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Transition from tight end to defensive tackle pays off
RedHawks had a need on defensive line, and Redwine was willing to put in the work to make the adjustment.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
OXFORD — At first, it seemed like a good idea to Sean Redwine. Then it seemed like a bad idea. Now it seems like a good idea again.
College football has been a back-and-forth journey for the Miami University sophomore since he was switched from offense to defense last year.
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Redwine had played tight end at Moeller High School and figured he would do the same after his redshirt freshman season at Miami.
But last spring, the RedHawks found themselves dangerously thin on the defensive line after losses to graduation, injuries and defections. So Miami's coaches asked Redwine to become a defensive tackle.
"I got moved when Otto (Linwood) left and Seth Painter got hurt," Redwine said. "They asked me to play defensive line. I didn't play defense in high school, so it was tough."
Redwine had not played defense since he was in grade school. But he saw the switch as an opportunity.
"We had really good tight ends," he said, "so I felt I'd be waiting awhile at tight end. I had nothing to lose at that point."
But this was going to be a challenge.
"There was the physical aspect of going up against guys a lot bigger," said Redwine, who would have to face 300-pound offensive linemen instead of 220-pound linebackers or strong safeties.
"I felt a little inexperienced toward the beginning," he said.
The actual beginning could have been worse, but not much.
"I started off really slow. On the first play that spring, I sprained my ankle," Redwine said. "I didn't play much; I missed over half the spring. It was rough. I didn't know what to do.
"I just kept working out," he said, "and my teammates helped me through it. I was playing behind Ben Huddle, and he was encouraging me, teaching me what to do."
The encouragement paid off for Redwine, who played in all 13 games last season and started at Temple and Vanderbilt after Huddle got hurt.
Redwine recorded 21 tackles, including 11 solos, and recovered a fumble.
He has been elevated to first string now, though the 6-foot-4, 274-pound lineman still faces stiff competition from 335-pound sophomore Alex Stewart.
"I've just been working out, trying to gain weight, watching film, trying to pick up on things," Redwine said.
"They stay on me about (gaining weight)," he said. "I've put on about 20 pounds and, hopefully, I'll put on another 10 in the summer."
Redwine said he misses the chance to play offense and catch passes only a little.
"I find a lot of enjoyment playing defense, physically going after the opponent," he said. "I like (the contact) a lot."
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
