Pre-season
The 2006 team had 2 wins and 10 losses which was the first losing record for the RedHawks since 1993. The 10 losses were the most since 1989. The 2006 team was hampered by injuries and inexperience. The injuries led Coach Montgomery to use younger players which will help experience level for the 2007 season. Key injuries included offensive linemen Charlie Norden and Matt McKeown and running back Brandon Murphy.
Miami was picked to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference East Division by the MAC News Media Association for the 2007 season. The RedHawks garnered one first-place vote with Ohio University was predicted to finish first in the East Division with 15 first-place votes. Senior quarterback Mike Kokal returns to lead the offence for his second and final season as a starter. Kokal, threw for 2,419 yards and 14 touchdowns in the 2006 season. He was ranked 19th nationally in total offense. The RedHawks’ offense do have to replace Ryne Robinson finished his career as Miami’s all-time leader in receiving yardage and punt return yardage and touchdowns. Sophomore Dustin Woods, who caught 25 passes for 506 yards and four touchdowns last season is expected take over as the leader of the receiver. Coach Montgomery stated before the season that he would not be opposed to using true freshmen wide receivers Chris Givens and Jamal Rogers.
The coaching staff remained basically intact for the 2007 season, except for the departure of defensive coordinator Travor Johnson who accepted another coaching job. Johnson was replaced by Jay Hood, who was the defensive line coach for the past two seasons. Jimmy Lindsey, who was an assistant coach at Gardner-Webb University was added to the staff to bring it up to full strength. Coach Montgomery did make changes to the staff including several promotions, and shuffling of responsibilities. DeAndre Smith was promoted to associate head coach from run game coordinator. Smith will continue to coach the running backs. Matt Hohman will take over Smith's former duties as running game coordinator.
Read more about this topic: 2007 Miami Red Hawks Football Team