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Energized Channels disruptive on DL
Thursday, September 18, 2008
OXFORD — At first Martin Channels wasn't crazy about the idea.
The Miami University junior nose tackle weighed about 340 pounds last year and his coaches wanted him to lose some significant weight by the beginning of this season.
They held Channels out of spring practice so he could work out under the direction of strength and conditioning coach James Carsey.
"I lost about 15, 17 pounds during the spring time," said Channels, who said he is down to 310 pounds. "I didn't practice. It was just conditioning with coach Carsey.
"At first I was frustrated, a little mad that I wasn't practicing," he said, "but then I realized they were trying to help me out and make the team better."
Channels said he feels like a new man.
"Losing weight has helped me out, given me a little more energy, made me play better," he said."
Miami's coaches would be gratified to see Channels use that new energy against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats when the two teams face off on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Nippert Stadium.
"I feel a lot better," Channels said. "I feel like last a little longer, there are more plays in me before I get tired. It's a big help."
Channels shook he head when asked if he were placed on a diet, and then he laughed. "Their diet for me, I guess, was running."
He did start watching what he ate, he said.
"I started eating a little better, a little healthier," Channels said. "I cut out some of the things I snacked on."
Right now Channels is snacking on opposing quarterbacks and tailbacks. Over Miami's last six games, dating back to last season, he has recorded 7.5 tackles for loss.
Channels, a native of Xenia and a graduate of Wayne High School, has his own cheering section each week. Unlike his weight, it seems to be getting bigger.
"My family comes down to every single game — my mom (Lorraine), dad (Martin), all four of my brothers," he said. "In the last game I had 23 people."
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
