Blue Ribbon Preview: Miami of Ohio

ABOUT

One day, Don Treadwell is coordinating the Michigan State offense, preparing to help the Spartans take on Florida in the Capital One Bowl.

The next day, he lands his first head-coaching job, and it just happens to be at his alma mater.

Not only that, Treadwell inherited a team that was about to cap a historic turnaround season with a victory in the GoDaddy.com Bowl -- a team that was going to return the majority of players who made that turnaround possible.

Last year, Miami became the first college football team to go from double-digit losses (1-11 in 2009) to double-digit wins (10-4) in back-to-back seasons.

Many first-time head coaches get stuck with a downtrodden program that had just fired its coach, and the first order of business is to change the culture.

Instead, Treadwell's task is to keep the fires of a 10-win season burning. These guys have already learned how to win.

"That's a big bonus, there's no doubt about that," said Treadwell, who played at Miami from 1978-1981 and was an assistant coach there from 1992-93. "And we want to build upon that. They recognize that hey, it didn't just happen."

On the other hand, it was not a typical transition. After winning the Mid-American Conference championship in his second year at Miami, coach Mike Haywood bolted for Pittsburgh on Dec. 16, leaving assistant Lance Guidry as interim coach for the bowl game.

Two weeks later, Treadwell was announced as the new head coach. At virtually the same time, Pitt fired Haywood after he was charged with domestic violence.

Treadwell did not retain any of Haywood's assistants. The new staff had to sell the players on new systems, on the heels of a wildly successful season.

That could have been tricky.

"It's been positive," offensive coordinator John Klacik said. "Kids get into a mode where they taste winning and they want to repeat that. They've been very receptive."

Defensive coordinator Pete Resktis said at first, he detected, "a little confusion [among players]. They were kind of pawns in it all. But they also enjoyed success and had hopes that it could continue."

On paper, it certainly appears that it can continue. Miami returns 17-of-22 starters, including two experienced quarterbacks, four offensive linemen and the entire defensive front seven.

THE STAFF

Head Coach: Don Treadwell (Miami-Ohio '82)
Record at school: First year
Career record: First year

Assistants:
• John Klacik (Lock Haven '88) Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
• Pete Rekstis (Youngstown State '91) Def. Coord./Defensive Backs
• Mike Bath (Miami-Ohio '01) Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
• Matt Edwards (Miami-Ohio '02) Defensive Ends
• Charlie Fisher (Springfield '80) Passing Game Coord./Quarterbacks
• Jay Peterson (Miami-Ohio '85) Linebackers
• Nick Siatras (Ohio State '06) Defensive Tackles
• Mark Spencer (Ohio '95) Running Backs
• Zak Willis (Furman '90) Recruiting Coordinator/Special Teams

QUARTERBACKS

What do you do when you have an older player who has been a two-year starter and who made major strides before suffering an injury, and then you have a younger player who stepped in and played very well over the final third of the season?

It's a ticklish situation for the Redhawks coaches, who have Zac Dysert (6-4, 209), a junior who led the team to a 6-4 record before lacerating his spleen in November and missing the rest of the year, and sophomore Austin Boucher (6-2, 219), who was 4-0, including impressive performances in the MAC title game and bowl game.

The Miami staff decided to enter -- and exit -- spring practice without settling on an opening-day starter.

"We decided going into the spring that they both would get equal opportunities, because they both had earned those opportunities," Klacik said. "Some people say 'You haven't named a starter,' [as if it's a bad thing], but to us, the good news is that we have two guys who can help us win.

"The competition may go right up to game one, but we think that's a good thing. Sometimes, it can be bad, if the other kids sit there and say, 'Who's our quarterback going to be?' But our guys have confidence in both [QBs]."

Both players share the trait of composure, of not panicking when plays break down. Both have a calming influence.

In his second season, Dysert improved his accuracy (from 61.6 percent in 2009 to 64.7 percent) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (from 12 and 16 to 13 and 12).

When Boucher took over, the team relied more on its run game at first. But in the MAC title game, Boucher's throwing came to the forefront; he completed 29-of-46 passes for 333 yards. In the bowl game, he was 22-of-35 for 289 yards and two TDs.

