Miami Blog
November 10, 2011
FSU Offense vs. Miami Defense Breakdown
By: Michael Bradley
WHEN FLORIDA STATE PASSES: The Seminoles average 35.9 points per game, rushing for 1,138 yards (126.4 ypg) and have thrown 2,631 yards (292.3 ypg). The Hurricanes have 1,851 yards (205.7 ypg) through the air and 1,611 yards on the ground (179 ypg). They give up an average of 21.2 points per game.
FSU QB E.J. Manuel is completing 66.7% of his passes, totaling 1,956 yards with 14 TDs and eight INTs, averaging 244.5 ypg. His top three targets include Rodney Smith, Rashad Greene, and Kenny Shaw, all wideouts. Smith’s hauled in 28 passes for 486 yards and three TDs. Greene has 26 receptions for 457 yards and six TDs, while Shaw has 26 catches for 308 yards and four TDs. Manuel spreads the ball around well to all his available targets and FSU has nine players with at least 10 catches. Tight end is an evolving position that will get better over time, but the unit as a whole has about the same production as Miami’s.
The Noles get back senior David Spurlock this week which should help bolster the line Saturday afternoon. FSU has allowed 26 sacks on the season, but keep in mind this line hasn’t been injury free for some time.
Manuel’s return from injury has sparked resurgence in FSU’s passing attack. Manuel doesn’t lock on to favorite targets as the distribution chart suggests. Although Florida State lacks a superstar WR at the moment, they are more talented than the defensive backs Miami will line up against them.
UM’s defensive gameplan will probably look a lot like several games this season. Miami defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio just doesn’t have the pieces in place yet to mount much resistance, opting for a bend but don’t break philosophy. FSU should have little trouble moving the ball through the air and Manuel could post big numbers against an outmanned Hurricanes secondary. Even with the suspension of safety Ray Ray Armstrong for this game, the Canes were outmatched. The Hurricanes will have to depend on applying pressure with defensive ends and using timely LB blitzes to force Manuel into mistakes.
Miami has only registered 19 sacks. DE Marcus Robinson has four, freshman DE Anthony Chickillo has 3.5, and LB Sean Spence has sacked the QB three times. Rushing the passer isn’t a strength for the Hurricanes and given the fact that UM will play zone coverage primarily, Manuel should have plenty of time to pick an open receiver.
The secondary in Coral Gables is a mess. Only 18 passes have been defended, 10 by defensive backs. The Hurricanes have just four INTs as a unit and the lack of playmaking is painfully apparent. The coaching staff doesn’t feel confident enough to blitz that often because of the holes in the secondary.
FSU OL vs. UM DL advantage Florida State
FSU WR,TE vs. UM DB advantage Florida State
FSU QB Manuel vs. UM DB advantage Florida StateWHEN FLORIDA STATE RUNS: Manuel has rushed for 307 yards and four TDs, but including sacks brings his total down to 175 total rush yards. However, he’s threat to take off and run on any given pass play. Miami has struggled against running QBs historically and it should be no surprise to see Manuel take off with the ball.. RB Devonta Freeman has played well recently and should start. He’s rushed for 367 yards and six touchdowns. It’s imperative that Florida State find a way to get the running game going to limit the chances Harris has to produce points.
LB Sean Spence leads the Hurricanes in tackles with 83 total. James Gaines is second with 53 total stops and freshman LB Denzel Perryman is fourth on the team with 48. Miami isn’t particularly strong up the middle and expect the Noles to run right at the Canes defense. Miami did limit a strong Georgia Tech rushing attack to just 134 yards.
FSU OL vs. UM DL advantage Florida State
FSU RB, QB vs. UM front seven advantage Florida StateSPECIAL TEAMS: Should this game come down to a field goal, both squads are in good hands. FSU kicker Dustin Hopkins has an incredibly strong leg and hit on 22 of his last 25 attempts. UM kicker Jake Wieclaw has been good, hitting on 8-of-10 attempts this season. Noles punter Shawn Powell averages 45.8 yards per punt and Canes punter Dalton Botts averages 41.3 yards per punt.
Both return units feature speedsters. FSU’s Greg Reid and UM’s Travis Benjamin can score from anywhere on the field.
FSU STs vs. UM STs advantage Florida State
November 10, 2011
UM Offense vs. FSU defense Breakdown
By: Michael Bradley
It’s that time, boys and girls: Florida State/Miami week.
I won’t bore you with any history lessons, past games, or nicknamed games and the like. It’s ancient history and as much as I’ve enjoyed some of the nicknamed games, missed field goals, and comebacks, it’s in the past and I’m focused on Saturday afternoon and how our favorite teams who love beat each other matchup position-by-position.
Let’s get started.
Miami Offense vs. FSU Defense
The Hurricanes average 30.7 points per game, rushing for 1,429 (158.8 yards per game) and throwing for 2,038 yards (226.4 ypg). Conversely, FSU allows 189.1 ypg passing and just 78.9 ypg on the ground, giving up an average of 15.8 points per game.
WHEN MIAMI PASSES: Senior QB Jacory Harris is having an outstanding season. He’s completed 64.1% of his passes for an average of 219.6 ypg and has thrown 18 TDs and just four picks. Obviously, Harris three favorite targets in Tommy Streeter, Travis Benjamin, and Allen Hurns. Streeter has 32 catches for 666 yards and eight scores, Benjamin also has 32 catches for 460 yards and three TDs, and Hurns has 22 catches for 321 yards and four touchdowns. The tight ends have caught 18 passes collectively and occasionally tosses the ball to RB Lamar Miller who has 13 catches for 58 yards.
The Hurricanes offensive line has given up 12 sacks through nine games.
Harris has been effective at managing the game and not turning it over, finally finding the consistency that he’s so desperately been lacking until this season. He’s been brilliant at the line of scrimmage, getting UM out of bad plays and into better ones based on his pre-snap reads. The receivers have found that same consistency, not dropping balls and running better routes.
One has to believe that FSU will bring pressure to Harris and challenge a shaky Hurricanes offensive line from the onset. Expect the Noles to stack the box, try to take Miller out of the game and play man-to-man coverage in the secondary while rushing Harris to make hurried decisions in the pocket. Miami will counter the pressure with shotgun, four and five WR formations, various draws, screens, and quick passes. The Hurricanes will have to carefully plan when to take their downfield shots and more than likely max protect and off of play-action passes to buy Harris more time to throw.
FSU sophomore DE Bjoern Werner has six sacks and junior DE Cornellius Carradine has four. The ends will challenge Miami’s tackles, but the linebacker unit may be most effective in applying the pressure. Collectively, DEs and LBs have 22.5 of FSU’s 30 sacks.
The Noles also have a talented secondary. CBs Xavier Rhodes (6’2, 215, So.) will man up on Streeter (6’5, 220), while senior Mike Harris and junior Greg Reid will be given the task to cover Benjamin and Hurns. Don’t forget Lamarcus Joyner is roaming the defensive backfield, but the secondary has just three INTs.
Miami has a bit of a size advantage offensively, but these games are won in the trenches and FSU has the advantage. FSU’s secondary is keeping opponents 30 yards under Harris’ average per game. The Noles rank fifth nationally in sacks per game (3.33).
UM OL vs. FSU DL advantage Florida State
UM WR, TE vs. FSU DB advantage Miami
UM QB Harris vs. FSU DB advantage MiamiWHEN MIAMI RUNS: Sophomore RB Lamar Miller has accumulated 1,016 yard and eight TDs. Miller is a big play threat and could take it to the house on any given carry. As stated before, the FSU gameplan will be to stack the box to prevent Miller from getting loose and make Harris beat them by throwing. The Seminoles have been brilliant stopping opposing ball carriers and Harris needs to be dialed in and focused because the game will be decided on offense for the Hurricanes. If UM cannot run the ball it will create more possessions for FSU against a relatively ineffective and young Hurricanes defense.
FSU LB Nigel Bradham leads his squad with 52 tackles and Christian Jones has 42. DTs Timmy Jernigan (6’3, 297, Fr.) and Anthony McCloud (6’2, 311, Jr.) are stout against the run. The Noles rank 12th nationally in tackles for loss per game (7.67).
Miami’s offensive line has paved the way for a 1,000 yard rusher, but this group is inconsistent. Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch will be tested in his first trip to Tallahassee.
UM OL vs. FSU DL advantage Florida State
UM RB vs. FSU front seven advantage Florida StateI’ll preview the FSU Offense vs. the Miami Defense later today.
November 3, 2011
By: Michael Bradley
Like Forrest Gump so famously said, the Hurricanes, “are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
The Hurricanes (4-4, 2-3 ACC) fell Thursday night to the Virginia Cavaliers (5-3, 2-2 ACC) 28-21 in what can be described as another inconsistent, mistake riddled game. Miami was its own worst enemy, committing untimely errors that cost the offense points and extended drives for Virginia in which they took advantage of the opportunities the Hurricanes provided.
Miami can’t get out of their own way. Just when the fanbase thinks the team is starting to develop some rhythm and consistency after posting back-to-back victories over Georgia Tech and North Carolina, they drop a game to an opponent like Virginia at home.
Up one week, down the next. They dominate an opponent the week before that just upset the 5th ranked, undefeated Clemson Tigers by two touchdowns this week and lose to opponent this week that beat Idaho by one point in overtime at home earlier this October.
Simply, this team over the past few years has failed to find the consistency that’s needed to win week to week in today’s game. But if there’s a silver lining this season, UM has lost four games by eight points or less and had a possession in the final minute of every loss that could’ve tied or won the game.
The popular whipping boy, QB Jacory Harris, is 111-of-175 (63.4% completion rate) with 1,555 yards with 15 TDs and just four picks. He’s not the reason for UM’s struggles.
Untimely offensive and defensive penalties, lapses in coverage, lack of a pass rush, not wrapping up ball carriers and missed tackles have led to Miami being a .500 football team. Overall, the mental makeup of this team is not equipped yet to contend for divisional or conference championships, much less national championships.
Let’s be honest with ourselves as fans. We knew head coach Al Golden had a bit of a rebuilding project ahead of him when he accepted the job. He said and did all the right things in the offseason, but a complete culture change and attitude adjustments don’t take place overnight. I believe Golden and his staff will get this program turned around, but it’s going to take time to develop the mentality and collect the talent to get this program where it needs to be.
In the meantime, strap yourselves in tight because the roller coaster ride isn’t over.
October 21, 2011
Midseason Report Card: Offense
By: Michael Bradley3-3. It’s not what we expected and it could be better, or worse.
It could be worse because Miami hung on against North Carolina, a game that could have easily gotten away from the Hurricanes after an onside kick recovery by the Tar Heels with less than a minute to play in Chapel Hill. It could be better if the Canes offense could have found a way to beat an upstart Kansas St. team at home and overcome costly mistakes in the season opening loss at Maryland.
If it wasn’t for an underperforming defense at Virginia Tech, the University of Miami has a 4-2 football team on its hands. If wasn’t for an underperforming offense against the Wildcats on the last possession from the Kansas St. two yard line, UM could be looking at s 5-1 record, being nationally ranked and being in the thick of an unpredictable ACC race.
The lack of consistency has plagued this team for the last few seasons and it doesn’t appear to have gotten any better. Head coach Al Golden has his work cut out for him moving forward, building and molding the type of team he envisions in Miami.
I promised you a report card, so let’s get started. Offense is first.
QB – Harris has finally turned the corner and I expect to see more performances turned in like he’s had in the last three weeks. He’s 82-of-122 for 1104 yards, 12 TDs and three interceptions. Harris has benefitted from new OC Jedd Fisch’s coaching, getting the ball into the playmaker’s hands, checking down and throwing the ball away. Harris has been exceptional at the line of scrimmage, getting UM out of bad plays and into good ones more often than most realize. He’ll end up cementing himself among the best UM QB’s of all time statistically and should be fun to watch in the final six or seven games of his career in Coral Gables. GRADE: B+
RB – Sophomore Lamar Miller has delivered, rushing for 706 yards and five TDs. He’s averaging 6.4 yards per carry and should reach the 1000 yard mark in the next few games, being the first Miami ball carrier since Willis McGahee in 2002 to achieve the mark. Miller is an explosive back and I see no reason why he shouldn’t continue to rack up yards on the ground. Junior Mike James has rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns, but he hasn’t been towing the line like most expected in preseason. Sophomore Eduardo Clements has shown outstanding burst when he’s gotten his five chances, rushing for 40 yards and a score. GRADE: A-
WR – This unit is perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the season thus far. Senior Travis Benjamin has hauled in 24 catches for 346 yards, with a long of 77 yards, scoring three times. He’s also punt and kick returning for the Canes, averaging 22.5 yards per kick and 14.2 yards per punt return. Junior Tommy Streeter has made his presence felt, catching 18 passes for 332 yards and five touchdowns. Sophomore Allen Hurns continues to impress, receiving 18 balls for 286 yards making three trips across the goal line. True freshman Phillip Dorsett has six catches for 70 yards and senior LaRon Byrd has disappointed, only bringing in four passes for 41 yards. GRADE: B
TE – Tight end isn’t performing as most expected. Redshirt freshman Clive Walford has nine catches for 89 yards and had a touchdown catch called back due to an offensive formation penalty. Walford has shown the most promise, although sophomore Asante Cleveland shouldn’t be forgotten, even though he’s struggled. Senior Chase Ford is mostly a blocker now having caught three balls for 34 yards. GRADE: C-
OL – The Miami offensive line has paved the way for Miller to rank 11th nationally in total rushing. Despite Miller’s success, they only rank 56th nationally in total rushing. The Hurricanes are tied for 37th in giving up 9 sacks through six games. Even though Harris has had success throwing the football, Miami ranks 66th in the nation in passing offense. As a unit, they’ve committed untimely and costly penalties, costing the offense scoring opportunities in close games that could have been won.
Individually, T Seantrel Henderson is finally getting snaps, coming off a back injury suffered in the weight room over the summer. He should provide some much needed stability to the line in the final six games. Redshirt freshman T Jon Feliciano shows promise, but he’s guilty of committing some drive-killing penalties. No one else has really stood out. GRADE: C+
October 21, 2011
Midseason Report Card: Defense
By: Michael BradleyDefensively, it’s been a train wreck in Miami. The Hurricanes rank 94th in the country versus the rush (187 yards per game), 58th against the pass (219.5 yards per game), 48th in scoring defense (23.67 points per game allowed), and 81st in total defense. No matter how you slice it, that’s not Hurricanes defense. On a positive note, the Canes are tied for 22nd in sacks (2.67 per game) and red zone defense (allowing offenses to score 75% of the time.)
While the unit has struggled mightily through six games, there are some bright spots to talk about.
DE – The Hurricanes have been decent rushing the passer. Senior defensive end Marcus Robinson leads the team in sacks with four and freshman sensation Anthony Chickillo second with 2.5 sacks. Although the putting pressure on the quarterback isn’t a major problem, it’s not been good enough to mask the deficiencies in the secondary nor stopping run-oriented offenses. Miami has struggled to stop basic run plays such as the HB Draw from the shotgun formation and have not found an answer for off tackle plays. The aforementioned Chickillo promises to be a real problem for opposing offenses but head coach Al Golden has work to do on the recruiting trail to bring in personnel that will be able to stop teams on the ground. The return of junior Olivier Vernon from suspension should upgrade the teams pass rush. GRADE: C
DT – I separated end from tackle for two reasons: the tackle position has been decimated by injuries and I believe the DT grade would bring down an average mark for the ends. Junior Marcus Forston is lost for the season and sophomores Curtis Porter and Luther Robinson have yet to play a down. Senior Micanor Regis has been the most reliable tackle, but he certainly cannot shoulder the responsibility of stopping the run by himself. Freshman Olsen Pierre and junior college transfer Darius Smith have tried to fill in, but simply aren’t ready for prime time. Given the opponents success running the football, the Canes earn a bad mark here. GRADE: D
LB – Sean Spence’s performance can’t be underscored defensively. He’s amassed 55 total tackles, 8.5 TFL, three sacks, and forced a fumble. His absence in the season opening game against Maryland was painfully apparent and since his return to the starting lineup, has been everything short of dominate. Sophomore MLB Jimmy Gaines has potential, but he’s still a young, developing player. He has 41 total stops, but hasn’t been the immovable force UM needs. Gaines is out of position too often and has struggled shedding blockers. He’ll be much better next season. OLB Ramon Buchanan is lost for the season, so true freshman linebacker Denzel Perryman has stepped in and shown flashes. He should be a starter next season. He has 27 tackles on the year. Senior LB Jordan Futch hasn’t panned out and his career has been a disappointment. Miami has razor thin depth and cannot afford any injuries the rest of the way. GRADE: C
DB – Senior JoJo Nicholas and junior Vaughn Telemaque have gone most of the way at safety, with Ray-Ray Armstrong coming back just in the last two games. Nicholas has also played some corner and is the third leading tackler on defense with 39 stops. Telemaque ranks fourth with 29 tackles. Junior Brandon McGee and true freshman Thomas Finnie have gotten time at corner as well. The secondary as a whole has only two INTs and lacks the instincts to produce game changing plays. Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio may have something to do with that, calling plays to keep everything in front of them. This group has been unspectacular. GRADE: C-
K – Entering 2011, place kicking was a big question mark. Not anymore. Jake Wieclaw is perfect on the season, making all seven of his field goal attempts, with a long of 43, and is perfect on PATs (23-of-23). He’s been a pleasant surprise. GRADE: A+
P – Dalton Botts is averaging 39.8 yards per punt, ranking 84th nationally with a 35.55 net average. That’s good enough to help an ailing defense in the field position game. Golden may turn to Wieclaw to punt if Botts doesn’t start performing better in a hurry. GRADE: D
September 1, 2011
CaneInsider MLB Article
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com
Middle linebacker hasn’t been a position of strength for the Hurricanes the last few seasons. Miami ranked 84th out of 120 FBS programs against the run in 2010. That number must come down and solid play out of the middle linebackers would help reduce that rushing statistic.
On paper, Miami looks to be in better position for that turnaround this year. UM welcomes a couple of new faces to the position and the depth is more experienced. It’s generally not a good idea to rely on the performance of true freshmen, but Miami’s class of linebackers will play right away and contribute on special teams. Most of the depth at MLB is unproven.
SR. Jordan Futch (6’3, 235) – He played in 12 games last season, recording six tackles, mostly on special teams. As a sophomore, he appeared in five games and registered three tackles.
Futch has battled the injury bug in his career and experimented at TE for the Sun Bowl. Being a senior, it’s his last chance to have an impact on defense for the Hurricanes. He will battle Kelvin Cain, James Gaines, and Gionni Paul for the starting nod in the middle. Much is expected from him even though it looks like it will be MLB by committee in 2011.
SO. James Gaines (6’3, 220) – Last year Gaines played in six games. As a senior at Canisius High School in New York, he was named Second Team All-State and finished with 154 tackles, three sacks, an INT and a fumble recovery.
Gaines is locked in the battle to start at MLB. He has good size and athleticism, and if he doesn’t win the starting job, will certainly be in the rotation and will star on special teams. He has all the tools to be a productive player at Miami.
SO. Kelvin Cain (6’3, 230) – Cain burst onto the scene with his performance against Duke, a career-high nine tackle game. He managed to finish the season with 12 stops and a sack. In high school, he was rated the 10th best OLB in the state of California, where he totaled 80 tackles and nine sacks as a senior.
After filling in for Colin McCarthy against Duke, Cain didn’t produce much. He has good size, but must become more consistent, especially against better competition. He’s still young and learning the MLB position. Cain has a chance to see playing time on defense and will contribute on special teams.
FR. Gionni Paul (6’0, 230) – Paul comes to Miami a very highly regarded high school player. He has terrific speed (4.48/40) and athleticism. He registered 155 tackles, two INTs, and forced four fumbles as a senior. His high school coaches rave about his work ethic and attitude.
In a recent article in the Miami Herald, head coach Al Golden predicted that Paul will have some say on who starts at MLB. He diagnoses plays very well but must form tackle better, something that is coachable and LB coach Micheal Barrow will teach him. Paul has plenty of potential and could see increasing time at MLB as the season progresses. Look for him to play special teams from the very beginning.
FR. Eddie Johnson (6’1, 230) – As a senior, he recorded 90 tackles and was First Team All-State selection in 3-A in Atlanta. In his junior year, he totaled 78 tackles, eight sacks, and one INT at Selma (AL) High School.
Johnson is a big-hitter who tackles well, getting under the pads of ball carriers. He owns great athleticism, has a nose for the ball, and caused headaches for opposing offenses all year long his senior season. He has a high ceiling for development and will contribute right away on special teams.
SO. Shayon Green (6’3, 255) – In 2010, Green appeared in two games for the ‘Canes. In 2009, he redshirted and sat out the year with a knee injury. As a senior in high school, he recorded 125 tackles, two sacks, and five forced fumbles.
Green must stay healthy in order to be a factor in the MLB race. That’s been a problem in his short time in Miami. He has terrific size and was productive in high school, but it hasn’t translated to the college game yet. If he can stay healthy, he could play special teams and provide depth.
Unit Grade: C+
September 1, 2011
CaneInsider DT Article
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com
Other than junior Marcus Forston, Miami doesn’t have any standouts at defensive tackle. The position has bodies, but most of the depth is unproven and past senior Micanor Regis and sophomore Curtis Porter, has quality depth issues.
The Hurricanes ranked 84th in rushing defense last year, allowing an astounding 172.7 yards per game last season. That number is simply unacceptable and must be a fraction of that average in 2011. New defensive line coach Jethro Franklin has quite a job in front of him just to get the tackles up to par.
JR. Marcus Forston (6’3, 300) – The former Miami Northwestern Bull had a stellar freshman campaign, being named to the College Football News.com and FWAA Freshman All-American teams. In 2009, he sustained a season-ending injury and redshirted. Last year he started 12 games, recorded 37 tackles (12 TFL), three sacks, and an INT.
The Hurricanes need Forston to stay injury-free this season. Miami doesn’t have much depth here, so it’s of utmost importance. Forston has the ability to wreak havoc upfront, but his teammate’s assistance will help free up the junior to make plays. If he can stay healthy and be productive, don’t be surprised to see Forston give serious thought about moving on to the NFL.
SR. Micanor Regis (6’3, 305) – In 2009, he played in all 13 games as a reserve, totaling 19 tackles, three for loss. Last season, he appeared in 12 games, starting 10, recording 42 tackles with eight tackles for loss and three sacks. He even managed to intercept a pass and return it for a 22-yard touchdown.
Regis will be in the rotation and battle Porter for starting duties. He’s adequate against the run and nimble enough to get after the quarterback. The Hurricanes need Regis to be a steady performer and step his game up against the ground attack.
SO. Curtis Porter (6’1, 300) – Porter redshirted last season due to a season-ending injury against Ohio St., a game in which he started. As a true freshman, he played in eight of UM’s final nine games.
After Porter, the ‘Canes don’t have any seasoned depth. He has a great opportunity to assert himself in the rotation as a starter and will be counted on to help solidify the rush defense. The Hurricanes desperately missed Porter over the course of last season.
JR. Darius Smith (6’3, 345) – Smith started every game in his career at Lackawanna (PA) College. Last season he tallied 14 TFL and five sacks. When he arrived on campus as an 18-year old, his junior college coach said he bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times. That’s incredible strength.
Smith’s arrival in Coral Gables shores up a weak DT position. He’s a self-admitted run-stopper and his presence in the middle could be a saving grace for Miami’s rush defense. Expect Smith to have an immediate impact and possibly work up to being a starter next to Forston.
SO. Luther Robinson (6’3, 295) – Robinson saw action last year in 11 games, recording three tackles, one for a loss. He was highly regarded coming out of high school, being named First Team All-Area and winning DL MVP honors at the Nike Camp in Gainesville in 2008.
Robinson has a chance to step up and earn himself some more playing time. He’ll see plenty of action on special teams, but an emergence into the rotation would help the Hurricanes tremendously. He needs to start preparing now for a much larger role in 2012.
FR. Jalen Grimble (6’2, 280) – Coming out of Nevada Bishop Gorman, Grimble is highly touted. He had 71 tackles and seven sacks as a senior and 62 tackles and five sacks his junior season. He originally committed to USC and also considered Florida St., LSU, Michigan, and Nebraska. He also won a state championship in basketball last season.
Grimble is athletic enough to play end, but with depth concerns at tackle, will start out in the middle. He is aggressive, explosive, and possesses a great first step. Don’t be surprised to see the Hurricanes use Grimble on passing downs. He has enough ability to make an immediate impact, although he probably isn’t ready yet to be an every down lineman.
JR. Jeremy Lewis (6’4, 315) – In 2009, he appeared in seven games, totaling three tackles. Last season he redshirted and didn’t record any statistics. In high school, he was ranked 19th on the Miami Herald’s South Florida Top 25.
He’s really yet to make any measurable impact in Coral Gables. Lewis should provide depth in 2011 on defense and special teams. He has work to do to earn his way into the rotation at tackle.
FR. Olsen Pierre (6’4, 265) – Pierre enrolled in January and competed in spring drills. He was an All-State selection with 86 tackles, 22 TFL, and eight sacks. Last year he played for Fork Union Military Academy, registering 12 sacks.
Pierre has enough athleticism to play end, illustrating the implementation of the 3-4 is well underway in Miami. He’s versatile and plays the run well. He’s undersized to play tackle, so a redshirt year to grow and learn the position might be the way to go.
Unit Grade: C-
September 1, 2011
CaneInsider DE's Article
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com
Defensive end is a deep and talented position for the Hurricanes in 2011. With new defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio slowly installing a new look 3-4 defense, the Hurricanes will still base their defense this year out of the 4-3, playing to personnel strengths.
This year the Hurricanes have several all-conference candidates playing end. The edge players are Miami’s most talented across the defensive line, and the rotation at the position is skilled. The ends should be a very productive unit for Miami this season.
JR. Adewale Ojomo (6’4, 270) – Ojomo played in all 13 games last season, starting four. He registered 38 tackles, five sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble against Virginia Tech. In 2009, he suffered a non-football injury that forced him to miss the entire season. In 2008 as a redshirt freshman, he played in 11 games making three starts. He made 22 tackles with four for loss and three sacks.
Ojomo figures to be a starter. His size and athleticism will be difficult to handle for any left tackle. He is a tireless worker and his work ethic has earned him a good reputation in the locker room. He arrives in opponent’s backfield in a bad mood looking to hurt quarterbacks and ball carriers. Ojomo is poised for a breakout season and is a force to be reckoned with coming off the edge.
JR. Olivier Vernon (6’4, 265) – He appeared in all 13 games, starting 11 games in 2010. He ranked second on the team with six sacks, fourth in tackles for loss with 10.5. In 2009, he played in 11 games making two starts as a true freshman. He totaled 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. He had a career-high four solo tackles against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Vernon is a pass-rushing specialist that is coming into his own. He’s matured as a football player and his experience will pay off this season. He’s a high-motor pass-rusher that plays with reckless abandon and will command double-teams on passing downs. He may be Miami’s most gifted pass-rushing specialist.
SR. Marcus Robinson (6’1, 255) – Robinson played in 10 games for the Hurricanes, totaling 19 tackles, five TFL, and 2.5 sacks. In 2009, he registered 17 tackles, four sacks, six TFL, and forced two fumbles. He recorded his first career touchdown on a 53-yard fumble return versus Clemson. As a freshman he garnered CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-American honors.
Robinson is a veteran pass-rushing specialist who is also good against the run. He has natural instincts when rushing the passer. His speed, athleticism, and great burst make him a formidable rusher. Robinson is at his best in one-on-one passing situations against tackles and should excel again in 2011 pressuring quarterbacks in the pocket.
FR. Anthony Chickillo (6’4, 250) – The third generation Hurricane comes into Coral Gables as UM’s highest rated freshman. He was the MVP of last year’s Under Armour All-American game. As a senior, he totaled 140 tackles, 18 sacks, and two INTs. In only six games as a junior, he amassed 80 tackles, 12.5 sacks, six passes broken up, forced two fumbles and had a fumble recovery.
Chickillo is too talented to keep corralled for long. He’s a gifted defender with great football instincts. He’s athletic and has a high-motor and will give tackles trying to block him fits. He should contribute defensively and on special teams making an immediate impact for the Hurricanes. Chickillo has a very bright career ahead of him.
SR. Andrew Smith (6’3, 250) – Smith appeared in 11 games last season and ranked fourth on the team in sacks with three. He also forced a fumble against Clemson. In 2009, he played in 11 games, starting seven. He had 15 tackles and recovered a fumble against Clemson. As a freshman he played in eight games, totaling three tackles.
The Monarch High alum should make his presence felt on special teams and will be in the mix to see increased playing time. Smith is a seasoned player that will contribute and should be expected to push the starters.
FR. Ricardo Williams (6’5, 230) – From Homestead High, Williams is a pass-rushing specialist with great length and the frame to add some good weight. In the 3-4 defense, he has the ability to line up at outside linebacker. Williams is the all-time Homestead High sack leader. He also considered UNC and Texas Tech among others, earning over 20 scholarship offers.
Williams has a lot of upside. He’s a good a pass-rusher and could be a force in the 3-4 alignment. He needs another year to get stronger but should develop into an outstanding defender.
RS FR. David Perry (6’7, 260) – Perry redshirted last season. In high school, he ranked No. 115 in the ESPN Top 150. He was also named to the First Team All-Broward by the Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. He totaled 12 sacks as a senior.
He has incredible size and length. His wingspan would make him a candidate to walk on to the basketball team. He understands the game and plays well in traffic. He never gives up on a play, always chasing the ball down to the whistle. With increased strength and experience, Perry could become a difference maker for the Hurricanes in the ACC.
