April 13, 2005

Though a pair of all-MAC performers have moved on from a secondary that ranked fourth in the league against the pass in 2004, the RedHawk defensive backs return a remarkable amount of raw athletic ability and significant experience, rounding out a defensive unit that is expected to rank among the league's best.

"We have three key, veteran guys who will play a pivotal role in how well our defensive secondary performs in the offseason and beyond," Cooper said. "Our strength in the secondary is our natural physical ability and athleticism."

Senior Darrell Hunter, a second-team all-MAC honoree last season, certainly fits the bill when it comes to physical ability. One of the most athletic players on the team, Hunter has the distinction of being the fastest player in Miami football history with a recorded 40-yard dash time below 4.30 seconds. This blazing speed, along with his superior size for a cornerback makes him a big-play threat who can strike at any time. Hunter's development as a leader, however, may prove to be the most important factor in his growth for the upcoming campaign.

"Darrell is a guy who doesn't say much by way of words but leads with his actions on the field. We look for him to step up his vocal leadership as he moves into his senior season," said Cooper.

Another gifted athlete who is expected to be a key contributor next season is junior Joey Card, who saw his first significant action in 2004. Card, who suffered a season-ending injury versus UCF, started four games for Miami at free safety last season and is expected to compete for a starting safety spot this year. Card's strong tackling and range in the deep secondary serve to make him an important performer.

Senior Steve Burke, a former walk-on who started all 14 games in 2003, is the third player with extensive experience who expects to be a factor in the secondary. After opening the 2004 season as a starter, Burke missed a good chunk of the season with an injury of his own. A hard worker and student of the game, Burke is expected to offer strong senior leadership to the defensive secondary

Other key players who are expected to step into more prominent roles this spring are senior Ryan Redd and juniors Frank Wiwo and Jerrid Gaines. Redd, who was used primarily as a nickel back over the past two seasons, is a strong tackler whose physical play adds toughness to the defensive backfield. He is competing to start opposite of Hunter at corner back.

Wiwo is a versatile player who made the change from cornerback to safety during the 2004 season in order to shore up a position riddled by inuries. The Florida native, who started Miami's last four games in 2004, has moved back to corner back this spring and already has shown big-play ability during the spring.

Gaines, a true junior, brings impressive speed to the deep corner back corps and looks to expand his role in 2004.

According to Cooper, the offseason focus of the secondary will be on developing verbal leadership skills and enhancing strength and speed.