Streeter out to make WR rotation more crowded - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
UM’s already overpopulated wide receiver position is expected to grow even more crowded.
The Hurricanes return everyone from last year, but have several fighting to crack the 4-5-man rotation. Travis Benjamin, Leonard Hankerson, Aldarius Johnson, LaRon Byrd and Thearon Collier were mainstays in 2009, but just who is the biggest threat to shake things up this year?
That honor goes to redshirt sophomore Tommy Streeter. After a slow start to his career, Streeter appears ready to make a leap.
“I feel like I can bring a lot to this offense,” Streeter said. “I feel that the coaches knows so and they’re going to put me in a position to do so.”
The 6-foot-5, 209-pound Streeter was a highly-rated member of the famed 2008 recruiting class, but is one of the few yet to make impact. He missed his freshman year because of a broken wrist. Streeter returned last season, but felt behind the others because he was still learning the offense.
He said things “began to pick up” late last season and feels his “mindset” is right.” He now says he’s able to identify defensive coverages at the line of scrimmage.
“I’m able to tell if it’s Cover Two before the snap,” Streeter said. “How [the cornerback] lines up gives a lot away. I just feel comfortable.”
Streeter also said he’s improved on blocking technique in the offseason. If all what he says is true, it has the makings of him becoming the Hurricanes top deep-ball threat. Last year he caught five passes for 114 yards, including a 47-yarder against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl. The play was designed for Streeter because the coaching staff, mainly offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, realizes his big-play potential.
”I wasn’t surprised,” Streeter said of the play. “Coach Whip told me I was one of the better deep ball guys. Coach said he’ll give me the opportunity. Going into the bowl game, that play was designed for me. I had worked on it the whole week in practice, so I knew when that play was called, they were coming to me.”
It seems a lot more plays may be coming Streeter’s way this season.
A few thoughts:
–Unlike last year, UM coach Randy Shannon is taking it slow before naming a backup quarterback. After last spring, he selected Taylor Cook only to have the competition between Cook and Cannon Smith continue through fall. Both quarterbacks decided to transfer before the first game.
Shannon said he won’t choose between A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple (now on football scholarship) and Stephen Morris until fall practices near an end.
–I wouldn’t make much of a big deal about redshirt freshman Shayon Green starting at middle linebacker. Remember, Kylan Robinson and Arthur Brown started last year’s spring game because of injuries to Darryl Sharpton and Colin McCarthy. Neither Robinson or Brown played significant minutes during the regular season.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Remember Mike James?
Remember Mike James? - Shandel Richardson, Sun-Sentinel
Mike James seems almost like a forgotten man these days.
Remember him? The running back fans praised so much last year during spring workouts. A move to the less glamorous position of fullback took some of the spotlight off him. Now, the message-board discussions are about Damien Berry and Lamar Miller.
But guess what?
James is back at tailback and should be once again on your mind. While Berry is the favorite, expect James right there in the mix when the competition for the starting job heats up.
“It’s wonderful (being back),” James said. “I love it. I’m glad I’m back. I get to run the ball more.”
James, who switched from No. 22 to No. 5, moved to fullback when Pat Hill suffered a season-ending ankle injury early last season. James said he learned a lot during the move, such as blocking and route-running.
“When they did that it was just one of those things where they needed me somewhere,” James said. “I just got in there and did what I had to do.”
What James lacks in experience is made up for with work ethic. We’ve heard of his practice habits, but what about on his days off? He joins A.J. Highsmith and Lamar Miller at Greentree Practice Fields, so they can simulate an entire practice.
Just the three of them.
They run sprints, execute passing drills, hit the dummy sleds.
Everything.
“Basically, we just go through all of it,” James said.
That alone should make him a key figure in the running backs competition.
A few thoughts:
–Running back Storm Johnson said he was timed at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. According to UM, Tommy Streeter now runs a 4.4. That says something about Johnson’s combination of size and speed.
–Coach Randy Shannon said there was a noticeable decline in running production last year when Hill was injured. Hill is 100 percent, and should bolster the running game.
–Tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio said the biggest difference in senior Richard Gordon is maturity. Gordon now takes notes during team meetings. It’s a sign he’s realizing this is his last opportunity to make an impact.
Mike James seems almost like a forgotten man these days.
Remember him? The running back fans praised so much last year during spring workouts. A move to the less glamorous position of fullback took some of the spotlight off him. Now, the message-board discussions are about Damien Berry and Lamar Miller.
But guess what?
James is back at tailback and should be once again on your mind. While Berry is the favorite, expect James right there in the mix when the competition for the starting job heats up.
“It’s wonderful (being back),” James said. “I love it. I’m glad I’m back. I get to run the ball more.”
James, who switched from No. 22 to No. 5, moved to fullback when Pat Hill suffered a season-ending ankle injury early last season. James said he learned a lot during the move, such as blocking and route-running.
“When they did that it was just one of those things where they needed me somewhere,” James said. “I just got in there and did what I had to do.”
What James lacks in experience is made up for with work ethic. We’ve heard of his practice habits, but what about on his days off? He joins A.J. Highsmith and Lamar Miller at Greentree Practice Fields, so they can simulate an entire practice.
Just the three of them.
They run sprints, execute passing drills, hit the dummy sleds.
Everything.
“Basically, we just go through all of it,” James said.
That alone should make him a key figure in the running backs competition.
A few thoughts:
–Running back Storm Johnson said he was timed at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. According to UM, Tommy Streeter now runs a 4.4. That says something about Johnson’s combination of size and speed.
–Coach Randy Shannon said there was a noticeable decline in running production last year when Hill was injured. Hill is 100 percent, and should bolster the running game.
–Tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio said the biggest difference in senior Richard Gordon is maturity. Gordon now takes notes during team meetings. It’s a sign he’s realizing this is his last opportunity to make an impact.
Aldarius Johnson of old returns?
Aldarius Johnson of old returns? - by: Shandel Richardson, Sun-Sentinel
CORAL GABLES _ As UM offensive coordinator Mark Whipple was exiting the practice fields Saturday, he had to do a double take.
Whipple was stunned to see junior receiver Aldarius Johnson conducting an interview with a group of reporters. Johnson has never been one who enjoys the media attention, but everyone wants to know how he plans on bouncing back from last year’s disappointing season.
His sophomore year was marred by a nagging hamstring injury. He went from leading the team in receiving as a freshman to an afterthought. Now healthy, teammates are seeing the “old Aldarius.”
“He’s not banged up or anything,” senior Leonard Hankersonsaid. “He’s working hard and making plays in practice. He’s the old Aldarius right now because he’s hungry for it. He wants to make plays and get back on the field.”
Johnson, who caught jut 16 passes last year, said he has no concerns of falling behind at the Hurricanes’ deepest position.
“Last year was last year,” Johnson said. “I’m just trying to focus on getting right for this season and helping my team. That’s it.”
Johnson is five pounds lighter at 208. He says he feels better at that weight, and teammates have noticed a new attitude. Hankerson said Johnson was obviously affected by being so limited last year. Hankerson should know because he missed playing time in 2008 after suffering an ankle injury.
“It affected him a whole lot, being nicked up the whole season,” Hankerson said. ”I know he was frustrated a whole lot by not playing. I know he wanted to make more plays and help us out.”
Now, Johnson is back to normal. He’s among the trash-talk leaders in practice, showing the confidence that made him an impact freshman.
“He’s pumped up every day,” Hankerson said. “He saying stuff, talking trash to the defensive backs and getting things going.”
A few thoughts:
–Left tackle Orlando Franklin said practices are easier now that the offensive line has depth. After being so limited in numbers the past two seasons, the Hurricanes are overloaded at the position. It means less reps.
“You have a full two groups going in the spring and you’ve got a whole group coming in the summertime,” Franklin said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Franklin said there’s even a possibility of extending the rotation. Last year they only used six, and sometimes five, linemen during games. It really depends on the development of guys like Shane McDermott, Cory White, Jared Wheeler and Malcolm Bunche.
“If they come in and learn their stuff, why not,” Franklin said. “I’m all for it. `Ten guys, and being fresh all the time. You’re going to be fresh all the time if you’re going against defensive linemen that are tired. That’s better for us. But at the same time, it’s a very hard position to come in and learn. Thank God, these freshmen are here early.”
-Franklin says the move from guard to left tackle makes him “feel like a freshman all over again,” but he’s been waiting for the opportunity since his UM arrival.
-Here’s a look at who’s playing where on the offensive line:
LT: Franklin, White, Stephen Plein
LG: Joel Figueroa (injured), Harland Gunn, Jared Wheeler
C: Tyler Horn, McDermott (and some Brandon Washington)
RG: Washington, Malcolm Bunche
RT: Jermaine Johnson, Ben Jones.
-UM coach Randy Shannon said Jake Wieclaw is handling the kicking duties, but is unsure if Matt Bosher will do all three once he returns from injury in the fall. A decision won’t be made until the fall.
-Redshirt freshman safety Jamal Reid will most likely not play for the baseball team this spring because of a minor offseason knee scope. Reid said he’s been working second-team at free safety.
-In an unrelated football note, fullback Pat Hill’s son, Pat Jr., is the reason for the SpongeBob SquarePants craze last season. Pat Jr., is often around the team in the locker room and meetings. One day, Hill put the cartoon on the television for his son and the players took to it.
CORAL GABLES _ As UM offensive coordinator Mark Whipple was exiting the practice fields Saturday, he had to do a double take.
Whipple was stunned to see junior receiver Aldarius Johnson conducting an interview with a group of reporters. Johnson has never been one who enjoys the media attention, but everyone wants to know how he plans on bouncing back from last year’s disappointing season.
His sophomore year was marred by a nagging hamstring injury. He went from leading the team in receiving as a freshman to an afterthought. Now healthy, teammates are seeing the “old Aldarius.”
“He’s not banged up or anything,” senior Leonard Hankersonsaid. “He’s working hard and making plays in practice. He’s the old Aldarius right now because he’s hungry for it. He wants to make plays and get back on the field.”
Johnson, who caught jut 16 passes last year, said he has no concerns of falling behind at the Hurricanes’ deepest position.
“Last year was last year,” Johnson said. “I’m just trying to focus on getting right for this season and helping my team. That’s it.”
Johnson is five pounds lighter at 208. He says he feels better at that weight, and teammates have noticed a new attitude. Hankerson said Johnson was obviously affected by being so limited last year. Hankerson should know because he missed playing time in 2008 after suffering an ankle injury.
“It affected him a whole lot, being nicked up the whole season,” Hankerson said. ”I know he was frustrated a whole lot by not playing. I know he wanted to make more plays and help us out.”
Now, Johnson is back to normal. He’s among the trash-talk leaders in practice, showing the confidence that made him an impact freshman.
“He’s pumped up every day,” Hankerson said. “He saying stuff, talking trash to the defensive backs and getting things going.”
A few thoughts:
–Left tackle Orlando Franklin said practices are easier now that the offensive line has depth. After being so limited in numbers the past two seasons, the Hurricanes are overloaded at the position. It means less reps.
“You have a full two groups going in the spring and you’ve got a whole group coming in the summertime,” Franklin said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Franklin said there’s even a possibility of extending the rotation. Last year they only used six, and sometimes five, linemen during games. It really depends on the development of guys like Shane McDermott, Cory White, Jared Wheeler and Malcolm Bunche.
“If they come in and learn their stuff, why not,” Franklin said. “I’m all for it. `Ten guys, and being fresh all the time. You’re going to be fresh all the time if you’re going against defensive linemen that are tired. That’s better for us. But at the same time, it’s a very hard position to come in and learn. Thank God, these freshmen are here early.”
-Franklin says the move from guard to left tackle makes him “feel like a freshman all over again,” but he’s been waiting for the opportunity since his UM arrival.
-Here’s a look at who’s playing where on the offensive line:
LT: Franklin, White, Stephen Plein
LG: Joel Figueroa (injured), Harland Gunn, Jared Wheeler
C: Tyler Horn, McDermott (and some Brandon Washington)
RG: Washington, Malcolm Bunche
RT: Jermaine Johnson, Ben Jones.
-UM coach Randy Shannon said Jake Wieclaw is handling the kicking duties, but is unsure if Matt Bosher will do all three once he returns from injury in the fall. A decision won’t be made until the fall.
-Redshirt freshman safety Jamal Reid will most likely not play for the baseball team this spring because of a minor offseason knee scope. Reid said he’s been working second-team at free safety.
-In an unrelated football note, fullback Pat Hill’s son, Pat Jr., is the reason for the SpongeBob SquarePants craze last season. Pat Jr., is often around the team in the locker room and meetings. One day, Hill put the cartoon on the television for his son and the players took to it.
Miami Hurricanes tight end Richard Gordon ready for one last try
Miami Hurricanes tight end Richard Gordon ready for one last try - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Miami tight end Richard Gordon surprised a few of the coaches during a recent team meeting.
He showed up with a pen and pad.
With this his final chance to have an impact, Gordon is displaying the maturity needed at one of the Hurricanes' thinnest positions. They have just two scholarship tight ends on the roster, with Gordon almost a sure bet to start.
"He's taking notes in meetings," tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio said. "It's amazing when kids grow up and matures. … He knows what he's doing, he's seen it before."
Gordon's career has been somewhat disappointing. He's caught just four passes, despite being given several chances for playing time.
Last year he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. After receiving a medical redshirt, he's looking to take advantage of one more opportunity to produce.
"I know most of the plays," Gordon said. "It won't be a big problem. It's time to come back."
The Hurricanes need it this season more than ever. They were so deep at the position a year ago, but lost Jimmy Graham, Dedrick Epps and Tervaris Johnson to graduation. The only other available tight end is redshirt freshman Billy Sanders.
"There's no pressure as long as you do your job and go out there and play," Gordon said. "It's time to play. You can't have any pressure when you go out there."
UM coach Randy Shannon said Gordon has looked solid in drills. His pass-catching and blocking have improved.
Miami tight end Richard Gordon surprised a few of the coaches during a recent team meeting.
He showed up with a pen and pad.
With this his final chance to have an impact, Gordon is displaying the maturity needed at one of the Hurricanes' thinnest positions. They have just two scholarship tight ends on the roster, with Gordon almost a sure bet to start.
"He's taking notes in meetings," tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio said. "It's amazing when kids grow up and matures. … He knows what he's doing, he's seen it before."
Gordon's career has been somewhat disappointing. He's caught just four passes, despite being given several chances for playing time.
Last year he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. After receiving a medical redshirt, he's looking to take advantage of one more opportunity to produce.
"I know most of the plays," Gordon said. "It won't be a big problem. It's time to come back."
The Hurricanes need it this season more than ever. They were so deep at the position a year ago, but lost Jimmy Graham, Dedrick Epps and Tervaris Johnson to graduation. The only other available tight end is redshirt freshman Billy Sanders.
"There's no pressure as long as you do your job and go out there and play," Gordon said. "It's time to play. You can't have any pressure when you go out there."
UM coach Randy Shannon said Gordon has looked solid in drills. His pass-catching and blocking have improved.
Canes Fan Unnerves Duke Coach With Conch
Canes Fan Unnerves Duke Coach With Conch - Janie Campbell, NBC Miami
Oh, Miami, don't ever change.