Unit Grade: B
August 26, 2011
CaneInsider Kickers/Punters Article
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.comMiami will introduce a new punter and kicker in 2011 after Matt Bosher held down both jobs in each of the last two seasons. In 2008, he was selected as an All-ACC Second Team kicker, 2009 First Team All-ACC kicker and Second Team punter, and last year earned Second Team honors as a punter. In his career, he converted on 84.9% of career field goal attempts (45-of-53) and averaged over 40 yards per punt all four seasons he was a Hurricane. It’s very difficult to replace that kind of production and accuracy in the college game.
JR. Jake Wieclaw (6’2, 200) – As a senior in high school, he was 9-of-11 on field goal attempts with a long of 52 yards. Wieclaw set n Illinois high school record for most career FGs (48) and was just two shy of a national record.
The junior place kicker is set to take over kicking duties from Bosher. In the past, his accuracy is good inside of 40 yards, but with increased distance comes increased inaccuracy. Wieclaw has his work cut for him to keep incoming freshman Matt Goudis on the sidelines.
FR. Matt Goudis (6’0, 160) – Originally committed to Michigan, Goudis converted 12-of-16 FGs as a senior, with a long of 55 yards. He also averaged 40 yards per punt. For his career, he made 40 total FGs and 80% of his kickoffs were touchbacks.
He’s going to come in and compete right away with Wieclaw for the place kicking assignment. He gets good height on his kicks and was effective in high school kicking off. If Wieclaw struggles, Miami has an option in Goudis.
RS FR. Ben Hopfinger (6’0, 190) – Hopfinger walked on last season from St. Thomas Aquinas. He has a reputation for booming kickoffs and the Hurricanes might need him this year to handle that part of kicking game. If he lives up to his reputation, the Hurricanes will use him to make opponents start from their own 20 yard line. The emergence of Hopfinger could be key in the field position battle.
SO. Alex Irastorza (6’3, 190) – Irastorza transferred from Marist. In high school, he missed no PATs but didn’t attempt any FGs. He has a career-long punt of 63 yards and averaged 41 yards per punt. He should provide another option if either of the favorites fail to secure punting duties.
JR. Cameron Dean (6’3, 225) – Dean transferred from Fordham where he was a two-year starter as punter. In high school, he was selected as an All-State punter averaging 42 yards per punt as a senior. Over fifty percent of his punts were downed inside the opponent’s 20 yard line. Dean will battle incoming punter Dalton Botts for the starting position.
JR. Dalton Botts (6’3, 198) – Originally committed to LSU, Botts transferred from Moorpark C. C. where he averaged 37.5 yards per punt with a long of 59 yards. In high school, he logged the best hang time and longest punt at the Top 12 Elite Camp in California. He’s expected to start over Dean and Wieclaw to handle punting duties.
August 26, 2011
CaneInsider Guards/Centers Article
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)The Hurricanes offensive line should be the strength offensively, if not the whole team. Miami linemen earned more weekly ACC honors than any other school in the conference in 2010, signaling to opposing defenses you better bring your hard hat with you when you line up against the ‘Canes.
The interior of the line features as much front-line talent as the tackles, but not as much quality depth. For the Hurricanes to continue to dominate up front, the health of the guards and center is a must. With the return of offensive line coach Art Kehoe, the line figures to be even nastier.
JR. Brandon Washington (6’4, 320) – A 2010 First Team All-ACC selection, Washington has also been named to the watch list for Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s best lineman. He won ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice, winning the honor against Virginia Tech and Duke. He started all 13 games last year, ranking second on the team with 56 pancake blocks.
Washington is an unmovable force at right guard. He’s just as effective in pass protection as he is opening holes for the running backs. He punishes his man by finishing blocks and is athletic enough to pull for traps and counters. Washington will once again be up for numerous post-season awards and honors, and may test the NFL waters after a successful junior campaign.
SR. Harland Gunn (6’2, 310) – Gunn started all 13 games last season for the Hurricanes. He had 13 pancake blocks. In 2009, he started five of 13 games at right guard.
Being a senior and having started 18 games, Gunn will be battling 6th year senior Joel Figueroa for starting left guard duties. Gunn is an asset in the running game. He uses hit brute strength to move the pile forward. He will earn significant playing time and will be a solid blocker in 2011.
SR. Joel Figueroa (6’6, 323) – Figueroa was granted a 6th year of eligibility after sustaining a season-ending injury in the season’s first month. In 2009, he amassed 33 pancake blocks while starting nine of 12 games at right guard.
The experiment of moving Figueroa to right tackle didn’t work out. His abilities are better suited to guard. He’s a mauler who gives UM an advantage in the running game. If he doesn’t earn the starting nod, he’ll provide Kehoe an option in the rotation at guard.
SO. Jared Wheeler (6’5, 315) – The American Heritage product played in the Florida A&M and Georgia Tech games. He redshirted in 2009. Wheeler was a four-year starter at left tackle in high school and was named First Team All-State by the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel.
Wheeler is a tireless worker and has steadily improved his game since his arrival in Coral Gables in 2009. If he continues to progress, he’ll position himself to be a starter next season. He’s capable of playing both guard positions and will provide depth in 2011. He should see plenty of playing time on special teams.
RS FR. Jonathan Feliciano (6’5, 320) – Feliciano was selected as a First Team All-Broward performer by the Sun Sentinel in 2009. He redshirted last season.
In high school, Feliciano was seen pancaking his defender on a regular basis. He has good leg drive and creates leverage by staying low. He completes blocks and punishes his man after every play. He’s a physical guard that UM can be patient with. He should have a larger role in 2012.
SR. Tyler Horn (6’4, 305) – Horn has been named to the 2011 preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which annually names the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I-A football. He enters his senior season after finishing 2010 with 39 pancake blocks, third-best on the team. He started all 13 games last season and was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Offensive Lineman of the Week following the Hurricanes' win over North Carolina on Oct. 23.
Horn is a better pass protector than run blocker. He’s adequate in the running game, but he’s not going to wow you with athleticism or raw power. He’s a steady performer that gets the job done.
RS FR. Shane McDermott (6’4, 290) – As a senior at Palm Beach County High School, he was named First Team All-Area by the Palm Beach Post and First Team All-Broward by the Sun Sentinel. Also an Under Armour All-American, McDermott redshirted last season.
McDermott is more physical than Horn and should develop into a good run blocker. His pass protection is getting better and should benefit from the influence of Kehoe. He can also long snap. He should see some time on special teams and will be counted on to start at center in 2012.
August 24, 2011
CaneInsider Tackles Article
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)Offensive line coach Art Kehoe has a wealth of young but talented players to work with at offensive tackle. The Hurricanes have four tackles that will compete for playing time. The size and athleticism of this unit is the best it’s been in years and the four tackles that will compete for the two starting positions are a redshirt freshman and three sophomores. Miami is youthful here, but the talent level may be the best in the ACC.
SO. Seantrel Henderson (6’8, 345) – The nation’s number one recruit a season ago, Henderson started nine games for Miami, playing in 12, mostly at right tackle. He was named a 2010 College Football News First Team Freshmen All-American and Phil Steele Second Team Freshman All-American. In high school, he won the 2009 USA Today High School Player of the Year, was named to the EA Sports All-American First Team, and was awarded the 2009 Parade Magazine Player of the Year, among numerous other honors. He also did not allow a sack in his final season in high school.
He will most likely start at left tackle this season, which was manned by Orlando Franklin last year. Henderson’s athletic ability is off the charts for a tackle his size. He’s a dominating force in the running game and is extremely difficult to get by when he drops back into pass protection. He has All-American talent and should excel again this season.
SO. Jermaine Johnson (6’6, 320) – The former St. Thomas Aquinas standout played in 11 games, making five starts including the Sun Bowl. He was also a basketball star, averaging 12 points and nine rebounds a game. He was a McDonald’s All-American nominee.
Johnson is a bit under-the-radar. His strength is run blocking, but under Kehoe his pass protection will improve. Coupled with Henderson on the outside, it gives Miami a pair of formidable tackles. He will most likely be in the starting rotation and should earn significant playing time once again.
RS FR. Malcolm Bunche (6’7, 320) – Bunche came to Miami from Milford Prep, where he was ranked the no. 8 prep school prospect in the nation regardless of position. He’s strong as an ox and leads his fellow offensive linemen in several weight room categories already. He’s still raw, but he’s a fierce competitor and will press for playing time this fall. If he doesn’t start, he’s a high quality backup that will work his way into the rotation. He redshirted last year.
SO. Brandon Linder (6’6, 310) – Another St. Thomas Aquinas star, Linder appeared in 12 games, starting five, all as an extra lineman in a jumbo package. He was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the week after a near flawless performance against Georgia Tech. In high school, he was an Army All-American and helped St. Thomas compile a 28-1 overall record and won a state championship along the way.
Linder took snaps at tackle, guard, and tight end, and can even fill in at center. He most certainly be will be in the mix to start anywhere across the line. He’s an athletic, aggressive young lineman that you can expect to see earn considerable playing time this fall for the Hurricanes.
RS FR. Jermaine Barton (6’7, 310) – Barton was apart of the same team at St. Thomas that won a state title and went 28-1. A gifted athlete, he also played basketball. He was named Second Team All-Broward by the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel, allowing two sacks his senior season. He has the potential to develop into a starter down the road, but will provide depth in 2011.
JR. Ben Jones (6’5, 310) – Last season, Jones appeared in two games for Miami, starting at right tackle in the opener against Florida A&M. He also played against Georgia Tech. In 2009, he played in five games, also taking part on special teams. He redshirted in 2008.
Jones hasn’t really been able to earn much playing time. He was highly regarded coming out of high school but hasn’t lived up to the hype surrounding his prep career. Jones will provide depth and should see time on special teams.
Unit Grade: B+
August 24, 2011
CaneInsider article on NCAA Investigation
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)The “death penalty” -- a program-killing sanction that keeps a team off the field while banning recruiting and absolving scholarships -- has been on the books for 25 Years but applied just once to an collegiate football program for a pay-for-play scandal in 1987 to Southern Methodist.
Since the news broke on the allegations against the Miami program, the media and others have rushed to judgment and called for the Hurricanes to be sanctioned with the “death penalty.” Many media outlets have grossly over sensationalized these allegations. CaneInsider hopes to provide it's members with an accurate, factual, investigative report.
In an effort to make sense of it all, CaneInsider spoke with Michael Buckner, an attorney who specializes on NCAA investigative procedures and is the author ofAthletics Investigation Handbook: A Guide for Institutions and Involved Parties During the NCAA Enforcement Process.
The "death penalty" is just a name dubbed by the media for the NCAA's repeat violator rule which states:
19.5.2.3 Repeat Violators <http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/D110.pdf>
19.5.2.3.1 Time Period. An institution shall be considered a “repeat” violator if the Committee on Infractions finds that a major violation has occurred within five years of the starting date of a major penalty. For this provision to apply, at least one major violation must have occurred within five years after starting date of the penalties in the previous case. It shall not be necessary that the Committee on Infraction's hearing be conducted or its report issued within the five-year period.
19.5.2.3.2 Repeat-Violator Penalties. In addition to the penalties identified for a major violation, the minimum penalty for a repeat violator, subject to exceptions authorized by the Committee on Infractions on the basis of specifically stated reasons, may include any or all of the following:
(a) The prohibition of some or all outside competition in the sport involved in the latest major violation for one or two sports seasons and the prohibition of all coaching staff members in that sport from involvement directly or indirectly in any coaching activities at the institution during that period;
(b) The elimination of all initial grants-in-aid and all recruiting activities in the sport involved in the latest major violation in question for a two-year period;
(c) The requirement that all institutional staff members serving on the Board of Directors, Leadership Council, Legislative Council or other cabinets of the Association resign those positions, it being understood that all institutional representatives shall be ineligible to serve on any NCAA committee for a period of four years; and
(d) The requirement that the institution relinquish its voting privilege in the Association for a four-year period.
According to Buckner’s expert opinion and NCAA by-laws, several criteria must be met to tag Miami as a “repeat violator” and be prohibited from competing in accused sports.
Buckner states “In order for the Committee on Infractions to place the death penalty on the table, the vast majority of the allegations (in the) Yahoo! Sports piece must be found to be true."
While speaking with Buckner CaneInsider learned that there are some additional conditions that must be met in order to be considered a “repeat violator”. Not only will the NCAA need to pre-date the investigation to four years prior, but it will need to determine that Miami was a willful violator as well.
By going back past the four year mark Miami would then be implicated for prior probation status. Additionally, the enforcement staff would have to demonstrate that there was significant involvement from Miami head coaches and administrators in terms of the actual violations. Willful violation can also be deemed as intent to violate the rules, a total disregard for the rules, or even having a total lack of control that would allow these violations to occur. All of those elements have not been found in recent cases. This is a reason that it has been very rare for the “death penalty” to have been imposed by any committee over the years.
Repeat violators are defined as schools that run afoul of the NCAA more than once every five years. A review from the Associated Press focusing on major infractions cases proves that schools listed as repeat offenders have avoided the death penalty at least 70 times since the rule was enacted. The list of repeat offenders covers 55 institutions, including 14 that managed to avoid the death penalty more than once.Alabama, Baylor, Austin Peay, and Oklahoma State are just a few examples.
In determining whether there has been a lack of institutional control when a violation of the NCAA rules has been found, it is necessary to ascertain what formal institutional policies and procedures were in place at the time the violation of NCAA rules occurred and those policies and procedures, if adequate, were being monitored and enforced.
The Yahoo! article names three assistant coaches as violating NCAA rules. Buckner feels this would not be good enough to show lack of institutional control. Stating, “I think you will have to find more than three assistant coaches’ involvement. You will have to find, for a lack of institutional control, it would also go towards the compliance system in place and whether or not the administrators knew or should have known.”
The guide on “Principles of institutional control as prepared by the NCAA committee on infractions” states:
An institution cannot be expected to control the actions of every individual who is in some way connected with its athletics program. The deliberate or inadvertent violation of a rule by an individual who is not in charge of compliance with rules that are violated will not be considered to be due to a lack of institutional control:
-if adequate compliance measures exist;
-if they are appropriately conveyed to those who need to be aware of them;
-if they are monitored to ensure that such measures are being followed; and
-if, on learning that a violation has occurred, the institution takes swift action.
Buckner also says that circumstantial evidence like receipts is not enough to be considered proof. The NCAA has to link any evidence gathered to student-athletes.
“That is what I think a lot of people have been missing in all this. There is a difference between writing a media article and proving a case or investigating a case. So, the enforcement staff is going to have to link those receipts or any documentation of an illicit benefit to a student- athlete with corroborating evidence,” he said. “They would use the testimony of (Nevin) Shapiro. So, Shapiro would say ‘this receipt, Receipt A, I am testifying that this is documenting that I provided a meal to the student-athlete.’ Then the NCAA would have to corroborate Shapiro’s testimony (regarding the) receipt with someone else’s testimony. Whether it’s the student-athlete or someone else that was there that witnessed the event. Or, some other type of evidence that would prove to be true. That’s why a lot of times everything that’s reported in the media is not contained in an enforcement case because the staff was not able to prove it.”
Shapiro has been convicted of defrauding investors of over $900 million dollars in a ponzi scheme and is currently serving a federal prison sentence of 20 years. This calls into question the credibility of this witness. One wonders if the NCAA would take this into consideration when corroborating evidence. Buckner says that it would be a valid argument for Miami to make.
Buckner draws from his extensive experience in this matter, stating, “when I am in situations involving these cases and we have a witness that has credibility problems, either they’re a known liar or have a criminal background, then I would have to find even more evidence to corroborate their testimony. In some cases, I haven’t been able to do that, so I had to drop allegations. And in others, I have been able to find other objective sources that were able to corroborate that witness’ testimony.”
According to an article from the New York Times, Julie Roe Lach, the NCAA’s vice president for enforcement, said in an interview Wednesday that there had been little discussion about reviving harsh penalties like television bans or the so-called “death penalty.”
Roe Lach, who is not permitted to comment about the Miami investigation or any other active cases, said her conversations regarding penalties are directed more toward suspensions of coaches and postseason bans for guilty programs.
“I have not heard it turn much to television bans or the death penalty,” she said. “The majority of the ideas or support I keep hearing relate toward suspensions or postseason bans being the most powerful.”
Also included in the same New York Times article, David Swank, a former chairman of the NCAA Committee on Infractions, said he did not believe the death penalty or a television ban as applicable punishments in college sports today. He said that the death penalty “destroys a program” and that a television ban hurts too many other universities.
“The problem with a television ban is that you penalize a conference of which they are a member, and you penalize all the schools that have contracts with them,” Swank said.
Following the release of the now infamous Yahoo! article was a panic amongst Miami fans. The media hype that ensued did little to help alleviate those concerns. However, now it seems a “death penalty” is very unlikely. Only time will tell how the NCAA will rule on these alleged violations. However, Miami fans should be encouraged by these latest revelations.
*Joshua Borne and Jon Bastian contributed to this report
August 9, 2011
Tight Ends
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)The tight end position was absent last season for the Hurricanes. As a unit, they caught only 22 passes for 236 yards and a lone touchdown. In an offense that’s expected to see their role expand, those are downright scary numbers.
Head coach Al Golden played tight end for Joe Paterno at Penn St., so the productivity of the position should increase into respectable numbers.
The position does return some talent, though it’s mostly unproven.
SO. Asante Cleveland (6’5, 255) – As a freshman, he led all tight ends in receptions with eight. He ranked fifth on the team with 110 yards receiving. As a senior in high school, Cleveland had 24 catches for 412 yards and seven TDs.
Cleveland is perhaps Miami’s most talented tight end. He’s showed good speed and athleticism and showed natural ability running after the catch. He missed four games last season with an injury and missed all of spring drills. However, he should compete for the top spot on the depth chart and could develop into a primary target this season.
RS FR. Clive Walford (6’4, 245) – The Glades Central alum had over 400 yards receiving and six touchdowns receptions his senior year. He redshirted last season.
Walford exhibited some potential during the spring showing soft hands. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him take a substantial role on offense in 2011 and become a dependable and productive receiver.
SR. Blake Ayles (6’5, 265) – In three seasons as a USC Trojan, Ayles caught 14 passes for 182 yards and touchdown. He transferred to Miami in time for spring practice and joined ex-Trojan and current UM tight end coach Brennan Carroll in Coral Gables.
Ayles was highly regarded, but his collegiate production never matched his post-season high school accolades. He should compete for playing time and be a fixture on special teams.
SR. Chase Ford (6’6, 245) – Ford caught seven passes for 96 yards and touchdown in 2010. As a sophomore in junior college, he had 32 receptions for 545 yards. He was named Southwest Junior College Football Conference’s MVP that year.
He came in with a lot of promise last season, but he never lived up to the hype. Ford had some struggles hanging onto the ball early in the schedule and didn’t produce much. He should be a special teamer unless he surprises and makes a bid to start.
JR. John Calhoun (6’3, 250) – Last season, he played in all 13 games, recording one carry for six yards and one catch for four yards.
He’s not a prototypical tight end, but the move to a one-back attack virtually eliminates the fullback position he was recruited for. When Miami uses two-back sets, he’ll lineup at FB and possibly used in an H-Back role, being sent in motion. He has decent hands for a big man and could catch a few passes. Calhoun should play an important role on special teams.
SO. Billy Sanders (6’4, 245) – Sanders has yet to record any statistics at Miami. As a senior in high school, he had 31 receptions and three touchdowns. In addition, he amassed 86 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries, and forced two fumbles playing defensive end.
Sanders should provide depth at tight end and get plenty of action on special teams. It will be challenging for him to see significant snaps on offense.
SO. Cory White (6’6, 275) – The Fleming Island (FL) product caught one pass for no gain last year. He was named the 2010 Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year.
White played basketball and baseball in high school, so this versatile athlete may surprise and earn some meaningful minutes as a blocker in multiple tight end sets. He has some experience playing tackle and could develop in a fine red zone blocker.
Unit Grade: C-
August 9, 2011
Wide Receivers
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)The Hurricanes return a veteran unit of pass catchers in 2011. Gone is Leonard Hankerson who caught 72 passes for 1156 yards and 13 touchdowns. Replacing production like that is normally near impossible, but Miami has plenty of candidates to step up and fill the void left by Hankerson, now a Washington Redskin.
The unit was riddled last season with drops (UM receivers and tight ends totaled 67 last year) and miscommunications, which in turn stalls drives and leads to interceptions. Miami needs its receivers to take their game up a notch this season. This talented group of receivers has what it takes to elevate their game to the next level and with the new coaching staff in Coral Gables, expect this unit to improve.
Let’s take a closer look at a very deep, talented, and veteran receiving corps.
SR. LaRon Byrd (6’4, 220) – Byrd’s production has increased every year he’s been a Hurricane. His freshman season he caught 21 passes for 228 yards and three TDs. In his sophomore campaign, he snagged 33 balls for 460 yards and touchdown, and last year he hauled in 41 passes for 441 yards and a score.
Byrd is a prime candidate to fill Hankerson’s shoes. He’s a big-bodied receiver that can move the chains and keep drives alive. He routinely makes difficult catches look easy. His size and athleticism make him difficult for college corners to cover him. He’ll be counted on heavily to steady what was a shaky receiving corps last season. A big year statistically for Byrd would go a long way in helping Miami compete for a division championship.
SR. Travis Benjamin (5’10, 175) – Benjamin is another example of increased production year-to-year in Miami. Last season, he had 43 receptions for 793 yards and three TDs. He also scored on a 79-yard punt return against Ohio St. In 2009, he caught 29 passes for 501 yards and four TDs. During his freshman year, he caught 18 passes for 293 yards, scoring four times.
The Glades Central product is lightning in a bottle and can score from anywhere on the field. He has electric speed and playmaking ability, but at times can be inconsistent with his hands. He also needs to run sharper routes and not rely on his speed so often. If he can run crisper routes and become a more dependable receiver, the sky is the limit for Benjamin.
JR. Tommy Streeter (6’5, 215) – His career needs a jumpstart and the 2011 season is the perfect opportunity. A highly recruited receiver coming out of Miami Northwestern, Streeter’s time at Miami has been spent in ex-head coach Randy Shannon’s doghouse leading to a couple of unproductive years. Last year, he caught only one pass for 42 yards, scoring on his only reception against Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl. In 2009, he caught four passes for 67 yards.
His time is now. Streeter is a match up nightmare standing at 6’5 and running a 4.4/40. There aren’t many corners in the country that would raise their hand to volunteer to cover this monster. Streeter needs to become more physical and use his talents to his advantage. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be one of the most productive receivers on the team. We’ll find out if he’s for real this season.
SR. Aldarius Johnson (6’3, 205) – After a promising start to his college career, Johnson has seen his role and productivity diminish. He had 31 receptions for 332 yards and three touchdowns his freshman season. In an injury plagued sophomore season, he hauled in 16 passes for 276 yards and touchdown. Last year, he caught only 15 passes for 157 yards. He failed to score in 2010.
Johnson has some work to do to earn significant time this year. He has the ability but has yet to fulfill his full potential. In what is expected to be a more conservative offensive approach, he will need to make the most of his chances in 2011.
SO. Allen Hurns (6’3, 185) – Hurns didn’t record any statistics last year, but don’t be surprised to see him rise up the depth chart. He’s been praised numerous times for his work ethic by new head coach Al Golden, saying that he works as hard as anyone on the team. He has an excellent blend of size and speed and runs good, sharp routes. He is a tough, physical receiver that runs through arm tackles. Expect to see Hurns play significant snaps and have a breakout season.
JR. Davon Johnson (6’0, 185) – Johnson has really yet to make an impact in Miami. In 2008 as a freshman, he caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. The emergence of Hurns and the arrival of Phillip Dorsett will make it difficult for him to see the field. Johnson should see time on special teams and will get a look at returning kicks.
Johnson is a member of the UM track squad, competing in the 100m, 200m, and 4x400 meter relay in outdoor events. He runs the 55m, 60m, and the 4x400 meter events during the indoor season.
JR. Kendal Thompkins (5’10, 182) – Last season he recorded just one catch for six yards against Pittsburgh. In 2009, he caught two passes for 33 yards and touchdown. In his freshman season, he caught two passes for six yards and redshirted due to a wrist injury.
Thompkins hasn’t been able to break through on the depth chart, but entering his junior season with a new positional coach, his slate has been wiped clean and he’s been given a new opportunity to showcase his talents. He had a strong showing in the spring game catching seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.
FR. Rashawn Scott (6’2, 198) – In 2010, Scott posted 845 receiving yards, rushed for 945 yards, and threw for 565 yards totaling 31 touchdowns as a senior. As a junior, he caught 45 balls for 901 yards and 12 TDs. He runs a 4.5/40 and also plays basketball and runs track. With the veteran depth in front of him, Scott is a candidate to redshirt.
FR. Philip Dorsett (5’9, 170) – A St. Thomas Aquinas product, Dorsett has elite speed, running a 4.4/40. He’s an explosive, smooth athlete that could see immediate action returning kicks or punts. Last season, he hauled in 35 catches for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns. He could work his way into the two-deep by season’s end.
Unit Grade: B-
July 29, 2011
Runningbacks
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)Running back is not a burning question this year for the Hurricanes; the position returns plenty of talent. Returning to Miami to take over for Damien Berry and Graig Cooper will be speedy sophomore Lamar Miller and true workhorse juniorMike James. It appears the only weakness of this unit will be in the depth department, where redshirt freshman Darion Hall and sophomore Maurice Hagens are lurking. The departure of Storm Johnson to UCF hurts, but exiting spring practice he only managed to be third on the depth chart.
The strength of this unit is diversity. Each back listed below brings a unique skill set to the roster. Miller is the homerun threat who owns the ability to take a dive play the distance. James is a bigger back that does many things well. Hagens will undoubtedly get carries in short-yardage situations along with James because of their size. Hall redshirted last season, but he combined for 2,756 yards and 27 TDs in his junior and senior seasons in high school. He can also return kicks and punts. Incoming freshman Kevin Grooms will be given a look and could impact special teams immediately.
The backs will be counted on to steady the offensive attack, because new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch won’t ask his quarterbacks to win games for the Hurricanes. The production of this unit is at a premium in 2011, but behind a talented and veteran offensive line, there is little doubt that Miami’s ground game will be a force to be reckoned with.
SO. Lamar Miller (5’11, 212) – Miller rushed for 646 yards and six touchdowns in 108 carries in 2010. He had two 100 yard games, rushing for 163 yards against Virginia Tech and 125 versus Maryland. His 58.7 yards per game was good enough for eighth in the ACC. Miller averaged 86.8 yards per game in ACC contests, ranking third. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry. He also had 11 catches for 96 yards.
The Miami Killian product will be the focal point of the ground attack. His unique blend of size and speed will land him in the NFL one day. Whether it’s a sweep or dive, he’s a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Miller gives the Hurricanes their best chance since Willis McGahee (2002) to produce a 1,000 yard rusher if he can stay healthy. Durability will be a concern moving forward with increased touches.
JR. Mike James (5’11, 222) – James is the ultimate team player. He’ll do anything the coaching staff asks him to do, even if means playing some fullback. Last season he rushed for 398 yards on 70 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per rush and scoring three times. He also had 13 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
James played in all thirteen games in 2010, starting three. His versatility is a plus, as he can play RB, FB, and H-Back, not to mention returning kicks. With Berry and Cooper having graduated, his workload and production will increase. If Miller misses time due to injury, James will be called on to produce at a high level.
RS FR. Darion Hall (5’11, 195) – Finished his senior season in high school with 965 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 107 yards per game and 7.6 yards per carry. Hall rushed for 1,791 yards with 21 touchdowns, averaging 179 yards per game and 10.6 yards per carry as junior. Hall has his work cut out for him to earn carries in 2011. He redshirted last season, but he should get some looks this year to help out on special teams.
SO. Maurice Hagens (5’11, 240) – The big back from Tampa Bay Tech High was a pleasant surprise during spring drills. Hagens appeared in six games last season, including the final four. During his senior year in high school, he rushed for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
Hagens will be counted on to move the chains in short-yardage situations. He’s tough to bring down and has the ability to pop a few long runs on the defense. He will battle Hall and incoming freshman Kevin Grooms for time behind James and Miller.
FR. Kevin Grooms (5’10, 170) – Grooms rushed for 1,400 yards at South Broward High in 2010. He also returned six punts for touchdowns, so don’t be surprised to see Grooms make his presence felt right away on special teams. His elite burst and quickness will be hard to keep on the sidelines long.
Unit Grade: B
July 29, 2011
Quarterbacks
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)As head coach Al Golden enters his first season with the Hurricanes, he inherits an unsettled quarterback position. Returning is senior Jacory Harris and sophomoreStephen Morris. Both have starting experience. Both have shown flashes of greatness and both threw more interceptions than touchdowns in 2010.
New offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch has his work cut out for him. His job will be to sort out who will be better able to manage the offense, get the ball in the hands of Miami’s playmakers, and limit game-changing mistakes. It sounds simple, but it’s easier said than done.
The Hurricanes will start fall drills August 6th. The staff will use the first couple of weeks to settle on a starter for the opening tilt against Maryland on Labor Day night, as neither QB has really separated himself from the other. But will the culmination of training camp determine the starter for the whole season or will the opening act always be looking over his shoulder at his understudy?
