DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Head coach Shane Montgomery is facing problems similar to those that helped force his Miami University football team into a 2-10 nosedive last season, but he was in a good mood following the RedHawks' first spring practice Saturday afternoon at Yager Stadium.

"It's good to put that season behind us," Montgomery said.

It was a season wrecked in large part by a lack of depth, especially on the offensive line and at running back.

"Going into camp last spring, we had lost

20 seniors and had about 10 guys out with injuries," he noted. "We were so depleted. We couldn't accomplish a lot of what we wanted to accomplish."

Although Montgomery said the RedHawks aren't nearly as depleted this spring, there are a few thin spots, including what in the past has been one of Miami's deepest, most talent-laden areas — wide receiver.

"We lost six receivers from last year's team through graduation or because they're no longer on the team," Montgomery said. "Sean McVay is the only wide receiver who has played in a game who is available to practice."

Dustin Woods is the leading returning receiver — his 20.2 yards per catch led Miami during his freshman season — but he is coming off knee surgery and is being held out of spring practice.

Ryne Robinson, R.J. Corbin, Ryan Busing and Josh Williams completed their senior seasons in 2006, sophomore E.J. Morton-Green has transferred out of Miami, Montgomery said, and senior Patrick O'Bryan has decided to forgo his fifth season.

O'Bryan has struggled with injuries, Montgomery said.

Morton-Green, a former standout at Princeton High School, had five receptions for 96 yards last year.

Miami also lacks depth on the defensive line, especially at tackle, where seniors Otto Linwood and Seth Painter have decided to go ahead and graduate and not play a fifth year, and where and sophomore Kevin Samy was forced to call it quits due to a severe injury suffered last season.

Painter, who was seventh on the team with 33 tackles a year ago, also has suffered from injury problems, according to Montgomery.

That leaves junior Ben Huddle as the most experienced tackle. He has played in eight games in each of the last two years and has six total tackles.

Also, junior defensive end Trenaine Sills is transferring to another school, Montgomery said. Sills ranked second on the team in quarterback sacks in 2006.

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