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Feb. 6, 2008
OXFORD, OHIO - Eleven offensive players, six defensive stars and a versatile kicker make up Miami University's football recruiting class in 2008, Head Coach Shane Montgomery announced today.
Eight of the players hail from the state of Ohio and 10 others are from the midwestern and the southern regions.
The 11 off ensive standouts include Zac Dysert, a quarterback from Ada, who was selected as the Ohio Coaches Association's Player of the Year in 2007. He passed for more than 11,000 yards and 100 touchdowns during his brilliant prep career. Two running backs--Dan Green (Oak Park, IL) and Jay R. Taylor (Reynoldsburg)--join tailback Quincy Landingham (Bloomfield Hills, MI), a transfer from the University of Wisconsin. Three speedy wide receivers--Joe Clarke (Tampa, FL), Andy Cruse (Cincinnati) and Juilian Harrell (Harrisburg, PA)--and a burly tight end--Trevor Behmke (Paoli, PA)--join Miami's talented pass-catching corps. Rounding out the off ensive group are four linemen whose average height and weight is 6-4, 260 pounds--Brad Bednar (Mentor), Nick Kemper (Winter Springs, FL), Matt Kennedy (Mt. Prospect, IL) and Andrew Phelan (West Chester).
"We are very pleased with the group of off ensive players our staff was able to attract," said Montgomery. "We've definitely bolstered our passing game and our running attack."
Due to an emphasis on defensive players in last year's class, the 2008 grouping only includes six individuals, but the talent level is exceptional. Defending backs D.J. Brown (West Chester) and Brian Sutherland (Smyrna, GA) are blazers who improve Miami's team speed. Two punishing linebackers--Luke Kelly (Cincinnati) and Jaytee Swanson (Buford, GA)--bring excellent depth to the RedHawks' already talented corps. Mike Johns (Oak Forest, IL) and Evan Klepec (Canfield, OH) round out the defensive recruits, and both are aggressive pass rushers.
"Because we concentrated on defense last year, we were very selective in who we brought in for the 2008 class," said Montgomery. "All six of these players have great potential to contribute either this fall or in the near future."
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Jim Broadway (Roswell, GA) is the 18th member of Miami's talented class. Montgomery indicated that he will immediately challenge for placekicking duties and will be an able back-up punter for Jake Richardson.
MIAMI'S 2008 SIGNEES Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School) Brad Bednar OL 6-4 245 Mentor, OH (Mentor) Trevor Behmke TE 6-5 250 Paoli, PA (Conestoga) Jim Broadway K/P 6-0 175 Roswell, GA (Roswell) David "D.J." Brown DB 6-1 175 West Chester, OH (Lakota West) Joe Clarke WR 6-3 190 Tampa, FL (Alonso) Andy Cruse WR 6-4 210 Cincinnati, OH (Turpin) Zac Dysert QB 6-4 195 Ada, OH (Ada) Dan Green RB 5-10 195 Oak Park, IL (Walther Luthren) Juilian Harrell WR 6-3 205 Harrisburg, PA (Bishop McDevitt HS) Michael Johns DT 6-4 260 Oak Forest, IL (Oak Forest) Luke Kelly LB 6-2 210 Cincinnati, OH (Turpin) Nick Kemper OL 6-3 275 Winter Springs, FL (Lake Howell) Matt Kennedy OL 6-5 240 Mt. Prospect, IL (Prospect) Evan Klepec DL 6-3 245 Canfi eld, OH (Boardman) Andrew Phelan OL 6-4 285 West Chester, OH (Lakota West) Brian Sutherland DB 5-10 170 Smyrna, GA (Campbell) Jaytee Swanson LB 6-2 210 Buford, GA (Buford) Jay "J.R." Taylor RB 5-9 195 Reynoldsburg, OH (Reynoldsburg)
BRAD BEDNAR OL 6-4 245 Mentor, OH (Mentor HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A tall, rangy athlete who has the potential to add weight to his frame. An excellent pass protector, his high school team played in a multiple offense similar to Miami. Notes: Earned first-team all-state honors in Ohio last season, as well as all-conference and All-Northeast Ohio. Selected to play in the Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Game. Was his team's Offensive Lineman of the Year in both junior and senior seasons, compiling a 90 percent blocking grade. His coach, Steve Trivisonno, called him "one of the most technically sound offensive lineman I've ever coached." Has earned Mentor High's Summa Cum Laude Award, compiling a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. Plans to study engineering at Miami. Other Schools Interested: Stanford, Syracuse, Bowling Green, Ohio and Ball State.
