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March 24, 2005
By Jason Smith
MURedHawks.com Staff Writer
Experience will be in abundance when the RedHawk linebacking corps hits the field this spring, with all three starters returning from a talented group. Linebacker coach Craig Aukerman has three returning starters, Terna Nande, Derek Rehage, and John Busing, who look to be a strong foundation on the defensive side of the ball this spring. Their continued improvement and leadership, both on and off the field, will be crucial to how the defense performs this year.
Terna Nande, a first team all-MAC performer in the fall, is considered the big playmaker of the group. His combination of speed, size and quickness has been known to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Nande is an explosive force whose versatility allows him to be used in various defensive sets and schemes, which makes him a definite difference maker.
Derek Rehage is a two-year returning starter at the middle linebacker position. Rehage is a big, fast and athletic player who originally came to Miami as a running back. He is deemed the "quarterback" of the defense, as his intelligence and understanding of the game are key to Miami's defensive success. Rehage runs well to the ball and has the range to make plays all over the field.
John Busing, a 2004 All-MAC honorable mention pick, is coming off his third year as a starter at linebacker for the RedHawks. Busing, Miami's returning leader in tackles from 2004, has proven to be a very solid, intelligent player in his career at Miami, and his continued development will be important to the success of the defensive unit this fall. Like his fellow starters at linebacker, Busing is a gifted athlete who runs well and pursues the ball relentlessly.
Along with a rock-solid starting linebacking corps, Miami also possesses remarkable depth at the position, with five seniors presently listed among the six members of the linebacking two-deep. Along with the three senior starters, seniors Bryan Tyson, a fast outside backer with extensive experience on passing downs, and David Hutzelman, an intelligent middle linebacker with a strong understanding of the system, add to the Red and White's depth.
There are also several underclassmen who are expected to contribute this spring by adding depth and versatility while preparing for potential starting roles in the future. One such player is Dontae Wright. Wright, a quick reserve linebacker and major special teams contributor, is expected to continue his improvement this spring after what has already been a strong offeseason. Clayton Mullins, who made waves last spring as a grayshirt freshman, is another player seeking to increase his playing time in the defensive rotation as he looks to overcome medical issues that sidelined him last fall.
"This is a very physical group with great speed and quickness that swarms to the ball on every snap," Aukerman said. "This spring we look to continue our improvement in the mental aspects of the game, in order to get our guys in position to make plays."
Aukerman emphasized the importance of each player knowing his defensive assignment and continuing to work in the film room. With the potential to be the best linebacking corps in the MAC, if not one of the best nationally, all eyes will be on the RedHawk backers as they lead the defense toward the 2005 campaign.
Coming Friday: A look at the first three days of spring practice.
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