Channels, who remembers a time when he was playing for a championship, is doing his utmost to help bring the RedHawks back to the world they crave.
He was one of the few bright spots for Miami in its 48-0 loss at Boise State last weekend.
“For Martin Channels to play just as hard in the fourth quarter as he did in the first quarter is outstanding,” MU coach Mike Haywood said. “He’s come a long way.”
“They pushed me so hard (in camp), I lost a lot of weight,” Channels said. “I came in here at 335 pounds and I dropped down to 307.”
Weight has been an ongoing issue for Channels ever since he arrived at Miami from Xenia, where he split his time between Xenia and Wayne high schools.
His ability to charge his way into the offensive backfield has not been an issue. As a sophomore in 2007, Channels recorded 5.5 tackles for loss in his last three games. Last year, he had eight tackles for loss, the most of any returning player.
His weight loss is a signal that Miami’s Mid-American Conference opponents, starting this week at WMU, might want to beware even more. Especially in the waning moments.
“It’s helped me to be in for more plays and to be more physical instead of just being out there, tired,” he said. “I’m out there trying to make a play in the fourth quarter instead of just going through the motions.”
Channels said he still has high hopes for a RedHawk defense that played pretty well in the first half of its first two games.
“I think this defense has a lot of talent,” he said. “We’re going to be good. We’re just waiting for that moment to start clicking.”
Channels’ career at Miami has not gone as he had expected: “But I’m a senior now and I’ve got to make the best of it.”
Channels played in the 2007 MAC Championship Game, where Miami lost to Central Michigan 35-10.
“It was a great feeling, getting to the MAC Championship in Detroit, getting to play for a ring,” he said. “It makes you want it more.”
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