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April 5, 2005
By Jason Smith
MURedHawks.com Staff Writer
After undergoing a period of adjustment last season, the offensive line looks to be a strong suit for the RedHawks this spring, as first-year offensive line coach Matt Hohman returns five major contributors to his group.
This group is highlighted by second-team All-MAC selection senior Todd Londot. After making the move from center to right tackle last season, the versatile veteran of the RedHawk line is back at center this spring. A a very athletic lineman who possesses good lateral movement, Londot has continued to develop his skills and is expected to, once again, be on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, presented to the nation's top center.
Senior Mark Kracium also returns to the offensive line, at the all-important left tackle spot. Kracium did a solid job of protecting Josh Betts' blind side in the fall, and he is expected to continue his improvement. A gifted athlete, Kracium's continued development will be crucial to the consistency of the offense in 2005.
A third senior, Nate Bunce, returns at the left guard spot for the RedHawks this spring, after coming off a successful fall campaign. Bunce is perhaps Miami's most imposing lineman at 6'6 and more than 320 lbs.. Bunce is a player who "swallows up" opposing lineman with his tough, physical play. His continuing progression this spring will surely mean trouble for opposing defenses this fall.
Sophomore Charlie Norden is another returning offensive lineman with a bright future. A major contributor in the fall, Norden looks to increase his dominance on the offensive front. Norden possesses great athleticism and his size helps him eat up space when combating defensive linemen. He hopes to utilize this spring to continue to develop at right tackle, which is considered a natural position for him.
Another regular in 2004, sophomore Steve Meister hopes to move into a starting role this spring. Meister has proven to be very coachable, and his attention to detail should give him an edge in improving his overall game. A very sound, technical player, Meister is competing to round out what looks to be a very solid offensive front by earning the right guard position.
Several players look to add to depth to this already talented group in the spring. Steve Kosky, a converted tight end, is a player with great athleticism who continues his transition to the offensive line. Kosky hopes to continue to add size and strength this off-season, in order to better deal with the rigors of offensive line play.
Matt McKeown and Dave DiFranco, both freshmen, are two of a host of young players who will get an opportunity to develop this spring, while battling for playing time and helping Miami build crucial depth up front.
Coach Hohman feels the spring could be very telling for the RedHawk offensive front.
"We're going to have limited contact in the spring, but we will continue to work hard at the fundamentals. Of course, improved athleticism is also another area that we want to see from all our lineman, and we think it should be a very productive spring."
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