Wednesday night at the BankUnited Center, things got pretty tense for Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and his no. 6-ranked Duke Blue Devils. The ACC doormat Hurricanes went into the half up by twelve, and during the Dukies' inevitable comeback one Canes fan had opposing coach Mike Krzyzewski so unnerved he stopped the game and had referees confiscate the man's noisemaker.
Air horn? Vuvuzela? Whistle? Cowbell?
All annoying, but no: it was a conch shell. Blown by a student wearing an elephant head.
Oh, random fan. You complete us.
And here we start the official campaign for Miami to play no one but Duke. Sure, they'd lose 90% of their games, but some of the 'Canes' best moments have come at Duke's expense, one way or another. There was Jack McClinton's "I had a feeling" game from February of '08, when Miami beat Duke for the first time in 45 years at home in an electric BankUnited Center. There was last year's game, which the Canes lost but in the process produced our favorite image ever.
And now there's the first-ever conch shell confiscating, which exemplifies the madcap dedication and tropical flair we've come to expect from South Florida. And it worked, at least to the point Coach K looked as if he'd like to shove it where the sun don't shine.
So kudos to you, you Triton of the stands. Kudos.
Orange 2008 Nike The U Tee - Large
Oh, Miami, don't ever change.
Wednesday night at the BankUnited Center, things got pretty tense for Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and his no. 6-ranked Duke Blue Devils. The ACC doormat Hurricanes went into the half up by twelve, and during the Dukies' inevitable comeback one Canes fan had opposing coach Mike Krzyzewski so unnerved he stopped the game and had referees confiscate the man's noisemaker.
Air horn? Vuvuzela? Whistle? Cowbell?
All annoying, but no: it was a conch shell. Blown by a student wearing an elephant head.
Oh, random fan. You complete us.
And here we start the official campaign for Miami to play no one but Duke. Sure, they'd lose 90% of their games, but some of the 'Canes' best moments have come at Duke's expense, one way or another. There was Jack McClinton's "I had a feeling" game from February of '08, when Miami beat Duke for the first time in 45 years at home in an electric BankUnited Center. There was last year's game, which the Canes lost but in the process produced our favorite image ever.
And now there's the first-ever conch shell confiscating, which exemplifies the madcap dedication and tropical flair we've come to expect from South Florida. And it worked, at least to the point Coach K looked as if he'd like to shove it where the sun don't shine.
So kudos to you, you Triton of the stands. Kudos.
Orange 2008 Nike The U Tee - Large
Hurricanes' Byrd Takes Notes, From His Mom
Hurricanes' Byrd Takes Notes, From His Mom - Solange Reyner, CBS4
One of Laron Byrd's biggest supporters is his mother. She's also his biggest critic.
Byrd, a junior wide receiver at Miami, often asks coaches to single out his flaws, even if he hauls in a long touchdown pass or picks apart a cornerback.
His mom doesn't need him to ask her for her thoughts.
"She'll be like come on Laron, you can do better than that," said Byrd, who caught 33 passes for 460 yards last season. "I catch a big touchdown pass and she'll say 'You should have run faster.'"
Byrd is a self-professed student of the game. He spends hours in the film room, constantly asking video coordinator Stewart Cramer to put together clips of former 'Cane Reggie Wayne, and a slew of other receivers in the league.
The feedback from his mother is also something he values, especially after game days.
When Byrd's mother can't make it to games, she'll record them on DVR at home in Louisiana. Byrd expects a phone call right after.
"I'll see a voicemail 'Call me ASAP,' and I'll call her and say 'What's up momma,' and she'll say 'You know you could have caught that ball,' and I'm like 'Aw, I'm sorry.'"
Byrd wants to make his mother proud.
He also wants to be remembered as one of the greatest players to come out of the University of Miami.
He knows he'll have to make a name for himself in a crowded field. The Hurricanes have a solid corps of receivers, including returning starter Leonard Hankerson, who decided to return after his junior season.
Hankerson led the team with 45 catches for 801 yards in 2009, the first receiver to haul in that many yards since Andre Johnson had 1,092 in 2002.
Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, and Thearon Collier also return for the Hurricanes, who haven't had this much depth in their wide receiver corps since 2000 when Reggie Wayne played on the same team with Santana Moss and Jeremy Shockey.
"It's going to take a lot of hard work and capitalizing on my opportunities," said Byrd, who models his game after Wayne and Saints' receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem.
"When my play is called, I definitely have to execute it. [But] I want to be the type of guy that once my career is over at University of Miami, I want people to list my name up there with the Reggie Wayne's. I want people to be like 'Well, I want to be like LaRon Byrd.' Until I reach that goal, then I don't think my goals will be complete."
Miami coach Randy Shannon expects improvement from the entire bunch.
"Now it's time to take that jump. Me and Mike Irvin were talking about it the other day – when we first came here it was AD Brown and we didn't play," said Shannon, referring to his playing days as a linebacker in the late 1980s.
"The next year, Mike would slowly come around and the third year he was ready for him to do what he had to do. All those guys who came in when we were 7-6, so you're going to see a lot of improvement."
One of Laron Byrd's biggest supporters is his mother. She's also his biggest critic.
Byrd, a junior wide receiver at Miami, often asks coaches to single out his flaws, even if he hauls in a long touchdown pass or picks apart a cornerback.
His mom doesn't need him to ask her for her thoughts.
"She'll be like come on Laron, you can do better than that," said Byrd, who caught 33 passes for 460 yards last season. "I catch a big touchdown pass and she'll say 'You should have run faster.'"
Byrd is a self-professed student of the game. He spends hours in the film room, constantly asking video coordinator Stewart Cramer to put together clips of former 'Cane Reggie Wayne, and a slew of other receivers in the league.
The feedback from his mother is also something he values, especially after game days.
When Byrd's mother can't make it to games, she'll record them on DVR at home in Louisiana. Byrd expects a phone call right after.
"I'll see a voicemail 'Call me ASAP,' and I'll call her and say 'What's up momma,' and she'll say 'You know you could have caught that ball,' and I'm like 'Aw, I'm sorry.'"
Byrd wants to make his mother proud.
He also wants to be remembered as one of the greatest players to come out of the University of Miami.
He knows he'll have to make a name for himself in a crowded field. The Hurricanes have a solid corps of receivers, including returning starter Leonard Hankerson, who decided to return after his junior season.
Hankerson led the team with 45 catches for 801 yards in 2009, the first receiver to haul in that many yards since Andre Johnson had 1,092 in 2002.
Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, and Thearon Collier also return for the Hurricanes, who haven't had this much depth in their wide receiver corps since 2000 when Reggie Wayne played on the same team with Santana Moss and Jeremy Shockey.
"It's going to take a lot of hard work and capitalizing on my opportunities," said Byrd, who models his game after Wayne and Saints' receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem.
"When my play is called, I definitely have to execute it. [But] I want to be the type of guy that once my career is over at University of Miami, I want people to list my name up there with the Reggie Wayne's. I want people to be like 'Well, I want to be like LaRon Byrd.' Until I reach that goal, then I don't think my goals will be complete."
Miami coach Randy Shannon expects improvement from the entire bunch.
"Now it's time to take that jump. Me and Mike Irvin were talking about it the other day – when we first came here it was AD Brown and we didn't play," said Shannon, referring to his playing days as a linebacker in the late 1980s.
"The next year, Mike would slowly come around and the third year he was ready for him to do what he had to do. All those guys who came in when we were 7-6, so you're going to see a lot of improvement."
Immokalee's James hoping to make impact at Combine on Sunday
Immokalee's James hoping to make impact at Combine on Sunday - ANDY KENT, Naples News
Throughout his entire football life, Javarris James has always had to answer different questions and debunk different perceptions than most anybody else, he isn’t expecting anything different this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine.
James is one of 28 running backs working out Sunday on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of coaches, general managers and scout representing all 32 NFL teams and the Immokalee native is hoping to make the kind of splash expected out of players coming out of the University of Miami.
James arrived in town under the radar, with some mock drafts projecting him as a fifth-round pick mainly over concerns about his injury history with the Hurricanes. After a phenomenal freshman year during which he rushed for 802 yards -- the second most by a freshman in school history -- and five touchdowns, ankle and neck injuries slowed him as a sophomore and then he missed four games his junior season in 2008 with a leg injury.
Thankfully for James, the MRIs, X-rays and comprehensive medical exams done by team doctors the first two days of the combine cleared up his health status heading into April’s NFL Draft.
“I was completely healthy, no extra MRIs or any of that stuff, so that let the teams know that I’m completely healthy and ready to go,” said James, who will be evaluated side by side with the likes of Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, Stanford’s Toby Gerhardt, Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer and Dexter McClusker of Ole Miss.
“Those questions didn’t come up in the interviews like I thought they would," James said. "I thought it would be a whole lot worse than that. A lot of coaches were like, ‘Hey, we play football and we know this is a physical sport.’ They weren’t really tripping about my injuries; they were just trying to see how my body was and if it was fully healed.”
When he was healthy at Miami, James had his fair share of highlight-reel runs and big games, including a 148-yard, one-touchdown performance in his first start against Houston as a freshman. This past season, he saved his best game for the ‘Canes’ most thrilling victory, a 21-20 win over Oklahoma and the nation’s top-ranked rushing defense. He erupted for a career-high 150 yards on 15 carries and became the first Miami running back ever to rush for 150 yards against Oklahoma.
James’ teammates never doubted his ability or his leadership skills, and a lot of them are surprised with what they have been hearing and reading in the media when it comes to his potential in the NFL. Among the more outspoken is left tackle Jason Fox, who is in Indianapolis with James and fellow Hurricanes tight ends Jimmy Graham and Dedrick Epps and linebacker Darryl Sharpton.
“Javarris is a special kid,” Fox said. “I mean, I think he’s probably the most underrated running back here because he’s been banged up in his college career, so he hasn’t been able to really show everybody what he’s capable of yet. But he had an outstanding freshman season and there have been a lot of special backs to come through there. Now that he’s fully healthy, I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people.”
That process began for James up in Orlando last month at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he caught up with former Gulf Coast and Minnesota linebacker Lee Campbell. In addition to being able practice in front of NFL coaches and scouts, he also got some of his interviews out of the way as well as the Wonderlic test and some of the other aptitude tests going on this week. So when he got to Indy, he could focus on the workouts and the other interviews.
The majority of skill position players have pointed to the 40-yard dash as where they want to make the biggest impact, but James has his eyes set elsewhere.
“I’m really excited about doing the shuttle run and the position drills just to show my natural ability and show how I can move for my size and just show off my talent,” said James, who weighed in at 212 pounds and measured out at 6-foot. “Some guys you have to take out in third-down situations, and I feel like I’m a guy who can stay in on those situations and who can pick up blitzes, understand the defense and catch passes out of the backfield, so I think that’s definitely a strength of mine.”
Those familiar with James from his high school days and youth football days in Southwest Florida will be following him closely Sunday and the rest of the time here, and he wants to proudly represent Naples, Immokalee and the entire region. Other former players from the area, like ex-Golden Eagle and Hurricanes linebacker Spencer Adkins, have helped James prepare for that next step.
“We always had talent around there, it’s just now we’re finally getting the recognition,” James said. “Spencer always took care of me when I first got there. Us coming from that area, we always make sure we look out for each other around there and he’s been doing pretty well. I asked him a couple of questions as far as how the NFL is and he’s been helping me out a lot.”
So far, James has been able to stay very close to home while playing football and he wouldn’t mind keeping that trend going with the Miami Dolphins. His interview with the Dolphins went well, and he will have another chance to further impress them after the combine.
“It was pretty good, being the hometown team, so they kept it real simple," he said. "They told me they’ll have a Miami date where all the local guys go there, so they’ll finish up the rest of their time with me there. Coach Parcells showed up at a couple of our practices and that was nice to see. It definitely made you step up your practice speed a little bit.”
Of course, that has never been a problem for James.
Throughout his entire football life, Javarris James has always had to answer different questions and debunk different perceptions than most anybody else, he isn’t expecting anything different this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine.
James is one of 28 running backs working out Sunday on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of coaches, general managers and scout representing all 32 NFL teams and the Immokalee native is hoping to make the kind of splash expected out of players coming out of the University of Miami.
James arrived in town under the radar, with some mock drafts projecting him as a fifth-round pick mainly over concerns about his injury history with the Hurricanes. After a phenomenal freshman year during which he rushed for 802 yards -- the second most by a freshman in school history -- and five touchdowns, ankle and neck injuries slowed him as a sophomore and then he missed four games his junior season in 2008 with a leg injury.
Thankfully for James, the MRIs, X-rays and comprehensive medical exams done by team doctors the first two days of the combine cleared up his health status heading into April’s NFL Draft.
“I was completely healthy, no extra MRIs or any of that stuff, so that let the teams know that I’m completely healthy and ready to go,” said James, who will be evaluated side by side with the likes of Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, Stanford’s Toby Gerhardt, Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer and Dexter McClusker of Ole Miss.
“Those questions didn’t come up in the interviews like I thought they would," James said. "I thought it would be a whole lot worse than that. A lot of coaches were like, ‘Hey, we play football and we know this is a physical sport.’ They weren’t really tripping about my injuries; they were just trying to see how my body was and if it was fully healed.”
When he was healthy at Miami, James had his fair share of highlight-reel runs and big games, including a 148-yard, one-touchdown performance in his first start against Houston as a freshman. This past season, he saved his best game for the ‘Canes’ most thrilling victory, a 21-20 win over Oklahoma and the nation’s top-ranked rushing defense. He erupted for a career-high 150 yards on 15 carries and became the first Miami running back ever to rush for 150 yards against Oklahoma.
James’ teammates never doubted his ability or his leadership skills, and a lot of them are surprised with what they have been hearing and reading in the media when it comes to his potential in the NFL. Among the more outspoken is left tackle Jason Fox, who is in Indianapolis with James and fellow Hurricanes tight ends Jimmy Graham and Dedrick Epps and linebacker Darryl Sharpton.
“Javarris is a special kid,” Fox said. “I mean, I think he’s probably the most underrated running back here because he’s been banged up in his college career, so he hasn’t been able to really show everybody what he’s capable of yet. But he had an outstanding freshman season and there have been a lot of special backs to come through there. Now that he’s fully healthy, I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people.”
That process began for James up in Orlando last month at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he caught up with former Gulf Coast and Minnesota linebacker Lee Campbell. In addition to being able practice in front of NFL coaches and scouts, he also got some of his interviews out of the way as well as the Wonderlic test and some of the other aptitude tests going on this week. So when he got to Indy, he could focus on the workouts and the other interviews.
The majority of skill position players have pointed to the 40-yard dash as where they want to make the biggest impact, but James has his eyes set elsewhere.
“I’m really excited about doing the shuttle run and the position drills just to show my natural ability and show how I can move for my size and just show off my talent,” said James, who weighed in at 212 pounds and measured out at 6-foot. “Some guys you have to take out in third-down situations, and I feel like I’m a guy who can stay in on those situations and who can pick up blitzes, understand the defense and catch passes out of the backfield, so I think that’s definitely a strength of mine.”
Those familiar with James from his high school days and youth football days in Southwest Florida will be following him closely Sunday and the rest of the time here, and he wants to proudly represent Naples, Immokalee and the entire region. Other former players from the area, like ex-Golden Eagle and Hurricanes linebacker Spencer Adkins, have helped James prepare for that next step.
