April 21, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - As the 2008 Miami RedHawks aim for their third Mid-American Conference East Division title under Coach Shane Montgomery, the defense once again holds the key to success.

Defensive coordinator Jay Hood's troops were exceptional in MAC play in 2007, leading the league in total defense, rushing defense, passing defense, scoring defense and quarterback sacks. With nine of their 11 defensive starters returning in `08, the RedHawks hope to retain their title as the conference's defensive kingpins.

One of the team's strengths is in assistant coach Tim Cooper's secondary where a total of 15 letters have been won by the starters and back-ups among Miami's returning defensive backs. Veteran cornerback Jerrid Gaines has graduated, but nine other letterwinners return to the 2008 roster, led by starting safeties Robbie Wilson (Sr.) and Jordan Gafford (Jr.), plus cornerback Jeff Thompson (Jr.). Wendell Brunson (Jr.) has been tabbed to replace Gaines at corner. Brandson Stephens (So.), Ben Bennett (So.), Peris Edwards (So.), Bryan Roland (Sr.) and Jason Gibson (Jr.) provide excellent depth for the RedHawks.

Six backups--Brandon Stephens (CB), Ben Bennett (FS), Peris Edwards (Apache), Bryan Roland (CB), Brian Palascak (Apache) and Jason Gibson (Apache)--all are letter winners, and coaches will give them plenty of reps this spring. Edwards will sit out the spring due to an injury. Also competing for playing time are redshirt freshmen Deandre Gilmore (Apache), Jonathan Wells (CB), Anthony Kokal (FS) and Cornelius Ward (CB).

Cooper has liked what he's seen this spring.

"So far, I've been pretty pleased with the play of the defensive backs, said Cooper. "They're all working extremely hard. We have six guys back there who have played a ton of football. Robbie Wilson, Jeff Thompson, Wendell Brunson and Jordan Gafford are all talented starters and good leaders.

Young, untested talent also has Cooper beaming brightly.

"In Deandre Gilmore, Jonathan Wells, Anthony Kokal and Cornelius Ward, we've got some young kids out who are getting a lot of valuable experience," he said. "I'm impressed by what they've done so far."

Cooper clearly understands what his troops need to do.

"Our job is to provide our defensive line and linebackers some safe cover from the standpoint of letting them play fast and take chances," he said. "They need to be confident in knowing that we can cover the deep ball. That's really our role in the whole mix."

Joining Cooper's secondary next fall are true freshmen D.J. Brown, Brian Sutherland and Jaytee Swanson.