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Kaufman is ready to contribute

Miami LB hasn’t gotten much field time, but hopes to change that this fall.

Staff photo by Greg Lynch Miami University linebacker Alex Kaufman (a Lakota West graduate) poses after practice on Thursday, April 16, 2009.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 1:14 PM Friday, April 17, 2009

OXFORD — For the third time in three years Miami University sophomore linebacker Alex Kaufman is embarking on a fresh start.

For some, so many fresh starts in such a short time might be cause for concern, but the former Lakota West High School standout calls himself an optimist who is excited to be a part of a new era of Miami football with a new coaching staff, a new defense and a new chance to prove himself.

“I consider myself a team player,” Kaufman said. “I don’t want to see myself as someone who’s selfish. I just try to make the most out of what I have. I try to see the positive side of things. I don’t know I would have gotten this far had I focused on the negative.”

There was plenty of negative for the 6-foot-2, 223-pound Kaufman soon after he arrived at Miami and switched from outside to middle linebacker. During summer workouts as a freshman he suffered a broken leg and was forced to sit out the season.

Last year Miami’s linebacking corps was dominated by seniors, so Kaufman spent more time in the sidelines. He saw action in only four games.

“Last year I was just behind a lot of talent, like Joey Hudson,” he said. “This year there also is a lot of competition. We’ll see how it all plays out in the fall.”

Five of the team’s top seven linebackers in 2008 were seniors. They’re gone and now Kaufman is one of 13 linebackers who are in the new mix.

“I feel pretty confident, getting to see the field again,” he said. “I’m really excited about it. I hope I can help contribute to the team’s success.”

Kaufman said it has been tough playing in only four games the last two seasons.

“But then I’ve got to keep reminding myself that we’re here to win and you’ve got to know your role,” he said. “And if my role is to be on the sidelines, I’ve got to do the best I can to cheer the team.”

That was Kaufman’s main role last fall, though with a 2-10 record there wasn’t much to cheer about.

“That’s about the lowest of the low,” he said. “Now we’re starting on the way up. Coach (Mike) Haywood is doing a great job. I’m excited to see what changes there will be because of the coaching staff. The whole atmosphere has changed. There is a new optimism here. It’s electric.

“It’s a different type of defense now,” he added, “so everyone is back to square one ... It emphasizes athleticism and speed a little bit more.”

That defense will be on display Saturday, April 18, when Miami holds its annual Spring Game scrimmage at 1 p.m. at Yager Stadium.

“It’s a time to see what we’re all made of,” Kaufman said. “It’s the last time we’ll have pads on for 3-4 months. We’ll lay it all on the line.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

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