The RedHawks were the surprise of college football last season, which is the good and bad news for new head coach Don Treadwell.

Treadwell inherits the bulk of last season's team, which will work in his favor. However, after Miami had the biggest turnaround in college football history in 2010, he won't be able to sneak into town without big expectations.

Treadwell, the former offensive coordinator at Michigan State, replaces Mike Haywood, who left Miami to take the Pitt job. Haywood guided Miami from a 1-11 record in 2009 to the Mid-American Conference East Division title and a victory over Northern Illinois in the MAC title game.

Haywood moved on after the championship game and the RedHawks defeated Middle Tennessee in the GoDaddy.com Bowl to finish with a 9-4 record. Treadwell, a wide receiver at Miami from 1978-81, was hired on Dec. 31.

The task certainly isn't as imposing as it was a year ago when the RedHawks were coming off three wins in the previous two seasons. Haywood made a significant upgrade in Miami's talent and many of the players on last season's team were in the first or second year with the program.

On the other hand, Miami will be a heavy favorite to repeat as conference champions, meaning there won't much of grace period for Treadwell in his first year on the job.

TOP OF THE CLASS

RB Dawan Scott (Irmo High School, Columbia, S.C.) -- He rushed for 2,218 yards, averaging 8.9 yards per carry, and 31 touchdowns last season. Scott ran for 295 yards and three touchdowns in one game. At 6-foot and 175, he has the explosiveness and speed to make an immediate impact.

DB Chrishawn Dupuy (Salmen HS, Slidell, La.) -- Rated a two-star recruit by Scout.com, he had five career interceptions and returned them all for touchdowns. He might be used at cornerback, his position in high school, or at safety.

ATH Tyler Tucker (East Lansing High School, East Lansing, Mich.) -- A versatile player, he's listed as "athlete." At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Tucker could play outside linebacker, wide receiver, slot receiver or tight end.

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