TREVOR BEHMKE TE 6-5 250 Paoli, PA (Conestoga HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A big athlete who played multiple positions in high school, but will settle at tight end in college. With his size and great hands, coaches say he will both a terrific blocker and a fine pass catcher. Notes: Possesses a fine blend of size, speed and athleticism. Tight end who has great hands and a knack for making diffi cult catches. After the catch, he lowers his shoulder and drags the pile. Though he missed his entire senior season with a broken foot, he was a highly sought after college prospect. Played tailback, wide receiver and free safety as a freshman, WR & FS as a sophomore, and tight end and outside linebacker as a junior. Also lettered twice each in basketball and lacrosse for Conestoga High. His high school coach at Conestoga was John Vogan. Other Schools Interested: Committed to Miami prior to beginning of season.
JIM BROADWAY K/P 6-0 175 Roswell, GA (Roswell HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: Coaches indicate that he will provide excellent competition for Miami's veteran punter and placekickers. Possesses a very strong leg and has excellent mechanics. Notes: An all-star punter and kicker who is one of eight Roswell High School players who will receive Dvision I scholarships. Broadway converted 12 of 15 fi eld goal attempts last season, including a long of 50 yards. Career-wise, he made 23 of 35 FG and 120 of 124 PAT, scoring 195 points. As a punter, he averaged 41.5 yards. Roswell High was Georgia's 5-A state champ in 2006, and compiled a 32-6-1 record during Broadway's last three seasons. Earned first-team all-area honors by the Atlanta Constitution and was also a first-team all-league selection. His dad, Jim Sr., was the starting punter at Georgia from 1980-82, winning one national championship and three Southeastern Conference titles. His grandfather, Charlie Broadway, is a member of Stetson University's Hall of Fame. His high school coach at Roswell was Tim McFarlin. Other Schools Interested: Georgia Tech and Navy.
DAVID "D.J." BROWN DB 6-1 175 West Chester, OH (Lakota West HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A tall defensive back who uses his long arms to his advantage. Very good in pass coverage. Excellent ball skills. Notes: A speedy cornerback who intercepted a Lakota West High School-record five passes in 2007. Selected to All-Butler County all-star team. A three-year starter who had two interceptions in his very first varsity game. Honor roll student at Lakota West. Three-time letter winner for Firebirds' track team, competing in 200 and 400 and with relay teams. His father, David, played at Ohio State and eventually for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. DJ's uncle, Randy Bates, was once a member of Miami University's coaching staff . Intends to major in sports medicine at Miami. His high school coach at Lakota West was Larry Cox. Other Schools Interested: Bowling Green, Toledo, Ohio and Eastern Michigan.
JOE CLARKE WR 6-3 190 Tampa, FL (Alonso HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A tall, rangy wide receivers with great hands. Very explosive after the catch. Notes: A solid wide receiver from Tampa who earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior. He played in Florida's high school all-star game. A four-year letter winner, he twice captained the Alonso Ravens. In two seasons as a receiver, he caught 27 passes and averaged 18 yards per catch. When he was 12 years old, he was diagnosed with a crippling disease that stopped him from walking for an entire year. He now runs the 40-yard dash in :04.40. His high school coach at Alonso High was Mike Heldt. Other Schools Interested: Mississippi, South Florida, Colorado State, Alabama-Birmingham and Western Kentucky.
ANDREW CRUSE WR 6-4 210 Cincinnati, OH (Turpin HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A tall, athletic wide receiver who possesses tremendous ball-catching ability. Because of his size, he creates mismatches with opposing defensive backs. Notes: A standout athlete at Cincinnati's Turpin High, he captained the Spartans' football and basketball teams. Cruse holds every receiving record at top-rated Turpin, grabbing 63 passes for 1,182 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and 130 catches for 2,652 yards and 33 TDs over his career. He and fellow Miami recruit Luke Kelly led the Spartans to a cumulative record of 24-3 their last two seasons. Cruse earned all-conference, all-city, all-district and all-state honors. His sister, Ashley, runs cross country and track at the University of South Carolina. Crose's high school coach at Turpin High was Rob Stoll. Other Schools Interested: Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Ohio.