“We always had talent around there, it’s just now we’re finally getting the recognition,” James said. “Spencer always took care of me when I first got there. Us coming from that area, we always make sure we look out for each other around there and he’s been doing pretty well. I asked him a couple of questions as far as how the NFL is and he’s been helping me out a lot.”
So far, James has been able to stay very close to home while playing football and he wouldn’t mind keeping that trend going with the Miami Dolphins. His interview with the Dolphins went well, and he will have another chance to further impress them after the combine.
“It was pretty good, being the hometown team, so they kept it real simple," he said. "They told me they’ll have a Miami date where all the local guys go there, so they’ll finish up the rest of their time with me there. Coach Parcells showed up at a couple of our practices and that was nice to see. It definitely made you step up your practice speed a little bit.”
Of course, that has never been a problem for James.
Olsen helped Miami tight end prepare for Combine
Olsen helped Miami tight end prepare for Combine
University of Miami tight ends stick together. Just ask Jimmy Graham, who credits former Hurricanes star and current Bears tight end Greg Olsen with helping him prepare for the Combine.
“I’ve been working out with Greg Olsen a little bit,” Graham said at the Combine. “[He’s been] telling me how it was going to be and kind of prepping me on what I’m going through here. It’s been pretty accurate so far. He told me a lot of things and pretty much everything has been spot on.”
Graham hopes to follow Olsen and fellow Miami tight ends Bubba Franks, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Jeremy Shockey into the NFL.
“There have been tons of great tight ends come out of the University of Miami and I’m hoping to be the next great one,” Graham said. “All those guys really kind of look after all of us younger guys and really help us and talk with us. I definitely embrace those guys.”
Graham played basketball for four years at Miami and didn’t play football until his basketball eligibility expired in 2008. In his only year with the football team, the 6-7, 260-pounder caught 17 passes for 213 yards and 5 touchdowns.
According to one NFL scout, Graham has helped himself more than any other player at the Combine by running a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash. Pro Football Weekly predicts that Graham will be selected in the fourth or fifth round and reports that he “made strides in his first year on the [football] field and has the raw physical traits to be developed by a very patient coaching staff.”
University of Miami tight ends stick together. Just ask Jimmy Graham, who credits former Hurricanes star and current Bears tight end Greg Olsen with helping him prepare for the Combine.
“I’ve been working out with Greg Olsen a little bit,” Graham said at the Combine. “[He’s been] telling me how it was going to be and kind of prepping me on what I’m going through here. It’s been pretty accurate so far. He told me a lot of things and pretty much everything has been spot on.”
Graham hopes to follow Olsen and fellow Miami tight ends Bubba Franks, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Jeremy Shockey into the NFL.
“There have been tons of great tight ends come out of the University of Miami and I’m hoping to be the next great one,” Graham said. “All those guys really kind of look after all of us younger guys and really help us and talk with us. I definitely embrace those guys.”
Graham played basketball for four years at Miami and didn’t play football until his basketball eligibility expired in 2008. In his only year with the football team, the 6-7, 260-pounder caught 17 passes for 213 yards and 5 touchdowns.
According to one NFL scout, Graham has helped himself more than any other player at the Combine by running a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash. Pro Football Weekly predicts that Graham will be selected in the fourth or fifth round and reports that he “made strides in his first year on the [football] field and has the raw physical traits to be developed by a very patient coaching staff.”
UM's latest loss kills NCAA Tournament hopes
UM's latest loss kills NCAA Tournament hopes - Shandel Richardson, Sun-Sentinel
This is a time of year where teams often talk about gaining momentum as the postseason nears.
Whatever steam Miami had was quickly dispersed Saturday with a 71-66 loss to North Carolina State. The defeat dropped the Hurricanes (18-10, 4-10) to last in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. Forward Dwayne Collins led UM with 15 points and seven rebounds.
"We didn't come out with the type of energy we needed to play," UM coach Frank Haith said. "We were just hanging around."
The Hurricanes entered riding the high of a victory against Virginia just four days earlier and hoped to string together consecutive league wins for the first time this season. Haith said he sensed his players lacked "pop" before the game, but it didn't show until midway through the second half.
Most of the announced crowd of 4,358 at BankUnited Center figured UM was well on the way to victory. A layup by guard Durand Scott put the Hurricanes ahead 48-39 with 12:18 remaining before things fell apart. The somewhat comfortable lead that took nearly three-fourths of the game to build was gone in a little more than a minute.
North Carolina State (16-13, 4-10) scored seven points in a 1:11 span.
"They hit two big shots and we get three missed block-outs on the free-throw line that really hurt us," Haith said. "They back-tapped it and our guards were too far back, and not where they needed to be to get position and we didn't have physical enough block-outs."
The quick spurt was the start of a 14-4 run during the next six minutes. The Wolfpack took its first lead, 53-52, on a jump shot by Tracy Smith, who led all scorers with 19 points and seven rebounds.
"That was huge," Wolfpack coach Sidney Lowe said of erasing the deficit so fast.
"I think we almost had like a five-point kind of play. We made up five points real fast. Definitely, that helps you. That cuts down on the stops you need to get to make that deficit even."
Still, the Hurricanes had a chance late. Trailing 64-63, Scott missed a driving layup. North Carolina State, which struggled most of the game from the foul line, hit five of six free throws to seal it.
"Some guys had it, some guys didn't," UM guard James Dews said. "Like Coach said, if we're going to win, we need everybody from the first guy to the last guy on the bench. We didn't have it. "
This is a time of year where teams often talk about gaining momentum as the postseason nears.
Whatever steam Miami had was quickly dispersed Saturday with a 71-66 loss to North Carolina State. The defeat dropped the Hurricanes (18-10, 4-10) to last in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. Forward Dwayne Collins led UM with 15 points and seven rebounds.
"We didn't come out with the type of energy we needed to play," UM coach Frank Haith said. "We were just hanging around."
The Hurricanes entered riding the high of a victory against Virginia just four days earlier and hoped to string together consecutive league wins for the first time this season. Haith said he sensed his players lacked "pop" before the game, but it didn't show until midway through the second half.
Most of the announced crowd of 4,358 at BankUnited Center figured UM was well on the way to victory. A layup by guard Durand Scott put the Hurricanes ahead 48-39 with 12:18 remaining before things fell apart. The somewhat comfortable lead that took nearly three-fourths of the game to build was gone in a little more than a minute.
North Carolina State (16-13, 4-10) scored seven points in a 1:11 span.
"They hit two big shots and we get three missed block-outs on the free-throw line that really hurt us," Haith said. "They back-tapped it and our guards were too far back, and not where they needed to be to get position and we didn't have physical enough block-outs."
The quick spurt was the start of a 14-4 run during the next six minutes. The Wolfpack took its first lead, 53-52, on a jump shot by Tracy Smith, who led all scorers with 19 points and seven rebounds.
"That was huge," Wolfpack coach Sidney Lowe said of erasing the deficit so fast.
"I think we almost had like a five-point kind of play. We made up five points real fast. Definitely, that helps you. That cuts down on the stops you need to get to make that deficit even."
Still, the Hurricanes had a chance late. Trailing 64-63, Scott missed a driving layup. North Carolina State, which struggled most of the game from the foul line, hit five of six free throws to seal it.
"Some guys had it, some guys didn't," UM guard James Dews said. "Like Coach said, if we're going to win, we need everybody from the first guy to the last guy on the bench. We didn't have it. "
No. 10 Miami Rolls Past Manhattan, 18-1
No. 10 Miami Rolls Past Manhattan, 18-1
Junior lefty Chris Hernandez struck out nine and junior catcher Yasmani Grandal drove in five runs as the 10th-ranked University of Miami baseball team picked up its fifth straight win to open the 2010 season with a 18-1 blowout victory over Manhattan Saturday night at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
The 5-0 start is the best start for a UM team since the 2003 team opened the season 8-0. The `Canes have now scored 56 runs through their first five games - the highest total for a UM team since the 1992 team plated 72 runs through five contests.
Hernandez (1-0) earned his first win of the year and 19th of his career, allowing just one run on three hits in seven innings of work. Grandal finished 2-for-5 with one run scored while David Villasuso and Harold Martinez each had two hits and three RBI.
Manhattan starter Tom Costigan suffered the loss, allowing six runs on three hits while walking five and striking out one in 4 2/3 innings. Ramon Ortega led the Jaspers at the plate going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
The `Canes took advantage of timely hitting, a season-high 10 walks and six Manhattan errors en route to the 17-run victory. Miami's momentum from the late innings Friday night carried right over into Saturday's game as the `Canes scored five runs in the bottom of the first. After the first run came across on a wild pitch, Martinez and Rodriguez each hit two-run homers as Martinez blasted a shot to right two batters before Rodriguez hit his first career homer with a blast to left.
The Jaspers (0-2) got on the board in the fifth when a one-out single up the middle by Ortega scored Austin Sheffield from second to bring Manhattan within four.
Miami went back up five in the bottom of the fifth, as Villasuso's two-out single to right brought home Stephen Perez from third to put the `Canes up 6-1.
Miami loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth and scored its seventh run of the contest on a catcher's interference on an infield grounder. Two batters later with the bases still loaded, Scott Lawson drew his third walk of the game to bring a run home before a Grandal RBI grounder made it 8-1. The `Canes weren't done
however, as a Villasuso triple to center put the `Canes up by 10 before Martinez singled him home for UM's 12th run.
A bases-loaded single to right in the seventh by Grandal scored a pair of runs before a Zach Robinson sacrifice fly put UM, 15-1.
Miami tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the eighth as Grandal hit a two-run single and Thomas Powers had a run-scoring single in the frame putting the Hurricanes ahead by 17.
The two teams will wrap up the three-game set Sunday at 1 p.m. when Miami sends right-hander Jason Santana (0-0, 7.20) to the hill against Manhattan's left-hander Mike Gazzola.
Junior lefty Chris Hernandez struck out nine and junior catcher Yasmani Grandal drove in five runs as the 10th-ranked University of Miami baseball team picked up its fifth straight win to open the 2010 season with a 18-1 blowout victory over Manhattan Saturday night at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
The 5-0 start is the best start for a UM team since the 2003 team opened the season 8-0. The `Canes have now scored 56 runs through their first five games - the highest total for a UM team since the 1992 team plated 72 runs through five contests.
Hernandez (1-0) earned his first win of the year and 19th of his career, allowing just one run on three hits in seven innings of work. Grandal finished 2-for-5 with one run scored while David Villasuso and Harold Martinez each had two hits and three RBI.
Manhattan starter Tom Costigan suffered the loss, allowing six runs on three hits while walking five and striking out one in 4 2/3 innings. Ramon Ortega led the Jaspers at the plate going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
The `Canes took advantage of timely hitting, a season-high 10 walks and six Manhattan errors en route to the 17-run victory. Miami's momentum from the late innings Friday night carried right over into Saturday's game as the `Canes scored five runs in the bottom of the first. After the first run came across on a wild pitch, Martinez and Rodriguez each hit two-run homers as Martinez blasted a shot to right two batters before Rodriguez hit his first career homer with a blast to left.
The Jaspers (0-2) got on the board in the fifth when a one-out single up the middle by Ortega scored Austin Sheffield from second to bring Manhattan within four.
Miami went back up five in the bottom of the fifth, as Villasuso's two-out single to right brought home Stephen Perez from third to put the `Canes up 6-1.
Miami loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth and scored its seventh run of the contest on a catcher's interference on an infield grounder. Two batters later with the bases still loaded, Scott Lawson drew his third walk of the game to bring a run home before a Grandal RBI grounder made it 8-1. The `Canes weren't done
however, as a Villasuso triple to center put the `Canes up by 10 before Martinez singled him home for UM's 12th run.
A bases-loaded single to right in the seventh by Grandal scored a pair of runs before a Zach Robinson sacrifice fly put UM, 15-1.
Miami tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the eighth as Grandal hit a two-run single and Thomas Powers had a run-scoring single in the frame putting the Hurricanes ahead by 17.
The two teams will wrap up the three-game set Sunday at 1 p.m. when Miami sends right-hander Jason Santana (0-0, 7.20) to the hill against Manhattan's left-hander Mike Gazzola.
No. 10 Miami Takes Series Opener over Manhattan, 7-3
No. 10 Miami Takes Series Opener over Manhattan, 7-3
Junior right fielder Chris Pelaez continued his hot hitting going 3-for-3 with three runs scored and junior lefty Eric Erickson struck out nine in another solid start as the 10th-ranked University of Miami baseball team knocked off Manhattan, 7-3, Friday night at Alex Rodriguez Park. Freshman left fielder Michael Broad drove in two runs - including what proved to be the game-winner - and finished 2-for-3 on the night.
Pelaez, who went 8-for-11 last weekend against Rutgers, has now gone 11 for his last 12 going back to his last at-bat in the season-opener. Erickson struck out nine batters, allowing three runs on four hits in six innings of work in the no decision. He was impressive early on, striking out five of the first six batters he faced. Iden Nazario (1-0) won his first game of the season as he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief and struck out two. Senior closer David Gutierrez picked up save No. 2 as tossed the final 1 1/3 inning.
With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, the `Canes scored a pair runs with the bases loaded on a single by Broad and a fielder's choice grounder by Stephen Perez to give Miami a 5-3 lead.
Miami took the 7-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth as Harold Martinez doubled in David Villasuso, who walked to lead off the inning. Zeke DeVoss' RBI triple later plated Martinez for UM's final run of the night.
Manhattan reliever Eric Luksis (0-1) suffered the loss, but allowed just one earned run on three hits in three innings of work. Starter Mike Giordano allowed three runs on six hits in four innings. Kyle Murphy and Austin Sheffield each had two hits for the Jaspers.
Miami got on the board first, jumping out to 2-0 lead in the second. Pelaez led off the inning with a single to center and after a sacrifice bunt and a strikeout, Broad and Nathan Melendres hit nearly identical back-to-back triples to left-center to give the `Canes the early advantage.
Manhattan quickly got those two runs back with solo home runs in each of the next two innings, as Murphy homered to left in the third and Chad Salem hit one to straight-away center in the fourth.
Pelaez re-gained the lead for Miami with a towering solo homer to right to lead off the bottom of the fourth.
Just as they had done two innings prior, the Jaspers quickly tied it back up - this time with an Austin Sheffield RBI single through the right side.
Martinez (2-for-3, two runs scored) and Yasmani Grandal (2-for-5) also finished with multiple hits for UM.
Game two of the series will be played Saturday night at 7 p.m. Miami will send lefty Chris Hernandez (0-0, 2.25) to the mound while Manhattan will counter with right-hander Tom Costigan.
Junior right fielder Chris Pelaez continued his hot hitting going 3-for-3 with three runs scored and junior lefty Eric Erickson struck out nine in another solid start as the 10th-ranked University of Miami baseball team knocked off Manhattan, 7-3, Friday night at Alex Rodriguez Park. Freshman left fielder Michael Broad drove in two runs - including what proved to be the game-winner - and finished 2-for-3 on the night.
Pelaez, who went 8-for-11 last weekend against Rutgers, has now gone 11 for his last 12 going back to his last at-bat in the season-opener. Erickson struck out nine batters, allowing three runs on four hits in six innings of work in the no decision. He was impressive early on, striking out five of the first six batters he faced. Iden Nazario (1-0) won his first game of the season as he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief and struck out two. Senior closer David Gutierrez picked up save No. 2 as tossed the final 1 1/3 inning.
