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April 14, 2005
By Jason Smith
MURedHawks.com Staff Writer
Miami's special teams will feature a little bit of the old, mixed with a little bit of the new this fall, as the RedHawks look to build on their recently strong special teams play. While there are several new faces on the special teams unit looking to show their skills and earn playing time, the group is anchored and led by veteran leadership and experience.
The electric Ryne Robinson remains as the catalyst for the punt return unit this fall. Robinson already holds the MAC records for career punt return yardage and career punt return touchdowns, heading into his junior campaign. His great field vision, combined with blazing speed and amazing agility make him a threat to break a big play any time he touches the ball on punt returns.
With Robinson playing baseball this spring, Miami's coaches have taken the opportunity to find a solid back-up for Robinson on punt returns, and they feel confident in the ability of several players to return punts. Freshman Sean McVay and sophomore Pat O' Bryan are two players who have seen extensive time this spring. Both players have exhibited solid skills, including good lateral quickness and downfield vision.
Darrell Hunter and Brandon Murphy return as the primary kickoff returners, and both have proven to very productive in acquiring good field position for the offense. Both Hunter and Murphy are able to use their blazing speed in breaking down the opposing kickoff teams, and then exploding through a crease. Ryan Redd also has seen action at the kickoff return spot, and provides good depth at the position.
Todd Soderquist returns at place kicker for the RedHawks this spring, taking over full time for the first time in his collegiate career. The senior has served as the kickoff specialist for the past three seasons, as well as splitting duty on field goal and PAT attempts over the past two years. Armed with a strong leg and ever-improving accuracy, Soderquist is expected to make a significant impact in the Miami offense this season, and his experience should be an asset. This spring, Soderquist has continued to improve his consistency and leg strength, and appears to be adapting to his new role very nicely. Freshman Brian Pierce, a former walk-on at Ohio State, backs up Soderquist.
The punting team will see a new face in its backfield this spring as freshmen Jake Richardson, an Oxford product, and Nathan Parseghian, brother of former placekicker Jared Parseghian, battle for the top punting spot. Both players possess talent but little experience, and the coaching staff has used the spring to expose them to game situations. Good protection will be a key component to the success of these young punters, as they continue to improve with every outing.
Miami's special teams also are aided by the return of longsnapper Dave McClain, who enters his third season as the team's starting longsnapper. The competition at holder is still ongoing, as both freshman Kyle Decker and Parseghian have seen reps this spring.
An often overshadowed aspect that makes a huge impact on the face of every game, special teams should again be a source of excitement this season. While young players will have to make quick transitions into prominent roles, the RedHawks will be able to count on experience at key positions.
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