The Candidates
SR. Jacory Harris (6’4, 195) – Harris enters 2011 second all-time at Miami in touchdown passes (50) and third in passing yards (6,340). In UM’s single season record book, he ranks second in pass completions (242), fourth in passing yards (3,352), sixth in touchdown passes (24) and fifth in total offense (3,133 yards). After returning from injury and starting the Sun Bowl versus Notre Dame, he completed four passes and was intercepted three times before being benched in favor of Morris. Harris completed 148 of 270 passes for 1,743 yards and 14 touchdowns, throwing 15 interceptions in 2010.
The former Miami Northwestern state and national champion has certainly had his up and downs. Harris has taken more than his share of criticism stemming from a habit of throwing interceptions, totaling 39 in his career. He’s shown the ability to move the offense up and down the field, but his level of inconsistency is – well – consistent.
SO. Stephen Morris (6’2, 210) – After Harris went down with a concussion that sidelined him for three games, Morris took over and led Miami to three touchdowns in the second half, falling just short of pulling off the come-from-behind victory against Virginia in Charlottesville. The following week against Maryland, Morris connected with Leonard Hankerson for a 35 yard TD with 37 seconds left in the game, elevating the Hurricanes past the Terrapins at home. He finished the season with 1240 yards on 82-of-153 passing, throwing seven touchdowns and nine picks.
Morris has a rocket arm, demonstrating proper velocity on touch and timing throws, something Harris has struggled with at times. He showed that he has the ability to evade defenders in the pocket and is a threat to run. Although inconsistent last year, he owns more upside because of his youth.
Cause for Concern – The Hurricanes have two quarterbacks capable of leading the offense. However, neither has done much to earn the confidence and trust of the new staff yet, much less the starting position.
Harris completed 54.8% of his throws while Morris managed a 53.5% completion rate. Both percentages are low and the accuracy of the quarterbacks must improve for Miami to contend for a Coastal Division title. The Hurricanes also turned the ball over 33 times last season, ranking 119th out of 120 teams in the FBS. The quarterbacks threw for 24 INTs combined.
Who Will Emerge as the Starter? – At this point it’s anyone’s guess. Expect the coaching staff to play both players, with their decision on the starter based on who limits mistakes. The good news is both quarterbacks have game experience. The bad news is both are inconsistent and turnover-prone.
The new offensive philosophy will feature the running game first, complementing UM's strength with a controlled passing attack including an emphasis on underneath throws to the backs and tight ends. With Fisch putting his signal-callers in better positions to succeed, expect the quarterback numbers to improve overall from last year.
Unit Grade: C+
July 12, 2011
Transfers
By: Michael Bradley & Jimmy D. Smith, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)The Hurricanes saw several players leave the program over the offseason, but today we’ll get to know five newcomers that came from other programs across the country.
QB Ryan Williams (6’6, 220) Miramar HS and Univ. of Memphis – The Miramar product wasn’t highly recruited out of high school. He replaced Cannon Smith (a Miami transfer) in the Tigers’ starting lineup after game two and completed 165 of 290 throws for 2,075 yards and 13 touchdowns, including 10 picks. Williams led the Miramar Patriots to a 6-A state championship in 2009. Williams will have three years of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2011 season due to NCAA rules.
The Williams sweepstakes heated up during the spring with Miami edging out the Arkansas Razorbacks for his services. A return home was welcomed by Al Golden and staff, filling a void for experienced QBs in 2012. Williams has some work to do especially if Stephen Morris works his way into the starting lineup this season. Still, he’s a solid addition to the roster for a position of need and should be expected to push Morris for the starting nod next year.
TE Blake Ayles (6’5, 265), Southern Cal – Ayles transferred from USC with 14 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown in three seasons of work for the Trojans. He’s very familiar with UM TE coach Brennan Carroll, his position coach in Los Angeles.
The senior tight end adds much needed depth to an inexperienced TE unit. His size and understanding of what Coach Carroll wants of the TE position should lead to some playing time for the veteran.
CB Michael Williams (6’1, 170) Wake Forest – The ex-Demon Deacon transferred to Miami giving them another veteran at a position of need. He didn’t play in 2010, but in 2009 started four games and recorded an INT. He lettered in 2008 playing special teams and redshirted in 2007.
Williams is eligible immediately and his presence will provide depth for the 2011 campaign. He’s still a bit of an unknown coming into this year. Expect for him to see considerable time on special teams.
DT Darius Smith (6’3, 345) Lackawanna C.C. – When Smith first arrived at Lackawanna as an 18-year-old, he bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times. Smith dropped 30 pounds for DL coachJethro Franklin to even be considered for a scholarship. He did so and has already enrolled at Miami.
Smith has two years of eligibility remaining. He’s a big body and Golden did a nice job bringing him to Miami. In 2010, he had 14 TFL and totaled five sacks, yet he considers himself more of a run-stopper. Smith has the potential to work his way into the tackle rotation and is the most likely of the group to make an immediate impact.
S Andrew Swasey (5’10, 195) Coffeyville C.C. – Swasey has one year of eligibility left. In his junior college career, he finished with 76 tackles, one sack, four TFL, and three INTs. He’s the son of head strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey.
The junior college transfer played well in the spring game and showed some ability. It’s realistic to expect him to contribute on special teams and provide depth.
June 22, 2011
Miami No Stranger to Attrition
By: Michael Bradley & Jimmy D. Smith, CaneInsider.com
(Please visit: http://www.caneinsider.com)
A hot topic during this offseason was attrition and its effects on recruiting and college football as a whole. Many conferences have started to look at the factors surrounding attrition. The prestigious SEC Conference has implemented rules trying to curve this process most notably by restricting the number of scholarships a school could hand out in a given year to 25. This is a touchy subject as the future of many young men is at stake. When looking at it from afar it is hard to see a bulletproof system that addresses all of the issues that contribute to the practice.
Every year a program makes millions of dollars in investments by giving student athletes scholarships and they often feel they have the right to protect that investment. To remain competitive in an ever aggressive business coaches often feel the need to create a revolving door system that gives them the greatest chance to form the most talented team possible. Often the player will be approached about the situation and assisted with finding transfer opportunities. However, a player does not have the sense of awareness about the issue and is often blindsided by the request.
Despite the recent measures by some to address this issue the practice will continue with no real end in sight. The fact that there are so many other factors like coaching changes, lack of prospect commitment, or a display of character that doesn’t fit the setting a staff may be trying to build, makes for this to be a very difficult situation to manage moving forward. It is almost the same premise a NFL franchise could make about not having to honor a drafted prospect with a contract if the team does not feel comfortable making the long term commitment. As long as there is so much money filtering through the major programs, attrition in some form will always be a part of the college football landscape.
The University of Miami is not immune to the process.
After ex-athletic director Kirby Hocutt named Al Golden head coach last December, the Hurricanes have seensix players leave the program, all for various reasons. The players that left the program are discussed below.
TE Andrew Tallman – 6’5, 260 pound ATH from Carthage, NY decided to leave the program after it became apparent he would not earn meaningful minutes in Coral Gables. Tallman redshirted last season. He has enrolled at the University of Richmond where he will be eligible immediately. Tallman has four years of eligibility left.
DB Devont’a Davis –The 6’1, 175 pound corner from Gainesville High redshirted last season. He showed some promise on the football field, but off-the-field matters kept him from making an impact as a Hurricane. He’s talented enough to get another chance at playing college football.
LB Kevin Nelson – 6’0, 215 pound freshman from Gainesville High never hit the field for the Hurricanes. Nelson is another in a line of examples of how off-the-field difficultiescan derail promising careers. Last word CaneInsider had was Nelson is planning on joining the Florida A&M Rattlers where he will be eligible immediately. We expect Nelson to have a significant impact for the FAMU program.
RB Storm Johnson – Johnson leaving the Miami program stings. A former Under Armour All-American, he’s a very talented runner, but finished third on the depth chart after the completion of spring drills. That apparently didn’t sit well with Storm and his father, Wesley. Just three days ago, Johnson decided to transfer to UCF. He’ll have to sit out a year and will become eligible to play in 2012. Johnson becomes UCF’s most talented player and should have a productive career in Orlando.
LB Travis Williams – Williams was poised for playing time on defense and special teams this season, so his transfer out of Miami was a little surprising. Standing at 6’2, 205 pounds, this RS freshman transfer certainly hurts LB depth, a position of concern for the Hurricanes. Williams arguably may be the most talented player to leave the program this offseason.
ATH Jamal Reid – A former Under Armour All-American, Reid never saw significant playing time in Miami. There’s no questioning the young man’s talent, but some difficulties off-the-field led to his transfer. With increased discipline, Reid could be a tremendous player for another program.
April 19, 2011
Hurricanes of the Past Share
Their Thoughts on the Future
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider (caneinsider.com)Perhaps the most successful collection of football talent ever assembled was standing on the sidelines Saturday at Lockhart Stadium witnessing the culmination of Miami’s spring practice. All conference players, national award winners, multiple first-round draft picks, and school record holders alike came together and celebrated University of Miami football, with the 2001 undefeated National and Rose Bowl Champions being recognized during halftime.
CaneInsider had the privilege to speak with some of the all-time Hurricanes greats, and they were gracious to share their perspective and opinions on the current state of the Miami football program.
Standing at 6’7, 220 pounds, defensive end Ted Hendricks starred at Hialeah High before embarking on his Hall of Fame career at Miami from 1966-1968. “The Mad Stork” was one of the greatest players in the history of college football. He was a two-time All-American (1967 and 1968), finished fifth in the Heisman balloting in 1968, and was a second-team All-American in 1966.
Hendricks shared his thoughts with CaneInsider on Coach Golden. “It’s too early to really tell, but Coach Golden seems like a great gentleman when I met him. This is the second practice I’ve been to. It seems like he’s got us on the right track, but we’ll have to wait and see how he’s going to develop this team. I believe he’ll get Miami back on a winning track.”
The University of Miami and NFL Hall of Famer talked about what makes UM different. “The University of Miami has always been unique. The tradition, the location, the students and alumni; it’s like a big family,” Hendricks replied. “Even without having some of the facilities that other state powers have, Miami has managed to have a great program. Tennis, track, baseball, and women’s basketball, those sports are doing well. The culture is there, the tradition is there, now all you have to do is get the right people there, and I believe UM has.”
Ken Dorsey, statistically, is Miami’s best quarterback to ever lace them up. He compiled a 38-2 record, leading his team to the 2001 National Championship and an appearance in the 2002 National Championship game. He set career marks for total offense (9,486 yards), passing yards (9,565), passing touchdowns (86), completions (668), attempts (1,153), winning percentage (.974), consecutive passes without an interception (193), and consecutive games with a TD pass (31). He was also named Co-MVP of the 2002 Rose Bowl, named first-team All-Big East three times (2000, 2001, and 2002), was the winner of the Maxwell Award in 2001, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2001 and 2002.
Dorsey shared his insight in to the QB battle headed into the fall. “I think the competition is good for the both of them. Whoever earns the job just needs to stay focused on the task at hand, work hard, make good decisions, and most importantly, win some ballgames.”
Regarding Coach Golden, Dorsey said, “I think he’s laying down the foundation for the future, and I’m confident that he will put the University of Miami back to where we belong, competing for and winning national championships.”
In 1999, DT Damione Lewis accumulated 57 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and was named to second-team All Big East. As a senior, he recorded 39 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named first-team All Big East and third-team All-American in 2000. He was a first-round draft pick in 2001, 12th overall selection of the St. Louis Rams.
Lewis talked about the new leadership in Coral Gables. “He’s doing a great job instilling toughness into the program. The way this team is practicing and scrimmaging is exemplifying that. I think the guys are responding. I know there is some work to do, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the guys in camp, letting all the dogs loose, and getting this thing turned around. I’m confident that he’s going to do a great job here.”
The current Houston Texan gave his thoughts on the strength of the defensive line. “I think we are really strong at defensive end. At tackle, I think the best guy didn’t play today. Today was a good opportunity for the guys that are going to rotate in to get some reps, good for them to settle into their roles and set the standard for what we can expect this fall,” Lewis said. “They have a lot of work to do, but I believe Jethro (Franklin) is going to do a great job with these young guys. They’ll be ready.”
Lewis gave his opinion on Coach D’Onofrio. “He’s doing a great job, too. He’s going to get this defense going again. The DB’s and LB’s are looking good, and when the DL catches up to those guys, we’ll have a great defense on our hands.”
Mike Rumph was on the undefeated 2001 National Championship team. During his career, he compiled 117 tackles, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions. He was selected as a second-team All Big-East performer in 1999 and 2001, and a first-team All Big East player in 2000.
Rumph talked about the secondary depth and talent. “Actually, I see a lot. On Friday, a lot of the alumni came back to speak to the guys. We sat down with them for over two hours and told them things that we see that they can improve on. I feel like we have good depth, and for guys being so young, they’re smart,” he reported.“There’s talent here, as usual, but it’s about getting the technique and fundamentals down. It’s about understanding what the coaches put in front of them. The faster the guys get that, the better and faster this defense will be.”
The former first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers gave his insight on the new staff. “Having a chance to meet the coaches and see practice a couple of times, I think we’re going to get a great job out of Coach Golden. With all the great coaches they brought in, especially Coach Kehoe, I think it’s going to ignite something special again. He said that he would do a great job in recruiting, and he did. Now, it’s about getting better this spring and summer and turning it on in the fall. Overall, he’s doing a great job.”
Coach Golden has opened up the program to the former players and they’ve responded with their invaluable support, evidenced by their attendance to the spring game and willingness to share their experiences with the current players. Players from across all generations have bought in to Coach Golden’s program. With the welcomed return of greatness, the future looks bright.
March 1, 2011
The Magic Man
By: Michael Bradley, CaneInsider (caneinsider.com)
In 1996, our Miami Hurricanes opened the season against the Memphis Tigers. Since I was living in Tennessee at the time, this meant one thing: road trip. Driving a new Cadillac off the showroom floor seemed like an excellent way to make the trip, but halfway there, the transmission went out and we [Randy and I] were relegated to speeds of 40 MPH going downhill and 30 MPH going uphill. What should have been a five hour drive easily took 10. But it didn’t matter; we would have walked the entire distance to witness the game.
Certainly, it was a trip to remember. Not only did the ‘Canes roll the Tigers 30-7, but Magic Benton had a breakout performance where he scored on two punt returns and caught a 73-yard touchdown pass for the 11th-ranked Hurricanes. Benton led Miami receivers with 547 yards and four touchdowns that year.
I recently interviewed “The Magic Man.” We shared a few laughs, some memories, and he provided his thoughts on the current state of the program.
I began by asking how it felt to have a NBA team named after him. He laughed and responded, “I wish there was, but I’m not a Magic fan.”
During my research for an interview with Ken Mastrole [a QB coach that operates a passing camp in south Florida], I found that Benton was his WR instructor. Benton explained how he got into coaching and what he does now. “I met Mastrole playing arena football. I also coached some on the high school level at Florida Christian. Now, I’m a fitness coordinator at the YMCA and I run all the fitness programs. I’m also a personal trainer and I work with Mastrole at his passing academy working with the receivers.”
I knew he’d probably been asked this question a hundred times since graduating from UM, but I couldn’t resist: how did he get that name? Benton replied, “My dad and one of his buddies were out a club one night. It was called Magic City Lounge. It was one of the hottest clubs back then in Miami. He came up with this great idea to name me Magic City. My mom went along with it, except the City part,” he said laughing.
Given Benton currently coaches wide receivers, I asked his opinion regarding what went wrong with the UM receiving corps last season. “One week they would play well, one week they wouldn’t. That group needs to be more consistent. There were a lot of dropped balls and miscommunications. It was hard to watch, truthfully.” Benton laughed and continued. “During the big moments of games when they’re supposed to rise up, there were mishaps: a dropped ball here, a misread there, a wrong route here. It was frustrating to watch. We needed some of the guys to make plays in clutch situations, but their play was not typical of a Miami wide receiver. They just weren’t able to execute.”
He expressed his concerns over the lack of focus by the Miami wideouts. “I don’t know what went on during preparation week because I wasn’t down there, but you can’t say you’re a wide receiver without being able to catch the ball. It’s a lack of concentration and confidence. Sometimes you drop a couple and get down on yourself and you think about it too much. You have to put the mistakes out of your mind and concentrate on catching the football.”
As a wide receiver, I asked Benton what he wanted to see out of his quarterback. “Leadership and knowledge of the offense; knowing where everybody needs to be at the right time. Quarterbacks need to know everything: line schemes, coverages, adjustments, and the whole nine yards. He needs to be knowledgeable, confident, and make good decisions.”
As we know, the quarterback position is among the problems that cause Coach Golden to lose sleep at night. Benton gave his opinion on UM’s current quarterback situation: “I went to Miami Northwestern, so I love Jacory Harris. But there seems to be misreads; the balls are floating. I believe they were telling him to throw to his first read. But it looked like everything wasn’t in sync. I believe he’s a good quarterback and I think they didn’t play to his strengths last year. They ran a lot of plays that he’s not used to running. He ran out of the shotgun in high school and called plays at the line of scrimmage; that’s his strength. When you go with one WR and three TEs under center and you roll him out, that’s not what he does. We did that a lot last year, which I really didn’t understand.”
Benton also spoke highly of Miami’s freshman quarterback. “Stephen Morris is a talented guy, too. He’s got a stronger arm. He’s willing to tuck it down and run, where Jacory is looking to always pass. I think UM is in a good situation. I think the [coaching] change will help both of them. I think Jedd Fisch will have to coach both of them up on decision making.”
Golden has instituted a more rigorous workout program which includes the ‘Fifth Quarter,’ an extra session following the required workouts. I asked Benton what he and his teammates did to prepare during the offseason. “We always worked out with the former players. Whether it would be DBs or WRs, we would always get together and work out. I remember working out with Lamar Thomas, Randall Hill, Ryan McNeil, all those guys. They would come back and we would run patterns, they would teach us coverages and share their knowledge from the NFL and coach us up. That was a big advantage. I don’t know how much of that was going on when Randy was there, but when I was there, that was a big deal. The older players always came back and talked to us, helped us out, and worked out with us.”
Golden’s last addition to the UM coaching staff was longtime OL coach Art Kehoe. The hire seems to be very popular among the former players and the south Florida high school coaching community. Benton gave his opinion on the new coaching staff in Coral Gables. “I love the fact that Art Kehoe is back. It was a great move getting him back. When he and Don Soldinger were fired, I couldn’t believe it. Those two guys were the cornerstone of Miami, especially Kehoe. In my opinion, had he stayed and not been dismissed, I believe he would be the head coach. We need those types of guys back. They know what the UM tradition is all about. It’s hard for outsiders because they can’t teach it to the kids. The head coach, I know he did a great job at Temple. He did an outstanding job of putting this last class together and he’s already doing a great job of assembling the next one. But the verdict is still out. You still have to play games, so we’ll see what happens. We definitely needed a philosophy change, even within the weight room. We have really lacked the toughness recently; I think that was our biggest problem.”
Recently, Coach Golden put out an open invitation for all the former players to come back to campus to teach and pass on the tradition of Hurricane football. For Benton, the invitation has been accepted. “I haven’t done anything at Miami, but I plan on going there soon. I want to see what’s going on down there. I’ve been distant for awhile. I went to all the home games this year, which was really hard,” Benton said laughing. “I’ll be down there for the spring game to get a closer look.”
Of Golden’s invitation, Benton said, “I think it’s great. It’s good for the kids. When I was there, those guys would come back and give us knowledge. You could come back and tell them the good and the bad things, things not to do, share stories with them, tell them what Miami was all about; tell them how it was when we were there. Why did you choose Miami? We can help them out, work out with them. Teach them the legacy, how to hold uphold it, and the legacy they set while they are there.”
Benton continued, “You’d never know who you would see walking down the hallway in the Hecht. You see guys like Edgerrin [James] walking through there all the time. I just saw Rohan Marley at one of the games. Those are guys that really had an impact on Miami football; it gives you a special feeling and makes you want to go out there and perform better for those guysWhen you don’t see them, you’re not really connected to them.”
“Everybody would want to come back, but the guys weren’t always allowed to come back and talk to the players. You see some guys on the sideline, but it wasn’t like it was before. Recently, the kids haven’t been connected to the past and tradition of Miami. We’ve been pushed away from that. That’s the kind of things that were missing at Miami.”
February 6, 2011
National Signing Day Recap
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
Yesterday Miami announced the signing of 14 (16 overall) prospects, eight of whom were previously committed to other programs. Head coach Al Golden and staff did a tremendous job in the short period of time they’ve been on campus, not only signing the class they did, but beginning the process of repairing the relationships with South Florida high school coaches, restoring hope and optimism in the program, and setting the table for a successful 2012 class.
Here’s how the 2011 class stacks up (all ranking according to Rivals):
Kevin Grooms 5’10, 165 3* ATH
Rashawn Scott 6’2, 198 3* WR
Phillip Dorsett 5’10, 170 3* WR
Taylor Gadbois 6’8, 295 3* OL
Anthony Chickillo 6’3, 226 4* DE
Jalen Grimble 6’4, 255 4* DE
Olsen Pierre 6’6, 280 3* DE
Ricardo Williams 6’5, 210 3* DE
Eddie Johnson 6’2, 218 3* LB
Antonio Kinard 6’4, 215 3* LB
Gionni Paul 6’0, 227 3* LB
Denzel Perryman 5’11, 217 3* LB
Dallas Crawford 5’10, 185 3* DB
Thomas Finnie 5’10, 170 3* DB
Dalton Botts 6’3, 200 3* P
Matt Goudis 6’0, 165 2* K
The class breaks down with (1) athlete, (2) wide receivers, (1) offensive lineman, (4) defensive ends, (4) linebackers, (2) defensive backs, (1) punter, and (1) kicker. The overall class is ranked 36th, with a chance to move up if UM can fill the void in this class with a quarterback, namely 4* signal caller Jacoby Brissett (6’4, 220), who is set to announce his college destination Friday at halftime of his varsity basketball game. He’s choosing between the Gators and ‘Canes. However, the rumors of Brissett choosing Florida have flooded the message boards and blogs.
Golden addressed the QB situation. "We’re still actively pursuing quarterbacks. I’ve got to be careful here because you guys know some of them haven’t committed yet. We want to make sure we sign the right guy that can fit our system. We want to be sure we sign a guy that matches our core values, that’s a leader. I still think we’re going to do that. We’re just trying to be patient there. I hope you can understand -- we don’t want to just take a guy to take a guy and we don’t want to drop down. We have a plan. We have a specific mold we’re looking for and I still believe we’re going to fill that need."
There are also rumors of ex-Rutgers QB Tom Savage being interested in transferring to Miami, but according to NCAA rules, he would have to sit out a year before becoming eligible.
The Hurricanes ended up with several signees in their class who either weren’t recruited by former coach RandyShannon or weren’t seriously recruited, including local players Kevin Grooms (South Broward), Thomas Finnie (Miami Central) and Ricardo Williams (Homestead).
“It’s a heavy defensive class,” Golden said. “If anything, that should give you an indication of my evaluation of our offense relative to our defense right now,” he stated in his press conference on Wednesday night.
"It's always the acquisition and development of talent. You can't win without talent, but you also have to have a plan in place for which you develop talent. I think we have that and we'll continue to do that. We've had a great response already in three short weeks with our current student athletes. They know it's different. They've embraced the change and they've really responded. I know I speak for the staff; we just can't wait to be around them. (Because) there is talent on campus. What this group (coming in) is going to do, will be a blue collar unit. It's going to be a group that will challenge for jobs in certain areas, raise the intensity and the performance and execution of the guys that were in place. And obviously they're going to have a chance to compete. This is going to be an interesting spring for us. And when these kids start to come about, it will make for great competition, improve our team."
As with every National Signing Day, there were a couple of surprises and disappointments. The surprises were the signing of DE Jalen Grimble and LB Eddie Johnson. Both are big prospects that could contribute to the depth on defense and play special teams right away. The disappointments were the commitments of WR Devin Lucien (UCLA), WR Patrick Onwuasor (Arizona), DE BJ Dubose (Louisville), ATH Dominique Terrell (UVA) to other schools, and the uncertainty of being able bring in a quarterback (not securing a commitment from one).
“It’s not so much the ones you don’t get; it’s making sure you get the right ones. I really believe that. You don’t want to be sitting there on Aug. 8 saying, ‘Hey, does anybody know why we recruited this kid? Was it because he was offered by eight other schools? Does anyone know where he fits in our system?’ All the staff here took their time and evaluated.”
“To be honest with you, we probably had spots for a couple of more kids, but we just didn’t want to get into the herd effect,” Golden added. “We didn’t want to lower our expectations, so we stayed at a high level and wanted to battle it out at that level.”
The focus for recruiting has already shifted to 2012. On Thursday, Golden hosted over 100 area high school coaches with part of the meeting taking place at the hoops game against Georgia Tech. Coaches brought film and transcripts of athletes they believe the Hurricanes could recruit for 2012 and 2013.
January 17, 2011
Catching Up in Coral Gables
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
With Auburn crowned the National Champion in 2010 and the season in the rear view mirror, I think that’s where I’ll leave it. There’s no need to rehash the details of a 7-6 season and an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Fighting Irish in the Sun Bowl. There has been no shortage of news since Al Golden took over for Randy Shannon, and I’ll cover the new staff and touch on recruiting below.
Coaching Staff Additions
Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was named the interim head coach for the Sun Bowl. Last week he accepted the same position in Alabama’s program, leaving that the lone position without a coach.
Mark D’Onofrio, Defensive Coordinator – Golden brings his old teammate from Penn St. and a holdover from his staff at Temple. He will also coach the LBs. Coach D’Onofrio has said that UM will employ some 3-4 looks, while the 4-3 will remain the base. He also stated that more zone coverages will be utilized.
Jethro Franklin, Defensive Line – Franklin only spent one season in Philadelphia. He’s had stops at USC, UCLA, Fresno St., and played in the NFL for Seattle and Houston. Franklin also coached in Houston, Tampa Bay, and Green Bay.
Paul Williams, Secondary – Another addition from his staff at Temple. He was the DB coach there for five seasons. He played at Delaware, and has made coaching stops at Penn, Delaware, Western Michigan, and Temple.
Micheal Barrow, Special Teams/LB – Coach Barrow is the lone member from Randy Shannon’s staff to be retained by Golden. Barrow will assist Golden on STs and assist D’Onofrio with the LBs.
Jedd Fisch, Offensive Coordinator/QB – Fisch joins UM’s staff from the Seattle Seahawks where he coached QBs. He’s coached under Steve Spurrier, Pete Carroll, Mike Shanahan, and Brian Billick. Fisch will continue to run a pro-style offense and will also tutor the quarterbacks. He was the University of Minnesota’s OC in 2009.
Terry Richardson, Running Backs – Richardson’s last 12 seasons were spent at UConn and he played collegiately at Syracuse, wearing the storied #44. He had stops in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Kansas City in the NFL. He will serve as the overall Recruiting Coordinator.
George McDonald, Wide Receivers – McDonald spent the last two seasons in Cleveland and takes the same position in Miami. He played at Illinois and has coached at Ball St., Bucknell, Northern Illinois, Stanford, Western Michigan, and Minnesota.
Brennan Carroll, Tight Ends – Carroll joins Golden’s staff after the impressive run of the USC Trojans earlier in the decade. He played as a TE for Pittsburgh before being hired on his dad’s team in Los Angeles. He will also be titled as the National Recruiting Coordinator where he served in the same capacity at USC.
Recruiting
Golden has done nothing short of remarkable out on the recruiting trail since he was hired in December. Shortly before the firing of Randy Shannon, QB Teddy Bridgewater decommitted from Miami and gave his word to Louisville. In large part, the 2011 Class was falling apart and there seemed little to be excited about.
That is, until Golden came in and restored some order to the class. The Hurricanes had only four verbals and that number is up to nine and counting. Here’s the class as it stand now:
Dalton Botts P 6’3, 200 (3 stars)
Matt Goudis K 6’0, 165 (2 stars)
Anthony Chickillo DE 6’3, 225 (4 stars)
Phillip Dorsett WR 5’10, 170 (4 stars)
Thomas Finnie CB 5’10, 170 (3 stars)
Taylor Gadbois OL 6’7, 295 (3 stars)
Nick Menocal LB 6’3, 235 (3 stars)
Olsen Pierre DE 6’6, 280 (3 stars)
Ricardo Williams DE/LB 6’5, 210 (3 stars)
This and That
-- Dallas Crawford (DB, 5’10, 180) took a visit last weekend and confirmed that Miami is now his number one choice. Crawford decommitted from Michigan and reopened his recruitment.
-- Ex-Trojan TE Blake Ayles is transferring to Miami. His presence fills a position of need and he will be eligible to play right away because the Trojans are under probation. Ayles was highly regarded coming out of high school, but injuries have curbed a once promising career. He had only one catch for 54 yards in 2010.
-- Ex-Rutgers QB Tom Savage is rumored to be interested in coming to Miami. Savage is looking for a fresh start and to resurrect a disappointing start to his college football career. He lost his starting job to a freshman after an injury and was never able to regain it. Even though Rutgers hired Frank Cignetti and will run a pro-style attack, Savage is firm on making the change. Miami recruited Savage coming out of high school.
-- The name rumored around the offensive line is Seattle Seahawks and UM alum Pat Ruel. He’s also a longtime assistant to Pete Carroll. Ron Prince and Don Horton are also rumored to be interested in the opening.
-- Brandon Harris (CB) has declared for the NFL Draft. His teammates Sean Spence and Marcus Forston have confirmed that they are both choosing to stay in Miami. It was rumored that Spence and Forston were testing the NFL waters.
-- LB Colin McCarthy, WR Leonard Hankerson, and DE Allen Bailey have been selected to participate in the Senior Bowl. DB Demarcus Van Dyke and RB Graig Cooper will play in the East-West Shrine Game.
