DaytonDailyNews.com

There was a lot of excitement when Northmont High School quarterback Clay Belton signed with Miami University in the winter of 2007.

The RedHawks had a starter in place, Mike Kokal, but the makeup behind him was shaky. Despite Kokal missing time, Belton took a redshirt year with the team. That's when some of the excitement about him, at least to those who don't follow Miami daily, was lost.

Redshirt seasons can do that. Because a player can't appear on the field, we tend to forget that player is there. But as Miami continues practices for its season opener against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Belton is ready to provide plenty of excitement for RedHawks fans.

The incumbent is Daniel Raudabaugh, who played in 11 games last season and passed for 2,431 yards and 12 touchdowns but completed just 54.7 percent of his passes. There is a segment of those Miami fans who would like to see Belton start Game 1.

At 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, Belton has the size to compete immediately. Those around the program say his stature compares to Ben Roethlisberger.

RedHawks coach Shane Montgomery, the former North Carolina State quarterback, knows the position well. He'll take a hard look, and perhaps not choose Belton at first. Raudabaugh, with his experience, could be the better choice to start against Vanderbilt.

But don't forget about Belton, even though he was on the sidelines last season.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.