REDHAWK CHAT: Football Assistant Coach KiJuan Ware

For this week's RedHawk Chat, Miami running backs coach KiJuan Ware stopped by Wednesday to answer fans' questions about his players and the upcoming game against No. 10/11 Cincinnati at Yager Stadium.

KiJuan Ware entered his first season as an assistant coach on the Miami staff when he was named as an offensive assistant on Jan. 4. In 2008, Ware served under Haywood at Notre Dame as an offensive intern. He was responsible for film breakdowns, scouting reports, playbooks and various other duties. Ware first worked with Haywood when he served as an instructor at Notre Dame's summer camp.

Prior to joining the Fighting Irish staff, Ware was an assistant football coach at Georgetown University where he coached the wide receivers in 2006 and `07 and also was the team's recruiting coordinator in 2007. From 2004-05, he was an assistant coach at Dartmouth College where he tutored the wide receivers in 2005 and the defensive backs in 2004.

Here is a transcript of the chat.

MURedHawks.com: Welcome, RedHawk fans. Coach KiJuan Ware has arrived and we're ready to go. Here's the first question ...

Ruby from Darrtown: As the running backs coach, I'd like to know if our offensive line has shown improvement so far this season.

KiJuan Ware: Yes, they've shown improvement. This is a new scheme with inticracies which takes time to understand. The O-line is working hard at its craft and they're getting better each and every day.

Bill from Millville: What's happening with Quincy Landingham? Do you expect that he'll challenge for playing time at some point?

KiJuan Ware: Quincy came back for camp this summer and has been dealing with injuries. He is still contributing to the team in a different area.

Mike (Oxford): Is Andre Bratton close to returning? Are you looking for any other running backs to start seeing action in the coming weeks

KiJuan Ware: Andre Bratton is back and is penciled in as the starter for the UC game. The running backs as a group have been working hard and all are evaluated each and every day. We are looking for the back who gives us the best chance to win each week.

Barry (Fairfield): Miami has played its first four games away from Oxford. How nice will it be to be able to sleep in your own bed the night before the UC game? In a broader sense, how does not having to travel help the team?

KiJuan Ware: It's always great to play in front of your own fans, especially at home. I wouldn't say it's weird to be at home, but this is going to be different. We are ready to embrace the home atmosphere and look forward to it being a fun afternoon.

Kurt from Cleveland: What's with all the fumbles? It's inexcusable. Just poor fundamental technique. What are you doing to put an end to it?

KiJuan Ware: There is no excuse for a fumble. It is our job to take care of the football. We have emphasized ball security this week and will do that for the remainder of the season.

Tank (Piqua): Roman Lawson ran really well against Western Michigan, but didn't play at all last week. Was he hurt? Will we see more of him for the rest of the season?

KiJuan Ware: Roman is getting better each and every day. Yes, he did run the ball well vs. Western Michigan. However, there are some things we have to continue to work on for him to become an all-around back at this level.

Jeff (New York): What is the team and staff's mentality going into this week's game? Will we finally get the Victory Bell back where it belongs after its three year absence?

KiJuan Ware: Rivalry games are fun to coach and are great motivation for your team. We as the coaching staff embrace the challenge of going against the No. 10 team in the country.

Sam (Eaton): Hi KiJuan! Welcome to Oxford, how have you liked the area so far?

KiJuan Ware: Oxford is a great area. It reminds me of my time up in Hanover, N.H. up at Dartmouth. I am looking forward to the chance in foliage here in Ohio.

Dan (Dayton): How closely do your running backs and the offensive line work together during the week in order to get timing down for plays?

KiJuan Ware: We work together all the time in practice through inside run drills as well as protection drills. It is our job to protect the quarterback.

Jack (Fairfield): What needs to be done to finally get in the win column this week against Cincinnati?

KiJuan Ware: We need to play a complete game -- offensively, defensively and with special teams.

Harry (Hebron): How does having a QB in Dysert that can run a little bit help the running backs?

KiJuan Ware: It helps! Defenses must plan to contain a scrambling quarterback, which creates running lanes for the backs.

Charles (Oxford): What does Thomas Merriweather need to do to get on track this season?

KiJuan Ware: Consistency! Thomas is a good running back at this level, but we need consistency in protections and running the football.

Bob (Covington): What are you looking for in a potential running back recruit?

KiJuan Ware: We are looking for multi-purpose backs--someone who can run in between the tackles and stretch the field horizontally and vertically within the pass game.

MURedHawks.com: Ok, Coach has time for one more question.

Nate (Traverse City): How important is it to have support from your student body and fans?

KiJuan Ware: It's extremely important! Especially this weekend. With Cincinnati being our first home game, it sets the stage to be a great home environment. We as a team are looking forward to our students coming out and supporting the 2009 RedHawks. I have heard UC has sold out of their ticket allotment and we're looking forward to our students and fans selling out our tickets as well. Don't forget to wear your white this Saturday.

MURedHawks.com: Thanks, Coach. Next week, we'll have a hockey guest with us. Come out this weekend and support your RedHawks.

REDHAWK CHAT: Football Assistant Coach KiJuan Ware

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