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April 11, 2005
By Jason Smith
MURedHawks.com Staff Writer
A key to Miami's "stop the run first" defensive philosophy, the defensive line, under the instruction of first-year coach Jay Hood, heads into spring practice anchored by a seasoned cast of four returning seniors as well as a talented group of youngsters that looks to make its first waves.
This veteran group is led by defensive tackle Marcus Johnson, who made a huge impact on the defensive front last season after his move from defensive tackle to defensive end. Johnson earned first-team all-MAC honors in 2004--the second straight Miami defensive end to earn the honor--and is expected to set the tone for the defensive line again. Last season, he led Miami in quarterback sacks and tackles for loss.
Senior Jarrod Rich, who started nine games for the RedHawks at defensive end in 2004 also is expected to continue his improvement while possibly making the move from end to defensive tackle. Rich's strong, physical presence on the interior of the defensive line could prove to be a significant asset to the RedHawks, who are looking to replace both Will Rueff and Larry Burt in the middle.
Miami's top returning defensive tackle, John Glavin is another senior whose tough, hard-nosed play is expected to make a significant impact on the defensive front. Glavin appeared in all 13 of Miami's games in 2004, including four starts. He was named MAC East Player Defensive Player of the Week after last season's regular-season finale at Akron, when he was in on three quarterback sacks. His hard work in the weight room and improved quickness have made him a tough player to block in the trenches.
Miami's veteran foursome is rounded out by reserve tackle, Mike Barz. Barz has seen limited action in his career as a RedHawk but, due to his hard work and perseverance, already has received a chance for increased playing time this spring. His improvement this spring has added a key component to a defensive front that is searching for depth.
"We need to work on our consistency, as well as continuing to get our seniors to improve the little things in their games," notes Hood. According to Coach Hood "bridging the gap" between the four seniors and the younger defensive lineman also will be a critical aspect in depth development this spring.
Sophomore Craig Mester and junior Tranaine Sills are two such players who will get the chance to display their abilities during spring practice, while fighting for major playing time during the 2005 campaign.
Mester, a redshirt freshman with great athletic skills and a quick first step is expected to continue to develop both in the weight room and on the field and has seen extensive time with the first-team offense.
Sills also is gifted with the great quickness of a natural pass rusher. His continued development as a run-stopper should allow him to become even more of an all-around threat and a force to be dealt with on the defensive front.
Along with the continued development of seniors and key contributors from a year ago, Miami also must set its sights on the future. A quartet of redshirt freshman already are in place and making noise in the spring. Freshmen James Case, Ben Huddle, Ryan Redman and Steve Sutter all could see time this season and have bright futures in the program.
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