With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, the `Canes scored a pair runs with the bases loaded on a single by Broad and a fielder's choice grounder by Stephen Perez to give Miami a 5-3 lead.
Miami took the 7-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth as Harold Martinez doubled in David Villasuso, who walked to lead off the inning. Zeke DeVoss' RBI triple later plated Martinez for UM's final run of the night.
Manhattan reliever Eric Luksis (0-1) suffered the loss, but allowed just one earned run on three hits in three innings of work. Starter Mike Giordano allowed three runs on six hits in four innings. Kyle Murphy and Austin Sheffield each had two hits for the Jaspers.
Miami got on the board first, jumping out to 2-0 lead in the second. Pelaez led off the inning with a single to center and after a sacrifice bunt and a strikeout, Broad and Nathan Melendres hit nearly identical back-to-back triples to left-center to give the `Canes the early advantage.
Manhattan quickly got those two runs back with solo home runs in each of the next two innings, as Murphy homered to left in the third and Chad Salem hit one to straight-away center in the fourth.
Pelaez re-gained the lead for Miami with a towering solo homer to right to lead off the bottom of the fourth.
Just as they had done two innings prior, the Jaspers quickly tied it back up - this time with an Austin Sheffield RBI single through the right side.
Martinez (2-for-3, two runs scored) and Yasmani Grandal (2-for-5) also finished with multiple hits for UM.
Game two of the series will be played Saturday night at 7 p.m. Miami will send lefty Chris Hernandez (0-0, 2.25) to the mound while Manhattan will counter with right-hander Tom Costigan.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Jimmy Graham Combine Update
No love lost
Jimmy Graham has played football in only two of the past eight years, yet the former Miami Hurricanes tight end earned an invitation to the combine because NFL scouts are very intrigued by his 6-foot-7, 259-pound frame and basketball background. Graham played football as a freshman in high school, but had to give the sport up after he was adopted by a youth leader at his church and his new school didn't have a football program. He focused on basketball, and earned a scholarship to Miami. Because he was a starter, the Hurricanes wouldn't let Graham play football until after his basketball eligibility expired following the 2008 season. That gave him one year to make an impression, and Graham's potential as a seam-busting tight end was evident despite a few drops early in the season -- including one on national television against Virginia Tech. Graham said his passion for the game is unquestioned -- the only reason he didn't play for six years was the lack of opportunity. "I think when [scouts] look back and see that I turned down all of my pro basketball tryouts, and I turned down all my overseas money, they see I am sold out for football," Graham said. "I turned down a lot to come back to college and play this game. That proves in itself how much I love this game." Because he has so little game film for scouts to break down, Graham is under intense pressure to work out well Saturday. "For a player like me it's a little bit early," Graham said of where he might be drafted. "I'm a guy that has to post great numbers. We'll see after Saturday."
UM's Graham remembers
Tight end Jimmy Graham, a former basketball player at the University of Miami who emerged as an NFL prospect in his only season on the football team, had a couple of costly drops in the Hurricanes' 31-7 loss at Virginia Tech, his third college game. He hasn't forgotten.
"Big-time game and I kind of let my teammates down," he said. "That kind of changed me as a football player. From then on I didn't drop another ball, and the very next game I scored a touchdown. So it made me go back to the fundamentals of catching.
"I was so confident in how I could catch I stopped looking the ball in. In practice I'm catching everything with one hand; I felt I didn't have to worry about it. But it definitely got me back to the fundamentals, and since then I've been very successful."
Jimmy Graham has played football in only two of the past eight years, yet the former Miami Hurricanes tight end earned an invitation to the combine because NFL scouts are very intrigued by his 6-foot-7, 259-pound frame and basketball background. Graham played football as a freshman in high school, but had to give the sport up after he was adopted by a youth leader at his church and his new school didn't have a football program. He focused on basketball, and earned a scholarship to Miami. Because he was a starter, the Hurricanes wouldn't let Graham play football until after his basketball eligibility expired following the 2008 season. That gave him one year to make an impression, and Graham's potential as a seam-busting tight end was evident despite a few drops early in the season -- including one on national television against Virginia Tech. Graham said his passion for the game is unquestioned -- the only reason he didn't play for six years was the lack of opportunity. "I think when [scouts] look back and see that I turned down all of my pro basketball tryouts, and I turned down all my overseas money, they see I am sold out for football," Graham said. "I turned down a lot to come back to college and play this game. That proves in itself how much I love this game." Because he has so little game film for scouts to break down, Graham is under intense pressure to work out well Saturday. "For a player like me it's a little bit early," Graham said of where he might be drafted. "I'm a guy that has to post great numbers. We'll see after Saturday."
UM's Graham remembers
Tight end Jimmy Graham, a former basketball player at the University of Miami who emerged as an NFL prospect in his only season on the football team, had a couple of costly drops in the Hurricanes' 31-7 loss at Virginia Tech, his third college game. He hasn't forgotten.
"Big-time game and I kind of let my teammates down," he said. "That kind of changed me as a football player. From then on I didn't drop another ball, and the very next game I scored a touchdown. So it made me go back to the fundamentals of catching.
"I was so confident in how I could catch I stopped looking the ball in. In practice I'm catching everything with one hand; I felt I didn't have to worry about it. But it definitely got me back to the fundamentals, and since then I've been very successful."
Three quarterbacks compete for No. 2 job as Miami Hurricanes open spring practice
Three quarterbacks compete for No. 2 job as Miami Hurricanes open spring practice - Jorge Milian, PBP
CORAL GABLES — There will be three quarterbacks vying for playing time when the University of Miami opens spring football practice today.
None of those players is Jacory Harris, who has started 14 straight games for the Hurricanes but won't participate this spring as he continues to recuperate from right thumb surgery he underwent in January to repair ligament damage.
Harris doesn't need the work. He saw action in all but about 50 of UM's 879 plays last season and faces a similar workload in 2010.
More uncertain are the players immediately behind Harris on the depth chart — A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris — who will battle this spring to be the backup.
"It's kind of bad because Jacory is out, but the good thing is the young guys will get a chance to develop," coach Randy Shannon said.
Shannon said Highsmith, Whipple and Morris will divide snaps evenly between the first- and second-string offensive units leading up to the spring game on March 27.
Highsmith, a rising sophomore, was the Hurricanes' No. 2 quarterback last season, but was limited to playing at the end of three blowout victories.
Besides Harris, Highsmith was the only other scholarship quarterback on the 2009 roster and became the unexpected backup when two other quarterbacks, Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith, quit the team on the same day last August.
Asked if Highsmith had a jump on the No. 2 job, Shannon responded: "A slight advantage, but we always start from scratch."
Whipple, a walk-on and the son of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, transferred to UM last fall from Massachusetts, where his father once coached.
Morris, a freshman, enrolled at UM in January.
There are also questions at tight end, center, right tackle and middle linebacker, but the focus of spring practice, Shannon said, will be to make the team "tougher."
Shannon pointed to defeats during last season's 9-4 campaign in which UM lost close games that were decided in the closing minutes.
"It's going to be physical football this spring," said Shannon, who is 21-17 in his first three seasons. "Some games we didn't have that extra oomph the last two minutes of the game to get us where we needed to be."
CORAL GABLES — There will be three quarterbacks vying for playing time when the University of Miami opens spring football practice today.
None of those players is Jacory Harris, who has started 14 straight games for the Hurricanes but won't participate this spring as he continues to recuperate from right thumb surgery he underwent in January to repair ligament damage.
Harris doesn't need the work. He saw action in all but about 50 of UM's 879 plays last season and faces a similar workload in 2010.
More uncertain are the players immediately behind Harris on the depth chart — A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris — who will battle this spring to be the backup.
"It's kind of bad because Jacory is out, but the good thing is the young guys will get a chance to develop," coach Randy Shannon said.
Shannon said Highsmith, Whipple and Morris will divide snaps evenly between the first- and second-string offensive units leading up to the spring game on March 27.
Highsmith, a rising sophomore, was the Hurricanes' No. 2 quarterback last season, but was limited to playing at the end of three blowout victories.
Besides Harris, Highsmith was the only other scholarship quarterback on the 2009 roster and became the unexpected backup when two other quarterbacks, Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith, quit the team on the same day last August.
Asked if Highsmith had a jump on the No. 2 job, Shannon responded: "A slight advantage, but we always start from scratch."
Whipple, a walk-on and the son of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, transferred to UM last fall from Massachusetts, where his father once coached.
Morris, a freshman, enrolled at UM in January.
There are also questions at tight end, center, right tackle and middle linebacker, but the focus of spring practice, Shannon said, will be to make the team "tougher."
Shannon pointed to defeats during last season's 9-4 campaign in which UM lost close games that were decided in the closing minutes.
"It's going to be physical football this spring," said Shannon, who is 21-17 in his first three seasons. "Some games we didn't have that extra oomph the last two minutes of the game to get us where we needed to be."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Complete Spring Practice Breakdown
Miami QBs look good first day - Heather Dinich, Espn
One of the answers Miami coach Randy Shannon is looking for this spring is who will be his backup quarterback, and all of the young players got off to a good start on Tuesday, the Canes’ first day of spring practices.
A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris are all competing for the spot behind injured starter Jacory Harris.
“They didn't do anything wrong,” Shannon said, according to the school’s practice notes. “You don't know until you watch tape, but they executed some of the things on offense that we needed to get done, which was good. You see the guys stepping up.”
Here’s what each of the quarterbacks had to say about their first day of spring practice, according to Miami’s practice notes:
A.J. Highsmith
"It's a good opportunity, but I'm trying to take everything the way I did before,” he said. “I'm still working hard on and off the field, just trying to get better every day."
"It's a competition, but that's what makes us good here. We have great quarterbacks. Jacory, when he goes down, we have guys that can step in. Stephen is adjusting real well. He did well today."
Spencer Whipple (found Tommy Streeter for a gain of over 40 yards)
"I'm just going out and competing -- every rep is an opportunity,” he said. “I'm excited to be in the mix of it. I'm not trying to think of the big picture. Every day you have to just go out and try to do your best on each rep; study the play book on your off time and just be ready when your number is called."
Whipple said it’s almost easier to compete in front of his father because he’s comfortable with him.
“I've known him my whole life so he knows how to talk to me, settle me down when things aren't going right and when things are going well keep my mind right. It's just great to have him around and to be able to talk to him not over the phone, face to face."
Stephen Morris
"Being at the next level is just amazing and fun. It's a lot faster than I expected. Every time I come here (for practice) I know I have to get better. I have a lot to work on. Being here is just a great opportunity for me to learn."
"It's a completely different playbook and is a lot bigger than I expected. Coach Whipple helps me out and I have great mentors like Jacory, A.J. and Spencer who helps me out all the time.”
"Coach Whipple is great at mechanics and he helps me a lot. I'm a little antsy in the pocket once in a while. I'm going to get better at my footwork and developing the reads for coverages. I'm pretty comfortable with the playbook
University of Miami has three arms in reserve - SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN, Miami Herald
One thing appears strikingly evident after the first day of University of Miami spring football practice: The backup quarterbacks aren't transferring.
With starter Jacory Harris unable to throw during the 15 practice sessions that began Tuesday and run through the March 27 spring game, reserves A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple, and newcomer Stephen Morris are eagerly sharing reps in hopes of steadily improving and eventually being named the No. 2 guy.
Last year, in late August, backups Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith both shocked the program by requesting to be released before eventually transferring to separate schools. Suddenly, Highsmith became the backup by default, and Whipple -- the son of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple -- transferred to UM from Massachusetts to run the scout team.
`IT'S COMPETITION'
Highsmith probably could have been used more, given that Harris -- now recuperating from surgery on his throwing hand -- was often battered and bruised during a season in which UM allowed 35 sacks. But the son of former UM great Alonzo Highsmith only got into three games and passed six times, completing four for 53 yards and a touchdown.
``I always want to play,'' Highsmith said. ``But you know that's up to Coach. I don't press the playing time. I just go with the flow of things. Everything is even as of now. It's competition, but that's what makes us good here. Stephen is adjusting real well, Spencer is doing well and I think we all have fun out there just trying to get better.''
On Tuesday, all three backups were eager and excited to be getting the extra action. Morris, a 17-year-old who graduated early from Miami Monsignor Pace to begin college this semester, seemed humble and realistic about his role at this point. With Highsmith and Whipple way ahead in terms of knowing the playbook, Morris is intent on devouring an offense considerably more complex and diverse than in high school.
``It was monumental for me to get here early,'' said Morris, 6-2 and 185 pounds. ``It's a completely different playbook, a lot bigger than I expected. Every day I go in and ask coach Whipple, `What's for today?' And he helps me out every single time. . . . Coach Whipple is great on mechanics. I'm a little antsy in the pocket once in a while. I'm trying to get better with my footwork and developing the reads and coverages.''
Morris said his first practice experience ``was just overwhelming,'' though he was composed enough to toss two touchdowns, one of them to LaRon Byrd. ``It was great to be out there. I was a little nervous, but after that you get your first completion and you're fine.''
`ALMOST KIND OF DESTINY'
Whipple, 21 next month, also seemed pleased. The 6-2, 210-pound left-hander was a walk-on last season, but was recently awarded a scholarship. His college football career began at Pitt, continued at UMass and now will likely end in Coral Gables.
``It was almost kind of destiny because when I was growing up, I was a really big Miami fan for no particular reason,'' Whipple, a junior, said.
``I just loved them a lot when [Ken] Dorsey was playing quarterback. He was my favorite player. Then when I was at UMass and my dad came down here I just started thinking, `Maybe there's a shot I can come play down here for him.' ''
Whipple said it's not awkward having his father as the quarterbacks coach. ``My dad does a good job of being unbiased,'' he said. ``He's going to play the best player and organize the depth chart accordingly.
``Every rep is an opportunity. I'm excited to be in the mix.''
Canes focusing on creating turnovers this spring - Heather Dinich, Espn
After six weeks of weight lifting, Miami begins spring practices today, and if the defense isn’t ready to create some turnovers, the Canes better be ready to run.
A top priority for Miami this spring will be takeaways, coach Randy Shannon said, and he’s been tinkering with some ways to motivate the players after each practice if they’re not stripping the ball, recovering fumbles and snagging interceptions. Whether it’s running “gassers” at the end of practices or other competitions, Shannon said he’ll find a way to inspire his players.
“We’ve got to create turnovers,” Shannon said in a recent phone interview. “We’re not creating enough turnovers to give us field position in certain games and do certain things. That’s the one thing we’re having problems with that we’re not getting. We’ve got to do it. We can’t just sit back and say, ‘We’re going to be OK on defense.’ We’ve got to create turnovers.”
Miami gained 21 turnovers last year (12 fumble recoveries and nine interceptions), but the top-ranked teams in that category had at least 30. The Canes ranked seventh in the ACC in turnover margin, but for the second straight season they struggled to be among the top half of the nation’s interception leaders. In 2009, Miami was tied for 87th. It was an improvement, considering the Canes were last in the country in 2008 -- 119th -- with only four.
The good news, Shannon said, was that his running backs didn’t lose the ball once last year.
“It was amazing,” Shannon said. “Not one running back turned the ball over last year. Now Jacory [Harris] got stripped a couple of times, but that’s something that tells you, if your running backs aren’t turning the ball over, we’ve got to get more turnovers on defense.”
