Jake O'Connell

July 2, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - As a coach, former Miami University quarterback Mike Bath is anxious for the 2008 football season to begin. He beams with confidence when talking about the RedHawk tight ends he coaches ... and for good reason. Who wouldn't with three fifth-year seniors ready and willing to take on a challenging schedule?

Tom Crabtree (Carroll, OH), Jake O'Connell (Naples, FL) and Pat Shepard (Pittsburgh, PA) bring a combined total of seven letter-winning seasons worth of experience to Bath's position. Averaging just more than 6-4 and 245 pounds, they definitely have the size needed to get the job done. But in addition, they bring king-sized positive attitudes and enthusiasm.

Crabtree, who aims for his fourth Miami monogram in 2008, leads the way, according to Bath.

"Tom Crabtree is one of those players that you love to coach," said Bath. "His enthusiasm and love for the game is unbelievable. The thing I love about Tom is that he goes a hundred miles an hour, flying around the football field. It gets you excited to watch him play football, which is the best thing you could possibly say about a player. Tom has improved every year that I've been with him, so if he can continue that growth, he's going to have a great senior year."

Versatility is Crabtree's forte.

"You'll see Tom line up as a tight end when we have one tight end on the field," said Bath, "and you're going to see him line up in the backfield as a fullback. At times this season, you'll even see him flanked out as a wide receiver. I'm looking for Tom to have a big senior year."

"Jake O'Connell challenges Tom all the time," said Bath. "They are together night and day. Whether it's in the weight room or on the field running, they push each other. And competition brings out the best in everybody. Jake is a great athlete. He might have the best ball skills of any offensive player on our team, and that says a lot because of the receivers we have. He's as smooth catching the ball and coming out of cuts as anybody. Jake has been injury free for several months now, and that's allowed him to get stronger and more confident in blocking defensive ends and tackles. I think he's in for a big, big senior year."

And, says Bath, don't forget about the third member of his tight end triumvirate.

"Unfortunately for Pat Shepard over the last several seasons, he's been in the same class as Tom Crabtree and Jake O'Connell," said Bath. "The thing I admire about Pat is that he has committed himself 100 percent to football. He wants 2008 to be his best year ever at Miami. He has improved more than any other tight end from the end of last season to the end of spring ball. It's a testament to the work he's put in the last six, seven months."

However, RedHawk fans, don't fret over the good news/bad news situation that three fifth-year seniors man the top three positions, because help is definitely on the way.

"Due to the three guys in front of them, it's going to be tough for Kendrick Bruton and Rob Reiland to play a lot in 2008," said Bath. "They're still young, but they've got a lot of talent. Kendrick is figuring it out and he's been flying around the football field. Now he's not thinking as much during a play. Rob let loose a little bit during the spring. He's still got a lot to learn, but if he takes advantage of each rep he gets, he will grow a lot."

Bath is also anxious for true freshman tight end Trevor Behmke (Paoli, PA) to starting practicing with the Red and White.

With SEC member Vanderbilt, Big Ten power Michigan and budding Big East contender Cincinnati facing Miami in three of the first four games, one could understand why Bath's crew would have reason to be nervous about what's ahead. The confident fifth-year coach says that his guys are excited about the challenge they face.

"I don't think that our tight ends are going to be intimidated by the teams that we'll play this season," said Bath. "Like any Miami player who's played here, the good ones play tougher competition with a chip on their shoulder. They think that they're just as good as the players they compete against and that they belong to be on the same field."

And, as Martha Stewart might say, `that's a good thing.'

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--