6 o’clock in the morning, just to begin his day. He brings toughness to the table,” Treadwell said.
Outside of possibly the offensive line, no other position may have been hit harder by injuries and issues last season than running back. Just how quickly any of the new recruits get the call is an open question, but for a team that finished last (nationally) in rushing in 2011, all options are open.
“An improved offensive line … and running backs that know how to run north and south make a difference,” Treadwell said. “Yeah, it does start up front, but it does help to have a back who knows how to stick it up in there.”
A running back who seems to fit the description is Jack Snowball. The 5-10, 210-pounder from Wadsworth, Ohio rushed for 2.594 yards and scored 31 touchdowns on the way to Ohio’s Division I co-Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2011. As if those credentials weren’t enough, he also has another amazing stat that coaches have to love: Snowball did not fumble even once in his entire prep career.
A lot of schools nowadays … have been more centered around the spread offense,” Treadwell said. “Snowball is a little bit more traditional – that 5-11, 220-pound back who just knows how to churn out the tough yards but also has tremendous balance and the ability to hit the hole. There is a place for him in our style of offense, because we believe that is important – to be able to get the tough yards, as well.”
Jamier Westbrook (5-9, 195) is an area product out of Kings High School. “He can do three yards and a cloud of dust, or he can catch a crease and go 60 yards. Jamier is a complete package,” Treadwell said. “You’ve got to bring certain things to the table (as a running back), and, boy, does he bring that.”
Spencer McInnis (5-9, 175) played in the Army All-America High School Game on Dec. 30 and was an all-state performer at Orchard Lake St. Mary High School in Michigan. “He’s a no-frills player who always goes north and south,” Treadwell said.
The RedHawks may also get some yardage – air and ground – out of quarterback recruit Austin Gearing (6-5, 210) out of Bishop Fenwick high School. “His height and his range are intangibles that excite you and he is extremely athletic,” Treadwell said. When his receivers are covered, he can tuck the ball and become a weapon as a runner.”
Among the incoming passing targets is 6-5, 205-pound Sam Shisso out of Charlotte, North Carolina. However, he moved to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999 and has somewhat limited experience with American football. “There’s always a place for receivers with bigger frames because they get separation from their defender,” Treadwell said.
Fred McCrae (5-9, 160) out of Miami, Fla., figures as a slot receiver and Rakeem Williams (6-1, 185) is one of five Miami signees from South Carolina. “At his size, Rokeem has the ability to be an outstanding receiver. He can separate; he’s fast enough to run by you; he’s tough; he’ll block you,” Treadwell said of Williams. “He’s the complete package (and) … is one of the best basketball players in South Carolina.”
Two other recruits from the Palmetto State could be future staples on Miami’s defensive line. David DeLeon (6-1, 278) chose Miami over Minnesota, Colorado, Pitt, and Illinois among others. He counted 17 TFLs and six quarterback sacks among his 69 tackles last season at Bamberg-Ehrhardt high School.
“He’s a dominant player, and we’re very pleased that he chose Miami,” Treadwell said. “He has stood out among all the elite players in both South and North Carolina.
Wesley Scott (6-3, 245) of Ridgeland South Carolina, could end up as a “book-end type defensive lineman, joining DeLeon for a Carolina connection. “They already look like veteran players,” Treadwell said while noting their size. “Wesley has a tremendous motor and gets off blocks very well. He pursues the quarterback as well as anyone we’ve seen.”
Bryson Albright (6-5, 210, Cincinnati St. Xavier), J’Terius Brown (6-3, 225, Milledgeville, GA) and Mitchell Winters (6-5, 245, Misissauga, Ontario) are also linemen donning Miami Red and White.
Among the three linebackers coming to Oxford is 6-1, 220-pound Nate Gerbus from Cincinnati St. Xavier. Josh Dooley (5-11, 200) is also an area signee. He played north of Cincinnati at Mason High School. Kent Kern, meanwhile, is a lot farther up I-75, having played in Toledo at St. John’s Jesuit.
Marshall Taylor figures to be one of the bigger defensive backs in the league. The 6-4, 185-pounder hails from Cordele, GA where he intercepted 11 passes in three seasons. “If you can find a guy with Marshall’s size who can play, you immediately take him. They can really make a difference if they’re able to do what you want them to do,” Treadwell said.
DaQuan Lucas (5-10, 185, St. Stephens, SC) and safety Jay Mastin round out the 2012 defensive backs. Mastin, a 6-1, 200-pounder was “one of the best run-support free safeties we’ve had at Centerville in the 35 years I’ve coached there,” CHS coach Ron Ullery said.
“You look at him, and you can envision the range that he has,” Treadwell said. “When Jay gets filled out … wow! Jay has excellent ball skills and loves the game of football.”
Looking at the class as a whole, Treadwell observed, “Unquestionably, we’ve improved our depth by bringing in young men who have the ability to jump into the two-deep right away.”
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