Hurricanes Football: Now With Depth - JANIE CAMPBELL, NBC
Miami started spring workouts yesterday without mangled starting quarterback Jacory Harris, but the day was just as notable for who was there as who wasn't: A.J. Highsmith, Stephen Morris, and Spencer Whipple, all happily reporting for duty at QB2-4.
After all, it was just August that saw the last of three backup QBs in six months head for lesser programs in search of a bigger role. First Robert Marve bailed in a ridiculous snit over his inability to throw interceptions at whimsy and retain his job at the same time, then Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith left 13 days before the first game after mistaking a letter of intent for a fast-food line to the first team unit.
Miami then spent a season with just Highsmith, a true freshman, on hand to relieve Jacory -- and if Highsmith hadn't only just arrived in Coral Gables, Harris might not have ended the season looking like a mummy rolled in athletic tape and scheduled for surgery.
So along with prematurely playing out next season through meaningless practice reports, Hurricanes fans have the satisfaction of knowing that someone -- any one of them -- will be that much closer to stepping in as a servicable replacement if the offensive line doesn't do its duty (again). Our money's on Highsmith, with a year of the playbook under his belt; Morris, an early enrollee from nearby Monsignor Pace, is a developable 17; Whipple, the offensive coordinator's son, has the smarts if not, perhaps, the tools -- he transferred in to run the scout team from the backup spot at Division II UMass.
It's got to be a huge relief for the 'Canes, even if at this point none of the three is the second coming of Jim Kelly. Able bodies at all spots are what the Hurricanes have been lacking most of all, something that Shannon has been working toward since taking over a program that sported punter Brian Monroe as a third-string wide receiver.
And how's it going?
"They didn't do anything wrong," Shannon said, which in our interpretive experience means, "Better than nothing."
And amen to that.
`Canes searching for backup quarterback - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
With starter Jacory Harris out for the spring, backups A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris will receive the reps
CORAL GABLES — Their roles were switched following the first day of spring football practice.
Instead of being in front of the microphones and television cameras, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris stood in the background. He joined in the media huddle Tuesday at Greentree Practice Fields while his backups garnered the attention.
With Harris out for the spring because of offseason hand surgery, the biggest story is who will take advantage of the extended playing time and earn the No. 2 quarterback spot. The competitors, A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris, enter with an even start, one hoping to emerge during the next month of practices.
UM coach Randy Shannon said Highsmith has a "slight advantage," but called it an open competition.
"We always start from scratch," Shannon said. "It's going to be a big challenge for (Highsmith). He may line up with the (starters) on the first day, but everybody has to get better. You can't stay the same."
Highsmith, a sophomore, is the most experienced of the group. He served as Harris' backup last season, his most action coming in a 48-16 victory against Florida A & M. He completed 3 of 3 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.
"It's a good opportunity, but I'm trying to take everything the same way as I did before," said Highsmith, whose father, Alonzo, played running back at UM and in the NFL. "I'm still working hard on and off the field. I just want to get better everyday … It's not really a big deal. We're just trying to have fun out there."
Highsmith isn't the only member of the bunch with a well-known father. Whipple's dad, Mark, is the Hurricanes' offensive coordinator. He previously played at Pittsburgh and Massachusetts before transferring to UM last year so he could reunite with his father. Whipple, a redshirt junior, spent most of last season on the scout team, but is fully in the mix for a larger role.
"It's a lot faster than scout team," Whipple said. "…Every rep is just an opportunity. I'm not trying to focus on the big picture."
Morris, a freshman, is the underdog in the competition. Just a few weeks ago, he was completing his high school requirements at Miami Monsignor Pace. As an early-enrollee, he's began the process of learning the playbook and adapting to the college level. He said he's already benefited from working with Harris, who approached him about being a mentor.
"I think it was monumental for me to get here early," Morris said. "The coaches really stressed it, to understand the playbook and learn the playbook. That's whole point of spring is so coaches can go over the basics with you."
Hurricanes’ Tyler Horn center of attention this spring - Jorge Milian, PalmBeachPost.com
You’ve heard of three-star, four-star and five-star prospects.
Then there’s Tyler Horn, the Hurricanes’ junior center.
“I was a no-star kid who got a shot to play football at the University of Miami,” Horn said.
Horn, a native of Memphis, Tenn., isn’t exaggerating. Besides UM, the only schools to offer Horn a scholarship were Arkansas State, FiU and Central Arkansas, a Division I-AA school.
Fast forward three-plus years and Horn is the favorite to be UM’s starting center when the 2010 season opens on Sept. 2 against Florida A&M.
After redshirting as a freshman and barely playing the last two seasons, Horn has been given the first crack to win the starting job left vacant by the graduation of A.J. Trump. That opportunity began on Tuesday when UM opened spring practice.
“The way I see it, it’s my job, but I got to go out and take it,” said Horn, listed at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds. “[Indianapolis Colts center] Jeff Saturday could come in and I would still feel like it’s my spot. That’s the way I’m going to look at it.”
The only spring competition for Horn comes from Shane McDermott, the Palm Beach Central grad who enrolled at UM in January. Another offensive lineman – most likely guard Brandon Washington – could be moved to center, but coach Randy Shannon made it clear he’d like to see Horn grab hold of the starting job.
“It’s about time for him,” Shannon said. “He’s been around, has been on offensive line for a while. Now it’s time for him to make that jump.”
Horn has limited playing experience. He played just a few snaps against Charleston Southern in 2008 and appeared in seven games in 2009, although he saw action almost entirely during garbage time.
“I haven’t played a lot,” Horn said. “But I’ve been here a long time and know the offense. What I have gotten is a lot of mental reps. I may not have been playing, but I know every single play and everything that’s happening. Now it’s time to go out there and get the experience on the field. That will come with time.”
Horn said he spent the past couple of months prepping for spring practice “by packing a lunch and spending the day watching film.” He likens the 15 practices this spring to a “job offer.”
“No different than if I was going to work for FedEx or anybody else,” Horn said. “I have to prove myself.”
Despite his lack of experience, Horn is convinced that’s going to happen. Asked if he visualized himself starting the 2010 opener, Horn responded: “Absolutely. No doubt in my mind.”
A few other notes:
….Shannon said that defensive tackle Marcus Forston will not participate in spring practice. Forston was redshirted last season because of a leg injury. UM previously listed Forston as “limited” this spring.
….Shannon was full of praise for running back Storm Johnson, one of six freshmen to enroll at UM in January. “Fast, a big kid that’s electrifying, very fast,” Shannon said of Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 210-pounder from Loganville, Ga. “He has some track ability in him, is very quick. He’s a big guy, [but] not a fullback. A Mike James type guy, maybe a little faster than Mike. You take those guys that can run because they give you an extra dimension in the open field. I’m kind of excited about that a little bit.”
….Spencer Whipple, one of three quarterbacks battling for the No. 2 job behind Jacory Harris, said he is now on scholarship. Whipple arrived at UM last fall as a walk-on.
….Former UM star Warren Sapp, arrested earlier this month and charged with domestic violence after allegedly choking his girlfriend, attended Tuesday night’s basketball game between the Hurricanes and Virginia at the BankUnited Center. Sapp was introduced to the crowd. Is there no shame?
One of the answers Miami coach Randy Shannon is looking for this spring is who will be his backup quarterback, and all of the young players got off to a good start on Tuesday, the Canes’ first day of spring practices.
A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris are all competing for the spot behind injured starter Jacory Harris.
“They didn't do anything wrong,” Shannon said, according to the school’s practice notes. “You don't know until you watch tape, but they executed some of the things on offense that we needed to get done, which was good. You see the guys stepping up.”
Here’s what each of the quarterbacks had to say about their first day of spring practice, according to Miami’s practice notes:
A.J. Highsmith
"It's a good opportunity, but I'm trying to take everything the way I did before,” he said. “I'm still working hard on and off the field, just trying to get better every day."
"It's a competition, but that's what makes us good here. We have great quarterbacks. Jacory, when he goes down, we have guys that can step in. Stephen is adjusting real well. He did well today."
Spencer Whipple (found Tommy Streeter for a gain of over 40 yards)
"I'm just going out and competing -- every rep is an opportunity,” he said. “I'm excited to be in the mix of it. I'm not trying to think of the big picture. Every day you have to just go out and try to do your best on each rep; study the play book on your off time and just be ready when your number is called."
Whipple said it’s almost easier to compete in front of his father because he’s comfortable with him.
“I've known him my whole life so he knows how to talk to me, settle me down when things aren't going right and when things are going well keep my mind right. It's just great to have him around and to be able to talk to him not over the phone, face to face."
Stephen Morris
"Being at the next level is just amazing and fun. It's a lot faster than I expected. Every time I come here (for practice) I know I have to get better. I have a lot to work on. Being here is just a great opportunity for me to learn."
"It's a completely different playbook and is a lot bigger than I expected. Coach Whipple helps me out and I have great mentors like Jacory, A.J. and Spencer who helps me out all the time.”
"Coach Whipple is great at mechanics and he helps me a lot. I'm a little antsy in the pocket once in a while. I'm going to get better at my footwork and developing the reads for coverages. I'm pretty comfortable with the playbook
University of Miami has three arms in reserve - SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN, Miami Herald
One thing appears strikingly evident after the first day of University of Miami spring football practice: The backup quarterbacks aren't transferring.
With starter Jacory Harris unable to throw during the 15 practice sessions that began Tuesday and run through the March 27 spring game, reserves A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple, and newcomer Stephen Morris are eagerly sharing reps in hopes of steadily improving and eventually being named the No. 2 guy.
Last year, in late August, backups Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith both shocked the program by requesting to be released before eventually transferring to separate schools. Suddenly, Highsmith became the backup by default, and Whipple -- the son of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple -- transferred to UM from Massachusetts to run the scout team.
`IT'S COMPETITION'
Highsmith probably could have been used more, given that Harris -- now recuperating from surgery on his throwing hand -- was often battered and bruised during a season in which UM allowed 35 sacks. But the son of former UM great Alonzo Highsmith only got into three games and passed six times, completing four for 53 yards and a touchdown.
``I always want to play,'' Highsmith said. ``But you know that's up to Coach. I don't press the playing time. I just go with the flow of things. Everything is even as of now. It's competition, but that's what makes us good here. Stephen is adjusting real well, Spencer is doing well and I think we all have fun out there just trying to get better.''
On Tuesday, all three backups were eager and excited to be getting the extra action. Morris, a 17-year-old who graduated early from Miami Monsignor Pace to begin college this semester, seemed humble and realistic about his role at this point. With Highsmith and Whipple way ahead in terms of knowing the playbook, Morris is intent on devouring an offense considerably more complex and diverse than in high school.
``It was monumental for me to get here early,'' said Morris, 6-2 and 185 pounds. ``It's a completely different playbook, a lot bigger than I expected. Every day I go in and ask coach Whipple, `What's for today?' And he helps me out every single time. . . . Coach Whipple is great on mechanics. I'm a little antsy in the pocket once in a while. I'm trying to get better with my footwork and developing the reads and coverages.''
Morris said his first practice experience ``was just overwhelming,'' though he was composed enough to toss two touchdowns, one of them to LaRon Byrd. ``It was great to be out there. I was a little nervous, but after that you get your first completion and you're fine.''
`ALMOST KIND OF DESTINY'
Whipple, 21 next month, also seemed pleased. The 6-2, 210-pound left-hander was a walk-on last season, but was recently awarded a scholarship. His college football career began at Pitt, continued at UMass and now will likely end in Coral Gables.
``It was almost kind of destiny because when I was growing up, I was a really big Miami fan for no particular reason,'' Whipple, a junior, said.
``I just loved them a lot when [Ken] Dorsey was playing quarterback. He was my favorite player. Then when I was at UMass and my dad came down here I just started thinking, `Maybe there's a shot I can come play down here for him.' ''
Whipple said it's not awkward having his father as the quarterbacks coach. ``My dad does a good job of being unbiased,'' he said. ``He's going to play the best player and organize the depth chart accordingly.
``Every rep is an opportunity. I'm excited to be in the mix.''
Canes focusing on creating turnovers this spring - Heather Dinich, Espn
After six weeks of weight lifting, Miami begins spring practices today, and if the defense isn’t ready to create some turnovers, the Canes better be ready to run.
A top priority for Miami this spring will be takeaways, coach Randy Shannon said, and he’s been tinkering with some ways to motivate the players after each practice if they’re not stripping the ball, recovering fumbles and snagging interceptions. Whether it’s running “gassers” at the end of practices or other competitions, Shannon said he’ll find a way to inspire his players.
“We’ve got to create turnovers,” Shannon said in a recent phone interview. “We’re not creating enough turnovers to give us field position in certain games and do certain things. That’s the one thing we’re having problems with that we’re not getting. We’ve got to do it. We can’t just sit back and say, ‘We’re going to be OK on defense.’ We’ve got to create turnovers.”
Miami gained 21 turnovers last year (12 fumble recoveries and nine interceptions), but the top-ranked teams in that category had at least 30. The Canes ranked seventh in the ACC in turnover margin, but for the second straight season they struggled to be among the top half of the nation’s interception leaders. In 2009, Miami was tied for 87th. It was an improvement, considering the Canes were last in the country in 2008 -- 119th -- with only four.
The good news, Shannon said, was that his running backs didn’t lose the ball once last year.
“It was amazing,” Shannon said. “Not one running back turned the ball over last year. Now Jacory [Harris] got stripped a couple of times, but that’s something that tells you, if your running backs aren’t turning the ball over, we’ve got to get more turnovers on defense.”
Hurricanes Football: Now With Depth - JANIE CAMPBELL, NBC
Miami started spring workouts yesterday without mangled starting quarterback Jacory Harris, but the day was just as notable for who was there as who wasn't: A.J. Highsmith, Stephen Morris, and Spencer Whipple, all happily reporting for duty at QB2-4.
After all, it was just August that saw the last of three backup QBs in six months head for lesser programs in search of a bigger role. First Robert Marve bailed in a ridiculous snit over his inability to throw interceptions at whimsy and retain his job at the same time, then Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith left 13 days before the first game after mistaking a letter of intent for a fast-food line to the first team unit.
Miami then spent a season with just Highsmith, a true freshman, on hand to relieve Jacory -- and if Highsmith hadn't only just arrived in Coral Gables, Harris might not have ended the season looking like a mummy rolled in athletic tape and scheduled for surgery.
So along with prematurely playing out next season through meaningless practice reports, Hurricanes fans have the satisfaction of knowing that someone -- any one of them -- will be that much closer to stepping in as a servicable replacement if the offensive line doesn't do its duty (again). Our money's on Highsmith, with a year of the playbook under his belt; Morris, an early enrollee from nearby Monsignor Pace, is a developable 17; Whipple, the offensive coordinator's son, has the smarts if not, perhaps, the tools -- he transferred in to run the scout team from the backup spot at Division II UMass.
It's got to be a huge relief for the 'Canes, even if at this point none of the three is the second coming of Jim Kelly. Able bodies at all spots are what the Hurricanes have been lacking most of all, something that Shannon has been working toward since taking over a program that sported punter Brian Monroe as a third-string wide receiver.
And how's it going?
"They didn't do anything wrong," Shannon said, which in our interpretive experience means, "Better than nothing."