"We have two proven winners," Klacik said. "It's been a great problem for us."

RUNNING BACKS

Just as soon as Thomas Merriweather and the Miami ground game got its act together, Merriweather is gone and the Redhawks are starting over.

Merriweather had been a disappointment for several seasons, but over the final month of 2010, he and Miami got going. He ended with 967 rushing yards and 12 TDs with a 5.2-yard average.

Tracy Woods (5-10, 214) was Merriweather's top backup, gaining 376 yards while playing in all 14 games. But the sophomore from Texas did not participate in spring drills because of academic issues, and his availability for fall is unclear.

Klacik said it was difficult to get a good read on running backs in the spring, as two of Miami's starting offensive linemen were out with injury (see below).

"We have a little experience coming back," Klacik said. "But nobody has really separated themselves from the pack yet."

Three players Klacik mentioned were junior Danny Green (5-10, 199), who had 10 carries last year, Tyrone Jones (5-7, 176), a senior walk-on who is converting from defensive back, and Willie Culpepper (5-9, 156), a redshirt freshman who was highly touted out of San Antonio.

"[Culpepper] is a multiple guy," Klacik said. "He could play in the slot, play a little tailback. He's a guy who emerged at the end of the spring and could be in the mix. He's got a chance."

Because of the uncertainty and lack of experience, a trio of true freshman also could get a real chance to play in the fall -- Dawan Scott (6-0, 175), Spencer Treadwell (5-10, 195) -- the head coach's son -- and Justin Wiley (5-11, 185).

Miami rarely uses a fullback, preferring to block with tight ends and H-backs.

RECEIVERS

Not many schools could lose one of its best-ever receivers and still be in great shape at the position.

Armand Robinson is gone after a season in which he caught a school-record 94 passes (for 1,062 yards). He finished second on Miami's all-time reception list with 210. But the Redhawks remain loaded, with four of their top five receivers back.

"Coming out of spring, we felt like that's one of the strengths of the team," Klacik said. "It was really a plus, knowing we can be multiple, formation-wise, and be four or five deep."

Leading the way is Nick Harwell (6-1, 188), who had a tremendous freshman season (64 catches, 871 yards, 6 TDs). The highlight was an 11-catch, 219-yard day against Ohio, albeit in a losing cause.

Harwell was chosen second team All-MAC.

"He's as talented as they come," Klacik said. "He can be special."

Harwell is primarily a slot receiver. Outside, the Redhawks have Chris Givens (6-4, 205) -- who last season contributed 26 catches, 385 yards and a team-leading 14.8-yard average -- and Andy Cruse (6-4, 210), who caught 25 balls for 342 yards. It appears junior Luke Swift (6-2, 180), who played sparingly last year, has impressed the staff enough to be the No. 4 wideout.

Also in the mix is senior DeMarco Paine (5-10, 182), who made 32 catches last year but averaged only 8.4 yards per reception.

Miami has four experienced tight ends in Kendrick Bruton (6-4, 258), Steve Marck (6-3, 239), Brian Slack (6-5, 247) and Dustin White (6-2, 243). But the Redhawks use them more as H-backs or "move" blockers than pass-catchers. The position contributed just 16 catches and one TD last year, led by Bruton with 10 receptions.

OFFENSIVE LINE

By the end of last season, the once-sputtering Miami offense was humming. That was partly because of the spark provided by Boucher and the emergence of Merriweather. But another factor was the offensive line got healthy and began to jell.

Two players who spent much of last season injured -- junior left tackle Matt Kennedy (6-5, 245) and senior guard Brandon Brooks (6-5, 357) -- also sat out spring practice, but the coaches say that was more precautionary.

"They were both 90 percent," Klacik said. "They'll be back."

That's good news. Kennedy missed five games in the middle of last season, while Brooks missed seven.

Kennedy will step back in at left tackle, but the staff has moved Brooks to right guard. Taking over at left guard is sophomore John Anevski (6-3, 283).

The biggest move, though, is by junior Brad Bednar (6-4, 285). For two years, he started every game at center, but he will probably be the Redhawks' starting right tackle this season.

"Bednar has been a very pleasant surprise," Treadwell told the Hamilton (Ohio) Journal-News. "We're taking a look at him at a couple of positions. He's very solid at center, but he also did a very solid job at tackle."