ZAC DYSERT QB 6-4 195 Ada, OH (Ada HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A tremendous athlete who is a threat both passing and running the ball. Expected to make a smooth transition to Miami due to the pass-happy offense in which he played as a prep. Notes: A highly acclaimed quarterback who ranks second on Ohio prep football's all-time passing yardage list with 11,174 yards. The Ohio Coaches Association named him the winner of the 2007 Art Teynor Award as the state's all-division Player of the Year. Previous Teynor Award winners include Ben Roethlisberger and Ted Ginn, Jr. Dysert also was named Ohio Division 6 and Northwest Conference Player of the Year. Last season, despite missing three-and-a-half games with a broken thumb, he passed for 3,714 yards and 35 TDs. During that span last season when he couldn't pass the ball, he played wide receiver and linebacker for the Bulldogs. He threw 100 TD passes during his career. Dysert also was an adept runner, compiling more than 1,000 yards on thr ground with 16 TDs. The accomplished athlete also captained Ada's basketball and baseball teams. The Bulldogs basketball team was ranked No. 1 in the state in its division. He also was a hockey all-star, but gave up the sport to play football. Has been a four-year honor roll student. Zac's father, Greg, played college basketball at Eastern Baptist. His high school coach at Ada was Mike Fell. Other Schools Interested: Cincinnati, Florida State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Troy, Utah and Kansas.
DAN GREEN RB 5-10 195 Oak Park, IL (Walther Luthren HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A very fast, elusive back with tremendous cutting ability. His ability to participate in 2008 spring drills will give him a good chance to contribute next fall. Notes: Currently enrolled in classes at Miami University and will participate in RedHawks' 2008 spring drills. A business major at Miami. Earned all-state honors in Illinois and was a back-to back all-conference and all-area selection. Recorded consecutive 1,000-plus rushing seasons as junior and senior, averaging more than six yards per attempt. Captained Walther Lutheran his senior year, starring at both running back and strong safety. Honor roll student. His high school coach was Bruce Toumi. Other Schools Interested: Air Force, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Illinois State, Wyoming.
JULIAN HARRELL WR 6-3 205 Harrisburg, PA (Bishop McDevitt HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A tremendous athlete on both sides of the ball. Possesses excellent hands and has an ability to catch the ball in traffic. Notes: Earned all-conference and honorable mention all-state honors in 2007. A four-year letter winner, he shuttled between wide receiver and free safety, and also returned kickoff s. Caught 47 passes in 2007 for 618 yards. Had career total of 117 catches for 1,685 yards and 12 touchdowns. Excellent blocking receiver. Team's cumulative record during his four seasons was 42-11. Chosen to participate in Pennsylvania's East-West Game. Also lettered in track. His coach at Bishop McDevitt was Jeff Weachter. Other Schools Interested: Michigan State, Duke and Akron.
MIKE JOHNS DT 6-4 260 Oak Forest, IL (Oak Forest HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A physical defensive lineman who will end up playing tackle at Miami. For his size, he has tremendous speed and quickness. Notes: A product from one of Illinois' top high school programs, Oak Forest High was a semifinalist in the State playoffs each of the last two years, compiling an overall record of 21-5 over that span. Was his conference's Player of the Year, and also earned first-team all-state honors from both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. Among his 70 tackles for the Bengals in 2007 were 15 quarterback sacks. Also excelled in baseball. He has been an honor roll student all four years. Other Schools Interested: Northern Illinois and Western Michigan.
LUKE KELLY LB 6-2 210 Cincinnati, OH (Turpin HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A big, aggressive linebacker who delivers punishing hits. His rangy frame will allow him to add mass and strength in the weight room. Notes: Comes to Miami with Turpin High teammate Andy Cruse, where they led Spartans to state's No. 2 ranking. Kelly was his team's MVP, honorable mention all-stater in 2007, twice All-Southwest Ohio, two-time all-conference, and twice all-city. Totaled 388 tackles during his career, a Turpin record. Also lettered three times for Spartan basketball team. Luke's brothers Brian and Liam play college football at Dayton and Morehead State, respectively. His coach at Turpin was Rob Stoll. Other Schools Interested: Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Kent State, Western Michigan and Cincinnati.
NICK KEMPER OL 6-3 275 Winter Springs, FL (Lake Howell HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A smart player with great fundamental skills. Because of his background at center, he could compete for playing time early. Notes: A four-year football letter winner at Lake Howell High, he won first-team 5A honors in Florida his senior year and was selected to play in the state's North-South All-Star Game. Nick also was a unanimous first-team All-District choice. As the team's offensive center, defensive end and long snapper, his squad was district runner-up in the Florida play-offs in both 2006 and 2007. Also lettered in wrestling and weight-lifting. Academically, he has been an honor roll student each of the last two years. Both his mother, Vicki, and his father, Matt, are Miami University graduates. Dad lettered in football at Miami from 1985-87, starting at offensive tackle. Matt originally hailed from North Gallia H.S. in Kerr, Ohio. Nick is undecided about his major at Miami. Other Schools Interested: South Florida and Central Florida.