And amen to that.
`Canes searching for backup quarterback - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
With starter Jacory Harris out for the spring, backups A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris will receive the reps
CORAL GABLES — Their roles were switched following the first day of spring football practice.
Instead of being in front of the microphones and television cameras, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris stood in the background. He joined in the media huddle Tuesday at Greentree Practice Fields while his backups garnered the attention.
With Harris out for the spring because of offseason hand surgery, the biggest story is who will take advantage of the extended playing time and earn the No. 2 quarterback spot. The competitors, A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris, enter with an even start, one hoping to emerge during the next month of practices.
UM coach Randy Shannon said Highsmith has a "slight advantage," but called it an open competition.
"We always start from scratch," Shannon said. "It's going to be a big challenge for (Highsmith). He may line up with the (starters) on the first day, but everybody has to get better. You can't stay the same."
Highsmith, a sophomore, is the most experienced of the group. He served as Harris' backup last season, his most action coming in a 48-16 victory against Florida A & M. He completed 3 of 3 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.
"It's a good opportunity, but I'm trying to take everything the same way as I did before," said Highsmith, whose father, Alonzo, played running back at UM and in the NFL. "I'm still working hard on and off the field. I just want to get better everyday … It's not really a big deal. We're just trying to have fun out there."
Highsmith isn't the only member of the bunch with a well-known father. Whipple's dad, Mark, is the Hurricanes' offensive coordinator. He previously played at Pittsburgh and Massachusetts before transferring to UM last year so he could reunite with his father. Whipple, a redshirt junior, spent most of last season on the scout team, but is fully in the mix for a larger role.
"It's a lot faster than scout team," Whipple said. "…Every rep is just an opportunity. I'm not trying to focus on the big picture."
Morris, a freshman, is the underdog in the competition. Just a few weeks ago, he was completing his high school requirements at Miami Monsignor Pace. As an early-enrollee, he's began the process of learning the playbook and adapting to the college level. He said he's already benefited from working with Harris, who approached him about being a mentor.
"I think it was monumental for me to get here early," Morris said. "The coaches really stressed it, to understand the playbook and learn the playbook. That's whole point of spring is so coaches can go over the basics with you."
Hurricanes’ Tyler Horn center of attention this spring - Jorge Milian, PalmBeachPost.com
You’ve heard of three-star, four-star and five-star prospects.
Then there’s Tyler Horn, the Hurricanes’ junior center.
“I was a no-star kid who got a shot to play football at the University of Miami,” Horn said.
Horn, a native of Memphis, Tenn., isn’t exaggerating. Besides UM, the only schools to offer Horn a scholarship were Arkansas State, FiU and Central Arkansas, a Division I-AA school.
Fast forward three-plus years and Horn is the favorite to be UM’s starting center when the 2010 season opens on Sept. 2 against Florida A&M.
After redshirting as a freshman and barely playing the last two seasons, Horn has been given the first crack to win the starting job left vacant by the graduation of A.J. Trump. That opportunity began on Tuesday when UM opened spring practice.
“The way I see it, it’s my job, but I got to go out and take it,” said Horn, listed at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds. “[Indianapolis Colts center] Jeff Saturday could come in and I would still feel like it’s my spot. That’s the way I’m going to look at it.”
The only spring competition for Horn comes from Shane McDermott, the Palm Beach Central grad who enrolled at UM in January. Another offensive lineman – most likely guard Brandon Washington – could be moved to center, but coach Randy Shannon made it clear he’d like to see Horn grab hold of the starting job.
“It’s about time for him,” Shannon said. “He’s been around, has been on offensive line for a while. Now it’s time for him to make that jump.”
Horn has limited playing experience. He played just a few snaps against Charleston Southern in 2008 and appeared in seven games in 2009, although he saw action almost entirely during garbage time.
“I haven’t played a lot,” Horn said. “But I’ve been here a long time and know the offense. What I have gotten is a lot of mental reps. I may not have been playing, but I know every single play and everything that’s happening. Now it’s time to go out there and get the experience on the field. That will come with time.”
Horn said he spent the past couple of months prepping for spring practice “by packing a lunch and spending the day watching film.” He likens the 15 practices this spring to a “job offer.”
“No different than if I was going to work for FedEx or anybody else,” Horn said. “I have to prove myself.”
Despite his lack of experience, Horn is convinced that’s going to happen. Asked if he visualized himself starting the 2010 opener, Horn responded: “Absolutely. No doubt in my mind.”
A few other notes:
….Shannon said that defensive tackle Marcus Forston will not participate in spring practice. Forston was redshirted last season because of a leg injury. UM previously listed Forston as “limited” this spring.
….Shannon was full of praise for running back Storm Johnson, one of six freshmen to enroll at UM in January. “Fast, a big kid that’s electrifying, very fast,” Shannon said of Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 210-pounder from Loganville, Ga. “He has some track ability in him, is very quick. He’s a big guy, [but] not a fullback. A Mike James type guy, maybe a little faster than Mike. You take those guys that can run because they give you an extra dimension in the open field. I’m kind of excited about that a little bit.”
….Spencer Whipple, one of three quarterbacks battling for the No. 2 job behind Jacory Harris, said he is now on scholarship. Whipple arrived at UM last fall as a walk-on.
….Former UM star Warren Sapp, arrested earlier this month and charged with domestic violence after allegedly choking his girlfriend, attended Tuesday night’s basketball game between the Hurricanes and Virginia at the BankUnited Center. Sapp was introduced to the crowd. Is there no shame?
Seantrel Henderson still uncertain
Top recruit still uncertain
For those of you thinking that the end of USC's hearing in front of the NCAA might bring some closure -- one way or the other -- to the Seantrel Henderson "situation", think again.
The father of one of the highest-rated high school players in the country tells the Orange County Register that there is no timetable on a decision for his son, the Minnesota offensive tackle rated by most of the major recruiting services as the No. 1 prospect for the Class of 2010.
Henderson verbally committed to the Trojans on signing day, but has thus far held off on signing a Letter of Intent until they get an inkling as to what sanctions may or may not be headed to USC by the NCAA. The father reiterated that the LOI has yet to be signed.
Sean Henderson also told the paper that, at this point in time, the pair are just gathering info.
For those of you thinking that the end of USC's hearing in front of the NCAA might bring some closure -- one way or the other -- to the Seantrel Henderson "situation", think again.
The father of one of the highest-rated high school players in the country tells the Orange County Register that there is no timetable on a decision for his son, the Minnesota offensive tackle rated by most of the major recruiting services as the No. 1 prospect for the Class of 2010.
Henderson verbally committed to the Trojans on signing day, but has thus far held off on signing a Letter of Intent until they get an inkling as to what sanctions may or may not be headed to USC by the NCAA. The father reiterated that the LOI has yet to be signed.
Sean Henderson also told the paper that, at this point in time, the pair are just gathering info.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Who are John Hunt & Jeff Smith?
Two confused Douchebags. John Hunt & Jeff Smith, write for the The Oregonian. Here is a brief quote from a recent blog on their website;
"Their uniforms are flashy, their connection to Nike is powerful, and the program has been on the rise for 15 years. But recent criminal issues have the Oregon Ducks football team picking up where the the Miami Hurricanes of the 1980s and 1990s left off. Needless to say, many UO fans are not pleased."When has the Ducks won a National Title, nevermind 5 of them? When have they set a record for longest home win Streak? Has any of their players won a Heisman? The only thing the Ducks are famous for is getting arrested, having Ugly Uniforms and Cheap Shots.
Spring Practice Complete Preview
Backup QB Highsmith to see time - Heather Dinich, Espn
Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will participate in some non-throwing drills during spring practice as he recovers from surgery on his throwing hand.
When the Hurricanes open the spring season Tuesday, most of the throws will be handled by returning backup A.J. Highsmith and incoming freshman Stephen Morris, coach Randy Shannon said, and they'll essentially be competing for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart this fall.
"Going to be kind of a bad, but a good situation just to find out who is going to be our No. 2 quarterback," Shannon said Monday. "With Jacory not going to be able to participate as far as actually running plays, you'll find out on developing a No. 2 guy, which is very key to the stages of getting your football program ready."
The Hurricanes were 9-4 last season, with Harris throwing for 3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns. He struggled with a sore thumb much of the second half of last season, and had surgery Jan. 6.
UM set to open spring football practices - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
After having so much turnover on their coaching staff, the Hurricanes are hoping stability can lead to a productive spring
A meeting between players their new coaches has become a recent norm at the University of Miami during the spring.
Significant staff turnover has marked Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon's first three seasons, but things have stabilized this year. A fairly quiet offseason in terms of coaching changes has made today's start of spring practices less of an adjustment period. The 15 days of practices conclude with the spring game March 27.
"It's great for us, having two coordinators that are back," Shannon said. "You have some players understanding the full board of what we need to get done. The mindset is they can go in and know to expect out of coach [Mark] Whipple and [John] Lovett."
This marks the first season under Shannon the Hurricanes enter with the same offensive and defensive coordinators as the previous year. Last year they had to replace Bill Young and Patrick Nix. Young left for Oklahoma State, while Nix was fired. In 2007, defensive coordinator Tim Walton and wide receivers coach Marquis Mosely were fired.
The only departures this year were running backs coach Tommie Robinson and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt leaving for jobs with the Arizona Cardinals and Louisville. Shannon said it will create a more familiar environment, with players already accustomed to the staff.
"Last year [the coaches] didn't know anyone's athletic ability," Shannon said. "Coach Whipple coming from the NFL to college, the speed difference you really don't know until you get involved. Then you go from the standpoint of coach Lovett, he's trying to recognize and figure out guys. Right now, both have a good mindset of what our players can do after a year of going through the whole process of coaching offense, defense and evaluating."
Shannon even hired two coaches with UM ties to replace Robinson and Hurtt. Rick Petri, who was on staff from 1993-95, returns to coach the defensive line. Mike Cassano, a former Hurricanes graduate assistant, will coach the running backs.
"I worked with both of the coaches so it's nothing new to me," Shannon said. "I worked with coach [Rick] Petri when I was here and he had Warren Sapp, Kenard (Lang), Kevin Patrick, Kenny Holmes and those guys who back then were very productive. It's great to have an opportunity to get him back at Miami. He's a proven commodity. Coach Cas has always been a great recruiter, great coach."
With the team not dealing with as much change, it should allow more time to focus on more important issues. Quarterback Jacory Harris will miss the spring after having offseason hand surgery. A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and freshman Stephen Morris will take most of the reps. All are in competition for the No. 2 job.
"It's also a bad but good situation to find out who is our No. 2 quarterback with Jacory [Harris] not being able to participate, running plays," Shannon said. "He will be doing drill work but won't be throwing the ball. We'll find out on developing a No. 2 guy, which is very key to the stage of getting you football ready."
Stability on staff should make spring more productive - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Change is often said to be good.
But too much can take its toll. The UM football program knows that. After having several staff changes under coach Randy Shannon, especially at the coordinator spots, the Hurricanes finally have some stability. When spring practices open Tuesday, it will mark the first time both coordinators have been on the field for consecutive seasons.
This is important because there is no adjustment period for the coaches and players. The focus is growth instead of learning.
“It’s great for us, having two coordinators that are back,” Shannon said. “You have some players understanding the full board of what we need to get done. The mindset is they can go in and know what to expect out of coach (Mark) Whipple and (John) Lovett.
Here are a few other notes from Shannon’s press conference Monday morning
Shayon Green in middle of things as Hurricanes ready for spring practice - Jorge Milian, PBP
A few notes and thoughts heading into Tuesday’s opening of spring practice at UM:
….Redshirt freshman Shayon Green has never played a down of college football, but he enters spring practice as the team’s starting middle linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Green injured his knee during fall practice and underwent surgery. With the departure of Darryl Sharpton and the decision by Arthur Brown to transfer, Green moved all the way up the depth chart to No. 1. Whether he can keep hold of the job is another question. “He blew his knee out early so you can’t really give him a fair assessment,” coach Randy Shannon said while meeting with reporters on Monday morning. “He’s a hard worker, a big, big guy that has athletic ability, can run.” The coaching staff considered moving Colin McCarthy to middle linebacker, but would prefer to keep him on the outside. Depending on Green’s performance, that’s subject to change. “We’re giving Shayon his opportunity to play that position,” Shannon said. “After 15 days of spring football, we’ll assess it and reevaluate what we need to get done.”
….Shannon said that linebackers coach Micheal Barrow did not interview at Florida for a job on Urban Meyer’s staff as reported elsewhere.
….Asked if he considered pushing back spring practice so that starting quarterback Jacory Harris could participate as Ohio State did with quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Shannon said: “Nope. You can’t let one person dictate what you want to get done.”
….Fans will get two chances to watch the Hurricanes this spring – a scrimmage at Fort Lauderdale’s Lockhart Stadium on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. and the spring game on March 27. The spring game is expected to be held at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.
….Chris Ivory is expected to handle short- and long-snapping duties next season. Ivory has been UM’s long snapper for two seasons. Shannon said the No. 3 quarterback will serve as a holder for extra points and field goals.
….Shannon said that UM baseball coach Jim Morris asked if freshman safety Jamal Reid could also play baseball. Shannon declined, saying that Reid, an outstanding baseball player in high school, needed to learn the team’s defense. Shannon did say he was not opposed to Reid playing baseball when spring practice ends.
….Shannon said his overall goal for spring practice is to make his team “tougher”” and promised workouts will be very physical. There will be an emphasis at the end of practices of putting players in positions where they either fail or succeed. “Finishing is the biggest thing,” Shannon said. “Some games [last season] we finished strong. Some games we didn’t have that extra oomph the last two minutes of the game to get us where we needed to be. At the end of practice we’ll put them in situations that , ‘offense we need this done, defense we need this done.’ And whoever doesn’t get it done we’ll know and we can evaluate who we can really rely on at those critical times
Hurricanes' Practice Starts With QB Competition - Solange Reyner, CBS 4
Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will be watching spring practice from the sideline as the Hurricanes look to shore up their backup position.
Harris, a junior, is sitting out as he recovers from off-season hand surgery on his throwing hand. He'll be limited to non-contact and conditioning drills for the 15 practice session, which starts on Tuesday.
His absence is good - and bad - news for the Hurricanes.
"Going to be kind of a bad, but a good situation just to find out who is going to be our number two quarterback," said Miami coach Randy Shannon. "With Jacory not going to be able to participate as far as actually running plays – you'll find out on developing a number two guy, which is very key to the stages of getting your football ready."
Sophomore A.J. Highsmith and newcomer Stephen Morris will compete for that number two spot.
Highsmith, who completed 4 of 6 passes last year for 53 yards, should have a slight advantage because he's been around for an extra season.
"[A.J.] will probably be the guy lining up with the 1s on the first day, but like anything else everybody has to get better. You can't stay the same," Shannon said. "He knows that, he's excited about it and I think the other two guys are excited about it."
Morris, a graduate of Miami Monsignor Pace high school, enrolled early so he could participate in spring practice. He threw for 1,531 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior high school season.
Other notes from Shannon's press conference on Monday included news that Colin McCarthy will not move to middle linebacker to take over Darryl Sharpton's spot.
Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will participate in some non-throwing drills during spring practice as he recovers from surgery on his throwing hand.