Junior JoJo Williams (6-2, 280), a two-year letter winner, is expected to take over Bednar's old position as the starting center.

Sophomore Josh Harvey (6-5, 345), who started last season at right tackle, will be the backup at both tackle spots and should see significant playing time.

One benefit of Kennedy and Brooks sitting out the spring was that several young players got valuable experience. Sophomore Andrew Muller (6-4, 275) and redshirt freshman Jeff Tanner (6-3, 279) are two players who Klacik said have emerged to help fill out the two-deep.

Along with junior Cory Brown (6-5, 266), who lettered last year as a reserve tackle, "We hope to have four guys who can make an impact as backups," Klacik said.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Even on a team with two experienced quarterbacks, a slew of receivers and four starting offensive linemen returning, the best news for Miami this fall may be the return of virtually every experienced player off a defensive line that was deep and good last season.

New coordinator Pete Rekstis plans to capitalize on this experience by employing multiple and shifting fronts, morphing from a 4-3 to a 3-4 at times, with some zone blitzes mixed in.

Last season, the Redhawks were 25th nationally in rushing defense and 24th in sacks, with 35. And a player who contributed just one of those sacks drew the highest praise from Rekstis.

Junior Wes Williams (6-3, 234) will play the rush end position, and Rekstis said Williams "is hopefully developing into a dynamic pass rusher. He looks like he can do some things athletically that we like to see out of that spot."

The strong-side end will be senior Will Diaz (6-3, 251), who like Williams, Rekstis said had "great springs." He said Diaz "plays hard, with a lot of strength."

One of top backups at end will be sophomore Jason Semmes (6-3, 238), who was a starter last year and led the linemen with 10.5 tackles for loss, including six sacks.

Also in the mix this season is junior C.J. Marck (6-1, 252), a starter at strong-side linebacker last year before being moved to the front. He played for Connecticut before transferring to Miami.

"He has a unique set of skills," Rekstis said. "He can help us a bunch. He's a versatile athlete."

Miami's ends are not big. The heaviest is Diaz at 251.

The Redhawks return two Browns at tackle: junior Austin Brown (6-2, 264) and senior Jordain Brown (6-0, 302), who combined for 16 tackles for loss and five sacks last year. Austin is the "3 technique" tackle, while Jordain is on the nose.

Rekstis called Austin Brown, a second team All-MAC pick last year, "one of the better tackles in the league last year, and he showed why in the spring. He continues to impress."

Filling out the two-deep inside are junior Mike Johns (6-4, 261), who played in 13 games last year, and sophomore Mwanza Wamulumba (6-3, 240), who lettered last year as a freshman before an injury shortened his season.

LINEBACKERS

Rekstis is high on this group, as well, which remains loaded despite moving C.J. Marck, a starter last year, to the line.

The unit is led by two seniors that Rekstis said are poised, "to take the next step and become great players" this fallRyan Kennedy (6-1, 226) and Jerrell Wedge (5-11, 223).

Wedge will move from the middle to the weak side. He led Miami with 101 tackles last season and added a team-leading 15 tackles for loss. Rekstis called him, "a violent tackler who runs well and is instinctive."

Kennedy will be the starter in the middle. In only six games last year, he made an impact, with 35 tackles, including 8.5 for loss. He overcame a serious knee injury suffered early in the season to return in time for the MAC title game.

"He's probably one of the most natural linebackers I've coached," said Rekstis, an 18-year veteran. "He's everything you want to see in a middle linebacker. He's a leader, he's vocal, he's athletic. He played tailback and quarterback in high school [at Libertyville, Ill.]"

Junior Evan Harris (6-0, 207) moves to the strong-side spot this year after a stellar sophomore season at the weak-side spot last season. He recorded 94 tackles (9.5 for loss) and tied for the team lead with six interceptions.

That earned him the team's defensive player of the year award.

"He's a strong tackler, a very heady player," Rekstis said.

Others who should see playing time include sophomore Erik Finklea (6-1, 192), junior Jaytee Swanson (6-2, 220), junior Luke Kelly (6-4, 213) and junior Roman Lawson (6-0, 239).

