Talented, experienced RedHawks still underdogs
By MIKE SMITH
The 2018 season COULD be a huge year for Miami, BUT … the big question is whether the RedHawks can consistently put things together on the field.
Over the last two years, the RedHawks have generally fared well, especially in conference play, when quarterback Gus Ragland was on the field. Their fortunes fell dramatically, however, when Ragland was unavailable. He’s back for a final season in 2018, but with him or without him for any period of time, the RedHawks are challenged to take advantage of a special opportunity.
This year’s mammoth senior class . . .
The 2018 season COULD be a huge year for Miami, BUT … the big question is whether the RedHawks can consistently put things together on the field.
Over the last two years, the RedHawks have generally fared well, especially in conference play, when quarterback Gus Ragland was on the field. Their fortunes fell dramatically, however, when Ragland was unavailable. He’s back for a final season in 2018, but with him or without him for any period of time, the RedHawks are challenged to take advantage of a special opportunity.
This year’s mammoth senior class . . .
Nate Becker reacts to a RedHawks score. (MVSmith/MRO) . . . represents the culmination of an epic rebuild challenge spearheaded by head coach Chuck Martin. That rebuild seemed to be hitting its stride in 2016 when MU finished with six straight wins and nearly pulled out a bowl win against Mississippi State in St. Petersburg. That game ended when an attempted game-winning field goal was blocked.
It’s the kind of thing which continued to dog the RedHawks in 2017, when they finished a disappointing 5-7 overall (4-4 MAC). Some of the bad breaks were self-induced -- others not so much. Injuries certainly played a part. The bottom line, however, is that MU again figures to be in a number of tight games As with the RedHawks 2016 late-season surge, they must find a way to win the close ones!
Here’s more on the ‘Hawks . . .
MIAMI REDHAWKS (5-7, 4-4 MAC in 2017)
MAC Media projection: Third in MAC East
⚑ “There are times we’ve played great. There are times we haven’t played as well as we should,” Martin said. “A year ago, we beat two 6-2 teams in the league by 17 points (and lost) to two teams that didn’t win many games. We’re just looking for that consistency … to play the game the way we want to play it at all times.”
It’s the kind of thing which continued to dog the RedHawks in 2017, when they finished a disappointing 5-7 overall (4-4 MAC). Some of the bad breaks were self-induced -- others not so much. Injuries certainly played a part. The bottom line, however, is that MU again figures to be in a number of tight games As with the RedHawks 2016 late-season surge, they must find a way to win the close ones!
Here’s more on the ‘Hawks . . .
MIAMI REDHAWKS (5-7, 4-4 MAC in 2017)
MAC Media projection: Third in MAC East
⚑ “There are times we’ve played great. There are times we haven’t played as well as we should,” Martin said. “A year ago, we beat two 6-2 teams in the league by 17 points (and lost) to two teams that didn’t win many games. We’re just looking for that consistency … to play the game the way we want to play it at all times.”
Gus Ragland is part of a large senior class that would like to go out in a blaze of glory. (MVSmith/MRO) ⚑ Senior quarterback Gus Ragland, Martin’s first Miami recruit, is no doubt a key piece of the RedHawks plans. His leadership skills are off the scale, and RedHawk fortunes have tumbled when he is out of the lineup. Miami is 9-1 in MAC play with Ragland at the helm and 1-5 when he cannot start. “Having your best trigger guy makes a huge difference,” Martin said. “We would love to see Gus complete a full season. That would be awesome.”
MU addressed the backup issue in the off-season with Michigan grad-transfer Alex Malzone, who was finishing his studies and unavailable in the spring. He is battling redshirt freshman Jackson Williamson for the backup role. Malzone has two years of eligibility remaining.
MU addressed the backup issue in the off-season with Michigan grad-transfer Alex Malzone, who was finishing his studies and unavailable in the spring. He is battling redshirt freshman Jackson Williamson for the backup role. Malzone has two years of eligibility remaining.
James Gardner catches a TD pass against Notre Dame. The senior sometimes draws special coverage, opening up opportunities for other parts of Miami's offense. (MVSmith/MRO) ⚑ There has been some turnover in the receiving corps, but First Team All-MAC receiver James Gardner returns and is one of the best in the league. He’s got enough speed but is particularly impressive in positioning and using his strong hands. He had two TD catches against Notre Dame last year -- both in relatively tight coverage.
He is a “future NFL player that can make big plays, not only own the field, but (also in the) redzone,” said Martin, adding that Gardner also helps Miami’s offense by pressuring defenses into different formations.
⚑ Miami, of course, hopes to make teams pay for additional attention to Gardner. To do so, the RedHawks will need production from other receivers, as well as the run game.
⚑ Among the other receiving options are Luke Mayock (6-5, 218, Jr) and Dominique Robinson (6-5, 225, So). Both are good-sized targets for Ragland and the former has some experience.
“Mayock’s played a lot for us,” Martin said. “With a couple seniors graduating, he’s going to get more of a starting role for us. When ever Luke had the opportunity, he’s played really good.”
He is a “future NFL player that can make big plays, not only own the field, but (also in the) redzone,” said Martin, adding that Gardner also helps Miami’s offense by pressuring defenses into different formations.
⚑ Miami, of course, hopes to make teams pay for additional attention to Gardner. To do so, the RedHawks will need production from other receivers, as well as the run game.
⚑ Among the other receiving options are Luke Mayock (6-5, 218, Jr) and Dominique Robinson (6-5, 225, So). Both are good-sized targets for Ragland and the former has some experience.