When the Hurricanes open the spring season Tuesday, most of the throws will be handled by returning backup A.J. Highsmith and incoming freshman Stephen Morris, coach Randy Shannon said, and they'll essentially be competing for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart this fall.
"Going to be kind of a bad, but a good situation just to find out who is going to be our No. 2 quarterback," Shannon said Monday. "With Jacory not going to be able to participate as far as actually running plays, you'll find out on developing a No. 2 guy, which is very key to the stages of getting your football program ready."
The Hurricanes were 9-4 last season, with Harris throwing for 3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns. He struggled with a sore thumb much of the second half of last season, and had surgery Jan. 6.
UM set to open spring football practices - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
After having so much turnover on their coaching staff, the Hurricanes are hoping stability can lead to a productive spring
A meeting between players their new coaches has become a recent norm at the University of Miami during the spring.
Significant staff turnover has marked Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon's first three seasons, but things have stabilized this year. A fairly quiet offseason in terms of coaching changes has made today's start of spring practices less of an adjustment period. The 15 days of practices conclude with the spring game March 27.
"It's great for us, having two coordinators that are back," Shannon said. "You have some players understanding the full board of what we need to get done. The mindset is they can go in and know to expect out of coach [Mark] Whipple and [John] Lovett."
This marks the first season under Shannon the Hurricanes enter with the same offensive and defensive coordinators as the previous year. Last year they had to replace Bill Young and Patrick Nix. Young left for Oklahoma State, while Nix was fired. In 2007, defensive coordinator Tim Walton and wide receivers coach Marquis Mosely were fired.
The only departures this year were running backs coach Tommie Robinson and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt leaving for jobs with the Arizona Cardinals and Louisville. Shannon said it will create a more familiar environment, with players already accustomed to the staff.
"Last year [the coaches] didn't know anyone's athletic ability," Shannon said. "Coach Whipple coming from the NFL to college, the speed difference you really don't know until you get involved. Then you go from the standpoint of coach Lovett, he's trying to recognize and figure out guys. Right now, both have a good mindset of what our players can do after a year of going through the whole process of coaching offense, defense and evaluating."
Shannon even hired two coaches with UM ties to replace Robinson and Hurtt. Rick Petri, who was on staff from 1993-95, returns to coach the defensive line. Mike Cassano, a former Hurricanes graduate assistant, will coach the running backs.
"I worked with both of the coaches so it's nothing new to me," Shannon said. "I worked with coach [Rick] Petri when I was here and he had Warren Sapp, Kenard (Lang), Kevin Patrick, Kenny Holmes and those guys who back then were very productive. It's great to have an opportunity to get him back at Miami. He's a proven commodity. Coach Cas has always been a great recruiter, great coach."
With the team not dealing with as much change, it should allow more time to focus on more important issues. Quarterback Jacory Harris will miss the spring after having offseason hand surgery. A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and freshman Stephen Morris will take most of the reps. All are in competition for the No. 2 job.
"It's also a bad but good situation to find out who is our No. 2 quarterback with Jacory [Harris] not being able to participate, running plays," Shannon said. "He will be doing drill work but won't be throwing the ball. We'll find out on developing a No. 2 guy, which is very key to the stage of getting you football ready."
Stability on staff should make spring more productive - Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Change is often said to be good.
But too much can take its toll. The UM football program knows that. After having several staff changes under coach Randy Shannon, especially at the coordinator spots, the Hurricanes finally have some stability. When spring practices open Tuesday, it will mark the first time both coordinators have been on the field for consecutive seasons.
This is important because there is no adjustment period for the coaches and players. The focus is growth instead of learning.
“It’s great for us, having two coordinators that are back,” Shannon said. “You have some players understanding the full board of what we need to get done. The mindset is they can go in and know what to expect out of coach (Mark) Whipple and (John) Lovett.
Here are a few other notes from Shannon’s press conference Monday morning
Shayon Green in middle of things as Hurricanes ready for spring practice - Jorge Milian, PBP
A few notes and thoughts heading into Tuesday’s opening of spring practice at UM:
….Redshirt freshman Shayon Green has never played a down of college football, but he enters spring practice as the team’s starting middle linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Green injured his knee during fall practice and underwent surgery. With the departure of Darryl Sharpton and the decision by Arthur Brown to transfer, Green moved all the way up the depth chart to No. 1. Whether he can keep hold of the job is another question. “He blew his knee out early so you can’t really give him a fair assessment,” coach Randy Shannon said while meeting with reporters on Monday morning. “He’s a hard worker, a big, big guy that has athletic ability, can run.” The coaching staff considered moving Colin McCarthy to middle linebacker, but would prefer to keep him on the outside. Depending on Green’s performance, that’s subject to change. “We’re giving Shayon his opportunity to play that position,” Shannon said. “After 15 days of spring football, we’ll assess it and reevaluate what we need to get done.”
….Shannon said that linebackers coach Micheal Barrow did not interview at Florida for a job on Urban Meyer’s staff as reported elsewhere.
….Asked if he considered pushing back spring practice so that starting quarterback Jacory Harris could participate as Ohio State did with quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Shannon said: “Nope. You can’t let one person dictate what you want to get done.”
….Fans will get two chances to watch the Hurricanes this spring – a scrimmage at Fort Lauderdale’s Lockhart Stadium on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. and the spring game on March 27. The spring game is expected to be held at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.
….Chris Ivory is expected to handle short- and long-snapping duties next season. Ivory has been UM’s long snapper for two seasons. Shannon said the No. 3 quarterback will serve as a holder for extra points and field goals.
….Shannon said that UM baseball coach Jim Morris asked if freshman safety Jamal Reid could also play baseball. Shannon declined, saying that Reid, an outstanding baseball player in high school, needed to learn the team’s defense. Shannon did say he was not opposed to Reid playing baseball when spring practice ends.
….Shannon said his overall goal for spring practice is to make his team “tougher”” and promised workouts will be very physical. There will be an emphasis at the end of practices of putting players in positions where they either fail or succeed. “Finishing is the biggest thing,” Shannon said. “Some games [last season] we finished strong. Some games we didn’t have that extra oomph the last two minutes of the game to get us where we needed to be. At the end of practice we’ll put them in situations that , ‘offense we need this done, defense we need this done.’ And whoever doesn’t get it done we’ll know and we can evaluate who we can really rely on at those critical times
Hurricanes' Practice Starts With QB Competition - Solange Reyner, CBS 4
Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will be watching spring practice from the sideline as the Hurricanes look to shore up their backup position.
Harris, a junior, is sitting out as he recovers from off-season hand surgery on his throwing hand. He'll be limited to non-contact and conditioning drills for the 15 practice session, which starts on Tuesday.
His absence is good - and bad - news for the Hurricanes.
"Going to be kind of a bad, but a good situation just to find out who is going to be our number two quarterback," said Miami coach Randy Shannon. "With Jacory not going to be able to participate as far as actually running plays – you'll find out on developing a number two guy, which is very key to the stages of getting your football ready."
Sophomore A.J. Highsmith and newcomer Stephen Morris will compete for that number two spot.
Highsmith, who completed 4 of 6 passes last year for 53 yards, should have a slight advantage because he's been around for an extra season.
"[A.J.] will probably be the guy lining up with the 1s on the first day, but like anything else everybody has to get better. You can't stay the same," Shannon said. "He knows that, he's excited about it and I think the other two guys are excited about it."
Morris, a graduate of Miami Monsignor Pace high school, enrolled early so he could participate in spring practice. He threw for 1,531 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior high school season.
Other notes from Shannon's press conference on Monday included news that Colin McCarthy will not move to middle linebacker to take over Darryl Sharpton's spot.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Walk Off Blast Sweep Rutgers
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Trailing 7-5 with two on and two out in the bottom of the ninth, freshman centerfielder Zeke DeVoss smacked a three-run, walk-off homer to propel No. 12 Miami to a 9-7 victory Sunday afternoon over Rutgers at Alex Rodriguez Park.
Down two with one out in the bottom of the ninth, junior leftfielder Chris Pelaez started the rally with single to center of Rutgers reliever Charlie Law. After a wild pitch moved Pelaez over to second, Harold Martinez flew out to right for the second out of the inning but was able advance Pelaez over to third. With no more room for error, Frankie Ratcliff kept the rally alive with a walk, putting runners on the corner with two outs. Nathan Melendres followed with a hard grounder to third that got through third baseman Russ Hopkins, allowing Ratcliff to move to third and Melendres to second. Down a run at this point, DeVoss - UM's No. 9 hitter - smacked a outside fastball on a one-and-one count over the wall in left to give the `Canes the two-run win.
The win for Miami (3-0) secured the series sweep of the Scarlet Knights (0-3) in both team's 2010 season-opening weekend series.
Pelaez, who went 8-for-11 on the weekend in his first action as a Hurricane, finished the day 4-for-5 with a homer, a double, two singles, two runs scored and a run batted in. David Villasuso, who got his first start at catcher this season, went 2-for-5 with two homers and three RBI.
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022110aae.html
Down two with one out in the bottom of the ninth, junior leftfielder Chris Pelaez started the rally with single to center of Rutgers reliever Charlie Law. After a wild pitch moved Pelaez over to second, Harold Martinez flew out to right for the second out of the inning but was able advance Pelaez over to third. With no more room for error, Frankie Ratcliff kept the rally alive with a walk, putting runners on the corner with two outs. Nathan Melendres followed with a hard grounder to third that got through third baseman Russ Hopkins, allowing Ratcliff to move to third and Melendres to second. Down a run at this point, DeVoss - UM's No. 9 hitter - smacked a outside fastball on a one-and-one count over the wall in left to give the `Canes the two-run win.
The win for Miami (3-0) secured the series sweep of the Scarlet Knights (0-3) in both team's 2010 season-opening weekend series.
Pelaez, who went 8-for-11 on the weekend in his first action as a Hurricane, finished the day 4-for-5 with a homer, a double, two singles, two runs scored and a run batted in. David Villasuso, who got his first start at catcher this season, went 2-for-5 with two homers and three RBI.
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022110aae.html
Randy Shannon Contract Update
Are the University of Miami and Randy Shannon close to signing a contract extension. If you listen to AD Kirby, has repeatedly said that he expects Shannon to be Miami’s coach for years to come, but there has been no extension.
With it taking years to come to an agreement, it becomes less and less likely to sign one. With some improvement, but no big wins, inclduing no bowl wins, Randy Shannon's Job is in jeaopardy. Expect a lame Duck contract to be put in place with a low buy-out or none at all.
With it taking years to come to an agreement, it becomes less and less likely to sign one. With some improvement, but no big wins, inclduing no bowl wins, Randy Shannon's Job is in jeaopardy. Expect a lame Duck contract to be put in place with a low buy-out or none at all.
Canes Sneak By Rutgers 10-8
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The 12th-ranked University of Miami baseball team scored double-digit runs for the second straight night to open the season as the Hurricanes downed Rutgers, 10-8, Saturday night at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
For just the second time in head coach Jim Morris' 17 seasons in Coral Gables and the sixth time in school history, the Hurricanes scored double-digit runs in back-to-back games to open the season - scoring 10 a night after plating 12 runs in the opener on Friday. The win also secured a series win for the `Canes - the second straight year Miami opened its season with a series win over the Scarlet Knights.
Junior leftfielder Chris Pelaez and senior second baseman Scott Lawson led the offensive charge for the `Canes. Pelaez finished the night 3-for-3 with a double, two singles, a hit-by-pitch, three RBI and a run scored while Lawson also went 3-for-3 with a triple, two singles, two hit-by-pitches, three runs scored and a run batted in. Through UM's first two games, Lawson and Pelaez have combined to reach base in 12-of-16 plate appearances.
Eric Whaley (1-0) earned his first career win as a Hurricane, allowing two runs on one hit while striking out three in two innings of work. David Gutierrez came on in the ninth with the `Canes up two and retired the Scarlet Knights in order to record his first save of the season and the second of his career.
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022110aab.html
For just the second time in head coach Jim Morris' 17 seasons in Coral Gables and the sixth time in school history, the Hurricanes scored double-digit runs in back-to-back games to open the season - scoring 10 a night after plating 12 runs in the opener on Friday. The win also secured a series win for the `Canes - the second straight year Miami opened its season with a series win over the Scarlet Knights.
Junior leftfielder Chris Pelaez and senior second baseman Scott Lawson led the offensive charge for the `Canes. Pelaez finished the night 3-for-3 with a double, two singles, a hit-by-pitch, three RBI and a run scored while Lawson also went 3-for-3 with a triple, two singles, two hit-by-pitches, three runs scored and a run batted in. Through UM's first two games, Lawson and Pelaez have combined to reach base in 12-of-16 plate appearances.
Eric Whaley (1-0) earned his first career win as a Hurricane, allowing two runs on one hit while striking out three in two innings of work. David Gutierrez came on in the ninth with the `Canes up two and retired the Scarlet Knights in order to record his first save of the season and the second of his career.
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022110aab.html
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Canes Open Season with 12 -1 Win
Miami hurricanes Stater left-hander Eric Erickson pitched 5 2/3 innings in his first start in two years as Miami defeated Rutgers, 12-1, in the season opener for both teams at AROD Park at the Light.
Erickson has missed almost two solid years following Tommy John Surgery gave up only 2 hits and 1 uneared run in the game. Rutgers starter Casey Gaynor (0-1) lasted 4 1/3 innings. He gave up four runs all of which were earned on seven hits.
Sophomore Harold Martinez smacked two deep homers to left was the biggest Highlight of the game. He had only 9 HR all of last season as a Freshman. In all 9 Canes had at least one hit on the night.
The Hurricanes and Rutgers Scarlet Knights will play again Saturday at 7 p.m.
Erickson has missed almost two solid years following Tommy John Surgery gave up only 2 hits and 1 uneared run in the game. Rutgers starter Casey Gaynor (0-1) lasted 4 1/3 innings. He gave up four runs all of which were earned on seven hits.
Sophomore Harold Martinez smacked two deep homers to left was the biggest Highlight of the game. He had only 9 HR all of last season as a Freshman. In all 9 Canes had at least one hit on the night.
The Hurricanes and Rutgers Scarlet Knights will play again Saturday at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
"The U" ESPN's 30 for 30 Complete Series
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
All Videos Posted By m2diggs
http://www.youtube.com/user/m2diggs
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
All Videos Posted By m2diggs
http://www.youtube.com/user/m2diggs
Canes New Linebacker Coach
Linebacker Coach. Barrow who recently interviewed for the University of Florida Defensive Coordinator position was demoted after 2008 from Coaching Linebackers. John Lovett will go back to just being the Defensive Coordinator.
Other Coaching Carousel News for the Canes, Miami assistant coaches Wesley McGriff, Jeff Stoutland, Joe Pannunzio and Aubrey Hill have all been interviewing at other places. So far they are staying with the Canes, but expect a new Strength and Conditioning coach in the Near Future.
Other Coaching Carousel News for the Canes, Miami assistant coaches Wesley McGriff, Jeff Stoutland, Joe Pannunzio and Aubrey Hill have all been interviewing at other places. So far they are staying with the Canes, but expect a new Strength and Conditioning coach in the Near Future.
A Look Ahead to 2010 Starters
It will be very interesting how the Offensive Line looks after Spring Practice is over. There will be a ton of changes this year. Here is our early look at the 2010 Starting Line Up.
