July 17, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University football's offensive squad lost three starters to graduation following the 2007 season, and two of the three were offensive lineman--Steve Meister and Charlie Norden. Because of that fact, one might assume that RedHawk offensive line coach Matt Hohman would be less than optimistic about his unit's chances in 2008, but that's just not the case.

"We have a lot of confidence in the guys we've got coming back," said Hohman. "We have four guys returning who played a significant role on our offensive line last year. They've worked hard during the off-season and I expect us to perform well this coming season."

Leading the way is DAVID DiFRANCO (Sr., LaGrange), a third-team all-conference player in '07.

"At 6-4 and 305 pounds, David has a great physical presence," said Hohman. "He's played tackle and now has really settled in for us at left guard. David is what you want an offensive lineman to be. He's a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy who's not afraid to get his hands dirty in the weight room or on the practice field. He's the single hardest-working player on this team, and I'm really excited about his future as a senior leader for this team."

Senior Steve Sutter (St. Henry) is in line to be a third-year starter, making a move from right tackle to the important left tackle position.

"Steve is an excellent pass protector," said Hohman. "He only gave up two sacks the entire season at the tackle position in 2007. Steve is having a great off-season, getting his body up to close to 300 pounds."

A third senior who's played a lot of football for Miami is Josh Satterthwait (Roswell, GA). The 6-4, 306-pounder will take over for Meister at center, moving from right guard.

"Josh took a lot of snaps at center in practice last year," said Hohman. "He knows the offense, knows what he's doing, and is very athletic."

"Bob played a lot of snaps for us as a redshirt freshman," said Hohman. "He's a hard worker and a very competitive kid. Bob's got a big future."

Homan also smiles when he talks about his back-up offensive linemen.

"I'm really excited to see how the rest of the group unfolds going into fall camp," said Hohman. "Football is important to them. They're a very close-knit group who watches a lot of film."

Redshirt freshmen Brandon Brooks (C/RG, Milwaukee, WI), Ken Staudinger (RT, Canton) and Kevin Koncelik (Seven Hills) top Hohman's reserve list.

"Brandon is the kid who's going to get a lot of the headlines because he is so big and strong and freakishly athletic," said Hohman. "Our goal is to make Brandon into a great football player and we believe he will be."

"Staudinger has made strides a lot quicker than I expected," Hohman continued. "He took a lot of snaps at right tackle throughout spring ball. He and Brandon have the ingredients needed to be a great combination here at Miami."

Hohman is singularly focused when he talks about the goals for his linemen.

"Our objective is to win the MAC championship," said Hohman. "Doing whatever it takes to help this team win is the single-most important thing. Our linemen understand that we have to be able to run the football and protect the passer. That's our job."

There are early challenges ahead for Hohman's group, starting the 2008 season against Vanderbilt and Michigan.

"Anytime you have a chance to knock off a team from a BCS conference, it's a great opportunity," said Hohman. "Our kids are not far off from being able to play for schools like that. They're extra motivated to go into these types of games so that they can show that they can play at that level."

Miami's 2008 football campaign begins on August 28 when it entertains Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt. The rest of the home schedule finds Charleston Southern (Sept. 13), Temple (Oct. 4), Kent State (Oct. 25), Ball State (Nov. 11) and Ohio (Nov. 28) coming to Oxford.

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RedHawk football season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-866-MU-HAWKS (684-2957) or 529-HAWK for renewal assistance. Season tickets for chair-back seats are $115, while general seating is $99.

THE EXTRA POINT PACKAGE, 20 people or more: $15 per person

-includes reserved seats

-25% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA system

-special RedHawks gift for group leader

THE TWO-POINT CONVERSION, 50 people or more: $12 per person

-includes reserved seats

-40% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA/Video board system

-special RedHawks gift for group leader

THE TOUCHDOWN PACKAGE, 100 people or more: $10 per person

-includes reserved seats

-50% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA/Video board system

-participate in the Fan Tunnel

-autographed football from player/coach for group leader

--www.MURedHawks.com--