DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Life on the football field has changed for Mike Kokal in his second go-round as Miami University's starting quarterback.

Much of the pressure is gone. But so are most of his favorite receivers.

Still, the 6-foot-2 senior-to-be has looked good in spring practice, according to coach Shane Montgomery, despite Miami's 2-10 record last year.

"Right now, he's our solid No. 1," Montgomery said. "I thought he had a good year overall. His job right now is pretty secure."

Last year, Kokal won a three-way battle for the job over sophomore-to-be Daniel Raudabaugh, who is the team's backup, and junior-to-be Jared Elliott, who moved to receiver after shoulder surgery.

In some respects, Kokal had a sensational year.

Playing behind a patchwork offensive line and with no running game to speak of, he ranked 19th in the nation in total offense, throwing for 2,419 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

"It's a big load off my shoulders not to have to go out there and compete for my job every day," he said.

Now he has to adjust with only two returning wideouts, neither of whom caught more than 26 passes.

"It's tough," Kokal said. "I didn't think prior to spring ball that it was going to be that tough of a transition. It's getting used to the routes they run. I've never thrown to these guys before."