-- On Jan. 3, UM announced that eight players were invited to the 2011 NFL Combine. Included in that group were Bailey, Hankerson, Cooper, Van Dyke, and McCarthy. They are joined by K/P Matt Bosher, RB Damien Berry, and G Orlando Franklin. Franklin is rated the #1 guard and the 49th best prospect. Bailey has a 1st round grade and expect to see Hankerson taken off the board either late in the first or early-mid 2nd round in the NFL Draft.
December 29, 2010
Three Keys to Victory in El-Paso
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
The Miami Hurricanes (7-5) are taking on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-5) in the second oldest bowl game, the Sun Bowl. The ‘Canes are in the middle of a coaching transition (Al Golden will be taking over Jan. 1), although Interim head coach Jeff Stoutland will be retained to coach the offensive line in 2011. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has his Irish playing well, beating Utah, Army, and USC in their last three contests, and allowing only one TD and 22 points – the best three game stretch for the Irish since 1993. Miami is on a two game losing streak, dropping their last pair to Virginia Tech and South Florida.
This matchup is probably among the most intriguing of the non-BCS bowls, so let’s take a closer look at what the Hurricanes must achieve in order to beat one of their oldest, and still one of their fiercest rivals.
1) Establish the running game – If this game is going to go smoothly for the Hurricanes, the ground game must get going. Senior Damien Berry (865 yards) and redshirt freshman Lamar Miller (633 yards) need to establish their authority and take the pressure off of Jacory Harris, who will probably play the whole game since Stephen Morris went down with an ankle injury in bowl preparation. If the front five can push around the Irish and limit the playmaking of Notre Dame ILB Manti Te’O, I think the ‘Canes can get the ground attack going and make for more effective play-action passes. I’m aware of the effectiveness of the Irish defense in stopping the run and not giving up points in the last month of the season, but I feel they haven’t faced a running game as lethal and effective as that of the University of Miami’s. Notre Dame plays good defense and establishment of the ground game is imperative in a winning effort.
2) Pressure ND QB Tommy Rees – The ‘Canes have the ability to stop the Irish’s ground attack which doesn’t strike fear in the heart of any opponent. That means that the front four can pin their ears back and give an all out effort to make Rees’s life difficult in the pocket, forcing hasty decisions and making the freshman force throws he normally wouldn’t be comfortable making, ultimately causing turnovers. The Irish have a pair of formidable receivers in WR Michael Floyd and TE Tyler Eifert, but if he doesn’t have time to get the throws out to either of them, Notre Dame’s two most effective weapons on offense are rendered useless. However, this will pose as UM’s greatest challenge on defense in stifling the Notre Dame offense, as covering the TE has proved to be a chore. Limiting Eifert and his production will go a long way in paving the road to victory.
3) Playing the game for each other – The Hurricanes are in the middle of a head coaching change and RB Mike James lost his mother during Christmas Break in a tragic car accident. Circling the wagons, overcoming adversity, and facing the off the field challenges and taking them head on, will factor in the quality of play in the Sun Bowl. If these guys can overcome and play for each other, the talent that UM owns over Notre Dame should eventually take over. Many are predicting that the coaching change and overall turmoil surrounding the ‘Canes doom them to defeat, but I have to disagree. Expect a spirited effort and for the team to take out their frustrations on the Irish.
For a full preview of Notre Dame, visit us at Eye of the Hurricane.
December 20, 2010
Al Golden is Introduced as University of Miami’s Next Coach
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us: http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
In five seasons at Temple, Golden finished with a 27-34 overall record while breathing life back into the Temple football program.
In 2010, Golden helped Temple to many firsts in the program’s history. The Owls became the first team in school history to earn back-to-back bowl eligibility, while recording back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1978-79. Finishing the season at 8-4, Temple won the 2010 Mayor’s Cup, won its first overtime game in school history, won a school-record 10 consecutive home games, and recorded the largest margin of victory in a MAC game. Eleven Owls earned All-MAC honors, including a school record eight first-team All-MAC honorees for the second consecutive season.
Golden guided the Owls to new heights in 2009, recording one of the best seasons in school history. Temple finished the season at 9-4 overall, tying for first place in the Mid-American Conference East Division with a 7-1 mark. It was the Owls’ best conference finish since joining the league in 2003. TU won a single-season record nine consecutive games. Temple recorded its first winning season since 1990 and made its first bowl appearance in 30 years. The Owls played UCLA in the EagleBank Bowl on Dec. 29 in Washington, D.C.
Named the 2009 MAC Coach of the Year and the Maxwell Club’s 2009 Tri-State Coach of the Year, Golden also saw an unprecedented 15 Owls earn All-MAC honors, including a school record eight first-team All-MAC honorees. Rookie RB Bernard Pierce was named the MAC Freshman of the Year, while DE Adrian Robinson garnered MAC Defensive Player of the Year accolades. Pierce, who re-wrote Temple’s freshman rushing records, ran for a school record 16 touchdowns en route to Honorable Mention All-America honors and Freshman All-America accolades. In 2009, Temple re-wrote 18 school season records and 11 game records.
In 2008, Golden led the Owls to five wins, the team’s most in nearly two decades. In scoring differential alone, he transformed the squad from a team that suffered a 391-point scoring deficit the year prior to his arrival to a team that out-scored its opponents by four points in 2008. The difference was 395 points.
In 2007, Golden led the Owls to a 4-8 overall mark and 4-4 during its inaugural season in the Mid-American Conference. The four wins were the most conference wins since 2002 and equaled the wins from the prior four seasons combined. The four MAC wins were the most for Temple in 40 years. Temple led the nation in red zone defense, while also leading the MAC in defense and attendance. The Owls recorded the greatest one-year defensive turnaround in NCAA Division I football, going from a No. 177 ranking in 2006 to No. 44 in 2007.
What Coach Golden Means for Miami
When Golden was introduced, he talked about passion, energy, enthusiasm, and winning championships. But looking past the coach speak, you can really sense the drive and desire of Miami’s new coach.
He is going to reopen the door to all the former players, welcoming in everyone who felt rejected from the former regime. This is a tool that the “U” needs to use, because it’s an advantage not every institution has available to them. Imagine lifting weights with Kellen Winslow, Reggie Wayne, Ray Lewis, Santana Moss, Clinton Portis, Bryant McKinnie, Willis McGahee, Antrel Rolle, among many others, during the summer. Then, going out and doing drills with professionals, them showing and coaching current ‘Canes how the NFL does it. Golden is welcoming the tradition back and it’s a savvy decision on his part for many reasons. What a recruiting tool!
Golden also brings a refreshing sense of urgency, promising to get the ‘Canes back to their rightful place among the college football elite. It won’t be easy, but I’m not betting against the new head coach.
Here’s why.
1) Golden is a tireless recruiter – When out on the recruiting trail, he won’t be outworked. How’s that inflatable mattress sleeping, Coach? No longer will Miami postpone official recruiting visits until after the completion of the regular season. It’s a step in the right direction, because many recruiting battles are already wrapped up by December. It keeps UM in battles that need to be won, because FSU HC Jimbo Fisher and new UF HC Will Muschamp and staffs are talented recruiters, and this move gives Miami a fighting chance to win some of the more important battles. UM needs to pull in some of these players and win some of these wars to remain relevant, even in their own state, much less nationally.
2) If you can win at Temple, you can win anywhere – Coach Golden, despite his overall 26-32 overall record, had many of the same disadvantages at Temple that he will face at Miami: a rented stadium, lagging attendance, and sub-par facilities. He’s already proved that he can win facing such adversities, and with the tradition at Miami, this should excite the Hurricanes fanbase. He produced a 9-4 record in 2009, tying for first place in the MAC East Division. In 2010, even though Temple isn’t bowling, produced an 8-4 record, the first back-to-back bowl game qualifying records for the Owls in over 30 years, quite a feat at a basically dead FBS football program.
3) Embracing the culture – It’s a big deal in Coral Gables. Like I mentioned above, welcoming the former players back is a huge advantage and should be used as such. Also, if you have followed the program over the years, you understand the ownership the former players feel over the program, because they made it what it was and is despite the disadvantages Miami still faces today. That’s what helps make the University of Miami special.
Next week I’ll preview the Notre Dame Fighting Irish which is UM’s opponent in the Sun Bowl.
December 6, 2010
University of Miami’s Coaching Search, Bowl Destination
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
The message boards and blogs were in frenzy this time last week with speculation circulating that a Jon Gruden hire was imminent. His presence in Coral Gables certainly would have made everyone around the country take notice and would have been a sexy, splash hire. University of Miami Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt even went as far as to fly to Tampa to close the deal, meeting most of Gruden’s demands and clearing all financial hurdles to bring the Super Bowl winning coach home to lead the Hurricanes. But negotiations eventually broke down and it became clear that Gruden was taking his name out of consideration for the still vacant head coaching position.
We’ll take a closer look at a few candidates that are rumored to have interest in the position. Candidates are not listed in any particular order. Let’s take a closer look at three VERY possible candidates to fill the position. I’ll grade sizzle factor (Great, Good, Average, Low, None) and overall fit, using the same scale. Fit factors culture, likelihood of being hired, offensive and defensive schemes employed, overall head coaching experience, and likelihood of success.
Randy Edsall – Edsall led the Huskies from the FCS to the FBS, being hired in 1998. He’s a solid head coach, and building a program like UConn should not be overlooked in the difficulty department. He’s a protégée of Tom Coughlin, and Coughlin won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2007. The Huskies have won their first Big East title in program history. He has a 3-1 bowl game record.
Offensive Style – Pro, Multiple Overall HC Record – 75-69, 8-4 in 2010, 12th year
Sizzle Factor – None Overall Fit – Average
Pros – Runs a versatile pro-style offense. Edsall has led the UConn program into a winning attitude, building almost from scratch, and oversaw the transition from the FCS into the Big East, making his career BCS game appearance. He runs a disciplined, clean program, something the UM administration will take into account when welcoming the new coach.
Cons – The sizzle factor is low. Doesn’t energize the fan base or increase tickets sales after his hiring would be announced. Not sure this would be the way to go, although it could prove to be a solid hire in the end. Not many drawbacks here, but he lacks the heavyweight presence to make an immediate splash in recruiting.
Tommy Tuberville – Coach Tubbs has UM ties, and the SEC contacts don’t hurt. He has a history of running the football and playing good defense. Tuberville has earned the nickname, “Riverboat Gambler,” for his reputation for taking risks and going for it on fourth downs. On the upside, he should come at a reasonable and fair price given his veteran and experienced history as a head coach.
Offensive Style – ? HC Overall Record – 117-65, 7-5 in 2010, 15th year
Sizzle Factor – Low Overall Fit – Good
Pros – Seasoned coach, established winner everywhere he’s been, including assistant coaching stops. He tends to favor a pro-style offense, although he ran Mike Leach’s offense this season at Texas Tech, and struggled to find an identity in his final season at Auburn, switching mid-season between the pro-style and spread attacks. Has won five SEC West titles, one SEC title, and been named Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2004.
Cons – Might not want to take a pressure-packed job. He’s familiar with the University of Miami and the expectations that are carried with being the head coach. He might not want to leave Lubbock after just taking the Red Raider job a little less than a year ago.
Kevin Sumlin – He has rich history of being a successful assistant coach in the Big 12 and Big 10. He’s a young, up-and-comer, brilliant offensive mind that runs a wide open offense, with a strong lean to the true Spread Offense. Sumlin will come at a fair and honest price tag, and UM might be smart to scoop him up while the getting is good. He should have a better record, but QB Case Keenum was injured in the first part of the year and forced the Cougars to play exclusively with backups.
Offensive Style – Spread HC Overall Record – 23-16, 3rd year
Sizzle Factor – Average Overall Fit – Good
Pros – Offensive minded coach with an extended history of coaching WRs and calling plays. He’s learned from some of the best: Bob Stoops of Oklahoma, Joe Tiller of Purdue, and R.C. Slocum of Texas A&M. He’s a high energy coach that’s smooth with the media and a good motivator. He’s young (47) and if successful, could be at UM a long time. Sumlin has earned the reputation of being an outstanding recruiter.
Cons – Still might be a little green as far as experience is concerned, but his resume in Big 6 conferences should more than make up for that. He might not be quite as high on Hocutt’s list because of this season’s struggles in Houston, but would be a fine addition and choice to lead the program.
Bowl Game Destination
The Hurricanes and the Fighting Irish will renew their once storied rivalry a year and a half earlier than scheduled in El-Paso’s Hyundai Sun Bowl. Both teams finished the season 7-5 and the meeting will mark both programs first appearance in the nation’s second-oldest bowl game. This marks the first meeting since 1990, when the Irish beat the ‘Canes, 29-20 in South Bend.
In the next couple of weeks I will give an in-depth preview of Notre Dame and hopefully a preview of Miami’s next head coach.
November 19, 2010
Looking at Miami’s Bowl Game Scenarios
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
Today we’ll look at the possible destinations for the Miami Hurricanes during the holidays. We’ll start the list (top to bottom) from the most likely to the least likely. The bowl picture will become clearer after tomorrow, but it’s always fun to speculate and talk about what ifs. But hey, this is college football, anything could happen. We’ll also revisit this subject in a couple of weeks.
1) HYUNDAI SUN BOWL
Location/Date – December 31, 2010 El Paso, TX Stadium – Sun Bowl Stadium
Capacity – 52,000 TV Coverage – CBS, 2 pm (MST)
Conference Matchup – ACC/PAC 10 Link – http://www.sunbowl.org/
Payout – $1.9 M
Other ACC Teams Considered – Florida St., North Carolina St., Maryland, Virginia Tech, North Carolina
Possible PAC 10 Opponents – Arizona, Cal, UCLA
Scenario – Miami ends up in the Sun Bowl in a variety of ways. Miami drops the game against Virginia Tech and beats South Florida, finishing 8-4. OR, Miami beats VT and USF (9-3), Florida St. makes it to the ACC title game and loses, and the Chik-Fil-A Bowl selects FSU. Even if Miami loses the final two games, the Sun Bowl has stated they would love to host the Hurricanes. They could slide further down the bowl selection process, but I doubt it. Miami is too big a TV draw for the Sun Bowl to pass on, even if they finish 7-5.
2) CHIK-FIL-A BOWL
Location/Date – December 31, 2010 Atlanta, GA Stadium – Georgia Dome
Capacity – 71,228 TV Coverage – ESPN, 7:30 pm (EST)
Conference Matchup – ACC/SEC Link – http://www.chick-fil-abowl.com/
Payout – $3.25 M
Other ACC Teams Considered – FSU, NCSU, Maryland, VT
Possible SEC Opponents – Arkansas, Mississippi St., Florida
Scenario – If Miami beats Virginia Tech and USF, then it’s a contest between UM and FSU (if FSU wins out). The loser of the ACCCG would also be considered. The Chik-fil-A Bowl reps have stated that if UM wins out and they can secure the University of Florida, that that would be the matchup of their choice. A Miami vs. Arkansas matchup could also be an interesting tilt in Atlanta.3) CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL
Location/Date – December 28, 2010 Orlando, FL Stadium – Florida Citrus Bowl
Capacity – 65,438 TV Coverage – ESPN, 6:30 pm (EST)
Conference Matchup – ACC/BIG EAST (or ND) Link – http://www.fcsports.com/
Payout – $2.13 M
Other ACC Teams Considered – FSU, NCSU, Maryland, UNC, VT
Possible BIG EAST Opponents – West Virginia, Louisville, Syracuse, Notre Dame
Scenario – The Hurricanes lost to Wisconsin in this very same game last year, 20-14. It’s unlikely that the Champs Sports Bowl would want Miami back, unless they can match them with Notre Dame, which would have to beat USC and Army, finishing their season at 7-5. I believe it’s unlikely UM ends up in Orlando two years in a row, despite the Champs Sports Bowl taking a step up in prestige since the Gator Bowl dropped the ACC after last season.4) DISCOVER ORANGE BOWL
Location/Date – January 3, 2011 Miami, FL Stadium – Sun Life Stadium
Capacity – 75,192 TV Coverage – ESPN, 8 pm (EST)
Conference Matchup – ACC/BCS Link -- http://www.orangebowl.org/
Payout – $17 M
Other ACC Teams Considered – ACC Champion
Possible Opponents – BCS Selection
Scenario – This is the most unlikely of possibilities. Miami must beat Virginia Tech and hope Virginia can upset the Hokies on the road the following week. The Hurricanes then must follow up with a victory in Charlotte to win the ACC conference. A number of opponents could face the ACC champion.
November 12, 2010
No Quarterback Controversy Here
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us: http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
If you follow the Miami Hurricanes (6-3, 4-2 ACC), UM freshman QB Stephen Morris needs no introduction. In last week’s action, his first ever start, Morris completed 18-of-30 passes for 286 yards, throwing a game-winning TD pass to senior WR Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds left in the game. He also threw two INTs, one resulting in six points for the Maryland Terrapins. Miami hung on to beat the Terps, 26-20.
Morris has showed he has all the qualities of an elite dropback passer: strong arm, good throwing mechanics, poise in the pocket, cool under pressure, command of the huddle, and more than adequate scrambling abilities. He’s played six quarters altogether, with his numbers totaling 27-of-52 for 446 yards, four INTs and three TD tosses.
Even though Morris engineered a come-from-behind win for the Hurricanes last Saturday and almost brought his team back in the fourth quarter on the road against Virginia, Miami head coach Randy Shannon insists that junior QB Jacory Harris remains the starter. Harris has missed time due to a punishing hit he sustained against Virginia in the first half, causing him to miss last week’s start.
“If he’s cleared and doing all the things, then, yes, he’ll be the starter,” Shannon said after the game. “You don’t lose your job because of one game. That’s going to be the next question this, huh – quarterback controversy. You are going to make it worse than what it is.”
“I will not know until the medical staff tells me. Until the medical staff clears him, Jacory will be out. If the medical staff never clears him, Jacory will not play. I can say he’s going to play this week, next week or the week after. It’s up to the medical staff. So, when’s he’s cleared to go, then I’ll let you guys know.”
Shannon said Sunday that Morris “did a great job of spreading the ball around. He got himself out of trouble. He has good feet… but also made good decisions and didn’t force anything. He showed a lot of composure. He got sacked three times, but kept coming back and executing the offense.”
“Don’t tell him he’s impressive,” Shannon added. “He had a good performance, not impressive. He had two INTs. He came back and made some great passes. He knows there’s a lot to improve on.”
“Like I said, stop trying to start a quarterback controversy, and this and that, because you guys will.”
So there you have it. No QB controversy in Coral Gables.
What if Morris produces a win tomorrow in Atlanta against Georgia Tech and plays well? What if Harris comes back for the Virginia Tech game and struggles?
Shannon must treat this situation carefully because his job could be on the line.
Three Keys to Victory vs. Georgia Tech
1) UM QB Stephen Morris vs. GT DC Al Groh (3-4 Defense) and Bobby Dodd Stadium – UM OC Mark Whipple needs to help his young QB here. Groh will dial up some different looks to try to confuse UM’s gunslinger, and the crowd noise definitely won’t help. Morris needs to stay poised and not lose his cool, especially if pressure situations arise. How Morris handles the road atmosphere will go a long way in determining the outcome of this game.
2) UM’s Running Game vs. GT DC Al Groh (3-4 Defense) – UM Sr. running back Damien Berry is not scheduled to start and is questionable to play. Redshirt Fr. RB Lamar Miller, So. RB Mike James, and the entire offensive line need to support the young QB on the road with a solid blocking effort.
3) UM Front Seven vs. GT Offensive Line – It’s a trait of all Paul Johnson coached teams: cut blocking. Virtually the same front seven for Miami held Georgia Tech to just 96 yards rushing last season in Miami, with GT QB Josh Nesbitt running the offense. Tevin Washington will engineer the option offense Saturday, and he’s a much better passer than Nesbitt.
November 5, 2010
More Questions than Answers
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
I think most of us ‘Canes fans did not envision being 5-3, 3-2 in the ACC at this point in the season. In 2007, the Hurricanes were 5-7. In 2008, the team managed a 7-6 record playing numerous true freshmen and being competitive in most games. 2009 saw Miami improve to 9-4, which included a blowout win over eventual ACC Champion Georgia Tech, 33-17. This season was supposed to signal Miami’s return among college football’s elite, following an improving win total trend every season under head coach Randy Shannon.
Last weekend, the ‘Canes traveled to Charlottesville, VA to square off with the Cavaliers. A win would have allowed Miami to keep control of their own destiny in the ACC Coastal Division. Virginia was winless in the ACC and just hoping not to get blown out, to keep the game respectable.
From the very beginning, Miami did not look like they were prepared, ready to play, and even looked disinterested at times. Not even a Virginia defender knocking UM QB Jacory Harris out of the game seemed to light a fire. Miami continued to make mistakes, look emotionless, and go through the motions looking robotic.
Before the Hurricanes knew it, it was the start of the fourth quarter and they found themselves down 24-0 to the Cavaliers.
I’ll give UVA head Coach Mike London his due. His team was ready to play. But lets be real, there’s no way the Cavaliers are nearly as talented as the Hurricanes. Despite a furious comeback effort in the later portions of the fourth period, the Cavaliers hung on and pulled off the stunning upset over the Hurricanes, 24-19.
As you can imagine, the fan base was furious at another lackluster performance, leaving us to ask is Randy Shannon the right man for the job? Is the talent reclamation project not as far along as we were led to believe? Is offensive coordinator Mark Whipple not putting the offense in good situations, and is he playing to the strengths of the personnel? Does the current coaching staff as a whole deserve more time or do they deserve the criticism they are receiving? What more can be done to motivate the players?
No matter how you look at it, something is amiss in Coral Gables. This team is not playing consistently, playing with little or no emotion and passion, are among the most penalized teams in the FBS (118th), and continue to make mental errors that upperclassmen with this much experience should not be making.
If there was a bright spot in last week’s loss, it was the spark that true freshman QB Stephen Morris provided. It took him about a quarter to settle down, but after he did, he led the offense to 19 fourth quarter points. Morris finished 9-of-22 for 160 yards, two TDs and two INTs. He made some mistakes, which was expected, but he gave the fans some hope with Jacory Harris being unavailable for the game against the Terps.
The Maryland Terrapins (6-2, 3-1 ACC) visit the Hurricanes this weekend in Miami. UM will be starting true freshman QB Morris for the first time. Starting a true freshman you have to expect some growing pains and mistakes. Miami must be prepared to play this weekend or risk getting laughed out of its own stadium. The defense and special teams need to turn it up a notch or two and pick up some of the slack to make up for offensive mistakes.
For a full preview of Maryland, visit us at Eye of the Hurricane.
October 29, 2010
Does Miami have Their Mojo Back?
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
I know its one game, so this is not a rush to judgment. I also know Miami beat a depleted North Carolina Tar Heels team. Nonetheless, it was the way UM handed UNC their third loss of the season which leads me to ask this question.
The shocking result against Florida State left the fan base to take to the airwaves, radio call-in shows, the blogs, and respective Hurricanes’ websites to vent their frustration about how UM lost that game. If you wear orange and green, that game was ugly from start to finish, top to bottom.
The University of Miami, as a whole, is a proud bunch, especially alumni and fans of the football program. The rich tradition that was built in the 80s and early 90s, and to start the 2000s continuing into the middle of the last decade, has never been duplicated in the modern history of college football. The reign of dominance was unprecedented. Miami built a powerhouse program that, despite some struggles recently, is still respected and revered. That kind of respect doesn’t come easily, or overnight.
Head coach Randy Shannon took over in 2007. He was asked to restore the image of the Miami Hurricanes football program, on and off the field. Off the field, no one can argue the results. Miami is among the FBS leaders in graduation rates and has not seen a current player arrested. That has to count for something, right? In the eyes of the administration, yes, he’s accomplished one of his initial goals when he took over the program. In the eyes of championship hungry fans and supporters, another championship of any kind can’t come soon enough. If you were paying attention to the airwaves and the internet after the debacle that was the FSU game, you know full well that the fan base was starting to lose their patience, this being year four of the rebuilding project under Shannon.
Part of the reason for this impatience was how well Shannon recruited in 2008. He arguably brought in the best class in the country. Fast forward to 2010, key components of the roster was predicted to be seasoned and experienced with many members of that class slated to be starters, and UM had key conference opponents at home.
Fast forward to the next key conference opponent at home. Miami fell behind to the Tar Heels quickly, 3-0. North Carolina RB Johnny White scored UNC’s only touchdown of the game, racing 76 yards, untouched, to build a 10-3 lead in the second quarter. The ‘Canes battled back, kicking a field goal to cut the deficit to four, 10-6. Later in the second, WR LaRon Byrd caught his first TD of the season, putting Miami up for good and taking the lead into halftime, 13-10.
In the second half, Miami finished off North Carolina, 33-10. It was a workman-like performance, and the Hurricanes played their most complete game of the season thus far.
It was the way they won that leads me to ask if Miami has their mojo back. Most of the criticism leading up to this game regarding this team was the overall lack of emotion, fire, and intensity, stemming from a lack of playmaking on both sides of the ball.
During the week leading up to this ballgame, former ‘Cane Antrel Rolle visited the team in Coral Gables. In what was reportedly a loud, boisterous meeting with players, he reminded them what it means to be a Hurricane. He reminded them what that “U” on the side of their helmets represents. He reminded them, maybe most importantly, to have fun.
What we saw last Saturday was just that: passion, fire, emotion, and intensity. The players were having fun, communicating on the field and the sidelines. It was like taking a step back in time and watching old school Hurricane football. Sean Spence and Brandon Harris eloquently displayed that exuberance after a Harris interception, with both jumping up and down, Harris acting like a horse, and Spence acting like he was whipping Harris.
It actually was a refreshing display if you’re a Hurricane fan.
It was refreshing to the fans that were reminded that there is passion and fire within the program, and refreshing to see kids having fun playing football again.
For a full preview of the Virginia Cavaliers, visit us at Eye of the Hurricane.
October 22, 2010
UNC Preview
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
The 25th ranked Hurricanes (4-2, 2-1 ACC) will welcome the North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2, 2-1 ACC) to Sun Life Stadium Saturday night, the kickoff slated for 7:30 pm and to be televised on ESPN2.
If you think the recent suspensions, player dismissals, and the talk of NCAA allegations surrounding the Tar Heel football program have crippled them, think again. We’ll talk about injuries and suspensions position by position, but this North Carolina team is very capable of pulling out a win on the road, a series in which they’ve managed to win the last three in a row. This is a pivotal game for both programs, and a win for either school will position themselves for the stretch run to represent the ACC Coastal Division in the conference title game in Charlotte.
QB – T.J. Yates (6’3, 215, Sr.) has performed well beyond expectations and is a major factor the Tar Heels has overcome some adversity. Overall, he’s 121-of-182 for 1495 yards, throwing 11 TDs and just one INT. He’s completing 66.5% of his throws and averaging 249.2 yards per game. He clearly is having the best season of his career. Yates isn’t forcing throws and limiting his mistakes, concepts he struggled with for a few years. He isn’t much of a threat to run, so the Hurricanes won’t have to commit a LB or safety to spy him.
RB – Johnny White (5’10, 205 Sr.) and Shaun Draughn (6’0, 205, Sr.) have split time at tailback in the absence in Ryan Houston (6’2, 250, Sr.). Houston was cleared to play by the NCAA last week but was held out of the game, as the coaching staff is considering redshirting him to preserve his last year of eligibility. Unless White or Draughn are injured for a long period of time, this most likely will be the case and Houston will return for the 2011 season.
White is solid, carrying the ball 86 times for 464 yards and four TDs. He’s averaging 77.3 yards per game and 5.4 yards per attempt. Draughn has 63 rushes for 287 yards with four TDs. He’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
The Tar Heels are multiple on offense, giving both one-back and two-back looks. The H-Back is senior Ryan Taylor (6’3, 240) who also serves as a backup TE. Fullbacks are Anthony Elzy (5’10, 205, Sr.) and Curtis Byrd (6’1, 230, Sr.). Elzy has 15 carries for 59 yards, averaging 8.8 per rush.
WR/TE – Zach Pianalto being out is a huge stroke of luck for the Hurricanes. He’s UNC’s leader in receptions (30) and yards (311). Not only does it limit what I’m sure Butch Davis had planned for Miami, but it takes away a wealth of experience and the safety valve for Yates. Taylor will most likely fill in for Pianalto.
On the perimeter, there is talent, but not much production. Senior wideout Greg Little has been dismissed from the team. The leading WR is Dwight Jones, a 6’4, 220 pound junior. He’s collected 19 receptions for 302 yards and three TDs. Erik Highsmith (6’3, 175 So.) has 14 catches for 205 yards with two scores, and Jheranie Boyd (6’2, 185, So.) has 12 catches for 297 yards and three TDs. Highsmith and Boyd are the deep threats.
OL – The offensive line has given up 11 sacks, a little less than two per game. They’ve paved the way for 125.3 yards per game and is averaging 3.6 yards per rush as a team. UNC has good size along the line.
The Tar Heels are averaging 28.7 points per game, are 31-of-80 on 3rd downs (39%), are 22-of-24 in the red zone (97%), and fumbled 11 times, losing eight.
DL – Senior tackle Marvin Austin has been dismissed from the team. So has DE Robert Quinn. Waiting on reinstatement by the NCAA is DE Michael McAdoo. All three were scheduled to start. Depth is a major concern here.