2010 Starters
Offensive
QB Jacory Harris
RB Damien Berry
WR Leonard Hankerson
WR LaRon Byrd
WR Travis Benjamin
TE Billy Sanders
LT Orlando Franklin
LG Harland Gunn
C Brandon Linder
RG Jared Wheeler
RT Benjamin Jones
Defense
DE Adewale Ojomo
DT Allen Bailey
DT Marcus Forston
DE Marcus Robinson
MLB Colin McCarthy
WLB Sean Spence
SLB Jordan Futch
CB Brandon Harris
CB DeMarcus Van Dyke
FS Ray Ray Armstrong
SS Vaughn Telemaque
2010 Starters
Offensive
QB Jacory Harris
RB Damien Berry
WR Leonard Hankerson
WR LaRon Byrd
WR Travis Benjamin
TE Billy Sanders
LT Orlando Franklin
LG Harland Gunn
C Brandon Linder
RG Jared Wheeler
RT Benjamin Jones
Defense
DE Adewale Ojomo
DT Allen Bailey
DT Marcus Forston
DE Marcus Robinson
MLB Colin McCarthy
WLB Sean Spence
SLB Jordan Futch
CB Brandon Harris
CB DeMarcus Van Dyke
FS Ray Ray Armstrong
SS Vaughn Telemaque
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Canes Go To 0 - 7 in ACC Road Games
The Canes played tough and were tied with 12 minutes left, but faded down the Stretch. The Men's Hoops Team lost its 7 time in 7 tries on the road in the ACC. They are 3 and 1 at the BUC in Conference with 4 of the last 5 games at Home.
The Canes shot well from the Field hitting a clip of 26 of 50 even with poor 3 point shooting. The Canes were awful at the Charity Stripe going 7 of 17. Malcolm Grant led the team with 13 points.
The Canes host Duke on Wednesday at the Bank United Center.
The Canes shot well from the Field hitting a clip of 26 of 50 even with poor 3 point shooting. The Canes were awful at the Charity Stripe going 7 of 17. Malcolm Grant led the team with 13 points.
The Canes host Duke on Wednesday at the Bank United Center.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Blue Light Special on Miami Hurricanes Football Tickets
Blue Light Special on Miami Hurricanes Football Tickets as the Athletic Department drops ticket prices to Home Games in 2010 at Sun Life Stadium. The U dropped prices in 40 sections including dropping prices in the Lower East End Zone $186 from $385 to $199. They are Hoping the New Prices will bring a home field advantage at Sun Life.
Also reduced nearly the entire upper-level sections of the Stadium. $199 will get you season Tickets in 80 percent of the Upper Deck. There are approximately 17,000 seats at $149 or lower.
The biggest change is that you may now pay in installments instead of one lump sum. The Canes have historically drawn few Fans to Both Sun Life and the Old Orange Bowl.
Also reduced nearly the entire upper-level sections of the Stadium. $199 will get you season Tickets in 80 percent of the Upper Deck. There are approximately 17,000 seats at $149 or lower. The biggest change is that you may now pay in installments instead of one lump sum. The Canes have historically drawn few Fans to Both Sun Life and the Old Orange Bowl.
Canes Hit Buzzer Beater to Beat Tech
The Miami Hurricanes blew a 14 point lead against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and found themselves to be tied with seconds left. James Dews had the ball in his hands with the game on the Line and Missed...
He came up big seconds later hitting the winning shot, one of the few bright moments and this seemingly endless ACC schedule for the Canes Basketball Team. This is the Second large lead at home that this team has Blow.
A few weeks ago, the choked away a 17 point lead and lost to Boston College. This season has been full of highs and lows, but this night was special for the Canes. Hopefully this team can rally behind this moment and make something of their season.
He came up big seconds later hitting the winning shot, one of the few bright moments and this seemingly endless ACC schedule for the Canes Basketball Team. This is the Second large lead at home that this team has Blow.
A few weeks ago, the choked away a 17 point lead and lost to Boston College. This season has been full of highs and lows, but this night was special for the Canes. Hopefully this team can rally behind this moment and make something of their season.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Less Than Two Weeks Till Spring Practice
We are less than 2 weeks till Miami Kicks off Spring Practice. First day of practice is Feb. 23 with the Spring Game being March 27th.
Miami No. 23 Miami in 2010
The Canes are currently ranked 23rd in the Country according to Mark Schlabach of ESPN, in his pre-spring rankings. Of course these rankings are very fluid, but shows that Miami needs to make major improvements on Both Sides of the Ball.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Welcome to the "U" Mike Cassano
As mentioned by CanesNews on Sunday, Mike Cassano was added as the Coach for Running Backs and Recruiting. Mike has previously worked with Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple at Both Umass and Brown.
Cassano has also been a coach for the Canes in the 2005 and 2006 Seasons when he was a Graduate Assistant. Expect Mike Cassano to right the ship that Clint Hurtt sunk the last two years in recruiting.
Welcome to the U!
Cassano has also been a coach for the Canes in the 2005 and 2006 Seasons when he was a Graduate Assistant. Expect Mike Cassano to right the ship that Clint Hurtt sunk the last two years in recruiting.
Welcome to the U!
Pac 12?
The Pacific Athletic Conference last expanded from the PAC 8 to PAC 10 with adding Arizona and Arizona State in 1978. Originally the conference was known as the Big 5 and then Big 6.
It is not an “if” at this point, but a when expansion will happen. As Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott is looking to expand increase revenue with a Conference Championship game and a bigger TV deal.
Look for the Pac 10 to announce expansion plans with two new teams in the next 6 to 12 months. As far as who is on the Radar, don't be surprised if they Raid the Mountain West Conference and add BYU and Utah. Both have history in Basketball and Football on a national level. Also in consideration would be Fresno State and San Diego State.
It is not an “if” at this point, but a when expansion will happen. As Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott is looking to expand increase revenue with a Conference Championship game and a bigger TV deal.
Look for the Pac 10 to announce expansion plans with two new teams in the next 6 to 12 months. As far as who is on the Radar, don't be surprised if they Raid the Mountain West Conference and add BYU and Utah. Both have history in Basketball and Football on a national level. Also in consideration would be Fresno State and San Diego State.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Seantrel Henderson to the "U"?
File this under Rumor. The beast of a Tackle from Minnesota has not yet signed with USC even though he commited to them on NSD. He has stated that he doesn't want to sign a Letter of Intent until USC knows what it sanctions from thr NCAA will be. Problem for Seantrel is that USC won't know that for months.
Holly Anderson from SB Nation Likes the Canes chance of landing Henderson. Before you buy your Miami Hurricanes Football Tickets to see Seantrel in person, he has decided to take another trip to Miami.
Holly Anderson from SB Nation Likes the Canes chance of landing Henderson. Before you buy your Miami Hurricanes Football Tickets to see Seantrel in person, he has decided to take another trip to Miami.
The big question is can Randy finally Land the Big one? If Seantrel ends up in Hurricanes Football Jerseys, expect him to make an immediate impact and be a 3 year player.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sun Life Hosts the Super Bowl
Sun Life (Sun Alliance Life Insurance) is the new name for Dolphins Stadium, short lived as the Land Shark Stadium and Long time Joe Robbie Stadium. Sun life has been home to BCS Orange Bowl, Orange Bowl Classic and 4 Previous Super Bowls. The stadium will once again host the Orange Bowl Next year and Orange Bowl Tickets are already on Sale. Super Bowl Tickets were of course sold out long before the Game was played, Super Bowl Hospitality Packages were Still Available at Kick Off.
Mike Cassano New RB Coach?
Is Mike Cassano the New Running Backs Coach at the U?Put this one in the Rumor Box. The Canes looking to fill the Void when Tommie Robinson left the U this past week. Mike is a Former Miami Grad Assistant and coached under Offensive Coordinator Whipple at Brown and Umass.
Mike has coached two NFL running backs in Frank Gore and Marcel Shipp.
Way to Early to Predict, 2011 Recruiting Class
The "Way to Early to Predict", 2011 Recruiting Class
Offense
Quarterback (2)
Teddy Bridgewater
Rakeem Cato
Running Back (2)
Jerron Seymour
Tom Smith
Wide Receiver (3)
Kevin Benjamin
Rashad Green
Tommy Shuler
Tight End (2)
Dillon Van Der Wal
Brandon Fulse
Offensive Line (3)
Marcus Jackson*
Bobby Hart
Max Lang
Defense
Defense Line (3)
Anthony Rabassa
Ricardo Williams
Willie Bromell
Linebacker (3)
Denzel Perryman
Robert Way
Dwight Jackson
Defensive Backs (3)
LaQuentin Smith
Jermaine Reve
Robensen Therezie
Offense
Quarterback (2)
Teddy Bridgewater
Rakeem Cato
Running Back (2)
Jerron Seymour
Tom Smith
Wide Receiver (3)
Kevin Benjamin
Rashad Green
Tommy Shuler
Tight End (2)
Dillon Van Der Wal
Brandon Fulse
Offensive Line (3)
Marcus Jackson*
Bobby Hart
Max Lang
Defense
Defense Line (3)
Anthony Rabassa
Ricardo Williams
Willie Bromell
Linebacker (3)
Denzel Perryman
Robert Way
Dwight Jackson
Defensive Backs (3)
LaQuentin Smith
Jermaine Reve
Robensen Therezie
Teddy Bridgewater Silent Commit?
A source class with Recruiting at Miami has said that All-Everything Teddy Bridgewater is as close to a Silent Commit for the Canes as you can get. Don't expect an early commit and Teddy will go through the recruiting process. The 6'2" 175lbs gun-slinger will take his Max 5 visits and is currently looking at the Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, LSU, Tennessee and his Home Town team the U.
Our Source expects Bridgewater to Follow Fellow Northwestern High School Quaterback to the University of Miami. Currently Teddy is a Top 5 Quarterback Prospect and brings more mobility than current Quaterback Harris. Teddy Will announce his decision on his Birthday on the 10th of November, 2010.
Help Wanted: New Running Back Coach
With Tommie Robinson getting promoted to the NFL, Miami has another need to fill which seems to be on a never ending coaching carousel under Randy Shannon. This is the second coaching move so far this year with the first being when Clint Hurt told his contract was not going to be renewed. Rumor is there is one more change coming when long Strength and Conditioning Coach Andreu Swasey will be let go in the near future.
Randy Shannon has a history of not being able to withhold assistant coaches. So far this off-season, the Canes have been able to retain both Coordinators. With Shannon's contract still being worked one, look for progress to be made with salaries for assistants.
Randy Shannon has a history of not being able to withhold assistant coaches. So far this off-season, the Canes have been able to retain both Coordinators. With Shannon's contract still being worked one, look for progress to be made with salaries for assistants.
Canes Stumble down the Stretch.
The Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball Team Continues to struggle. They lost their 4th game in a row at Florida State and fall to 2-7 in the ACC. The only thing that could get them in the NCAA Tournament is to win the ACC Tournament in March.
The Canes were only trailing by one point at Halftime, but FSU used a 7 - 0 run 9 minutes into the Second half to take a lead they would not give up. James Dews had 15 points and Dwayne Collins add 11.
The Canes were only trailing by one point at Halftime, but FSU used a 7 - 0 run 9 minutes into the Second half to take a lead they would not give up. James Dews had 15 points and Dwayne Collins add 11.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Recruiting Class Hang-Over - Canes Class Lacks Sex Appeal
Most Canes fans are disapointed with the second class in a row that was recruited by Randy Shannon and Staff. A day after NSD, what do the experts think?
ESPN gives the Canes a B+ and ranks it second to only Florida State in the ACC. The class is ranked 13th in the Country. They say that the Canes had a solid class, but were unable to close. There was no Impact players, but solid depth.
ESPN Blogger Heather Dinich says there was not the Buzz around this class from previous Miami classes (she must of missed 2009 when our class was ranked worse). She points out that the Canes did not pull in the highly ranked ESPN 150 players. Miami only landed 3, the fewest under Randy. The biggest point she made is the U wiffed on a lot of uncommitted players down the stretch.
Jacksonville.com Gives Miami's Class a C-. It says that most of the players are fortgetable.
Jacksonville.com Miami's Fortgetable Class
Miami Heralds Manny Navarro Prints "Shannon likes Miami Hurricanes' recruiting class, but experts don't."
Shannon likes Miami Hurricanes' recruiting class, but experts don't
South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Shandel Richardson Gives the Class a B-.
The Bleacher Report says that this class is full of sleepers. Hopefully the players will wake up and Surprise Canes Fans.
Miami's Class Full of Sleepers
Kyle Munzenrieder for the Miami New Times says "Hurricanes Class May Not Glitter, but Could be Gold".
Hurricanes Class May Not Glitter, but Could be Gold
TampaBay.com says that "Hurricanes focus on filling their needs". The best quote and what sums up the article is a quote of Randy; Coach Randy Shannon said he believes he landed a class that can help Miami "get to that next step."
Hurricanes focus on filling their needs
Jorge Milian from the Palm Beach Post sums up the feeling of NSD, uneventful with a tease when a report out of MN that Henderson would be coming to Miami. He quotes Shannon saying, "We won't be ranked high because we don't have the athletes in this class".
Canes Class Lacks Sex Appeal
ESPN gives the Canes a B+ and ranks it second to only Florida State in the ACC. The class is ranked 13th in the Country. They say that the Canes had a solid class, but were unable to close. There was no Impact players, but solid depth.
ESPN Blogger Heather Dinich says there was not the Buzz around this class from previous Miami classes (she must of missed 2009 when our class was ranked worse). She points out that the Canes did not pull in the highly ranked ESPN 150 players. Miami only landed 3, the fewest under Randy. The biggest point she made is the U wiffed on a lot of uncommitted players down the stretch.
Jacksonville.com Gives Miami's Class a C-. It says that most of the players are fortgetable.
Jacksonville.com Miami's Fortgetable Class
Miami Heralds Manny Navarro Prints "Shannon likes Miami Hurricanes' recruiting class, but experts don't."
Shannon likes Miami Hurricanes' recruiting class, but experts don't
South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Shandel Richardson Gives the Class a B-.
The Bleacher Report says that this class is full of sleepers. Hopefully the players will wake up and Surprise Canes Fans.
Miami's Class Full of Sleepers
NBC Miami says that Canes Fans need "Perspective". JANIE CAMPBELL says that "With a class of 28, there's room for both coveted recruits and projects alike"
David Dorsey from the Fort Myers News Press Says that Hurricane signees fill specific position needs. He quotes that Randy Shannon didn't think we needed a top 5 Class. I am not to sure most Canes Fans will agree with him.
Miami Herald's Barry Jackson Quotes Randy Shannon as saying "Unbelievable class, We filled a lot of needs. We're going to get back to the level we need to be at for a long time". Most Canes Fans can't believe that this class is unbelievable.
Hurricanes Class May Not Glitter, but Could be Gold
TampaBay.com says that "Hurricanes focus on filling their needs". The best quote and what sums up the article is a quote of Randy; Coach Randy Shannon said he believes he landed a class that can help Miami "get to that next step."
Hurricanes focus on filling their needs
Jorge Milian from the Palm Beach Post sums up the feeling of NSD, uneventful with a tease when a report out of MN that Henderson would be coming to Miami. He quotes Shannon saying, "We won't be ranked high because we don't have the athletes in this class".
Canes Class Lacks Sex Appeal
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