DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — With two-a-day workouts set to begin today, Aug. 9, at Yager Stadium, Miami University head coach Shane Montgomery will keep a careful lookout for a running back or two who can provide some depth to a position that is a little too thin for comfort.

"There just isn't much experience there. We need to have some guys step up," Montgomery said, adding that much of his team's backfield success will depend on running backs "staying healthy."

Junior Andre Bratton and sophomore Thomas Merriweather figure to carry the bulk of the load. They have 513 career rushing yards and nine touchdowns between them.

But if Miami loses either player to an injury — and remember, the RedHawks lost their first- and second-string tailbacks in the first three games last fall — the remaining runners have very limited experience.

Quincy Landingham, a sophomore transfer from Wisconsin, has looked impressive in practice — but he won't be eligible to play until the 2009 season.

Possibilities include sophomore Jamel Miller, a good inside runner who picked up 47 yards on 11 carries against Bowling Green last year, and a pair of true freshmen, Dan Green and J.R. Taylor, both of whom have speed and the ability to make cuts.

Soaring spirits

Junior cornerback Jeff Thompson said he can see a big difference this year in the way the RedHawks are looking and feeling about themselves and each other.

It might have something to do with the fact that this year's RedHawks are the defending Mid-American Conference East Division champions, whereas last year's RedHawks were coming off a 2-10 season.

"It's real good," he said. "The defense looks great, the offense is looking really good, and we've got a lot of camaraderie we didn't have a year ago."

On the schedule

Today's two practice sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

The RedHawks will hold a scrimmage at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

On the mend

Miami held its first full-pads workout Friday morning. Two redshirt freshmen who did not participate because of minor injuries were Kevin Koncelik, the second-string left guard behind Dave DiFranco, and tight end Kendrick Bruton, the former standout from Miamisburg High School.

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