“Mayock’s played a lot for us,” Martin said. “With a couple seniors graduating, he’s going to get more of a starting role for us. When ever Luke had the opportunity, he’s played really good.”
Danny Godlevske is part of a strong O-line (MVSmith/MRO) ⚑ One of the deepest and most experienced units on the team is at running back. Seniors Kenny Young and Alonzo Smith are a formidable speed and strength combo. Oft-injured Maurice Thomas is another level of speed who is a big threat, especially in kickoff returns.
“He’s such a dynamic weapon on offense,” Martin said. “If we could get him double digit touches … we all know what he can do with the ball. … His health, obviously, is huge for our football team. … That is obviously a huge weapon that we’d love to have all year.”
Jaylen Bester, meanwhile, saw his first action last season and showed flashes of his potential.
⚑ Years of rebuilding the offensive line have made the RedHawks solid and experienced up front. The return of sophomore Danny Godlevske from injury only helps that bunch.
“It starts with the boys up front,” Martin said. “We’ve done a really good job with O-line and tight end recruiting and building that.
“He’s such a dynamic weapon on offense,” Martin said. “If we could get him double digit touches … we all know what he can do with the ball. … His health, obviously, is huge for our football team. … That is obviously a huge weapon that we’d love to have all year.”
Jaylen Bester, meanwhile, saw his first action last season and showed flashes of his potential.
⚑ Years of rebuilding the offensive line have made the RedHawks solid and experienced up front. The return of sophomore Danny Godlevske from injury only helps that bunch.
“It starts with the boys up front,” Martin said. “We’ve done a really good job with O-line and tight end recruiting and building that.
DEFENSE:
⚑ As impressive as the offense figures to be, the defense might be even stronger. Eight starters return along the line and at linebacker. Senior Nate Trawick (5-11, 335) is a force up front, along with junior Doug Costin (6-2, 285). Brad Koenig anchors what could be one of the MAC’s top linebacking groups. Junior McMullen bounced back from mid-season injury and returns for his final campaign. He combined with Koenig for 160 tackles in 2017.
⚑ What question marks there are on the defensive side are probably in the secondary. Standout Heath Harding no longer patrols the boundary and emotional spark Tony Reid is also gone. But it’s not a complete makeover in the secondary. Safeties DeAndre Montgonery and Josh Allen, along with cornerback Deondre Daniels all have experience. One cornerback spot was yet to be determined with two weeks left. “I’ve probably got three guys battling for one spot right now,,” Martin said after his team’s fall preview event.
⚑ As impressive as the offense figures to be, the defense might be even stronger. Eight starters return along the line and at linebacker. Senior Nate Trawick (5-11, 335) is a force up front, along with junior Doug Costin (6-2, 285). Brad Koenig anchors what could be one of the MAC’s top linebacking groups. Junior McMullen bounced back from mid-season injury and returns for his final campaign. He combined with Koenig for 160 tackles in 2017.
⚑ What question marks there are on the defensive side are probably in the secondary. Standout Heath Harding no longer patrols the boundary and emotional spark Tony Reid is also gone. But it’s not a complete makeover in the secondary. Safeties DeAndre Montgonery and Josh Allen, along with cornerback Deondre Daniels all have experience. One cornerback spot was yet to be determined with two weeks left. “I’ve probably got three guys battling for one spot right now,,” Martin said after his team’s fall preview event.
Although MU must fill in some secondary spots, the RedHawks defense should again be a strength. (MVSmith/MRO)
Speedster Maurice Thomas has big play potential, but he has battled injuries. (MVSmith/MRO) MISC:
⚑ Junior Sam Sloman stepped in last year, hitting 12 of 16 field goal tries. Bester and Thomas are dangerous kick returners.
⚑ For the RedHawks to return to a bowl, they must take care of business and avoid game-changing mistakes in a challenging schedule.
A loaded Marshall team invades Oxford to open the season and Miami battles Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium in Week Two. The large senior class has come close to recovering the Victory Bell several times, but came up short by the final whistle.
“The first two weeks are electric (opponents) that are dynamic and play fast. It won’t be for the faint of heart.” Martin said
Miami visits Minnesota (and former Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck) for Week Three. The RedHawks final non-conference game is at Army (Oct. 20). That will be followed by three straight toughies - at Buffalo, home against Ohio and at Northern Illinois. The latter was a media pick to win it all, while the Bobcats and Bulls were above Miami in in the East Division preseason poll.
BOTTOM LINE:
Miami is capable of competing well with any team on its schedule. There will, however, be a number of close games. Can the RedHawks put it together a special season?
⚑ Junior Sam Sloman stepped in last year, hitting 12 of 16 field goal tries. Bester and Thomas are dangerous kick returners.
⚑ For the RedHawks to return to a bowl, they must take care of business and avoid game-changing mistakes in a challenging schedule.
A loaded Marshall team invades Oxford to open the season and Miami battles Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium in Week Two. The large senior class has come close to recovering the Victory Bell several times, but came up short by the final whistle.
“The first two weeks are electric (opponents) that are dynamic and play fast. It won’t be for the faint of heart.” Martin said
Miami visits Minnesota (and former Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck) for Week Three. The RedHawks final non-conference game is at Army (Oct. 20). That will be followed by three straight toughies - at Buffalo, home against Ohio and at Northern Illinois. The latter was a media pick to win it all, while the Bobcats and Bulls were above Miami in in the East Division preseason poll.
BOTTOM LINE:
Miami is capable of competing well with any team on its schedule. There will, however, be a number of close games. Can the RedHawks put it together a special season?
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