RedHawks report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel

SPRING OBJECTIVES
Miami's top priority is to energize an offense that negated the conference's top defense. QB Daniel Raudabaugh is the starter, but he could be pushed by redshirt freshman Clay Belton.

BUILDING BLOCKS
The linebacking trio of Clayton Mullins, Joey Hudson and Caleb Bostic is the conference's best. QB Daniel Raudabaugh, a rising junior with a strong arm, should be more consistent after a challenging debut in 2007. Receivers Dustin Woods and Armand Robinson are ready for breakout seasons.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Miami will play six home games for the first time, including a visit by Vanderbilt in the Aug. 28 opener. That game is historic because it's the first time an SEC opponent will play in Oxford. It also is a key tone-setter for Miami, because the RedHawks will be heavy underdogs when they travel to Michigan on Sept. 6 and Cincinnati on Sept. 20.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"The combination of hosting Vanderbilt as part of our first six-game home schedule in school history, along with a very formidable road schedule, should make 2008 a very challenging and exciting season." -- Coach Shane Montgomery, whose team opens spring practice March 28.