DE Quinton Coples (6’6, 245, Jr.) leads the team in sacks with 4.5, and also TFL with nine. He’s tied for 2nd on the team in tackles, with 37. He’s hurried opposing QB’s nine times. Tydreke Powell (6’3, 300, Jr.) leads the charge for the tackles, collecting 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
LB – OLB Quan Sturdivant (6’2, 235, Sr.) is back and has played in three games. He already has 27 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and 1.5 sacks with a fumble recovery. OLB Bruce Carter (6’3, 230, Sr.) has played in all six games, registering 31 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an INT. Carter and Sturdivant form one the best OLB duos in the country. ILB Kevin Reddick (6’3, 230, So.) has 37 tackles and two INTs. North Carolina averages giving up 154.5 yards per game on the ground.
CB/S – The defensive backs are relying on a couple of backups, as Charles Brown (5’10, 200, Sr.) and Kendric Burney (5’9, 185, Sr.) have still not been cleared to play. Don’t let that fool you, though. The Tar Heels are only giving up 177.5 yards per game through the air. Junior LeCount Fantroy (5’11, 190) and Mywan Jackson (5’11, 175, So.) have been up to the challenge.
At safety, Deunta Williams is back, already participating in two games. North Carolina has good depth at safety, with Gene Robinson (5’11, 175, So.) and Da’Norris Searcy (6’0, 200, Sr.). Matt Merletti (5’11, 200, Jr.) backs up Searcy at strong safety. Including Tre Boston (6’1, 185, Fr.) the safeties have combined for four picks.
K/P – Casey Barth is 6-of-7 on FG attempts, with a long of 36. He’s hit all 22 extra point attempts.
C.J. Feagles has punted 17 times only averaging 34.5 yards per punt. Only three have been downed in the opponent’s 20 yard line. Grant Schallock has nine attempts, averaging 44.2 yards per punt, and has two over 50+ yards.
Special Teams – Boyd has eight kickoff returns for 176 yards (22 avg.), and Searcy has seven for 189 yards, a 27 yards per return average.
Opponents have gained 669 yards on 30 returns.
The Heels have struggled returning punts, with Searcy getting four punts and only gaining 31 yards.
The punt return team is giving up 15.1 yards per return, also allowing one for a score.
October 15, 2010
Duke Preview
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)Okay guys and gals, it’s time to focus on Duke. I think most of us have probably had enough FSU talk, so let’s put that game behind us and hope our boys do to. Let’s take a closer look at the Blue Devils (thank God Duke’s football team isn’t as good as its basketball team). Duke is 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the ACC.
QB – The Blue Devils start sophomore QB Sean Renfree. Here are his numbers: 121-of-206 for 1464 yards, and TD/INT ratio of 10/9. He’s completing 58.7% of his passes, and averages 292.8 yards per game. He’s a drop back quarterback and is not a threat to run. Renfree is coming off ACL surgery and it’s slowed him down quite a bit in the running department.
RB – Not surprisingly (because this is a David Cutcliffe run offense), the running backs have been effective. Sophomore Desmond Scott has carried the ball 51 times for 291 yards and two TDs. He’s only averaging 58.2 yards a game, but he is running the ball 5.7 yards per carry. Junior Josh Snead has rushed 35 times for 190 yards and a TD, averaging 5.4 yards a rush. Freshman QB Brandon Connette is the rushing presence from the QB position, rushing on 21 occasions for 139 yards and two TDs, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. He’s only thrown the ball four times and with little success.
WR/TE – Duke has a couple of decent weapons here. Sophomore Conner Vernon has caught 34 passes for 548 yards with three TDs. He’s averaging 16.1 yards per catch and 109.6 a game. Not far behind is junior Donovan Varner with 31 catches for 386 yards and one TD. He’s averaging 77.2 yards per game and 12.5 per catch. Senior Austin Kelly is playing well also, hauling in 25 balls for 269 yards and two TDs, averaging 10.8 yards per catch and 53.8 yards per game.
At tight end, senior Brandon King is the biggest receiving threat, although the Blue Devils don’t go to him often. He’s only caught six passes for 38 yards and two TDs.
OL – By all accounts, this is Duke’s best offensive line since taking over in 2008. The Blue Devils have given up eight sacks and the RBs are averaging 4.0 yards per rush as a team. They only had to replace two starters and the experience is paying off. Center Bryan Morgan (6’3, 260, Sr.) and RG Brian Moore (6’4, 270, So.) are undersized.
DL – The defensive line has only produced two sacks. Not good facing a pass happy Hurricanes offense. Senior Pat Egboh has one sack along with RS freshman Justin Fox. Duke is last in the ACC in total defense, allowing 431.8 yards per game.
LB – Duke’s linebackers have produced the other two sacks. No single player has more than one sack. Senior WLB Abraham Kromah leads the defense in tackles with 46. Duke is last in the ACC in scoring defense, giving up 39.8 points per game.
CB/S – The passing defense is ranked 7th in the ACC, giving up an average of 220.5 yards per game. The secondary doesn’t have any one player with multiple INTs. Safeties Lee Butler (5’11, 190, Jr.) and Matt Daniels (6’1, 200, Jr.) are the only players with multiple passes defended, with four and three, respectively.
K/P – Will Snyderwine is 9-of-10 on the season on field goal attempts, with a long of 46. He’s 16-of-16 on PATs.
Punter Alex King is averaging 43.5 yards per attempt, downing six punts inside the 20 yard line.
K/P Returns – Lee Butler returns punts, averaging 10.8 per return on 11 attempts.
Juwan Thompson leads the Blue Devils with 11 returns, averaging 22.2 per return. Snead, Scott, and Patrick Kuruwune also return kick offs, with Snead averaging 22.6, Scott 16.3, and Kuruwune 22.0 yards per attempt. Duke has failed to return a kick or punt for a TD.
October 7, 2010
Clemson Recap, Conversation with Tomahawk Nation
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(conversation w/Bud Elliot, Tomahawk Nation)
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
Clemson Recap
1) Hurricanes Front Seven vs. Tigers RBs Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper – Harper was a non-factor. Ellington, after his 71 yard scamper for a TD midway through the first quarter, was shutdown. Still, he had a decent day on the football field, rushing 17 times for 107 yards and three scores. Miami did an outstanding job of adjusting to shutdown these dynamic rushers.
2) Hurricanes OLB Sean Spence vs. Tigers TE Dwayne Allen – Allen caught three passes for 24 yards. Clemson was unable to get him going and Spence did a great job of covering him.
3) Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris vs. Tigers SS DeAndre McDaniel – The future NFL safety was burned on a couple of TD passes by Harris to Hankerson. McDaniel did have nine tackles, but had nothing to do with defending the passing game. Miami toasted him several times; so much for knowing what was coming, Mr. McDaniel.
I’m going to change things up a little this week by posting a conversation I had with Tomahawk Nation site owner, Bud Elliot.
1) How will the inexperience at LB affect FSU's ability to stop Miami offensively?
Florida State's starters are actually quite experienced. Nigel Bradham is a two-year starter, as is Kendall Smith. Mister Alexander started a few games last season. Florida State does lack experience after its starters, but teams typically don't rotate linebackers very much. If FSU has a starter go down with an injury, it would have to turn to a member of the #1 linebacker class in the country (two 5*s, and two 3*s), but the young backups do lack experience. The linebackers this year have been good (not great), and that's an enormous improvement over what they were doing under Chuck Amato.
2) How does the 'Noles secondary match up with WR Leonard Hankerson and the rest of the WR corps?
Much like Miami, FSU used to run a lot of man coverage (though in a different style), and like Miami, the 'Noles have now finally changed with the times and employ much more zone coverages. No one player will handle Hankerson, as he is a beast. My guess is that FSU will play a lot of cover two zone and force Jacory to put the ball over the linebackers and in front of the safeties, or outside the hash (an NFL throw he cannot consistently hit). In the spirit of what coach Fisher wants, FSU's safeties are huge (212 and 232 lbs), and while they are certainly raw in Mark Stoops' new scheme, they will hit receivers. In short, I think FSU is more focused on allowing Jacory to do difficult things while denying easier passes, than it is on taking away Hankerson. The 'Noles do have three very good corners, however, in Greg Reid, Xavier Rhodes (a recruiting win over the Canes from Miami Norland and the guy Fisher thinks will be a first round draft choice eventually), and JUCO transfer Mike Harris. This is a vastly different defense than the one the country saw last season.
3) Who are the 'go-to' players at WR and RB?
Because Ponder is so special at reading the field and spreading the ball around to the open man, FSU uses a lot of different skill guys. The 'Noles typically use WR Bert Reed, WR Taiwan Easterling, WR Willie Haulstead (originally from da muck but transferred to Titusville), RB Jermaine Thomas, RB Chris Thompson, and TE Beau Reliford (who had offers from Miami and Auburn). RB Ty Jones may return from injury this week (ankle) but that is uncertain. Also in the mix is WR Rodney Smith (# 8 WR in country out of Archbishop Carroll) and #2 TE Jabarris Little.
Reed is the dependable burner with 128 career catches and 1300 yards, Easterling is the savvy vet who goes over the middle and frustrates the heck out of opponents by finding holes in the zone (80 catches 1000 yards), and Haulstead is the most physically impressive, though he is a first-year starter. The wide outs aren't as good as they were last season (lost Rod Owens, Richard Goodman, and Jarmon Fortson), but the backs are clearly better thanks to some actual coaching from Eddie Gran (who is an excellent recruiter in South Florida).
4) Do you think that Bobby Bowden would have the Seminoles in this position at this point in the season, or do you think this is a direct result of Jimbo Fisher's regime?
No chance would Bowden have FSU where they are today. Florida State had a 16-16 conference record over the last 4 years. It lost 20 games over the last 4 years. Last year FSU had the 7th worst major-conference defense! After not even winning its own division in the ACC in the last 4 years, it was time for a change. Fisher's offense has been very good for two years (last year was the best since Phillip Rivers' NCST team or Chris Weinke's 2000 team), not to mention all the mental and physical changes Fisher has made, or of the huge boost in recruiting Fisher and the new staff have brought. FSU had a coach who couldn't name his players and had no idea what was going on. It was the worst coaching staff in the country. Three of the fired coaches aren't even working now, another took a huge demotion to work at Georgia State, and one landed at Colorado State. Those new destinations should tell you a lot about the quality of coaching Florida State had.
5) Win or lose, what are your expectations for Florida State the rest of the season?
I think this team is an 8-4 or 9-3 team, and the difference between those two probably hinges on this game. My goals for the season were for FSU to win the games this team should win (don't lost teams who have significantly less talent) and to be in a position to win or tie for the Atlantic Division. Miami is in year four of rebuilding while Fisher and Co. just got the keys to Tallahassee. Miami out-recruited FSU badly in 2007 and 2008, and while it is true that FSU & UF are relegating the Canes to the clear #3 in terms of recruiting in state, it is also true that those 2007 and 2008 Miami recruits are quite talented and have been developed over a few years. Simply put, Miami's talent is found in its upperclassmen, while FSU's talent (aside from a few guys) is found in its young guys. For 2011 and beyond I think even Miami fans would swap rosters with Florida State, but this year the Canes have the better players. Knowing that, this isn't a game I expected FSU to win going into the season, it isn't a game I expect to win now, and while the rivalry is always important, this particular meeting is not really all that important to FSU's 2010 year.
FSU's goals of changing the attitude inside the program, fielding a competent defense after the abomination that was 2009, beating the teams it should definitely beat, having back to back excellent recruiting classes, and winning the division are still very much within reach. FSU's schedule finishes like this at UM, BC, at NC St, UNC, Clem, at MD, and UF. I see the 'Noles going 4-3 or 5-2 through that stretch. In the past, FSU would have lost to a team like BYU, Wake Forest, Virginia, or Maryland. As coach Fisher says, if you get the process right, the results will come. Given the very impressive changes to the program that have already taken place and the newfound foothold in South Florida recruiting, I am confident those results will come.For a full preview of this intense rivalry game, visit us at Eye of the Hurricane.
October 1, 2010
Clemson Preview, Part 2
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
When Clemson Drops Back to Pass
QB – Kyle Parker is a tough, hard-nosed QB. He signed a baseball contract with the Colorado Rockies after being drafted in the first round. Parker is 35-of-60 for 503 yards, with six TDs and just one INT in three games. That’s a 58.3% completion rate. He is fast and athletic enough to cause problems scrambling out of the pocket, but given the beating he took in the Auburn game two weeks ago, I wouldn’t look for him to scramble that often against the very capable front seven of the Hurricanes. He is efficient on the move, as the coaching staff likes to roll him out. Worthy of note, Parker admitted he has bruised ribs, and Clemson can’t afford too many big hits on their starting QB.
RB – Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper a big part of the passing offense at Clemson. Each has hauled in five balls, with Harper making a highlight-reel catch for a touchdown against Auburn, totaling three catches for scores and 59 yards.
WR/TE – TE Dwayne Allen is the best receiving option. He leads all pass catchers with eight receptions for 156 yards and a TD. The wide receiving corps as a whole has been unimpressive, with no WR totaling over 100 yards yet on the season.
OL – G David Smith is injured and won’t suit up Saturday. Mason Cloy will start in his place, and expect Miami to try to take advantage. Clemson would rather block the defensive front four with their five lineman and don’t ask their backs or TEs to chip very often. The staff would rather those players be a passing game threat. The OL has done a decent job of not giving up sacks, allowing two. But the emphasis has to be on keeping Parker’s jersey clean this weekend, literally.
Miami
DL – The Hurricanes front four will challenge the offensive line of Clemson. Allen Bailey will line up at DT on third downs and pass rushing situations, allowing Andrew Smith (2 sacks) and Olivier Vernon (3.5 sacks) to line up at end. Miami has sacked the QB 14 times, second in the nation, so something has to give.
LB – Miami struggled covering the TE in last year’s overtime time loss. Point of emphasis will be covering Allen, trying to take away Clemson’s best receiving threat. Sean Spence will be responsible, but with the lack of a proven playmaker at WR for Clemson, Spence should expect some safety help.
CB/S – Ryan Hill and Brandon Harris will start at corner. Harris is almost guaranteed to lock down half the field, and Hill had a pick against Pitt. They each shared in shutting down future first-round WR Jon Baldwin, holding him to three catches for 26 yards. At safety, Ray Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque will be asked to shadow TE Allen and keep an eye on the backs coming out of the backfield. Miami gives up an average of 131.7 yards per game through the air.
Even though Clemson torched Miami through the air using the TE last season, the Hurricanes are more aggressive and more comfortable in defensive coordinator’s John Lovett’s system. Allen and Harper are the main passing game targets, and if UM can shutdown the running game, Clemson will become one-dimensional. With G Smith being injured, it hurts the overall pass protection, and the ‘Canes should take advantage.
Advantage – Miami
When Clemson Runs the Football
RB – Ellington and Harper are one college football’s best RB duos. Ellington has carried the ball 37 times for 273 yards and four TDs. Harper is the bigger of the two backs, rushing 31 times for 154 yards and a trip to the end zone. Ellington is explosive and Harper compliments with tough runs in between the tackles. The Hurricanes will concentrate on shutting down the running game and make Parker and company beat them throwing the football.
OL – The Tigers have averaged 215 yards per game on the ground. It will be interesting to see how head coach Dabo Swinney will mask the absence of G Smith in the running game. Clemson must get the running game going to make this a game.
Miami
DL/LB – The ‘Canes lead the nation in TFL with 34, setting back opposing offenses 162 yards. Miami is averaging giving up 120.3 yards per game rushing. MLB Colin McCarthy must bring his A game and play more aggressive, and OLB’s Spence and Ramon Buchanan must wrap up and tackle better like they did against Pittsburgh.
CB/S – Safeties Telemaque and Armstrong are solid against the run. CBs Harris and Hill are also physical and adequate in run-support. Making sure tackles should be another point of emphasis this week in practice for the secondary.
The Clemson duo of Ellington and Harper is special. The absence of G Smith will make a difference, but not enough to give the advantage to the Hurricanes. Clemson will be motivated in front of the home crowd. Not by much…
Advantage – Clemson
Kicking Game
Miami – Senior K Matt Bosher is 3-of-5 on field goal attempts, having one blocked. He also averages 45.6 on punts, with a 39 yard net average.
As good as Clemson is at RB, Miami is equally as good at returning kicks and punts. Return specialists Lamar Miller and Travis Benjamin each have visited the end zone, with Miller taking an 88-yard kickoff back against Ohio St. and Benjamin taking a punt back 79 yards. Explosive might not be a good enough word to describe the UM return game.
Clemson – The Tigers have a dependable kicker in Chandler Catanzaro. He’s 2-of-3, hitting both attempts from 40 yards out. Punter Dawson Zimmerman has punted extremely well, averaging a net of 43.6 yards per punt.
Marcus Gilchrist averages 23.3 yards per kickoff return and 18.3 yards per punt return.
Advantage – Miami
Three Keys to Victory
1) Hurricanes Front Seven vs. Tigers RBs Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper – It’s no secret that the RBs make the Clemson offense go. Miami must shutdown the running game. If Ellington and Harper have their way, it could be a long plane ride home back to Miami.
2) Hurricanes OLB Sean Spence vs. Tigers TE Dwayne Allen – Spence struggled in covering the TE last season. Something tells me Spence will be ready, but so will Allen. The Tigers need to get Allen going early and often.
3) Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris vs. Tigers SS DeAndre McDaniel – Harris must make better decisions when throwing downfield. He also needs to be more accurate. McDaniel has already issued a challenge to Harris, stating that he already knows what’s coming in the UM aerial assault. Harris needs to rise up and not turn the ball over.
September 29, 2010
Pitt Recap, Clemson Preview Part 1
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
Pittsburgh Recap
Let’s take a quick look at the three key matchups and see how Miami fared before moving on to the Clemson Preview.
1) Hurricanes Front Seven vs. Panthers Dion Lewis and Ray Graham – Lewis rushed 12 times for 48 yards and Graham 14 for 100 yards. Neither runner had a touchdown. Miami bottled up the running game for the most part, giving them the edge in this key battle.
2) Hurricanes CB Brandon Harris vs. Panthers WR Jon Baldwin – Baldwin caught three balls for 26 yards. The Panther offense totaled only 104 yards through the air. Harris and the UM secondary effectively shut down the Panther passing attack. Harris and Miami dominated this matchup.
3) Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris vs. Panthers Secondary – Harris was 21-of-32 for 248 yards, throwing two INTs and two TDs. Harris missed a wide open Travis Benjamin in the end zone that would have given Miami a quick 14-0 lead, but instead the pass ended up in a defender’s arms. Hurricanes receivers were open all night. Despite the two INTs, Harris bounced back in the second half and played well, going 8-of-10 for 97 yards and throwing two TDs.
Clemson Preview
Miami and Clemson will meet in the conference opener for both teams in Death Valley. Clemson is coming off a tough, physical loss to Auburn in overtime, on the road, 27-24. The Hurricanes had little difficulty in beating Pittsburgh at Heinz Field, 31-3. This is a pivotal ACC opener, and a win would give either team a leg up in the race to Charlotte. A loss for the Hurricanes might drop them out of the Top 25, while a win would catapult Clemson back into the rankings.
Let’s take a closer look at both squads.
When Miami Drops Back to Pass
QB— UM QB Jacory Harris is 55-of-86 for 690 yards, six TDs and six INTs on the season through three games. Harris needs to be patient and let the passing routes develop, protection permitting, and let the game come to him. He needs to work on looking off his primary receiver, because Clemson has the athletes to make him pay if he doesn’t.
WR/TE – The Hurricanes receivers have had their ups and downs already this season. Senior Leonard Hankerson leads the way with his 16 catches for 241 yards and three scores. LaRon Byrd has caught 12 balls for 118 yards, continuing his dependability as a sure-handed threat. Travis Benjamin has hauled in 10 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. WR Aldarius Johnson and TE Chase Ford need to become more consistent and give Harris and the Hurricanes another pair of reliable targets.
OL – The ‘Canes have struggled finding a true starter at RT, rotating Jermaine Johnson and Joel Figueroa. Word is freshman Seantrel Henderson is getting work with the first team in practice this week to help solve the problem. Miami has averaged 243.3 yards per game passing, allowing five sacks. A good running and play-action game will help slow the Clemson pass rush.
Clemson
DL – The Tigers have a good, athletic, and physical group upfront led by Da’Quan Bowers and his three sacks. Defensive end Alex Branch also boasts three sacks, with LB Corico Hawkins bringing up the rear with two. This front will try to confuse the Miami OL with Bowers lining up at LE to try to take advantage of the weakness at RT. UM offensive coordinator Mark Whipple needs to take heed and Harris needs to get rid of the ball quicker while in the pocket.
LB – The linebackers have been adequate in coverage, but have really yet to make game-changing plays in the passing game.
CB/S – There is no lack of play-making in the Tigers secondary. Senior safety DeAndre McDaniel is an All-American candidate, and he hasn’t disappointed. He’s accumulated 20 tackles, three pass break-ups, and one INT. He’s a force and will need to be accounted for before every play with Harris pointing him out at the LOS before the ball is snapped. Four other players also have an INT. The Tigers defense has nine PBUs total. Clemson gives up an average of 203.7 yards passing per game.
This is a tough call. Miami’s offense is based on establishing the pass. Expect a few new wrinkles from OC Whipple. Clemson at home is no joke. By a Tiger’s whisker…
Advantage – Miami
When Miami Runs the Football
RB – Damien Berry leads all rushers with 43 carries for 226 yards and one TD, an average of 75.3 a game and 5.3 a carry. Lamar Miller has 22 rushes for 104 yards with two scores, an average of 4.7 a carry. Miami must commit more to the running game to take the pressure off of Harris, especially in the hostile environment of Death Valley.
OL – Miami has averaged 125 yards per game on the ground, but still has not yet plowed the way for a 100 yard rusher. This is not a dominant bunch, but they have made some holes in key situations. There’s plenty of room to improve.
Clemson
DL/LB – The Tigers defense has given up an average of 184.7 yards per game on the ground. That’s not good enoughto get them to Charlotte. However, like I mentioned already, this is a physical group that will hit you, and the Hurricanes will come home to Coral Gables knowing they played the Clemson Tigers. An advantage for the defense: UM QB Harris is not a scrambler. This will allow for a more pure pass rush, and the tackles can concentrate on stuffing the run and the ends won’t need to take such wide angles while pursuing Harris. Clemson has totaled 26 TFL.
CB/S – Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele leads an aggressive attack. His secondary has accounted for four of the 26 TFL. Strong safety McDaniel is a big-hitter and is productive in run-support. CBs Xavier Brewer and Byron Maxwell have combined for 29 tackles.
With UM’s weakness at RT, lack of a 100 yard runner thus far, and considering Clemson’s physicality… I like Berry and Miller, but the lack of the commitment to the running game makes this…
Advantage – Tie
We’ll preview the Clemson offense/Miami defense tomorrow.
September 22, 2010
Key Matchups: Ohio St. Recap, Pittsburgh Preview
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress)
Ohio St. Buckeyes
To say University of Miami QB Jacory Harris struggled in Columbus is a bit of an understatement. He was 22-of-39 and threw four INTs and a TD. To say Miami didn’t play well as a team isn’t. Ohio St. took advantage of Miami mistakes and miscues, which were many. Let’s look at my three keys to the game and see how the ‘Canes faired.
1) Hurricanes O Line vs. Buckeyes D Line – Ohio St. did a great job of giving Harris multiple looks and getting pressure. Harris threw four INTs last Saturday, a product of not feeling comfortable in the pocket and with what he was seeing. Ohio St. also sacked Harris twice and forced him out of the pocket on numerous occasions. The Buckeyes won this matchup, easily.
2) Hurricanes Front Seven vs. Terrelle Pryor – Pryor ran the ball 20 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. Even when he went back to pass, he shredded UM on several scrambles. Sounds like backyard football to me. Ohio St. won this matchup.
3) Hurricanes WRs vs. Buckeyes Secondary – Nine drops. Two dropped touchdown passes. Ohio St. kept one of the most explosive receiving units in the country in check. Leonard Hankerson had seven catches for 90 yards, but his teammates didn’t perform consistently enough to help him. The Buckeyes won this key matchup.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Miami will face the Panthers Thursday night in Pittsburgh. This is a key game going forward for the Hurricanes this season. They need to bounce back and regain some confidence, but this Pitt team is more than capable of beating Miami. Let’s take a look at three keys to the game.
1) Hurricanes Front Seven vs. Dion Lewis and Ray Graham – After two games, Graham is the leading rusher for Pitt. But Lewis entered the season as a Heisman candidate. Expect him to give an outstanding effort against Miami. UM needs to shut down the running game to make Pitt one-dimensional and make sophomore QB Tino Sunseri beat them.
2) Hurricanes CB Brandon Harris vs. Panthers WR Jon Baldwin – Easily one of the week’s top one-on-one matchups in college football, Harris will be shadowing Baldwin all night long. Baldwin is 6-foot-5 and Harris is 5-foot-11. Baldwin has the physical edge, but Harris did break up 15 passes last season. It will be interesting to see how this matchup unfolds. If Harris struggles, that probably means Pitt has gotten the running game going and the play-action pass is effective.
3) Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris vs. Panthers Secondary – Miami needs Harris to bounce back from his dismal performance on 9/11. Pitt has given up an average of 254 yards per game through the air, and their corners have not played very well. The Hurricanes WRs also present a physical mismatch, with Hankerson (6’3), LaRon Byrd (6’4), and TE Chase Ford (6’6), with no Panther defender in the secondary over 6’0. Miami needs to game plan for this advantage.
For a full recap of the Ohio St. game and a full preview of the Pittsburgh Panthers, visit us at Eye of the Hurricane.
September 9, 2010
Ohio St/Miami Matchup, Part 2
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
Today, we’ll take a look at the defenses and key matchups.
D Line – The Hurricanes sacked the Florida A&M QB eight times, with DE Olivier Vernon recording 3.5 sacks, a career-high, and leading the team with seven stops. Allen Bailey didn’t do much on the stat sheet against the Rattlers, but he did record seven sacks last year, splitting time between end and tackle. Bailey is a first-round talent. Adewale Ojomo, Marcus Robinson, Dyron Dye, and Andrew Smith back them up giving UM a deep and talented DE rotation that should afford them to being fresh late in games. At DT, Micanor Regis, Curtis Porter, Josh Holmes, and Marcus Forston give Miami a formidable group of run-stoppers. These four players must play big versus Ohio St.
The Buckeyes bring in Cameron Heyward, a 2nd Team All Big Ten defensive end who sacked the QB 6.5 times in 2009. Among the rest of the remaining linemen, only four total starts returned (7 after last week’s game). This doesn’t mean there isn’t talent. DT John Simon is undersized, but looks like a promising prospect. E Nathan Williams has good size, but the depth is young and untested. This is largely (outside of Heyward) an inexperienced group.
Miami’s experience and depth makes this an easy call.
Advantage – Miami
LB – Senior MLB Colin McCarthy brings an incredible amount of experience to Columbus. Junior OLB Sean Spence has started since his arrival on campus. On the other side senior Kylan Robinson is untested, and he’s backed up by Jordan Futch and Ramon Buchanan. The ‘Canes have some leadership here, but they desperately need to stay healthy at this position. This group is good against the run, but they need to tackle better. Pass coverage is a liability. The depth is mostly comprised of freshman.
The LB position is one of strength for the Buckeyes. Senior Brian Rolle returns, though a bit undersized. He’s a good football player nonetheless. OLB Ross Homan (Sr.) also returns, recording 108 tackles last year. He was also a first team All Big Ten Selection. It appears Etienne Sabino may redshirt to put a year’s distance between him and Rolle, allowing Sabino to play MLB for two years. The backups are young, but very talented and even bigger than the starters. This is a very physical group.
The Buckeyes returning all conference performers and deeper depth chart tilt this comparison in their favor.
Advantage – Ohio St.
CB/S – Brandon Harris and DeMarcus Van Dyke give Miami a very experienced CB tandem. Harris is another first-round talent that takes away half the field. Van Dyke is a mid-round talent who must become more physical and cause more turnovers. Brandon McGee and Ryan Hill are solid nickel and dime backs. At safety, Ray Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque are an effective duo. Armstrong returned an INT for a score against FAMU, and Telemaque has improved his overall game. Jo Jo Nicolas, Kacy Rodgers, and Jamal Reid provide depth.
All Big Ten corners in Devon Torrence and Chimdi Checkwa. Both are tall, lengthy defenders. The backups all have good size but there’s little experience. Jermale Hines at free safety is a solid NFL prospect, and hard-hitting strong safety Tyler Moeller is an effective run-stopper. The backups again have good size and are short on experience with the exception of Nate Oliver.
Both units are good, both units have size and speed, but I like Miami’s CBs a little more than Ohio St.’s. Harris tips the scales in favor of Miami.
Advantage – Miami
K/P – Matt Bosher returns and is on both the Ray Guy and Lou Groza watch lists. He was 14-for-16 on FG attempts and averaged 40.2 yards per punt. 23 of his 51 punts were downed inside the opponent 20 yard line.
Ohio St. returns two 3rd team Devin Barclay made the only FG last week, a 34 yarder. Drew Basil had a 52 yard attempt blocked. Ben Buchanon averaged a respectable 40.8 yards on punts against Marshall.
Miami clearly has the edge in experience and quality in the kicking game.
Advantage – Miami
Three Key Matchups
1) Hurricane’s Offensive Line vs. Buckeye’s Defensive Line – Much of the game’s outcome hinges on this battle. If Miami can keep Jacory Harris on his feet and provide some protection, he will pick the secondary apart and will produce lots of points. If OSU can get some heat in his face and force him into mistakes, this will lead the Buckeyes to victory. Miami needs to also get the running game going, and if they do it will open up the play-action pass, making Harris and his WR corps almost impossible to defend.
