July 13, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University's defensive line coach Rusty Wright typically doesn't dole out heaps of praise when talking about his players, but the depth he has helped to develop at defensive tackle has him cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season.

"For the first time in a while, we're excited about the depth that we have," said Wright. "There are some guys up there who can be good players for us, especially when we get into league play. Hopefully, we can stay halfway healthy and have a good year."

For the most part, starters in Mid-American Conference football have fairly equal talent. It's the development of quality depth that is the difference between good and great."

"Everyone has about the same type of talent in the first line," said Wright, "but the key to getting through the year is having quality depth."

Moving into August, junior nose tackle Martin Channels (Xenia) and sophomore left tackle Sean Redwine (Reading) are at the head of the class.

"Martin can be a great player in our league," said Wright. "His weight is an issue for him. I think he now realizes how important it is for him to be in shape when fall camp begins. At times, he's one of the hardest guys in our league to block."

"Sean will continue to get better and stronger," Wright continued. "He's a weight room guy who works hard. It's important to him. Miami is important to him and football is important to him. He just keeps plugging until he figures out how to get it done."

Backing up Channels and Redwine are two other letter winners, sophomore tackle Alex Stewart (Westerville) and junior nose tackle Mark Paun (Strongsville).

"Alex Stewart has to continue to get stronger," said Wright. "That is his biggest objective for the off-season. He's another guy who really understands what we do. He's very aware of the opponent's blocking schemes and pass protections. Alex has to become more durable so that he can play longer as the season progresses."

"Mark Paun can play a couple of spots for us," said Wright. "He is a very durable young man. Mark just has to make more plays when those opportunities present themselves. He is a smart football player who knows exactly what to do when he's on the field."

Also look for sophomore D.J. Svabik (Van Wert) to get plenty of reps in 2008. Wright might get some additional help from incoming freshmen Mike Johns (Oak Forest, IL) and Evan Klepec (Canfield, OH).

Miami's 2008 football campaign begins on August 28 when it entertains Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt. The rest of the home schedule finds Charleston Southern (Sept. 13), Temple (Oct. 4), Kent State (Oct. 25), Ball State (Nov. 11) and Ohio (Nov. 28) coming to Oxford.

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RedHawk football season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-866-MU-HAWKS (684-2957) or 529-HAWK for renewal assistance. Season tickets for chair-back seats are $115, while general seating is $99.

The Extra Point Package, 20 people or more: $15 per person

-includes reserved seats

-25% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA system

-special RedHawks gift for group leader

The Two-Point Conversion, 50 people or more: $12 per person

-includes reserved seats

-40% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA/Video board system

-special RedHawks gift for group leader

-participate in the Fan Tunnel

The Touchdown Package, 100 people or more: $10 per person

-includes reserved seats

-50% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA/Video board system

-participate in the Fan Tunnel

-autographed football from player/coach for group leader

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