MATT KENNEDY OL 6-5 240 Mt. Prospect, IL (Prospect HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: An athletic big man who could play a number of different positions on the offensive line. Good speed and quickness for a man his size. Notes: A first-team all-conference lineman. Earned two letters at Prospect as offensive guard and defensive end. Knights are a perennial power in Illinois prep football, winning the state title Matt's sophomore season. Also earned three letters in track and field as weights specialist. An outstanding student, he was an academic all-conference selection. Father, Jim, played football at Wake Forest, and mother, Donna, participated with Northern Illinois' track and field squad. His sister, Meghan, competes in cross country and track at Eastern Illinois. Kennedy's coach at Prospect was Brent Pearlman. Other Schools Interested: Akron, Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois and Northern Illinois.
EVAN KLEPEC DL 6-4 245 Canfield, OH (Boardman HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A versatile defensive lineman who could play multiple positions. Very adept in defending both the run and the pass. Notes: A first-team all-state selection as defensive end, he also earned first-team all-league and All-Northeaster Ohio honors. Played in Ohio's North-South All-Star Game. He recorded 87 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, five fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, 10 pass break-ups, and three interceptions his senior year. Also lettered four times as weights specialist in track and field. He also has lived in Europe and on Guam. Klepec's coach at Boardman High was D.J. Ogilvie. Other Schools Interested: Committed to Miami prior to the beginning of the season.
ANDREW PHELAN OL 6-4 285 West Chester, OH (Lakota West HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: Will have a chance to play early due to his size and strength. An excellent pass blocker. Notes: Joins former Lakota West teammates D.J. Brown and Alex Kaufman at Miami. A consensus first-team pick on the all-conference, all-city and All-Southwest Ohio squads. Selected to play in Big 33 Classic. Uncle, Todd, lettered at Miami in 1988. Grandfather, James, played offensive line at Kent State. Phelan also lettered twice in basketball. Plans to major in special education at Miami. His coach at Lakota West High was Larry Cox. Other Schools Interested: Ohio, Toledo, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, West Virginia and Bowling Green.
BRIAN SUTHERLAND DB 5-10 170 Marietta, GA (Campbell HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A very fast athlete who exhibits skills on both sides of the ball. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Notes: An all-star defensive back who also gained prep fame as a punt and kickoff returner. He was selected as Georgia Class AAAAA's top returner, averaging 20.3 per punt return and 31.7 yards per kickoff return, scoring a touchdown in both roles. Compiled 1,050 all-purpose yards. Played in Georgia's North-South All-Star Game, returning one kickoff for a 96-yard TD. Also earned three letters as sprinter for Campbell High's track & fi eld squad. Was school's Scholar Athlete of the Year. His prep coach was Brian Sutherland. Other Schools Interested: Georgia Tech, Indiana, Miami, Southern Mississippi and Vanderbilt.
JAYTEE SWANSON LB 6-2 210 Buford, GA (Buford HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A defensive athlete who's all over the fi eld. Reminds Miami coaches of former RedHawk star John Busing. Notes: A top defensive star for Buford High School's 2007 state champs, he compiled 289 career tackle in his three years as a starting linebacker for the Wolves. Also recorded four interceptions from his linebacker position. Holds the school record for lifts in the categories of powerclean (325 pounds) and the squat (410 pounds). He won Gulinnett County's Coaches Award for 2007. Father, Mark, pitched for Liberty University's baseball team and mother, Denise, played basketball for Berry College (GA). An honor roll student, Jaytee has been nominated as the Athlete of the Year for Gulinnett County's Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Buford High's football team compiled record of 53-3 over last four seasons. Other Schools Interested: Air Force.
JAY "J.R." TAYLOR RB 5-9 195 Reynoldsburg, OH (Reynoldsburg HS)
Miami Coaches' Comments: A fast, shifty running back who is very strong for his size. Notes: Combined speed and power to rush for 1,251 yards his junior year, an average of 6.3 yards per carry. Injured his ankle in the 2007 opener and was limited throughout the season. His top game came against Dublin when he ran for 251 yards and four touchdowns, including scores of 45, 65 and 70 yards. Also starred as sprinter for Raiders' track and field team, running the 100-meter dash in :10.6. Earned academic all-state laurels. His coach at Reynoldsburg High was Woody Underwood. Other Schools Interested: Indiana, Ohio and Kent State.
--MURedHawks.com--
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