July 21, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University coach Jimmy Lindsey's defensive linemen have an intriguing balance of proven experience and untested potential. That's why he's so looking forward to the 2008 season.

A total of seven varsity letters have been won by the quintet of Joe Coniglio (Sr., Rockford, IL), Travis Craven (Jr., Fort Wayne, IN), Morris Council (So., Decatur, GA) and Jordan Stevens (So., Monroeville, PA) and red-shirt freshman Matt Kajmowicz (Hinsdale, IL)

"As a group, our defensive ends are hard workers," said Lindsey. "We may not be the most athletic group in the Mid-American Conference, but we have a bunch of guys who come to work every day. Last year, we were forced to play a lot of these guys as young players. Even though we have a lot of experience, we're still a pretty young group. That makes you a little giddy as a coach because you have a couple more years to see these guys grow. I'm excited about the future."

Leading the way is Coniglio, a third-team All-MAC performer in 2007. Among his 40 tackles were 10.5 tackles-for-loss, including 6.5 quarterback sacks.

"Joe is definitely the leader of our group," said Lindsey. "He is a high motor guy who gives great effort on every play. I think he's going to have a great year."

Holding down the end opposite of Coniglio is Craven, a potential all-league candidate.

"Travis is a guy who has made great strides," said Lindsey. "I expect big things out of him this year. When he's in the game playing over the tight end, he really helps our defense, protecting our linebackers."

Lindsey says there's lots of potential in Council, Stevens and Kajmowicz.

"There were some growing pains last year," he said, "but it's real satisfying to see those guys grow. Morris Council is a kid who made a lot of progress as the season went on. It's a lot to put on a guy's plate to play as a true freshman. Jordan Stevens probably made the biggest strides from the end of the 2007 season through spring ball. And as a scout team player, Matt Kajmowicz did an excellent job of giving our offense a look from week to week. He is a converted linebacker so he's still a work in progress. Matt is very coachable and wants to be a good player."

The combination of these five ends plus tackles Martin Channels (Jr., Xenia), Sean Redwine (So., Reading), Alex Stewart (So., Westerville), Mark Paun (Jr., Strongsville), D.J. Svabik (So., Van Wert), Jordain Brown (R-Fr., Chicago, IL) and Brian Lane (R-Fr., Cincinnati) make the future bright for Miami's defensive line.

True freshman defensive linemen MIKE JOHNS (Oak Forest, IL) and EVAN KLEPEC (Canfield) also join the fray in August.

Just more than five weeks remain until Miami's 2008 football campaign begins on August 28 against Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt.

The rest of Miami's home schedule finds Charleston Southern (Sept. 13), Temple (Oct. 4), Kent State (Oct. 25), Ball State (Nov. 11) and Ohio (Nov. 28) coming to Oxford.

RedHawk football season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-866-MU-HAWKS (684-2957) or 529-HAWK for renewal assistance. Season tickets for chair-back seats are $115, while general seating is $99.

THE EXTRA-POINT PACKAGE, 20 people or more: $15 per person

-includes reserved seats

-25% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA system

-special RedHawks gift for group leader

THE TWO-POINT CONVERSION, 50 people or more: $12 per person

-includes reserved seats

-40% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA/Video board system

-special RedHawks gift for group leader

-participate in the Fan Tunnel

THE TOUCHDOWN PACKAGE, 100 people or more: $10 per person

-includes reserved seats

-50% discount on game day tickets

-group recognition over the PA/Video board system

-participate in the Fan Tunnel

-autographed football from player/coach for group leader

--www.MURedHawks.com--