Miami Red Hawks
2000 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 5-3 (t-3rd in East)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Steve Little* (986 yds)
Passing: Mike Bath (2,415 yds)
Receiving: Sly Johnson (620 yds)
Tackles: Brandon Godsey (107)
Sacks: Brian Potter (7.5)
Interceptions: DeMarrio Jones (4)
What's new
Not too long ago, the RedHawks were a running team. Over the last two seasons under Terry Hoeppner, they have become more balanced. Now they have brought in former N.C. State QB Shane Montgomery to be the offensive coordinator, and he will try to do more things with the passing game. This offense will be geared to complement a pair of young, talented passing quarterbacks who will lead the offense for the next few years.
Battling it out
Redshirt freshman Ben Roethlisberger and sophomore Ryan Hawk are the young talents vying for the quarterback job. Roethlisberger is a dropback passer with good athleticism and probably has a slight lead in the race right now. Hawk is smaller but a better runner. They bring different talents to the field, and Hoeppner is open to possibility of using both at times this fall.
Eye catcher: RB Luke Clemens
Clemens walked on last year and earned playing time on special teams and as a reserve safety. This spring, he was moved back to his high school position and caught the attention of the coaches. He was not highly recruited because of his size but has now been given a scholarship. Clemens led all players with 141 yards from scrimmage in the spring game and scored two touchdowns.
Budding star: WR Jason Branch
He showed great improvement at the end of last season and caught 24 passes with four touchdowns in his final five games. Branch kept up that momentum with a solid spring and could be a dominant receiver if he maintains a good work ethic. He is very tall (6-foot-6) and athletic, presenting a physical mismatch for just about any corner in college football.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