2) Hurricane’s Front Seven vs. Terrelle Pryor – Pryor can scramble with best of them, and the ‘Canes struggle against dual-threat quarterbacks. Miami needs to stay disciplined upfront and not engage Pryor in backyard football.
3) Hurricane’s WRs vs. Buckeyes Secondary – Miami has the best WR corps in the country. How Ohio St. can defense this explosive group will go a long way in deciding the outcome. If Harris has time and the secondary struggles, Miami will score early and often.
September 8, 2010
A Closer Look at the Ohio St/Miami Matchup, Part 1
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
The Hurricanes made short order of the Florida A&M Rattlers, beating them 45-0 last Thursday night. Miami outgained FAMU 405-110, also recording their first shutout since 2006. The defense notched eight sacks. Senior QB Jacory Harris looked sharp, going 12-of-15 for 210 yards and three touchdown tosses in a half of work. Redshirt freshman RB Lamar Miller made his debut with 11 rushes for 66 yards and a score, and was named ACC Rookie of the Week for his effort.
For more detailed information, visit the official University of Miami website:
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mifl-m-footbl-body.html
I want to jump right into this week’s matchup with Ohio St. I’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of each unit, compare them, and give my opinion on who has the advantage in three key matchups. I’m taking into account last season’s numbers and last week’s game.
QB – Jacory Harris was sharp, going 12-of-15 for 210 yards and throwing three touchdowns. Harris is a better pure passer and has a deeper pool of weapons to spread the ball around to. He is familiar with tough road environments and is cool under pressure.
Ohio St.’s Terrelle Pryor had an efficient game against Marshall. He was 17-of-25 for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed 8 times for 25 yards. Pryor has gotten better as a passer, but he’s more known for his scrambling ability and being able to extend the play escaping pressure in the pocket.
I think the QB category is best broken down into two sub-categories.
Advantage Passing – Miami
Advantage Running – Ohio St.
RB – The Hurricanes bring in a stable of talented backs to Columbus. Damien Berry, Mike James, and Lamar Miller are among the most talented rotations in the country. Graig Cooper got limited time last week and Storm Johnson has yet to hit the field. The strong running from Berry and James will wear down the Buckeye defense, and Miller, with his world-class speed, can run past any defense and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Brandon Saine, Mike Herron, and Jaamal Berry make up another outstanding trio of backs. Saine had only nine carries and rushed for 103 yards and scored twice. Herron touched the ball seven times for 44 yards, and Berry played well, rushing seven times for 80 yards.
The numbers for both sets of backs were similar last year, and both units boast an outstanding RS freshman back.
Advantage – Tie
WR/TE – Leonard Hankerson picked up where he left off season, hauling in six receptions for 115 yards and two scores. A healthy Aldarius Johnson played well, receiving three from Harris for 43 yards. Travis Benjamin, Kendal Thompkins, Tommy Streeter, and LaRon Byrd lurk in WR rotation, giving UM six legitimate options at the position. No other school in the country can say that.
No tight ends caught a pass last Thursday night, and if there’s a weakness on receiving options, it’s here. Junior college transfer Chase Ford dropped a sure touchdown pass in the first quarter, and true freshman Asante Cleveland was the intended target in another attempt in the end zone. Richard Gordon also played, but was never thrown to. All three blocked well, but need work in the passing game.
DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher give the Buckeyes a pair of reliable targets. Sanzenbacher is a good route runner, while Posey is more of a deep threat, although both can catch the deep ball. Ohio St. recruits well, but the depth here was hurt by the departure of Duron Carter.
Jake Stoneburner is a capable TE, hauling in three catches for 41 yards against Marshall. Miami had trouble covering TEs last year, so you have to expect Ohio St. head coach Jim Tressel to attack using Stoneburner.
This is another category that needs to be broken into two parts.
Advantage WR – Miami
Advantage TE – Ohio St.
O Line – The Hurricanes gave Harris plenty of time to throw the ball and opened some impressive holes for the backs. UM dipped into their depth chart early, giving some much needed game reps to younger players. True freshman Seantrel Henderson impressed and might play some in Columbus. Guard play is good in the running game, and Orlando Franklin anchors the line from LT. RT is a position of huge concern, as it seems the staff still hasn’t settled on a starter. That’s a problem heading to Columbus.
The Buckeyes have a solid reputation for developing talent up front on offense. Ohio St. has a more experienced offensive line, but they also have questions at tackle. Center Mike Brewster and guard Justin Boren are as solid as they come and are assets in the running game. Bryant Browning is another outstanding guard, and the three interior linemen will be key in Ohio St.’s success pounding the rock up the middle on Miami.
Both units have some questions at tackle, but Ohio St.’s experience in the interior trumps Miami here.
Advantage – Ohio St.
Tomorrow we’ll explore the defense and key matchups.
August 31, 2010
Fall Camp Report, Florida A&M Preview
By Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
CAMP REPORT
Miami has broken camp, and this is what we learned:
1) True freshman OLB Travis Williams and junior backup FB John Calhoun will miss the season due to injuries. Senior RT Joel Figueroa has some missed some practice time, but is expected back. Sophomore DT Curtis Porter has also missed some time with an undisclosed injury, but won’t miss much time. This is probably the healthiest UM has been breaking camp in Randy Shannon’s four years.
2) According to the Palm Beach Post, senior RB Graig Cooper will play Thursday night against FAMU. He is coming off major knee surgery. However, if the conditions are wet, Shannon said he won’t see the field.
3) True freshman RT Seantrel Henderson had a good camp. Shannon didn’t say how much he will play Thursday night, but don’t be surprised to see him in the second half. The UM staff is very excited about him. Expect to see RS-Fr. Jermaine Johnson to get some action at RT. Miami must find an answer at this position to be successful this season.
4) All-America candidate senior K/P Matt Bosher will handle kickoff duties to start the year. The coaches were hoping that sophomore Jake Wieclaw or walk-on Ben Hopfinger could handle kickoffs. Expect one of the two backups to take over kickoffs at some point this season.
5) Punt returners will be junior All-America candidate Brandon Harris and junior Travis Benjamin, backed up by Lamar Miller (RS-Fr.). True freshman Eduardo Clements, Storm Johnson, and Harris and Miller will return kickoffs.
6) Shannon said he’s going to use five linebackers this season. Senior Colin McCarthy will man the middle with senior Kylan Robinson backing him up. Juniors Sean Spence and Ramon Buchanan will play on the outside, backed up by Robinson and junior Jordan Futch.
7) The coaching staff is debating on whether or not to redshirt true freshman RB Storm Johnson. The coaches have said that pass blocking is what separates him from most true freshman. Add in his versatility returning kickoffs and his playmaking ability, and it will be difficult to keep this youngster off the field.
8) Junior QB Jacory Harris claims he is 100% healthy. He practiced for the first time this week without tape around his right thumb, the same thumb he had off-season surgery on. This is still something to keep an eye on.
9) Defensive end Andrew Smith (Jr.) had an outstanding camp and appeared to work his way into the rotation. He’s been a handful in practice and scrimmages, and that should be enough to warrant some playing time.
Florida A&M Rattlers Preview
Thursday, September 2, 7:30 PM, Sun Life Stadium (75,000 capacity)
Coach – Joe Taylor (17-6, 2 seasons at FAMU; 214-82-4 in 30 seasons)
2009 Record – 8-3 overall, 6-2 MEAC
Returning Starters – 13 (6 offense/7 defense, kicker and punter)
Key Offensive Players – RB Philip Sylvester, Sr., WR Isaac West, Sr., WR Kevin Elliot, Jr., LT Brandon Curry, Jr.
Key Defensive Players – LB John Williams, So., LB Alvis Graham, Jr., CB Qier Hall, Sr., CB Curtis Holcomb, Sr., FS Greg Harvey, Jr.
2010 Outlook: Having coached Hampton for 16 seasons, Taylor knows what it takes to field successful teams in the MEAC. It usually means having a strong quarterback, and this season either Ukpai or Battle – or both – will have to replace 2009 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Curtis Pulley. Sylvester should benefit with more carries after Pulley rushed for 881 yards last season. The receivers, led by Elliott, form a particularly strong unit. Both lines should be improved. The special teams lost all-world returner Leroy Vann, who returned five punts for touchdowns last season. With Ukpai and Battle seemingly ready at QB, and some underclassmen stepping into key roles, the Rattlers figure to be even better than last season.
Eye of the Hurricane’s Forecast – While the Rattlers do bring a more experienced squad into Sun Life Stadium, they are replacing their quarterback, which spells trouble. They might be able to keep this game mildly interesting for a little while, but the overall speed and depth of Hurricanes roster will eventually overwhelm the Rattlers. Miami should win big.For a full breakdown of Florida A&M, you can visit us at Eye of the Hurricane.
August 16, 2010
Hurricanes Investigated for Impermissible
Text Messaging, Fall Camp Report
By Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
The University of Miami’s athletic department is currently under investigation for recruiting-related text messages, an investigation that includes football, women’s track, and possibly baseball, as reported by the Miami Herald . Miami self-reported these minor infractions, and it’s not believed these violations are severe, or that serious sanctions will follow.
The university released this statement to the press: ``The University of Miami's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics discovered possible NCAA violations involving impermissible text messages and telephone calls to prospective student-athletes. After conducting an audit, the University has self-reported its findings to the NCAA, and a joint investigation has been launched. The University will take appropriate steps to ensure full compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. As this is an on-going process, the University will have no further comment at this time.''
The NCAA banned college coaches from text-messaging recruits in 2007 ``because of the potential cost to prospective student-athletes,'' according to the NCAA website. It’s unknown at this time how many text-related violations are believed to have occurred.
The NCAA defines recruiting as ``any solicitation of prospective student-athletes or their parents by an institutional staff member or by a representative of the institution's athletics interests for the purpose of securing a prospective student-athlete's enrollment and ultimate participation in the institution's intercollegiate athletics program.''
The NCAA website notes that ``evolving technology presents unique challenges in recruiting, schools cannot text prospective student-athletes at any time, but they can e-mail during permissible contact periods. Schools can do so even from social media platforms such as Facebook. All other electronically transmitted correspondence, including, but not limited to, text-messaging, Instant Messenger, chat rooms or message boards [e.g. a user's wall] within a social networking Web site or through other services or applications remain impermissible. “
Fall Camp Report
The Hurricanes have hit day 10 of camp, so here’s a few highlights and things to look for.
- The tight end position, considered to be a weakness heading into camp, might not be after all. Junior-college transfer Chase Ford (6’6, 245) from Kilgore has impressed head coach Randy Shannon. The comparisons to Jeremy Shockey are premature, but the coaching staff likes his presence over-the-middle. True freshman Asante Cleveland (6’5, 230) also has turned heads, making several acrobatic catches in practice.
- Junior QB Jacory Harris (6’4, 200) has thrown well, but he’s been seen with tape over his right thumb, the same thumb he had off-season surgery on. Keep a close eye on this situation.
- The freshman running backs continue to make their case for serious playing time. Storm Johnson (6’1, 220) and redshirt freshman Lamar Miller (5’11, 200) have performed very well in fall camp. Both Miller and Johnson are also getting looks at returning kicks, as well as true freshman RB Eduardo Clements (5’10, 185).
- The experiment with moving senior Joel Figueroa (6’3, 318) to right tackle is going well. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland makes all the guys up-front practice every position along the line, so the transition is going smoothly from right guard, the spot Figueroa manned last season. Senior Orlando Franklin (6’7, 310) has slimmed down from last fall and is transitioning to left tackle from left guard easily.
- Miami’s coaching staff is hoping that sophomore corner Brandon McGee (6’1, 180) and fifth-year senior Ryan Hill (6’0, 205) can fill the nickel and dime positions opposite starters senior Demarcus Van Dyke (6’1, 190) and junior Brandon Harris (5’11, 195). Both McGee and Hill have shown out, making big plays and showing that they can be counted to fill those positions and backup the starters.
- Freshman that have impressed: Devont’a Davis (6’2, 170, CB) has intercepted a couple of passes and blocked a punt. Look for him to play on special teams. Clements has returned several kicks for long yardage. He could force the staff to keep the redshirt off if he continues to play well. Kevin Nelson (6’1, 212, MLB) is getting reps with the second team defense, and look for his participation on special teams also.
- Seantrel Henderson (6’8, 345, OT) has shown why he was widely considered the top recruit in the country last season. He has made impressions in the film room and on the practice field. Don’t be surprised to see him earning significant minutes over the course of the season.
August 1, 2010
No Agents Allowed
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
This is not a new problem. The age of Facebook and Twitter has shed new light in a dark corner of college athletics. With investigations surrounding the football programs at Georgia, Florida, Clemson, Alabama, North and South Carolina, the problem is probably more common than we all would like to admit. The allure of cash and gifts is tempting, and the acceptance can lead to severe penalties. But how do you enforce rules surrounding improper benefits? How can the NCAA be everywhere at once? Therein lies the problem. It can’t, and enforcement often falls at the feet of players, coaches, and a university’s support staff.
At the University of Miami, head coach Randy Shannon keeps a close and watchful eye on his players. How have Hurricanes players managed to stay out of the news? Community outreach and involvement by coaches and players have proved invaluable. “I know a lot of people in Miami and I get abreast on things that come up. All the time I tell guys, ‘Hey, they’re having this here and you guys are not allowed to go.’ Sometimes people in Miami will say (using Facebook or Twitter), ‘There’s a party at wherever and it’s sponsored by University of Miami football.’ But that’s a violation. That’s illegal. Or they may try to use one of player’s names on the team. We’ll call the people or the club that’s sponsoring it and we’ll tell players, ‘No matter what, you can’t go,’” Shannon told the Miami Herald.
“That’s the one thing that saves me. I’ll be out in the community a lot and our football team is out in the community. Every Monday during the season we’re working with kids, the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and Miami-Dade County. When the offseason comes, we’re out three or four times a week. When the community sees us coming out all the time and trying to be helpful, in return, they give me a lot of feedback. So it’s a kind of a share and share deal. They want to see us be successful and not have any problems.”
But is it all enough? Can we really expect athletes to refuse benefits at every turn? Do players and coaches need more awareness classes from the support staffs? Does the NCAA need to enact stricter penalties? Does the NFLPA need to become involved and start policing agents? Do US lawmakers need to intervene?
Maybe the answer lies somewhere in the middle.
The recent case at USC involving Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo has spring-boarded a hyper-vigilance concerning athletes and agents, and improper benefits that may come about from these relationships while the athlete is still in school. The NCAA came down hard on USC, eliminating 30 scholarships over three years, including a two-year bowl ban, and vacated victories. An appeal of the sanctions is pending.
According to Rand Getlin, founder and head of Synrgy Sports Consulting, which helps universities and athletes with the transition from college to professional sports, told ESPN.com that he estimates that there are more than 800 agents and a myriad of runners competing for 255 clients a year. That comes to a little more than three agents per drafted player in the NFL.
Something has to be done to save amateurism and the integrity of college sports. If they (the NCAA and whoever else would like to help out) sit idly by and bury their heads in the sand, they perpetuate the problem by their inaction. Let’s hope, if it’s not too late, this problem hasn’t compromised our beloved ceremonies and traditions.
July 15, 2010
Seantrel Henderson is a Hurricane
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
The long, winding, and unpredictable road has reached its end, and it ends in Coral Gables.
Seantrel Henderson, widely considered the nation’s top offensive lineman and top recruit in the country, has pledged to play for Randy Shannon and the Miami Hurricanes. The 6’8, 340 pound left tackle ended days of speculation after USC and head coach Lane Kiffin released Henderson from his National Letter of Intent allowing the talented lineman to shop his services again.
Leading up to Henderson’s much-anticipated announcement, many were sure that he would announce for Miami. But, to the surprise of many, he announced for USC. Reports say Kiffin assured the Henderson family that the Trojans would sidestep any major sanctions in a last minute conversation, tilting any indecision in USC’s favor. Still, Henderson put off signing his LOI on National Signing Day, citing his wishes to see how the NCAA investigation would turn out concerning the Trojans.
After the NCAA released its findings last month to the public, it became clear that USC would suffer heavy setbacks, much to the displeasure of the Hendersons. The Trojans were dealt a harsh judgment by the NCAA, cutting 30 scholarships over three years and enduring a two-year bowl ban, making them ineligible to win the PAC-10 and national championships.
Subsequently, the talented lineman failed to report to USC with the rest of his classmates for summer session courses, fueling debate on whether Henderson would ever don the cardinal and gold. Head coach Lane Kiffin flew to Minnesota to convince the nation’s most sought-after player to honor his original commitment and join the Trojans in Los Angeles. When it became apparent Henderson was no longer interested in attending USC, Kiffin gave him a full, unconditional release, which put the talented lineman back on the market.
After the release by USC, Sean Henderson said his son received calls from Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Iowa, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee and UCLA.
Allen Wallace, Scout.com’s national recruiting editor, mentioned Henderson as having the same type of potential as Anthony Munoz, the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle and Hall of Famer, and Jonathan Ogden, the former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle and likely Hall of Famer. “He could be an incredible football player if he keeps his weight down and adjusts to the college game because he’s enormously physically talented and he’s got great feet,” Wallace said.
Three days after being released, Henderson decided on the Hurricanes, bolstering a recruiting class that also added heralded recruit Latwan Anderson late in the process.
“They have a good, up-and-coming football program,” Henderson said in a telephone interview with the New York Times. “They’ve got good coaches. I just liked the vibe down there when I visited.” Henderson added, “It’s been a big roller coaster in just having so many different thought processes,” Henderson said.
When Kiffin recruited Henderson, he agreed to release him from his letter of intent if the Trojans’ penalties were more severe than expected, said Sean Henderson, Seantrel’s father. He said his son would have played for USC if not for the sanctions.
“I wouldn’t say they weren’t honest,” Henderson said. “It just wasn’t going to be how they thought it would be.”
The day the sanctions were announced, Henderson said he asked Kiffin to release him from his letter of intent. “We felt like it ended up being a little too much for us and it wasn’t the right situation for us,” Sean Henderson said in a telephone interview. “But Lane kept his word and we appreciate that.”
Henderson has already cleared the NCAA Clearinghouse, and according to several UM websites has passed Miami admissions. He is set to arrive on August 3rd, and will begin the fall quarter with his Hurricanes teammates.
June 30, 2010
Miami Picks Up Two More Verbal Commitments
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
Phillip Dorsett
The University of Miami has added two more verbal commitments from South Florida high schools. On 6/19, St. Thomas Aquinas WR Phillip Dorsett (5’9, 167, 4.43/40) gave his promise to wear orange and green. Dorsett tallied 30 grabs for 594 yards and nine touchdowns last season. This four-star prospect becomes the latest in a line of recent St. Thomas Aquinas players to give their pledge to the Hurricanes. Miami reeled in Keion Payne (6’0, 170, CB), Brandon Linder (6’6, 290, OL), and Jermaine Barton (6’6, 270, OL) last recruiting cycle. The staff also invited Ben Hopfinger (K) to walk-on this fall.
North Carolina, Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia were also being considered. Dorsett is the 17th ranked wide receiver nationally, according to Rivals.com. "I’m committed to Miami. It was my dream school but at the same time fit me in every possible way. I love the coaches, but the academics and building a team that can contend for the national title every year was a big factor. I think the academics part really sealed it for me though. I'm happy it's all over," Dorsett told FlaVarsity.com.
St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) is one of the most dominant high school programs in the country. Just last season, 13 seniors signed a football scholarship, with 9 prospects inking with BCS schools. St. Thomas is also coming off recent back-to-back state 5A Championships, won in 2007 and 2008. The Raiders have accumulated five state titles, is a seven time runner-up, and have won an incredible 26 District titles, including the last 13 straight.
Dorsett is one of six or seven St. Thomas Aquinas players expected to sign a football scholarship next February.
Nick Menocal
On 6/28, Belen Jesuit LB Nick Menocal (6’2, 232, 4.59/40) gave his word to play for the Hurricanes. He turned down offers from Stanford, Cincinnati, Virginia, Iowa, Northwestern, and Florida State. He also runs track, and was part of a 4x100 relay team that won the state championship.
Menocal led an improbable run for Belen Jesuit last season, totaling 61 tackles, leading his team to an 11-4 record and Class 3A state championship appearance. Belen Jesuit is not known for producing high profile athletes. "Honestly I'm not really worried about that, I could care less what people think," Menocal told InsidetheU.com. "I'll work hard like I always have, I'll have great coaching at UM, and I should be fine."
Staying close to home was important to Menocal, whose mother also attended UM. “A couple weeks ago I went to UM unofficially and just felt comfortable from the get go," Menocal told the Miami Herald. "I went back and I spoke to coach Shannon and told him this is where I want to commit. He said, 'Welcome to the family.'"
Dorsett and Menocal become the fifth and sixth oral commitments for Miami, joining Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Eli Rogers (WR), Marcus Jackson (OL), and Albert Louis-Jean (CB). Verbal commitments are non-binding.
June 15, 2010
MIAMI NORTHWESTERN CLASSMATES COMMIT to the ‘CANES
By Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
The University of Miami recently picked up a pair of verbal commitments from Miami Northwestern.
Teddy Bridgewater (6’2, 185, #5 dual-threat QB, according to Rivals.com250) completed 165 of 262 passes for 2,546 yards, threw 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and also ran for 379 yards and five more scores. He turned down offers from Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, LSU and USF, among others. Bridgewater is the latest Northwestern Bull quarterback to pledge his services to Miami, following in the footsteps of current Hurricanes starter and Northwestern alum, Jacory Harris. His commitment made headlines around the country, and continues the trend of highly rated quarterbacks giving their word early in the recruiting process. With his promise, Miami now owns the centerpiece of next year’s recruiting class, joining his peers from around the country in giving an early verbal commitment.
Bridgewater follows Jeff Driskel (Florida, #1 pro-style QB), Braxton Miller (Ohio St., #1 dual-threat QB), Kiehl Frazier (Auburn, #2 dual-threat), Christian Lemay (Georgia, #2 pro-style), and Max Wittek (USC, #4 pro-style).
Bridgewater is joined by WR Eli Rogers (5’10, 175, #26 WR). Rogers received offers from Louisville, FIU, UCF and USF. Because of their close friendship and desire to play together in college, they both committed to Miami on the same day. Rogers finished his junior season with 35 receptions for 551 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is the Hurricanes first WR commitment, and has always considered Miami his dream destination.
Northwestern Pipeline
Harris led his Bull’s team in 2007 to an undefeated 6A State Florida Championship, also winning the mythical National Title, according to ESPN and USA Today. The Bulls returned to the championship game the following season, led by Bridgewater and Rogers, only to be defeated by Sanford Seminole in a comeback effort, 28-21.
Last season, they steered their team to the second round of the playoffs, before suffering defeat from Miami Central, 29-16.
Harris led some of his high school teammates, including Aldarius Johnson (WR), Kendal Thompkins (WR), Tommy Streeter (WR), Sean Spence (OLB), Ben Jones (OT), Brandon Washington (OG), and Marcus Forston (DT), to the University of Miami to play for their hometown team. This group was the foundation of Miami’s #1 recruiting class in 2008, according to ESPN, and is the underpinning of the resurgence of Hurricanes football. Five, maybe six, of these Northwestern Bulls will start for Miami this season.
Bridgewater is quoted as saying he and Rogers want to help the Hurricanes build their class. “I’m serious about putting together a great class. Some of the players I want to bring with me are Dallas Crawford (#20 CB), Sammy Watkins (#4, ATH), Anthony Chickillo (#12, SDE), Nick O’Leary (#2, TE), Kelvin Benjamin (#5, WR), Jabari Gorman (#10, S), and James Wilder (#1, ATH). Those are the types of players we need at Miami, and I’m going to do my best to get them to join me.”
Bridgewater left no doubt where his heart is in answering why Miami was the only choice for him. "When I talked to the Miami coaches, they told me I'm the number one quarterback they want, and the only quarterback they will take in this recruiting class," Bridgewater explained. "I just felt like its home, its right in my back yard, so that's great for my family."
"I will be graduating from Northwestern in December," Bridgewater reported. "I will be enrolling at Miami next January, and I will be going through spring football. I have a great relationship with a lot of the players on the Miami team, and I haven't told them yet that I committed. I couldn't be happier about knowing I'm going to be at Miami to play college football."
Rogers also plans on enrolling in January.
They join Melvin Bratton and Brett Perriman (Class of 1984), Nate Webster (1996), and Vernon Carey (1999), and the Class of 2008 listed above, as notable alumni from Northwestern that have played for the Hurricanes.
May 27, 2010
Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere:
The Top 5 Games that Built the Legacy of the Miami Hurricanes
by Mary Clark, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
The legacy of Miami Hurricanes football was built upon a mentality that the team would play – and beat – anyone, anytime, anywhere. While other teams built their championship seasons on schedules featuring the University of Phoenix Online, the Sisters of the Poor, and Barbazon Hair College, Miami earned its stripes taking down top-ten teams on its way to the title. Now with the recent renewal of the Notre Dame rivalry and upcoming out-of-conference games against Ohio State and Pittsburg, University of Miami Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt, Head Coach Randy Shannon, and the current players are out to show that this same mentality is very much alive in Coral Gables.
Let’s take a look at the Top 5 legendary games that put Miami on the map:
5: Florida State, 1988
As far as I’m concerned, the Florida State Seminoles football team should put out a new “Seminole Rap” every year. In 1988, the Miami Hurricanes were the reigning National Champions from the 1987 season, yet felt disrespected by one team in particular. The Thursday evening before the ‘Canes faced the pre-season #1 ranked ‘Noles, Jimmy Johnson brought the players in to show them the “Seminole Rap,” where the all-talk ‘Noles bragged about being ranked #1 and how they would win a National Championship that year. Miami had different plans for Florida State. In nothing short of a slaughter, the ‘Canes showed the ‘Noles who’s their daddy, and the king of Florida schools, with a 31-0 win in the Orange Bowl.
4. Penn State, 1979
During Howard Schnellenberger’s debut season, the ‘Canes took on No. 16 Penn State in Happy Valley with redshirt freshman Jim Kelly behind center. To call the ‘Canes an underdog in this matchup would be an understatement. Kelly, a native of PA and recruited to PSU as a linebacker, spent the time before kickoff vomiting in the locker room before leading the ‘Canes to victory. It was at this game that the legend of the ‘Canes and Jim Kelly was born, with Kelly throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start as Miami's quarterback. As we know, Miami continued to improve thereafter and in 1981 the ‘Canes defeated then-No. 1 Penn State 17–14 in a late-October game at the Orange Bowl.
3. Notre Dame, 1989
After Miami’s hopes of a repeat National Championship was stolen by a bad call from a ref on a supposed “fumble” by Cleveland Gary in South Bend the prior year, revenge was on the minds of the ‘Canes as the Golden Domers traveled to the Orange Bowl. As reigning National Champions, Notre Dame came to the Orange Bowl with a 23 game winning streak. Meanwhile, Miami was riding a 32 home game winning streak. In front of over 81,000 in the stands that night [a record at the time] and referred to often as the most hostile crowd in Miami Hurricanes history, the 1989 ‘Canes made some history of their own. At one point in the game the Hurricanes faced a 3rd and 43 situation from their own seven yard line and what happened next put the “Thrill” in Randall “Thrill” Hill. Hill used his Miami speed to blow by Notre Dame defenders and haul in a long pass to convert on 3rd and 43. Hill turned to the crowd and raised his fists in celebration as Notre Dame players’ jaws hit the floor, the crowd roared, the announcers declared “that’s good for another Miami Hurricane . . . FIRST DOWN!!!” Miami won the game 27-10, exacted revenge on Notre Dame, and went on to win its 3rd national championship.
2. Oklahoma, 1986
Miami opened its 1986 season as the 3rd-ranked team in the country and climbed to number two after winning its first three games, setting up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown at the Orange Bowl against top-ranked and defending national champion Oklahoma. Going into the game, all the hype was around Oklahoma and Brian Bosworth. The ‘Canes didn’t like it and decided to let Bosworth know. Melvin Bratton and Alonzo Highsmith gave Bosworth (and eventually the ‘Canes contacted nearly all the Sooners) an infamous early morning wake-up call announcing under no uncertain terms who was going to win at high noon in the Orange Bowl that day. After announcing “We the Boss” during the coin flip at the 50-yard line, Miami backed up its talk with its performance on the field and a convincing win featuring four touchdown passes from 1986 Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde. As the Orange Bowl crowd sang “Bye Bye, Bosworth,” Miami proved who was the real Number 1 and the Sooners went home in defeat.
1. Nebraska, 1983 National Championship/1984 Orange Bowl
At the outset of his tenure, Howard Schnellenberger announced to his staff and players his intention to win a national championship within five years. The 1983 ‘Canes started the season unranked and lost 28–3 at Florida in their first game, though new QB Bernie Kosar tied George Mira's single-game school record of 25 pass completions. Miami rallied by winning its next 10 games, including a 20-0 early-season shutout of Notre Dame, and earned a berth to the 1984 Orange Bowl to play the undefeated, top-ranked Nebraska team that had both Mike Rozier and Turner Gill.
The Orange Bowl-berth was Miami's first since 1951, but the program's first national championship remained a long shot, as the Hurricanes entered the game ranked fifth. Behind Kosar's passing, Miami jumped out to a 17–0 lead, but Nebraska battled back and cut Miami's lead to 31–24 in the fourth quarter. With 48 seconds remaining, Nebraska scored a touchdown to make it 31–30 and, being the number one-ranked team in the nation, needed only to kick the extra point to tie the game and put itself in position to win the national championship. Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne elected to go for the win and attempt a two-point conversion instead. On the ensuing play, Miami safety Ken Calhoun tipped away Gill's pass to receiver Jeff Smith in the end zone, saving the game and winning Miami the national championship when it leap-frogged No. 3 Auburn to finish first in the final polls. Schnellenberger made good on his promise of a National Championship, and built the foundation for the ‘Canes we know and love.