Of Swanson, Rekstis said, "He's a big, long rangy guy who's picked up the system well."

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The secondary lost the only two departing starters off last year's defense, and it still appears to be a position of strength.

Rekstis thinks he has three good cornerbacks and three solid safeties. That means he envisions playing a fair amount of man coverage, which is in line with his general philosophy of being aggressive on defense.

Maybe the most promising player is sophomore Dayonne Nunley (5-8, 176), from Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway, a stellar western Pennsylvania program. Last season, playing mostly as the nickel back, Nunley tied for the team lead with six interceptions. He will play the boundary corner spot this fall.

"He could be a special player if he commits himself," Rekstis said. "If he commits himself to techniques and fundamentals, he could be a really good true cover corner. We'll see how he is at handling success coming off that great freshman year, but he has all the tools it takes to be an elite corner at this level."

Returning as the starter at field corner is junior D.J. Brown (6-1, 171), who led the team in passes defensed with 15 and added two interceptions.

Rekstis said a third player emerged in spring who will push Brown for playing timesophomore Demetrius Quarles (5-8, 140) who appeared in all 14 games last year as a true freshman.

[Brown and Quarles] are two totally different players," Rekstis said. "Demetrius is smaller with great feet and he's a great technician, whereas Brown is more tall and rangy. They might both play, which is a nice thing."

Redshirt-freshman Trey Payne (5-8, 163) likely is the fourth corner.

At safety, Miami loses a solid leader and veteran in Jordan Gafford, but Pat Hinkel (6-1, 197) returns at strong safety and Anthony Kokal (6-0, 199) is a senior who has plenty of experience and has been a starter in the past.

Hinkel was third on the team in tackles last year with 72 and added three sacks and three interceptions.

"He was the most improved player in our secondary this spring," Rekstis said. "He covers a lot of ground quickly, and he's getting a lot more confidence in himself." Kokal made 39 tackles last year, and Rekstis calls him, "a very strong, very heady player," who does a good job of quarterbacking the secondary.

Sophomore Donte Taylor (6-3, 193) is the third safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The return teams may need a bit of upgrading, but the coverage teams were solid last season.

DeMarco Paine, who returns this year, handled most of the returns. He averaged a paltry 19.8 yards on kickoff returns and was better on punt returns at 7.3. As a team, the Redhawks were 87th nationally on kick returns and 68th on punt returns.

On coverage, Miami held teams to 21.1 yards on kick returns (52nd) and 5.9 on punts (27th). The Redhawks did not give up a return TD.

KICKERS

Miami must replace two players who combined to handle virtually all the placekicking and kickoff duties last year. Trevor Cook was 16-of-23 on field-goal tries, while Seth Philip was the kickoff man.

Taking over is sophomore Mason Krysinski (6-3, 196), a sophomore who was given a few token PAT chances last year. Treadwell said he thought Krysinski had a good spring.

PUNTERS

Like the kicker Mason Krysinski, Miami's punter is a sophomore. Unlike Krysinski, Zac Murphy (6-0, 199) has plenty of experience, handling the majority of punting duties last season.

Murphy did not have a booming leg, averaging 39.1 yards a kick, or 80th nationally. But he was better at hang time and location. Of his 59 punts, 25 ended in fair catches, and 13 were inside the 20.

NEWCOMERS

Rekstis pointed out the fact that when the coaching change took place, not one committed player jumped ship, which is a good thing. The bad thing? Recruiting services were not kind in ranking Miami's class.

Because the Redhawks return so many experienced players, not too many of the 17 signees should have to play right away. As already mentioned, the three running back prospects -- Scott, Treadwell and Wiley -- may get an early look.

Other standouts in the class included linebackers Sean Breard (6-4, 210) from Texas and Tim Johnson (6-2, 210) from Louisiana, along with offensive lineman Marcus Matthews (6-3, 290) from Virginia.

BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS

This is an experienced team that got more than a little taste of winning last season. Settling on a quarterback will be important, as is the health of the offensive line. At some point, a running back needs to emerge or the Redhawks will be too one-dimensional.

No matter what, though, the defense appears loaded and very good, which should guarantee at least a decent season. There's no reason this team should not contend for another MAC championship and land a bowl bid.