RedHawks fullback Semmes adjusting to expanded role

Primarily a blocking back, sophomore has three touchdowns.

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 11:04 AM Wednesday, November 2, 2011

OXFORD — When the 2011 season started, Miami University sophomore fullback Justin Semmes had no idea he’d be celebrating so often in the end zone.

“I felt like my primary role was as a blocking back,” he said. “As the season went on, coach Klacik (offensive coordinator John Klacik) put in some passing plays for the fullback.”

It was a simple play. Semmes would slip out into the flat, almost always unnoticed because the opponents had their hands full with the likes of wideouts Nick Harwell, Chris Givens and Andy Cruse.

Semmes has touched the ball nine times this fall: two carries for 1 net yard and seven catches for 73 yards. And he is among the team leaders with three touchdowns.

Semmes slipped out against Army and caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Zac Dysert. It was the start of a 21-0 comeback which gave the RedHawks a 35-28 victory on Oct. 8.

Two weeks later at Toledo, he caught an 8-yard touchdown pass, and last Saturday it was a 6-yard catch for six points in the 41-13 rout of Buffalo.

This is all new to Semmes.

“In high school, I was mainly a blocking and carry-the-ball type of player,” Semmes said, referring to his days at St. Mary’s High School in Clarkston, Mich. “There weren’t a lot of passing plays to the fullback.”

Miami coach Don Treadwell said Semmes has become a cross between a fullback and tight end.

“He’s more like an H-back,” Treadwell said. “He’s evolved into that. He has excellent hands and at the same time, he’s an excellent blocker.”

He and his older brother, junior defensive end Jason Semmes — who for the second straight season is leading Miami in sacks — are two of the reasons for the RedHawks’ recent success.

“We both feed off each other’s energy,” Justin said. “When I see him make a play, it gives me even more energy.”

Another thing the brothers have in common is a grade-point average above 3.0.

“When we started playing football, our parents always ingrained in our heads that academics come first, football second,” Justin said. “My parents are still on me about my grades.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

Thursday’s game

Who: Akron Zips (1-7, 0-4 MAC) at Miami RedHawks (3-5, 2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Yager Stadium (24,286), Oxford

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450), WDBZ-AM (1230)

TV: ESPNU

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