Honorable Mention: UCLA, 1998
While this team did not put Miami on the map (because they were already there), this game signaled to college football that Miami was BACK. Despite the debilitating NCAA sanctions during the mid-90s, nothing could keep the ‘Canes down for long and a powerful storm was rebuilding in Coral Gables. In late September 1998, Miami was forced to postpone their game with UCLA due to Hurricane Georges. The game was rescheduled for December 5 and for the #2-ranked Bruins, a trip to the National Championship game was at stake. Led by RB Edgerrin James, the Hurricanes put up over 600 yards of total offense and the result was a stunning 49-45 victory for the Hurricanes. This success was followed in the coming years by Butch Davis assembling arguably the most talented college football team ever who captured the ‘Canes 5th National Championship in 2001 led by Larry Coker.
* * * *
During the 2010 season, Randy Shannon and the Miami Hurricanes have several opportunities to continue this tradition as the ‘Canes are playing HALF their schedule against teams who are, or will be, ranked in the top 25. No other program in the nation could – or would want to – make this claim. With convincing defeats against Ohio State and Pittsburg before facing in-conference rivals, the ‘Canes can skyrocket to the top of the rankings by the time the BCS comes out. It will not be an easy task, but a program defined by the mantra of “Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere,” is not afraid of a challenge.
May 13, 2010
Building the Perfect Storm: Randy Shannon’s Contract Extended with the ‘Canes
By: Mary Clark, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
On the evening of May 12, 2010, the word was made official: the University of Miami Hurricanes Head Football Coach Randy Shannon was signed on for four more years. While the exact terms of the contract are not disclosed, we know that it is highly incentive-based deal that rewards winning, while protecting Coach Shannon’s job if he accomplishes certain goals off the field.
“We are very proud of the positive steps our football program has taken under the leadership of Coach Shannon,” Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt said in a statement announcing the contract. “With a commitment to excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in competition, we are well on our way, once again, to the top of the college football world.”
Hocutt is right. Coach Shannon has taken the Hurricanes from college football laughingstocks to possible BCS bowl contenders this season, and he has done it with class and integrity – something seemingly so lacking in coaching today. It is clear that Coach Shannon has developed a family atmosphere at the University of Miami while molding young men with discipline and guidance. Here are some of the fruits of Coach Shannon’s labor:
- Improved record (by 2 wins) each year on the job
- #1 recruiting class in 2008 according to ESPN
- 2 bowl appearances
- 100% graduation rate
- No one on the ‘Canes roster has been arrested
- Players are actively involved in the community and perform charity work on a regular basis
- Recognized by the NCAA for having an Academic Progress Rate in the top 10% for multiple years. Indeed, Miami was the only BCS-ranked team making an appearance in the top 26 this year.
Most ‘Canes fans know all of this and can site what Coach Shannon has done to turn around this team. So, after over a year of being told the contract was close to being signed many Hurricanes fans have wondered: what took so long? Rumors flew back and forth regarding unrealistic demands on the part of Shannon’s agent, while local and national media didn’t hesitate to call the powers that be at Miami simply “cheap.” All of this gave rival (and even not-so-rival) coaches fodder for scooping up Miami’s 2010 and 2011 recruiting targets by filling players’ and parents’ ears of stories that Coach Shannon would not be staying at the University of Miami.
“The biggest issue I heard recruiting last year was ‘Coach, you changed it around so why won’t they give you a contract extension?”’ Shannon said. “There were schools saying ‘They don’t want him there,’ and no matter how much I said they do want me here, there were recruits and parents who weren’t seeing that part.”
Regardless of what happened in the past year, now people know the truth. Randy Shannon IS Hurricanes Football, and with Coach Shannon still at the helm, the future is bright at the University of Miami.
“There's no other place I'd rather be than coaching Hurricanes football,” Shannon said in a statement. “I'm excited about the momentum we continue to build and our strong recruiting classes. We have dedicated student-athletes and an experienced and committed coaching staff, a strong athletic program and the university leadership's support -- all important components consistent with long-term success.”
Now ‘Canes fans can rest assured. With Randy Shannon, we have a coach who bleeds orange and green, who isn’t using the University of Miami as a stepping stone to the NFL, and cares more about this program than any of us “hard core fans” could even pretend to. Coach Shannon knows what being a Hurricane is all about and is paving the future for decades of success.
For the 2010 season Miami already had QB Jacory Harris returning for his second season as starter, a stable of talented running backs, the deepest corps of receivers in the nation, a talented secondary, an experienced front seven, and future 2011 first round draft pick Allen Bailey on the defensive line. Now that Coach Shannon received his extension, the last ingredient for the perfect storm is in place.
Sound the sirens: Coach Shannon is issuing a Hurricane warning.
April 26, 2010
Spring Practice Recap: Defense
By: Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
Defensive Line
This is Miami’s deepest and most talented group. Miami returns several players with starting experience across the defensive front. At tackle, the Hurricanes return sophomore Curtis Porter (6’1, 315) and junior Micanor Regis (6’3, 300). Both stood out in spring drills and will enter fall camp as the starters. They are excellent run stuffers that can clog the middle. Regis also recorded two interceptions last season. Backing them up will be highly touted redshirt sophomore, Marcus Forston (6’3, 310), who missed last season with a multitude of injuries and was awarded a medical redshirt. He appeared in 12 games as a true freshman, garnering first team freshman All-American honors. Senior Josh Holmes (6’0, 280), redshirt freshman Luther Robinson (6’3, 292) and junior Jeremy Lewis (6’3, 310) will be fighting for playing time.
At defensive end, the Hurricanes go six deep and don’t experience much of a drop off in talent. Senior Allen Bailey (6’4, 290) is the most versatile and explosive, having starting experience at tackle also. He led the ‘Canes in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (11) last season. He earned first team All-ACC honors last year. Opposing offenses will have their hands full with him. With another productive year, Bailey will hear his name called on the first day of next year’s NFL Draft. Also returning is junior Marcus Robinson (6’1, 240), who was second on the team in sacks (four). Continuing the rotation will be senior Steven Wesley (6’3, 250), who has starting experience. Sophomore Olivier Vernon (6’3, 250) shows a lot of promise, having started two games and is a pass rush specialist. Junior Andrew Smith (6’2, 245) started seven games. Junior Adewale Ojomo (6’4, 253) and redshirt freshman Dyron Dye (6’5, 240) missed last season due to injury, but expect them both to compete for playing time. Miami needs more production from this unit, and with talent and experience returning, expect them to cause havoc next season.
Linebackers
Miami returns a wealth of experience with this unit, too. Senior Colin McCarthy (6’3, 242) and his 95 tackles will provide some stability to a position of need. He will battle senior Kylan Robinson (6’1, 235) for the middle linebacker spot. On the outside, junior Sean Spence (6’0, 212) suffered through an injury plagued season and didn’t live up to his 2008 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year status. Spence is a big hitter and the Hurricanes need him to return to his freshman form. Ramon Buchanan (6’1, 215, junior) saw increased action last year and is expected to start opposite of Spence. Buchanan missed spring drills and has some catching up to do. Backing them up, but also competing for a starting spot will be junior Jordan Futch (6’2, 245) on the outside, who is still rehabbing a knee injury and missed spring practice. Redshirt freshman Shayon Green (6’2, 235) will back up the middle. The Hurricanes welcomed freshman Tyrone Cornileus (6’2, 195) in for the spring. He will provide depth on the outside and will most likely play on special teams.
This position is somewhat of a mystery. The coaching staff gave Green a crack at starting at middle linebacker, but there’s still work to be done to learn the position. Robinson was named one of the most improved players over the course of the spring, and Miami needs him to step up and perform at the position. If Robinson or Green can’t take over the middle, McCarthy will be asked to move to the inside. Ideally, the ‘Canes would like to start McCarthy and Spence on the outside, but the lack of a proven MLB will likely prevent that from happening. Some much needed depth and talent will be arriving in Coral Gables in June, but this unit needs to stay healthy for Miami to be effective on defense.
Defensive back, Safety
The secondary showed flashes of brilliance this spring and could be in for a breakout season. They need to improve on the nine interceptions of a year ago. The Hurricanes return some veterans at the position which should pay dividends for the defense. Junior Brandon Harris (5’11, 195) garnered first team All-ACC and third team All-American honors, after he defended 17 passes and was ranked second in the nation in pass break-ups with 15. He is undoubtedly Miami’s best corner. Four year starter DeMarcus Van Dyke (6’1, 185) will man the other corner spot. Van Dyke had a good spring and much is expected from him. Backing them up will be sophomore Brandon McGee (5’11, 185). McGee is among the fastest Hurricanes, but he still needs some polish. Senior Ryan Hill (6’0, 205) has played some corner and safety, and will provide depth to both positions. Hill has really yet to make a measurable impact. Senior Cory Nelms (6’1, 195) returns, but he starred on special teams and didn’t play much corner last year. Depth is a major concern, although the ‘Canes recruited this position well. True freshman will be counted on to provide depth.
Safety should be a position of strength for the 2010 edition of the Hurricanes. Sophomore redshirt Vaughn Telemaque (6’2, 197) had an incredible spring. He ranked fifth in tackles (48) last year. The coaching staff beamed about his spring performance, with Head Coach Randy Shannon saying the light turned on for him. Shannon also compared Telemaque to former Hurricane Ed Reed, which raises expectations for him. Occupying the other safety spot is talented sophomore Ray Ray Armstrong (6’4, 220). The coaching staff thought so much of him they awarded Sean Taylor’s number, 26, to Armstrong as an incoming freshman. He had two interceptions in the spring game and will be counted on to roam the secondary with Telemaque. Providing depth will be talented redshirt freshman Jamal Reid (6’1, 180). Reid took snaps with the first team during the spring, and will most likely earn significant playing time. Senior Jared Campbell (6’0, 205) started six games last season, but there are rumors of a knee injury that caused him to miss the spring contest, and his status for next season is in doubt. Junior Joseph Nicolas (6’1, 200) also missed spring drills, but is expected to return for the fall and will contribute in a backup role and on special teams.
April 14, 2010
Spring Practice Recap: Offense
By Michael Bradley, Eye of the Hurricane
(visit us at http://www.eyeofthehurricane.net/wordpress/)
The University of Miami concluded spring drills on March 27 with its annual spring game. The Hurricanes are looking to regain the swagger of past glory this season. Let’s take a look at what the ‘Canes return and how they performed over the spring.
Quarterback
Jacory Harris is the starter. His 3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns last season say so. Harris, a 6-4, 195 pound junior, did not participate in spring drills because of off-season thumb surgery, which allowed Miami to develop the younger quarterbacks on the roster. Harris will enter this year a Heisman candidate, and if he can lower his interception total (17), he has all the tools to have an excellent campaign.
It appears as though sophomore A.J. Highsmith (6’0, 195) has distanced himself from junior transfer Spencer Whipple (6’2, 210) and early enrollee Stephen Morris (6’2, 183), although Miami Head Coach Randy Shannon declined to name the backup. Despite throwing two interceptions in the spring game, Highsmith moved the chains effectively (11-20, 131 yds., 3/2) and led multiple scoring drives.
Morris was the surprise at this position, as he showed off a strong arm, great poise in the pocket, and the ability to throw on the run. However, Morris will probably redshirt, moving Whipple (son of Miami Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple) up to third string.
Running Back
This could be the Hurricanes’ deepest and most talented position. Senior Damien Berry (5-11, 217), sophomore Mike James (5’11, 220), and speedy redshirt freshman Lamar Miller (5-11, 205) will most likely start the season splitting carries. Graig Cooper, a senior who led the team in rushing last season, also returns. He tore his ACL in the Champs Sports Bowl loss to Wisconsin, so his availability remains in question. Miami also recruited well at this position, and welcomed another early enrollee in Storm Johnson (6’0, 212).
Both Miller and Johnson wowed coaches with their performance over the course of the spring, with Johnson running between the tackles effectively, and Miller showing off his elite speed and tremendous burst. But both were held to pedestrian totals in the spring contest, with Johnson rushing four times for 15 yards, and Miller limited to eight rushes for 10 yards, but did register a touchdown. James impressed with his production (10 carries, 64 yds.) and Berry, the starter in this rotation, produced 42 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. Berry was second on the team in rushing (616 yds.), but led the backs in touchdowns, totaling eight, in a limited role last season. Miami has playmakers at this position and expect more production from them this year.
In addition to their stable of running backs, the Hurricanes have one of the most effective fullbacks in the ACC in fifth-year senior Patrick Hill (5’9, 255). He went down with an ankle injury last season and Miami’s run production and pass protection suffered during his absence. Hill is a tremendous asset and he made great strides during drills. Backing him up will be junior John Calhoun (6’3, 255).
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
This is another position in which Miami has the luxury of depth. There were several receivers that stood out over the spring, including sophomore redshirt Kendal Thompkins (5’10, 180). He dazzled in the game, hauling in eight catches for 84 yards and a score. Junior Travis Benjamin (5’10, 175) also had a great outing, snatching six passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Senior Leonard Hankerson (6’3, 215) had a nice day, totaling three catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns.
Shannon said he would use a five man rotation again this year. Juniors LaRon Byrd (6’4, 215) and Aldarius Johnson (6’3, 210) will be in the rotation. Both are big, physical receivers that can be counted on to make plays. Junior Thearon Collier (5’9, 192) was held out of the game due to disciplinary issues, as he’s in a battle with Thompkins to keep his slot position. Backing them up are sophomore’s Tommy Streeter (6’5, 209), Davon Johnson (6’0, 192), and freshman Allen Hurns (6’3, 175).
Miami has big shoes to fill at the tight end position. Jimmy Graham and his five touchdown receptions have departed. Blocking tight end Tervaris Johnson also graduated. The Hurricanes return senior Richard Gordon (6’4, 270) and redshirt freshman Billy Sanders (6’4, 248). Both are untested and unproven. Gordon has been unable to crack the starting lineup and Sanders was redshirted. Both combined for three catches in the spring game, a less than ideal number. Redshirt freshman Stephen Plein (6’6, 260) will assume blocking tight end duties. More work must be done to equal last year’s production.
Offensive Line
After allowing 35 sacks last year, this group needs to show significant improvement. There are players returning with starting experience, such as seniors Orland Franklin (6’7, 318), who will be manning the left tackle spot, and left guard Joel Figueroa (6’5, 330). At Center, the Hurricanes appear in good with shape with junior Tyler Horn (6’4, 300). The right guard battle was intense, too. Sophomore Brandon Washington (6’4, 330) and junior Harland Gunn (6’2, 315) competed all through spring camp, with no clear-cut winner. The starter will be most likely determined after fall practice. Right tackles Ben Jones (6’5, 300, sophomore) and redshirt freshman Jermaine Johnson (6’6, 310) took turns with the first-team throughout the spring. It was Johnson who separated himself and will enter the fall as the starter.
On 2010’s National Signing Day, Miami had the deepest offensive line class in the country, welcoming Malcolm Bunche (6’7, 328) and center Shane McDermott (6’3, 275) in for the spring. With a productive summer, Bunche could find himself competing for a starting position. Washington can play either guard spot, and center. Gunn can be interchanged at guard, too. Franklin and Horn appear to have their respective positions sewn up, with everyone else rotating to find the best five blockers.
Stay tuned for the recap of Defense.
October 23, 2009
Clemson @ Miami preview
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami will face Clemson at home on Saturday, October 24th at 3:30 on ABC, and is now re-starting ACC play after playing 3 straight non-conference games. Clemson poses a number of challenges for Miami, particularly on special teams and for the Cane offense.
Miami is coming off a road game against UCF where they allowed 6 sacks in what would have to be considered a rough game for its offensive line, particularly for senior RT Matt Pipho. Clemson possesses one of the best defensive lines in the country, led by ends Dequan Bowers and Ricky Sapp. Together these 2 will be a handful for Miami’s tackles, and Miami will need a much improved effort from its offensive line, or Harris will be sacked multiple times yet again. This time, the pressure could prove costly for the Miami offense. Unlike UCF, who was able to generate pressure but unable to contain Miami’s WRs, Clemson has a secondary that is capable of doing both effectively. This means Harris will be finding less open targets even when he is not being pressured as much. I expect Harris to pass for under 200 yards in this game, one of the few times this will occur this season.
For Miami to generate yards and points against Clemson, they will need the TEs to step up, both in terms of blocking but also as receiving threats. Miami can likely achieve some favorable matchups with TEs Dedrick Epps and Jimmy Graham against Clemson’s LBs. Miami could also opt to throw to its running backs more in this game as well. Most importantly though, Miami will need a strong running game to help the offense along. Again, this falls on the offensive line, which had some difficulty run blocking in the UCF game. All this is not to imply Miami’s WRs will be shut down by the Clemson secondary; only that it could be the toughest secondary Miami’s WRs face the rest of the season, and it will be more difficult for them to get open against Clemson's man coverage.
Defensively Miami will need to avoid giving up large plays to RB CJ Spiller and WR Jacoby Ford. Both are electric athletes and can take the ball to the endzone from long distance on any given play, and Miami’s run defense will need to be stout. Clemson’s TEs are also starting to emerge as a factor as well, which is a traditional weakness in Miami’s defensive scheme, so it could be a test of the coverage ability of Miami’s LBs. Overall though Clemson’s offense is not extremely productive, and Miami’s defense should be able to slow it down enough to hold it to 20 points or less.
What must concern Miami’s coaching staff is Clemson’s ability on returns on special teams. Again, both Spiller and Ford represent threats here. Miami’s return coverage has been inconsistent this year, and any busts in coverage could prove very costly against on of the two. Miami's own return game needs to assert itself some more in this game to provide the offense with better average starting field position.
Luckily, there is help on the way for Miami in terms of players returning from injuries. For the defense, DE Eric Moncur, DT Josh Holmes, safety Joe Nicolas, and safety Randy Phillips are all expected to be back. On offense RB Graig Cooper (who was out for the FAMU game and was limited against UCF), along with WR Aldarius Johnson and RG Joel Figueroa are expected to return as well. Miami’s defensive line is closer to being fully healthy again which should help its rotation a lot, while the return of Phillips will prevent Miami from having to lean on freshman Ray Ray Armstrong too much. Cooper helps add another dimension to both the run and passing games, while Figueroa helps boost the run blocking and Johnson provides Harris with a good possession ‘safety outlet’ under pressure.
Clemson is one of the few teams left that has the speed and athleticism to matchup with Miami on a number of areas. The last two times the two teams played the games were close and decided in overtime.
One of the interesting stories of the game will be how OC Mark Whipple does against Clemson DC Kevin Steele. Steele is regarding by many as one of the better DCs in the country and will be a tremendous challenge for Whipple to scheme against.
I think Miami’s offense will have a lot of trouble scoring points in this game. I could see multiple possessions where Miami crosses into Clemson territory, only to have the drives halted by sacks, interceptions, or Harris being pressured to throw the ball away. I think this will happen especially early in the game. I do think Miami will make some needed adjustments, especially after half however, and begin converting some of those hard fought drives into needed points.
I do think Clemson will find some success in the return game and thus the Tiger offense will be afforded good field position to start a number of drives, but I think Miami’s defense will still be able to contain Clemson for the most part. Spiller or Ford will probably have a play that goes over 40 yards at some point in the game, but I think overall Miami’s defense will be able to contain Clemson’s offense for the most part.
Keeping with the theme of the last 2 matchups, I see a very close game that gets decided in overtime. In the end, Miami pulls out the win.
Miami – 20
Clemson - 17
October 19, 2009
Miami @ UCF Overview
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami defeated UCF on Saturday 27-7 in a somewhat disappointing effort that highlighted some re-curing issues for the Canes.
Offensively, Miami struggled to put points on the board in the first half. This was due to difficulty running the ball and very, very poor pass protection for Jacory Harris, who was sacked SIX times by the UCF defense. RT Matt Pipho in particular had severe struggles protecting Harris’s right side, but not all the blame can be placed on him. Run blocking was spotty with RG Joel Figueroa out, and the line as a whole did not block well until the end of the game. Miami simply cannot afford to have this kind of offensive line play in the 2nd half of the season against better opponents.
Despite being sacked numerous times and being pressured for much of the game, Harris completed 20 of 26 passes for 293 yards and 1 TD and no interceptions. Harris probably held onto the ball too long on a couple plays and could have thrown the ball away some more, but overall it was a good game on his part considering the lack of pass protection. His WRs and TEs played well, particularly Laron Byrd who had 5 catches for 85 yards. RB Graig Cooper missed his 2nd consecutive game with an injury, so most of the carries went to Javarris James and Damien Berry. James had an average day but Berry had another impressive showing following his breakout game against FAMU. Berry had 14 carries for 60 yards and a TD, with some impressive runs against a stacked box as Miami was trying to run out the clock in the final minutes.
Defensively, Miami put forward a fairly solid effort, despite having numerous injuries. Players out included DE Eric Moncur and DTs Marcus Forston and Josh Holmes, while DE/DT Allen Bailey was also injured during the game and didn’t play for most of it. Safety Randy Phillips was also out. As a result of the DL injuries Miami’s pass rush from its front 4 was fairly limited most of the night, and DC John Lovett had to resort to blitzing his LBs and safeties to generate pressure, which was successful. On one play in the redzone during the 3rd quarter, Lovett dialed up a safety blitz which resulted in an interception by LB Colin McCarthy and kept UCF at one score. Miami also limited its defensive penalties and was able to get off the field for the most part despite not getting much help from its struggling offense. Miami held UCF to 229 yards and 1 TD, a performance that was about expected against a poorly rated UCF offense. Still, Miami’s pass rush will need to improve and DL will need to get healthier with ACC play looming again.
Special teams were a major disappointment yet again for Miami. This time, kickoff coverage units struggled some and a high snap on a punt led to punter Matt Bosher having to kick the ball in the endzone, resulting in a penalty that set up UCF on the 2 yard line. Finding some consistency has been very difficult for Miami’s STs thus far this season.
Overall Miami was able to take care of business before a sold out crowd on the road, in what turned out to be fairly cold and windy conditions for the Canes, and finish with a 20 point win despite numerous defensive injuries and very poor OL play. Now Miami needs to prepare for a whole new challenge against a talented Clemson team next Saturday, with a far better DL than the one at UCF that caused so many problems in pass protection.
October 17, 2009
MIAMI PREVIEW
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami will play UCF on Saturday, October 17th in Orlando. Some thoughts on the matchups and what will happen:
Miami is facing a better challenge coming off a home win against FCS team FAMU. UCF is a decent, not terrible conference USA team that will be playing at home in a sold out stadium, and is coming off a bye week. Miami will need a complete effort from all sides of the ball if they want to win this game comfortably, which I expect them to do.
UCF's offense has struggled this year, and currently ranks around 100 in total offense. This is a relief for the Canes defense, which is currently very banged up. I think Miami will hold UCF to less than 300 yards and about 16 points.
Offensively Miami struggled greatly last year, but this year will be a different story. Miami should be able to build an early lead. If Jacory Harris doesn't attempt to force plays downfield, Miami should be able to score on most of their possessions with him in the game. If Miami has a comfortable lead going into the 4th quarter expect Randy Shannon to play many of his backup players, resting a number of starters before the re-start of ACC play next week.
RG Joel Fiegueroa is out injured for this game, so Harland Gunn will see extra PT. WR Aldarius Johnson was also injured against FAMU and will be out. WR Tommy Streeter may continue to see more pt after a strong showing against FAMU.
UCF may be able to keep the game relatively close at half but I don't see it staying that way for the whole game.
Miami - 37
UCF - 16
October 16, 2009
FAMU Overview
By: Alexander Salazar
A week following Miami’s victory over OU, Miami hosted in-state FCS program FAMU at home on a Saturday night. Some notes on the game;
Miami easily defeated FAMU, jumping out to a 31-3 lead at half and playing mostly backups in the 2nd half, cruising to a 48-16 victory. Jacory Harris threw for 217 yards on 16 of 24 passing, 2 TDs but also 2 INTs in the first half. Harris would not play in the 2nd half, when the staff elected to allow freshman QB AJ Highsmith to gain reps running the offense.
Perhaps the most impressive performance came from backup RB Damien Berry, who rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Others backups who had good showings included freshman OG Brandon Washington and redshirt freshman WR Tommy Streeter, who caught 3 passes for 55 yards.
Unfortunately one would have to say Miami’s defense underperformed in this game by allowing 16 points and 262 yards of total offense from FAMU. They did hold FAMU to only a FG in the 1st half, while Miami’s offense did not have to punt once in the first half, but blew 2 scoring opportunities on Harris’s two interceptions.
The biggest story of the night proved to be the plethora of injuries sustain by the Canes. Backup LB Jordan Futch suffered a season ending ACL injury, while a number of other players suffered more minor injuries but will still likely miss some time, including WR Aldarius Johnson and DE Eric Moncur. Injuries are beginning to severely affect the depth behind Miami’s defense.
Another issue that will require some correction is Harris’s increasing interception total. Both of Harris picks were poor throws and he needs to avoid trying to force passes he shouldn’t be trying to make. Look for Harris to improve his play in the coming games.
October 2, 2009
Oklahoma @ Miami preview
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami and Oklahoma will face off Saturday in LandShark Stadium at 8:00 pm on ABC. Below are my thoughts on the matchup and what I think will happen.
Miami is coming off a tough loss to Virginia Tech in which they looked like a shadow of the team we saw against FSU and Georgia Tech. Neither side of the ball played well and Miami struggled in the inclement weather in Blackburg. Overall VT found success pressuring QB Jacory Harris and running the ball effectively against Miami’s defense. Yet despite the difficult loss, I do not believe this Miami team is anywhere near as bad as the final score of the VT game. In fact, I think they’re good enough to upset Oklahoma and win this Saturday, provided a number of important factors go their way.
The key for Miami’s offense has been its high-octane vertical passing attack. Using the mismatches created by its plethora of quality WRs, and behind a decent pass bloc king offensive line, Miami likes to attack opposing secondaries on deep and intermediate routes early in the game and especially on first downs. This dissuades opposing coordinators from cheating up their safeties towards the LOS, preferring instead to drop them into coverage with the goal of providing help to otherwise over-matched cornerbacks. This situation then helps to open up the running game for Miami, and once that occurs the offense become very difficult to stop.
Look for Miami to keep to their bread and butter this Saturday. The challenge for Miami’s offense this weekend won’t be rain, but rather containing the pressure created by OU’s fantastic defensive line, led by star DT Gerald McCoy. Miami’s OL did not play well against VT and will need to bounce back in a big way against probably the most dominant DL they’ll face all season. If they can do this and provide Harris with time, there will be opportunities for Miami in the passing game. While they will likely have trouble running the bal l, they should be able to move it well enough to score over 20 points.
OU will be very trying for Miami’s entire defense, which has arguably only played well in one game so far this year (against GT). Not only will the defensive line have to do a much better job of generating pressure, but the defense as a whole must tackle much better than they did against Virginia Tech if they hope to stop RBs Demarco Murray and Chris Brown. And breakdowns in the secondary could prove very costly against WR Ryan Broyles.
On the face of it, OU would seem to have the edge; the Sooner defense has been much better than Miami’s, and their rushing attack is superior as well. On top of this, they will have had 2 weeks to prepare for the game, while Miami has only had one.
But Miami is playing at home in this game, not in the cold monsoon that was Blacksburg or before the hostile crowd of FSU. Their passing game, limited by the rain last week, should be much sharper this time around and will be aided by the return of WR Aldarius Johnson. And their defensive line is finally close to being healthy again, which couldn’t be said for the first 3 games.
I think that Miami will come out very motivated Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 and focused in this game on their home field. Few have doubted Miami has the talent, but we have yet to see them fully play to it. On Saturday, I think we may finally see it happen.
Miami – 24
Oklahoma - 21
October 1, 2009
Miami @ Virginia Tech Overview
By: Alexander Salazar
As predicted, Miami lost to Virginia Tech=2 0on Saturday, but the manner and margin in which they lost, however, was something almost no-one could have anticipated. The Canes got pounded 31-7 in a game that was not even close.
The biggest factor, as expected, was the weather. The monsoon-like conditions, along with some well timed blitzes by VT DC Bud Foster, essentially shut down Miami’s passing offense from the get go. Unfortunately for Miami, they are not a team that can fall back on pounding the football through the run game when their passing attack is out of rhythm. Both QB Jacory Harris and Miami’s WRs struggled throughout the game holding onto the football and completing passes. Harris completed less than half his passes, and even his normally reliable TEs had several drops in the wet conditions.
Miami’s defense was just as disappointing. They gave up over 270 yards on the ground to a VT offense that had struggled against both Alabama and Nebraska the week prior. The canes had difficulty stopping RB Ryan Williams and containing Tyrod Taylor when he chose to scramble. This is a20consistent weakness of Miami’s strict adherence to playing man coverage. Miami’s defensive line played their worst game of the young season, but tackling by both the DBs and LBs proved to be extremely poor as well.
On special teams, VT did a good job of limiting Miami’s return game on both punts and kick offs. But the biggest moment of the day came when VT blocked a punt deep in Miami territory and returned it for an easy touchdown. This marked the 5th time Miami had had a punt blocked in the last 3 seasons.
Miami has to put this loss behind them in a hurry while also correcting the numerous mistakes that helped lead to the blowout in Blacksburg, as they prepare to take on a top 10 ranked Oklahoma team this Saturday that will prove their toughest challenge yet.
