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July 18, 2008
OXFORD, Ohio - Last year, Miami University's Brian Von Bergen worried about how his inexperienced receiving corps would respond to the rigors of a difficult schedule.
"We were so young and susceptible to a lot of the mistakes that come along with that," said Von Bergen, the RedHawks' 12th-year receivers coach and passing game coordinator. "Ball security was one of the issues early. As a group, we just weren't as productive as we thought we could be."
Now, 12 months later, he's whistling a different, more optimistic tune.
"What we saw in the spring was the ability to score points and make some big plays, and produce the numbers we think we're capable of producing. We've got some big-play threats. We've got some weapons and we've got different ways to hit people with different body types. As a group, we're think we're pretty strong and are ready to take the next step."
At lot of Von Bergen's confidence in 2008 is directed at the RedHawk quarterbacks, junior Daniel Raudabaugh (Coppell, TX) and redshirt freshman Clay Belton (Dayton).
"The guys who are throwing the ball to this group are big time," he said. "They have helped us attract some good receivers and we hope to show what we have this coming season."
The grey-beard of the group is junior Dustin Woods (Cincinnati), Miami's second-leading receiver with 40 catches for a team-high 603 yards.
"Dustin Woods is coming off just an `OK' type of year," said Von Bergen. "I thought he slumped a little bit last year. He's hungry to get back into the lineup. Sitting out the spring I think will be a good motivator. We're excited to get him back because he's one of the fastest players in this league."
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Sophomore Armand Robinson (Reynoldsburg) had a break-out season in 2007, hauling in 33 passes for 471 yards.
"Armand is one of my favorites," said Von Bergen. "He's very receptive to coaching and improves every time he touches the ball. Armand is explosive and, within the first five yards, he's one of our most dangerous players. He can get up to full speed very quickly. Armand understands the offense very well for his age and he can make a major contribution."
Sophomore Eugene Harris (Atlanta, GA) earned his first varsity letter a year ago and wound up 2007 with a team-high 46 catches for 542 yards.
"Eugene did himself a favor and did the team a favor by working as hard as he did in the weight room during the off season," said Von Bergen. "I know he missed playing basketball, but it was the best thing for him to make strides. Eugene really got stronger and re-shaped his body. The added strength really made him a viable speed guy."
Jamal Rogers (Fort Myers, FL) saw action as a true freshman in '07 and caught 19 balls for 173 yards.
"Jamal certainly has a lot of tools to work with," said Von Bergen. "We need him to be consistent, day to day. He brings a special ability in running with the ball after the catch."
Von Bergen is very high on another true sophomore, Chris Givens (Chillicothe).
"Chris is a phenomenal athlete and it's exciting to see him make strides," he said. "He's got great body control. He made great improvement going after the ball over the middle. Chris is way ahead of his time as far as maturity, not only in general but in the game of football. Due to his experience as a quarterback in high school, he sees the big picture. We can't wait to get him the ball this fall."
Donovan Potter (So., Trotwood) and Mitch Anderson (So., Canton) will also get their share of reps in 2008.
Von Bergen is also anxious to get a look at three promising true freshmen: JOE CLARKE (Tampa, FL), ANDY CRUSE (Cincinnati) and JUILLIAN HARRELL (Harrisburg, PA).
"We recruited some height and that's one of the things we were missing," he said. "We're definitely going to look at our three freshmen. There's no set plan and we're going to stick to our promise."
All things considered, Von Bergen expects big things in 2008.
"We now have game experience," he said. "The MAC championship game was good experience for these guys. It didn't turn out the way we wanted, but the pressure of playing on national TV is going to help us grow. We definitely expect a lot more productivity and some better numbers."
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
-participate in the Fan Tunnel
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--
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