Miami's Robbie Wilson

June 29, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Last year, Miami University football's defensive backs had to face some imposing Mid-American Conference quarterbacks. The list included Ball State's Nate Davis, Kent State's Julian Edelman, Bowling Green's Tyler Sheehan, Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour and Buffalo's Drew Willy.

So, how did they do? Very well, thank you, finishing first among all conference teams in MAC pass defense and pass defense efficiency. And, oh yes, it should also be mentioned that RedHawk defenders also placed on top of the league's scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense lists.

With everyone except Jerrid Gaines returning from Miami's 2007 defensive secondary, Coach Tim Cooper naturally feels pretty confident about his unit's chances in 2008.

"Overall, as a group, we have guys who have played a lot of football," said Cooper. "Bar none, it's an extremely hard-working group. Their success has really come because they're a very deep position. They push themselves because of that."

Leading the RedHawk secondary is three-year letterwinner, senior Apache (strong safety) Robbie Wilson (Cincinnati). A starter in 25 consecutive games, Wilson's 75 tackles a year ago ranked him fifth among Miami tacklers.

"Robbie is our leader back there," said Cooper. "He's a lead-by-example type of player. I don't think there is anyone who works harder than him. Robbie has that desire to push himself and make others around him stretch themselves as well."

Miami's starting free safety is junior Jordan Gafford (Columbus), the team's top tackler among non-line backers. He started all 13 games a year ago.

At one cornerback position is junior Jeff Thompson (Worthington), a 13-game starter in 2007 and the winner of Miami's Strength and Conditioning Award.

"Jeff is probably our most vocal guy," said Cooper. "He's a tremendously gifted kid in terms of athletic ability. He's `Mr. Personality'. Jeff has a wonderful attitude that's contagious among his teammates. He lightens up the group, and the kids seem to have more fun when he's in the lineup."

The fourth starter will either be junior Wendell Brunson (Ft. Pierce, Fla.) or sophomore Brandon Stephens (Strongsville).

Others certain to see action in 2008 are seniors Brian Palascak (Chicago, Ill.) and Bryan Roland (Detroit, Mich.), sophomores Ben Bennett (Capitol Heights, Md.), Deandre Gilmore (St. Louis, Mo.), Peris Edwards (Toledo), and redshirt freshmen Cornelius Ward (Ft. Washington, Md.) and Jonathan Wells (Hubbard). Junior Jason Gibson (Miami, Fla.) and redshirt freshman Anthony Kokal (Warren) could also be in the playing mix. Incoming freshmen include D.J. BROWN (West Chester) and BRIAN SUTHERLAND (Canton).

"It's by far the deepest group that I've been around in my time at Miami," said Cooper. "It's a great balance to have between the upper and lower classes."

With a non-conference schedule that includes Vanderbilt of the Southeastern Conference, Michigan of the Big Ten and Cincinnati of the Big East, Cooper knows that tough competition awaits his troops, but he's ready to go to war.

"I feel like these guys can play against anybody," said Cooper. "Some of our guys are tremendous in terms of one-on-one coverage. I feel good about the group against anybody we play. We can't worry about who we're playing. We just want to play up to our expectations. If we do that, it doesn't matter if we're playing an SEC school or a Big Ten school or whoever."

Miami 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--