September 26, 2009
Miami @ Virginia Tech
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami will make the trip to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech for its 3rd game of the season and 2nd road trip. Some thoughts on the game:
Miami and VT are both coming off home wins against opponents that were ranked in the top 20. Miami defeated Georgia Tech convincingly while VT struggled against Nebraska most of the game before winning on a late score. Many felt Miami had the most impressive performance of any top-25 team over the weekend, while many similarly felt VT “should have” lost to Nebraska. Yet I don’t believe either game is indicative of what to expect in this matchup. In fact, I expect the Hurricanes to suffer their first loss of the season when they play VT.
A variety of factors are in play here, the first of which is the weather. The temperature will be at or below 60 degrees; this is actually cold by Miami standards. Worse though will be the rain, which will likely hinder Miami’s passing attack and serve as a little bit of an ‘equalizer’ in the game.
The second factor will be special teams. Miami’s kick return defense has been pr etty poor so far, to the point where VT can probably be expected to score on a kickoff return at some point during the game; at the very least, VT will be getting excellent starting position on most of their possessions.
The third factor will be Lane stadium, the toughest place to play in the ACC and the field where the Hoakies haven’t lost a game since losing to BC in 2007. While Jacory Harris and the canes were able to win at FSU, Lane is much louder than Doak and a lot more intimidating.
The fourth factor is the emotional and mental status of both teams. Miami is currently receiving a lot of media hype and praise from many commentators for the way they’ve started their season. While the players and coaches claim that they are focused and not allowing themselves to be distracted, I find it hard to believe that a lot of it hasn’t gone to their heads some yet. VT on the other hand is receiving very little fanfare from the media and understands that it just barely escaped with a win against Nebraska. Tech has often treated the Miami game as its biggest of the season. Will Miami treat this game as such?
In addition to the above, Miami’s offense has yet to be truly tested by an excellent defensive coordinator like Bud Foster. Foster will challenge the Miami offense with many different looks in an attempt to pressure Jacory Harris, something Miami’s first two opponents were unsuccessful at doing. It remains to be seen how Miami’s offense will handle that added pressure.
Injuries could also play a major role in the game. Both DT Marcus Forston and DE Andrew Smith are going to be out for this game, as will WR Aldarius Johnson. VT is expected to return CB Stephon Virgil, which will be a tremendous boost for their secondary, and overall VT is pretty healthy at the moment. RB Ryan Williams does have a sore ankle, but I do not expect this to limit him in this game. On the positive end for Miami, CB Demarcus Van Dyke is expected to return after missing the Georgia Tech game. Eric Moncur, who played a limited but effective role against GT after returning from injury, is expected to see his role increased in this week’s game.
If one looks at the stats, Miami would appear to be the better team. Miami is higher in both total offense and total defense than the Hokies, whose defense has been uncharacteristically weak against the run thus far. Unfortunately this has not been a series that’s been always been won by the team who out-gains the other each year. In fact in 2008, 2006, and 2003, the team with less total yards ended up winning the game.
I do expect Miami’s offense to struggle some in this game. They will be held to under 400 yards of offense for the first time this season, and I expect Harris’s passing numbers to come back down to earth after his first 2 fantastic outings. Miami will turn the ball over some and find trouble scoring touchdowns in the redzone. This will put added pressure on kicker Matt Bosher. Bosher was a very good kicker for Miami in 2008, but he missed 2 short FGs that would have iced the game against Georgia Tech, and it remains to be seen if Bosher will be able to handle the pressure in his situation should the game come down to FGs.
I expect VT to run the ball heavily in an attempt to control the clock as best as possible and shorten the game. This will test Miami’s run defense; I foresee Miami’s defense playing well overall against VT, but a couple of long plays by VT’s Ryan Williams could be just enough .Tyrod Taylor may opt to take off and run more frequently against Miami’s defense as well.
In the end, while I think VT gets out-gained, I think Foster’s defense does just enough to frustrate Miami’s offense , aided by the bad weather and crowd, and the Hokies make enough non-offensive plays (turnovers and special teams) to eek out another win in Lane stadium.
VT - 24
Miami - 20
September 25, 2009
Georgia Tech @ Miami post-game overview
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami defeated #14 Georgia Tech 33-17 in a game where Miami was dominant on both sides of the ball and showed that the win at FSU was no fluke.
The win was extremely important for a Miami=0 Ateam that had suffered 4 consecutive losses to GT, twice having cost Miami a shot at the conference championship in 2005 and last year.
The story of the night was Miami’s defense, which shut down the GT option attack, limiting the Jackets to only 95 yards rushing on 2.4 yards per run, and 228 in total offense. It was a big confidence boost for a unit that was taken apart in last year’s game. After much speculation as to whether Miami’s defense could stop Paul Johnson’s offense, Miami responded in a huge way. The defensive line was dominant, stuffing the dive and disrupting the flow of GT’s pitch game. Miami’s LBs and secondary handled the pitches well on the outside and stuck to their assignments well the whole game, while doing a good job avoiding and shedding blocks. True freshman DE Olivier Vernon thrived when he didn’t have to be on the field every down like he was against FSU. The return of senior DE Eric Moncur clearly provided a boost to the DL in this game.
Offensively, Miami had another stellar performance. Jacory Harris passed for 270 yards and 3 TDs, while MiamiMiami’s WRs. This time it was sophomore Laron Byrd who stole the show, with 5 catches for 83 yards and a TD after having no catches against FSU. Miami also showed a willingness to go to the TEs in the redzone, with both Dedrick Epps and Jimmy Graham catching TD passes. Miami’s offensive line kept GT’s Derrick Morgan in check the whole game, and Harris was not sacked once, giving him plenty of time to throw and opening large wholes for the backs. Harris responded well to the different looks thrown at him by Dave Wommack’s defense, which played much more zone coverage than FSU and lined up Morgan at LB for much of the game. Miami got their ground game going after a sluggish start against FSU and ran the ball with authority. Rushing for 184 yards, Graig Cooper and Javarri s James did most of the work, combining for 31 carries, averaging 5 ypc, with James scoring a TD. Like FSU, GT had no answer for
The game was not without its flaws for Miami however; new kickoff specialist Alex Uribe struggled at first, sending his first 2 kickoffs out of bounds before he settled down. Even then, Miami’s kick return defense was abysmal and granted GT excellent field position on multiple occasions. After making his first FG of the night, PK Matt Bosher missed his other 2 short attempts in the 4th quarter. It was a rare rough game for Bosher, who only missed 2 FGs all of last season. Miami also once again drew 9 penalties, this time for 74 yards. All of these are issues that Miami will have to get corrected soon as they head in to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech on Saturday, September 26th. The kickoff issue in particular is one that could hurt them severely against the Hokies if the problem is not fixed.
Miami suffered several injuries during the game, including DTs Marcus Forston and Josh Holmes and sophomore RB Lee Chambers. It is not clear to what extent their injuries are yet. TE Richard Gordon, Safety Joseph Nicolas and CB Demarcus Van Dyke were held out of the game due to injuries prior, as was WR Aldarius Johnson. Van Dyke is expected to be back for the Virginia Tech game. Several players also returned from injuries, including safety Vaughn Telemaque and CB Ryan Hill after both missed the opener against FSU.
Overall, this was a tremendous win for Miami on the national stage again and provides a big boost of confidence to the team moving forward as it takes on the roughest 2 games of its schedule.
September 15, 2009
Georgia Tech @ Miami
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami will play Georgia Tech at home on Thursday, October 17th at 7:30 on ESPN. Below are my thoughts on the game:
Miami is coming off an emotional win @ FSU in which its offense had an impressive performance and its defense performed just the opposite. Perhaps most important for Miami though was that Jacory Harris showed his abilities as a QB and what Miami is capable of doing from an offensive standpoint with him at the helm. Miami can feel a degree of confidence now knowing they have an identity on offense and can score when they need to. Defensively, many concerns remain, including whether the defensive line is up to the task and whether the secondary can be reliable enough.
The key question for Miami heading into the game will be whether the defense has learned anything from last year’s matchup with Georgia Tech. The Jackets thrashed Miami on the ground in that game, piling up 472 yards rushing and 34 points (41 total with a defensive score). It was the 2nd most rushing yards every given up in a single game in the history of Miami football.
This time around, Miami’s challenge will be getting their defensive line to remain disciplined when taking on their assignments. Miami’s DT’s will need to overcome GT’s cut blocking and stuff the B back dive play with Jonathan Dwyer as much as possible, while the DEs will need to focus on stopping Nesbitt. It will take a big performance from Miami’s DL across the board to slow down the Tech rushing attack, and Miami’s LBs and DB’s will need to tackle much better than they did last year.
For Miami’s offense, Tech’s defense will likely pose a bigger challenge than FSU’s. Tech’s DL includes star DE Derrick Morgan, who has 5 sacks through the first 2 games and lacks an equivalent on FSU’s DL. Miami will have to account for him all game and may need to provide help when he lines up against RT Matt Pipho, who stuggled some against FSU. Tech may opt to send Morgan against Miami LT Jason Fox though, who is the anchor of Miami’s OL, in an attempt to get their best pass rusher lined up on Harris’s blind side. Another advantage the Jackets’ defense will have over FSU is a better secondary, led by a fantastic safety in Morgan Burnett. GT is likely to have much fewer coverage breakdowns than FSU and leave Miami’s WRs in less wide-open positions through the course of the game. Miami’s offense will have to execute well in the passing game and the timing between Harris and his WRs will need to be sharp..
How Miami attacks the Tech defense will be interesting. OC Mark Whipple showed a strong willingness to use long downfield passing plays on first down against FSU. Overall Miami passed the ball more than they ran it, and the running game was not particularly strong against FSU. Miami may opt to continue with this strategy, or focus on the shorter, intermediate passing game if Tech shows t hey can take away the vertical stuff early. How Miami’s offense runs the ball could be key in its ability to sustain drives and keep the Jacket offense (and keeping Miami defense off the field).
On ST’s, the teams are about even. While Miami has a strong return game with Graig Cooper and Travis Benjamin at hand, so does GT with Jerrard Tarrant. GT kicker Scott Blair has yet to make a kick over 40 yards, but is remarkably consistent inside of 40, as is Miami kicker Matt Bosher. Bosher also doubles as the punter, but after having performed poorly doing the kick off duties against FSU, look for Miami to use either Jake Wieclaw or Alex Uribe on kick offs instead.
Miami did several injuries from the FSU game. Expect WR Aldarius Johnson to be out, as well as CB Demarcus Van Dyke and TE Richard Gordon. Returning after missing the first game will be DE Eric Moncur and S Vaughn Telemaque. Moncur in particular is important for Miami, even if they decide to limit his snaps, as it will prevent Miami from having to play freshman DE Olivier Vernon excessively.
Overall, I see this being another close game for Miami, and nothing like last year’ matchup between the two teams. And while Miami won’t be able to shut down Tech’soffense, I do think the defense will do a much better job of slowing down to some degree this year, aided by an offense that can keep them off the field and sustain some drives. In the end, I think Miami edges one out at home and wins.
Prediction: Miami – 24, Georgia Tech - 21
September 12, 2009
Miami at Florida state overview
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami defeated Florida State 38-34 in Tallahassee Labor Day night in an instant-classic thriller. Some thoughts on the game and what it means for Miami:
Perhaps the most lasting impression left by this game was how well Miami’s new offense played. Led by quarterback Jacory Harris, Miami scored 38 points and had 476 total yards. Harris himself had a breakout performance with 386 yards passing, 2 TDs with 2 INTs, and 1 TD rushing. At a key point in the game in the middle of the 4th quarter, Harris was hit and injured his arm while the ball was intercepted by the FSU defense and returned for a TD. Harris, with his arm numb and unable to feel some of his fingers, responded by driving Miami’s offense down the field for the tying score, then following an FSU field goal, drove Miami’s offense down the field one more time for the winning touchdown by Graig Cooper. Harris displayed a kind of poise and intelligent approach to the game not seen by a Miami QB in almost 7 years.
Offensively it would have been difficult to ask for more. Miami rarely had to punt, and was able to put together both long methodical scoring drives as well as quick ones when needed. Talented weapons at the skill positions were on display and Miami was effectively able to distribute the ball to its WRs, RBs, and TEs, while keeping a balanced pass/run ratio. Miami’s offensive line does need to improve its run blocking, but performed adequately in pass protection, allowing only one sack. This despite being the first game in a new season, in a brand new offense. The performance bodes well for Miami’s offense heading into the rest of the season.
Defensively Miami showed it still has a lot of work to do, having given up over 400 yards of offense to FSU. The injuries to Des Adewale Ojomo and Eric Moncur undoubtedly hurt Miami’s pass rush, which was ineffective most of the night and made worse by Miami’s seeming refusal to blitz. FSU QB Christian Ponder had plenty of time most of the night, and was able to exploit the Miami secondary, which also experienced some injuries of its own; CB Ryan Hill and starting S Vaughn Telemaque both missed the game with injuries, while CB Demarc us Van Dyke missed the second half. Another huge problem for the Miami defense was cramping; an unusual amount players went down during the course of the game with cramps, causing them to miss a number of plays. This is something that Miami cannot afford to have happen in its coming matchups. Overall, Miami’s defense needs to heal up and demonstrate that it can generate an effective pass rush with its front 4, and that when its unable to do so, show a willingness to blitz more than it did. Miami LB Sean Spence needs to play better than he did, having had one of the worst games of his young career, and Miami’s secondary needs to start making more plays on the ball.
On special teams, Miami’s return game played a huge factor in getting favorable field position. RB Graig Cooper had several long runs on both punt and kickoff returns and showed he will be a force to be contended with on STs this season. On the negative side, Miami’s kick return defense performed poorly and put their defense in bad position a number of time. Miami suffers in this department partially because kick er Matt Bosher lacks the leg strength to put the ball in the end zone on kickoffs, making them almost always returnable. Still, Miami’s coverage units need to do a better job on kickoffs.
The game was a huge win for a Miami program that desperately needed it heading into the remainder of its schedule. It will serve as a confidence boost for a team that needs all the confidence it can get heading into a 3 games stretch against top 15 ranked opponents in Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma.
September 4, 2009
Miami @ Florida State preview
By: Alexander Salazar
Miami will open against FSU on Labor Day night. Below are my thoughts on the position units and who I think has the edge:
QB: FSU returns starter and redshirt junior Christian Ponder, who ran for 144 yards against Miami last year. Miami returns sophomore Jacory Harris, who despite playing in every games last year, only started 2. TLabor Day will only be the 3rd start in Harris’s career as a Hurricane QB, so Ponder definitely has the edge in experience. However, Ponder was inconsistent last year, looking both good and bad at time, throwing more interceptions than TDs. Harris was impressive as a true freshman, throwing 12 TDs to 7 picks on a 60% completion %, but was in limited action. Overall with questions remaining for both QBs, I consider this to be a relatively even position, but will give the edge to Ponder due to experience and expected improvement:
EDGE: FSU
OL: this unit is not nearly as close for both sides. FSU returns all their starters off of what turned out to be a decent line last season, and should have one of the best offensive lines in the country, one which particularly excels at run blocking. Miami does return 3 upperclassmen starters but fielded a much less effective OL last year, and had to move RG AJ Trump to center, while replacing their RT duo of Chris Rutledge and Reggie Youngblood with Matt Pipho, who had previously played OG and C most of his career. Pipho is a big question mark at RT heading into the season. All American candidates Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon highlight a unit that clearly gives FSU the advantage.
EDGE: FSU
WR: Miami returns 4 of their 5 top WRs in terms of yardage and 5 in terms of receptions, while FSU returns 2 of 5 in yardage and 3 of 5 in rec. Miami may have the most talented WR corps in the ACC this year and has a good combination of both size/possession WRs and smaller, quicker, and faster WRs that can make plays in space.
EDGE: MIAMI
RB: Miami returns starter jr Graig Cooper and previous starter and senior Javarris James. Redshirt sophomore Lee Chambers, who played well in the Emerald Bowl, has impressed in camp and likely will see some PT as well. Cooper will likely see his role changed some with James healthy now. Asked to carry the load last year, he may see his carries decrease so that he can be better utilized in the passing game and on STs as a return man. FSU loses starter Antone Smith, who will be replaced by Jermaine Thomas, who looked excellent as a freshman last season, averaging 7 yards per carry on the year. I expect Thomas to fill in smoothly for Smith’s role, and could even prove to be better. Overall though I feel Miami has a stronger and deeper rotation, and give the edge to them:
EDGE: MIAMI
TE: this is almost not a fair comparison, as Miami has traditionally used, and likely will continue to use the TE position in their offense differently from FSU. This would be an=2 0easy edge to Miami had last year’s starter Dedrick Epps not torn his ACL in practices leading up to the Emerald Bowl. Prior to the injury many felt Epps would be poised for a breakout season in 2009 after showing flashes in 2008. Unfortunately the injury sent Miami scrambling to find depth at the TE position, pushing lightly used sr Richard Gordon to the forefront, and eventually calling on former UM basketball player Jimmy Graham to play TE this year for the football team. While Epps has returned from the injury and Graham has impressed in practice, its still unknown what Miami will get out of its starter. FSU returns Caz Purowski, who is a good TE in his own right but has been under-utilized in the passing game, being relied on primarily for his excellent blocking. Expect his role to increase in the passing game for FSU this year, perhaps along with sophomore Bo Reliford. Overall, this is one of the few occasions one can’t say for sure that Miami will have the edge due to the unknowns of Epps and Graham.
EDGE: EVEN
DEFENSE
DL: While many thought this unit would be a clear edge for Miami before the season, the recent injuries to both starting DEs Eric Moncur and Adewale Ojomo leave both out for the game on Labor Day. Moncur had begun the ’08 seasona s a starter but was injured early in the year and granted a 6th year. Miami does return previous starters in Marcus Robinson and Steven Wesley however, while true freshman Olivier Vernon has been impressing since his arrival in spring. At DT, Miami is fairly loaded despite losing seniors Antonio Dixon and Dwayne Hendricks, after moving DE Allen Bailey over to the starting DT spot alongside sr Joe Joseph. Behind them are highly touted soph Marcus Forston and jr Josh Holmes. FSU lsot several key players to graduation and the draft, most notably star DE Everrett Brown, who will be difficult to replace. The Noles will look to highly touted JUCO transfer Markus White to fill the void left by Brown. Opposite him will be surprise walk on Craig Yarborough. FSU will likely rotate in Brandon Jenkins and Toshmon Stephens as well. Depth at DT is rather thin and unproven. Kendrick Stewart and Moses McCray will get the starting nod but expect freshman Jacobi McDaniel, who many considered to be the best DT coming out of HS last year, to play a major role as well. Overall, while I do expect FSU to field a good DL as they always do, and while Miami has certainly taken a hit due to the injuries to its DEs, I give Miami the slight edge due to returning experience.
EDGE: MIAMI
LB: The LB position should be a strength for both defenses this year. Miami returns freshman all-American and ACC defensive rookie of the year Sean Spence, of whom big things are expected this year. He will start at the strongside, alongside senior MLB Daryl Sharpton. Sharpton is athletically gifted but has been somewhat inconsistent at times. He replaces departing senior Glenn Cook. Huge for Miami was the return of weakside LB Colin McCarthy, who missed most of last season after being injured against UNC early in the season. McCarthy is a veteran and playmaker, and will provide a big boost to Miami’s run defense in particular. Miami’s depth at the position is somewhat young but talent, highlighted by sophmores Ramon Buchanan and Arthur Brown. FSU returns sophomore Nigel Bradham, who had a very successful campaign as a true freshman last season. Alongside him will be 2 very solid players in senior Dakota Watson and jr Kendal Smith. Similar to Miami, depth is young but talented, highlighted by sophomore Nigel Carr. As I said before, I expect LB to be a strong point for both defenses, and think they are about equal in this respect heading into the season:
EDGE: EVEN
DB: Easily Miami’s weakest position on defense, Miami lacks proven players across its secondary. Miami’s CBs struggled in last year scheme and lose senior starter Bruce Johnson . They do return a starter in Brandon Harris and previous starters Demarcus Van Dyke and Chavez Grant. Look for converted WR Sam Shields to play a major role at CB this year. At safety Miami returns senior Randy Phillips after missing most of last season with an injury. Next to him Miami will either start redshirt freshman Vaughn Telemaque or junior Joe Nicolas. Nicolas has20disappointed, while Telemaque is unproven. Backups are thin and primarily consist of freshmen. FSU must replace starter Myron Rolle, and will start Korey Magnum and Jamie Robinson,who should be solid. At CB, Ochuko Jenije will get the start along with another good player in senior Patrick Robinson. Like Miami, depth is a concern with freshmen dotting the backup roles. Overall though Miami returns more unknowns at the starting spots from a unit that only had 3 interceptions last year, maybe the worst year for a Miami secondary ever.
EDGE: FSU
What I expect to happen:
On paper both teams are fairly evenly matched and still have a lot left to prove, and both are still fairly young teams. But while FSU needs to find some playmakers at WR and show its defensive line is up to the task, I feel that Miami has more questionmarks heading into this matchup. Perhaps the most important issue is that Miami will be starting the season with both new offensive and defensive schemes brought by 2 new coord inators in OC Mark Whipple and DC John Lovett. FSU returns longtime great Mickey Andrews at DC , while OC Jimbo Fisher is entering his third season in Tallahassee. The result is that both units for FSU are very sound in their scheme and less likely to make early mistakes or be struggling with playbooks than Miami’s players may be. The one advantage to this for Miami will be that there will be a small element of surprise involved in terms of what they’ll be looking to do schematically. Another factor that I consider to be over-riding is the strength of FSU’s offensive line, which should easily be the best in the ACC and one of the best in the entire country. While Miami’s defensive line should be improved, the loss of Moncur and Ojomo hurts them hard. I think FSU will wind up winning this matchup at the end of the day, having already dominated Miami’s DL in last year’s game in Miami. This brings up another issue, which is that the game will be played in a packed Doak Campbell stadium, a major road test for the young Miami squad. I expect Miami’s offense to struggle to score points, though probably starting the game slower than they finish.
The game will be close, much closer than last year’s matchup whose final score was misleading (FSU outgained Miami in total yardage by a large margin), and could come down to the wire, but in the end I expect FSU’s OL and run game to carry the day.
FSU – 24
Miami - 17
July 28, 2009
What to expect from the Hurricanes
By: Raymond
The Emerald bowl was a microcosm of the 2008 Miami Hurricane season. Highs, lows and what in the world are they trying to do on offensive? The highest part of the season, was after they beat Va Tech at home, and were one win away from win the ACC Coastal division title. The lowest, was losing to Georgia Tech on a freezing cold Atlanta night, as GT ran for 472 yards on a very young Miami defensive blowing a chance at going to the ACC title game. Miami also never had a constant rhythm or game plan on offense, while trying to alternate between two quarterbacks and several receivers. The problem peaked during the two minute drill of the 2nd and 4th quarter against CAL in the Emerald Bowl. Watching the game at home, you could see head Coach Randy Shannon looking at then OC Pat Nix with extreme disappointment. A few days later Nix was fired as offensive coordinator. A few weeks later defensive coordinator Bill Young, went back home to Oklahoma, to coach OSU.
This winter the university finally decided to get good assistant coaches, and they were willing to pay the current average coaching salary to get them. They may have made the best offensive hire in the country with offensive coordinator, Mark Whipple. He has a strong background in developing quarterbacks in college and the NFL. After the spring game you could tell quarterback Jacory Harris, Graig Cooper and the rest of the Miami was buying into the system. It may have the best spring game I have seen Miami play since 2002. Most of the players were saying how much Whipple improved their ability to breakdown game film and fix their mistakes. I expect, Miami to have a top 20 offensive in the country in 2009.
On the defensive side of the ball Miami needs to be able to stop the run and force more interceptions. Miami hired John Lovett, UNC’s former special teams coach, as defensive coordinator.. Miami had a very good year on defense considering the youth and the number of injuries they had last year. ACC defensive freshman of the year, linebacker, Sean Spence returns to lead the defense. It will be interesting to see if Colin McCarthy will be able to stay healthy this year. One of the most exciting things could be Ray Ray Armstrong starting in the defensive backfield. He is already getting compared to some of the great DB’s at Miami.
Special teams may have been the best unit Miami had last year. All-world kicker, punter, and special teams player Matt Bosher returns this year. Travis Benjamin will return kicks again, after having a very good freshman year.
There is a lot of pressure on Randy Shannon to win this year. Many in the media feel if he does not have a good season, he will be fired. The Hurricanes start off the season with the toughest September in the country playing at FSU, Georgia Tech, at VA Tech, then home with OU. Shannon was quoted to say if they win all four games, they will be in the top 5 of the polls. If they go 4-0, I will make my plans to fly to LA for BCS National Championship game.
Miami will open camp on August 8th. I will have a breakdown of the positions battles in my next blog. I look forward to writing about the Hurricanes this season.Miami Preseason Review
By: Alexander SalazarBig changes on offense and defense
Miami entered the spring with the challenge of both new offensive and defensive systems. OC Patrick Nix was fired in December and was replaced by Mark Whipple, former offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles and QB coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the defensive side, former DC Bill Young opted to take the DC position at his alma mater Oklahoma State, leading to Miami hiring John Lovett, formerly the ST’s coordinator for UNC.
The arrival of both coordinators signified a change in styles for both sides of the football. With Whipple, Miami was re-comitting itself to a pro style offense, after having flirted to some degree with spread elements under Nix. As HC at Umass from 98-03, Whipple’s offense set multiple school records and helped lead the team to a 1aa NC in ‘98. He was also previously HC at Brown and New Haven, setting a number of school and league offensive records at both schools..
Whipple’s offense looks to bring balance to the Canes’ attack. Whereas Miami’s passing attack heavily involved the WRs last year, Whipple will likely look to increase the role of the TE provided senior starter Dedrick Epps is healthy, and will likely look to increase the role of the backs in the passing attack as well. This is not to suggest the canes were looking to develop a pass-happy offense during the spring; in fact, the core of Whipple’s attack at Umass centered around the power run game behind future pro Marcell Shipp. Miami will likely make a commitment to establishing a more traditional power run game in conjunction with its passing attack, operating out of a base off-set I formation much of the time.
For Miami’s defense, the hiring of John Lovett signified a return to the defensive style preferred by HC Randy Shannon when he was DC at Miami from 01-06. Under Shannon, Miami had relied heavily on a man-underneath, 4-3 base cover 2 defense which saw a lot of bump and run coverage being played. Young’s defense in 2008 was a significant departure from this. While still a base 4-3 cover 2, it was much more blitz heavy, including zone blitz, and saw the Canes showing 3-4 fronts at times, while playing much more zone coverage than they had in the past. Under Lovett, Miami is likely rely on its front 4 for most of its pressure, blitzing less and likely playing more man-to-man coverage. Lovett brings a wealth of experience with him, including stints as DC at Auburn, Clemson, and Bowling Green. In addition to his duties as DC, Lovett has assumed the role as LB coach, a position previously held by Michael Barrow, allowing Barrow to become a more general defensive assistant.
Position Changes
Several players made position switches during the offseason before the start of spring ball. Due to lack of numbers at the CB position, sr WR Sam Shields and sr S Ryan Hill were both moved to CB. Meanwhile safety CJ Holton was moved to OLB. jr DE Allen Bailey was moved permanently to DT. On the OL, sr RG AJ Trump was moved to C, while sr former OG Matt Pipho was moved to RT. Hurricanes basketball power forward Jimmy Graham will be joining the team this year as a TE, his first time playing football since HS. Graham opted to play a year of football over offers to play basketball in Europe, along with some NFL try out offers in the spring.
Transfers
soph S Joe Wiley and soph TE Daniel Adderley were both reported to be transferring during the summer
Injuries
Numerous players were held out of the spring and some we held out for the spring game only. Among those out for the spring included sr TE Dedrick Epps, jr OG Joel Figueroa, jr LB Colin McCarthy, soph WR Travis Benjamin, sr K Matt Bosher, and sr DE Courtney Harris. sr RB Javarris James, soph RB Lee Chambers, sr DE Eric Moncur, and soph DE Adewale Ojomo were active during most of the spring but sidelined for the scrimmage. Fortunately for Miami, only Harris and Epps are questionable for fall return. Harris has been sidelined since the end of the 2007 season, while Epps is recovering from a partial ACL tear he experienced before the Emerald Bowl. Epps’ progress has been described as going very well and he is currently participating in summer drills.
Questions Answered/Questions Remaining
During the off season and spring, Miami was able to resolve several question marks The departure of former-starting QB Robert Marve before the Emerald Bowl led to the cementing of Jacory Harris as the starting QB for the Canes going into 2009. During the spring, Miami was able to determine a likely starting OL of sr LT Jason Fox, jr LG Orlando Franklin, sr C AJ Trump, jr RG Joel Figueroa, and sr RT Matt Pipho. Miami also established a likely starting LB corps in soph Sean Spence, sr Daryl Sharpton, and jr Colin McCarthy.The canes feel very confident about their depth on the defensive line, as well as WR and RB.
Areas of concern remain however going into fall camp; perhaps the most obvious issue is Miami’s defensive secondary, where weak depth at safety and corner remains a question heading into fall practice. Miami can also ill-afford any injuries to its starting offensive tackles or its starting QB Harris, another position where depth is of questionable quality. Miami also must determine a starting WR rotation, as HC Randy Shannon has made it clear he would prefer to only travel with 5 WRs. And while the DL has high expectations, it must prove it is capable of stopping the run; Miami finished LAST in run defense in ACC play in 2008. Overall the development and maturation of a still relatively young football team, whose core playmakers will mostly be true sophomores this season, will prove vital during practices in August.