GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Quick postgame thoughts on Miami 70, Virginia Tech 65:
The Miami Miracle is halfway complete. Hurricanes finished last in the league but have dispatched No. 5 seed Wake Forest and No. 4 Virginia Tech. Saturday they get a shot at stunning champion Duke.
Freshman guard Durand Scott was the hero for the Canes. He scored nine of their final 11 points and made repeated big drives to the hoop.
Virginia Tech slides back into some bubble trouble. The Hokies' strong showing in ACC play is their only selling point after doing very little in the nonconference season. Could be some anxious moments for Seth Greenberg & Co. Sunday.
The prevailing question watching Miami the past two days: How did it go 4-12 in the ACC? This is a tough, athletic bunch that guards and hits the glass -- and can hit shots as well. A mystery why the Canes struggled so much in league play
Friday, March 12, 2010
Halftime thoughts: VT 37, Miami 35
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Quick halftime thoughts from Virginia Tech 37, Miami 35.
Much like Virginia before it, Miami will not submit meekly. The Hurricanes were down 10 points midway through the half but battled back to take a brief lead at 35-33 before Tech center Jeff Allen scored the last four points on putbacks.
Allen’s putbacks notwithstanding, Miami’s main mode of staying in the game has been owning the backboards. The Hurricanes have a 10-rebound advantage.
Of course, that’s been offset by committing a ghastly 12 turnovers. That’s limited the Canes to only 29 shots.
Dorenzo Hudson has been a dependable sidekick to Virginia Tech leading scorer Malcolm Delaney – but with Delaney 0-for-4 from 3-point range, Hudson has stepped into the leading-man role. He has 15 points at halftime. Hudson had scored 21 points in each of his last two games but did not play in the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.
Much like Virginia before it, Miami will not submit meekly. The Hurricanes were down 10 points midway through the half but battled back to take a brief lead at 35-33 before Tech center Jeff Allen scored the last four points on putbacks.
Allen’s putbacks notwithstanding, Miami’s main mode of staying in the game has been owning the backboards. The Hurricanes have a 10-rebound advantage.
Of course, that’s been offset by committing a ghastly 12 turnovers. That’s limited the Canes to only 29 shots.
Dorenzo Hudson has been a dependable sidekick to Virginia Tech leading scorer Malcolm Delaney – but with Delaney 0-for-4 from 3-point range, Hudson has stepped into the leading-man role. He has 15 points at halftime. Hudson had scored 21 points in each of his last two games but did not play in the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.
Miami-Virginia Tech, 2 p.m.
At stake: Miami is hoping to sustain its momentum from Thursday, when it dismantled Wake Forest in a quarterfinal upset romp. Virginia Tech figures to be much more alert -- and even though the Hokies are probably in the NCAAs, a victory here would alleviate any nagging Selection Sunday anxiety.
Who has the edge: The teams split regular-season meetings, each winning at home. But those games were back in January, an eternity ago. The Hurricanes are once again trying to win without injured big man Dwayne Collins, which won’t be easy if the Hokies are more motivated than Wake Forest was.
Stat to watch: Can Reggie Johnson freak again for Miami? The 6-foot-10 freshman started in place of Collins and erupted for 22 points, making all eight of his shots and all six of his free throws against Wake Forest. He’s averaging all of 6.2 points per game. Johnson has home-state motivation; he’s from nearby Winston-Salem.
Who has the edge: The teams split regular-season meetings, each winning at home. But those games were back in January, an eternity ago. The Hurricanes are once again trying to win without injured big man Dwayne Collins, which won’t be easy if the Hokies are more motivated than Wake Forest was.
Stat to watch: Can Reggie Johnson freak again for Miami? The 6-foot-10 freshman started in place of Collins and erupted for 22 points, making all eight of his shots and all six of his free throws against Wake Forest. He’s averaging all of 6.2 points per game. Johnson has home-state motivation; he’s from nearby Winston-Salem.
Wake Forest flops in loss to Miami
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Late in the first half of its ACC tournament quarterfinal game, with his team trailing major underdog Miami by 10 points, Wake Forest guard L.D. Williams dug in defensively.
He dogged Hurricanes guard Durand Scott left, right, left again -- in his face until the officials blew the whistle and signaled a five-second call. Williams had forced a turnover.
Wake Forest's L.D. Williams (42) goes to the hoop as Miami's James Dews (23) defends during the second half of Hurricanes' 83-62 win.He responded with two clenched fists and a yell in the direction of his Demon Deacons teammates.
Their damning, telling reaction?
They completely ignored Williams’ effort.
None of the other four Wake players on the court came to congratulate him. Not a single slap on the back, not a fist bump, nothing. The Deacons simply went about their half-hearted business.
“I feel like it was that way from Jump Street,” Williams said. “Coach (Dino Gaudio) was telling us all week we need to play with a tremendous amount of emotion, a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I don’t know what happened.”
What happened is this: Wake Forest was humiliated 83-62 in its own backyard by a team that won just four ACC games and was playing without its injured leading scorer and rebounder, Dwayne Collins. The performance was so bad that it will once again calls into question Wake’s NCAA tournament credentials, and Gaudio’s viability as the coach of this program for the long term.
The Deacons must hope that their athletic director, Ron Wellman, shielded all the televisions in Indianapolis from his fellow NCAA selection committee members. Either that, or he’ll have to do some off-the-record lobbying for a team that has lost five of its last six games.
Wake has some quality wins on its record, over Gonzaga, Richmond, Xavier and Maryland. But they’re also playing the worst basketball of anyone in the at-large pool.
“We’ll see on Sunday,” Williams said of the NCAAs. “I have no clue.”
Under Gaudio, Wake hasn’t had a clue in the postseason. Or a victory. They’re now 0-4 in postseason games under Gaudio, who got the job full-time after gracefully handling the sudden death of his boss and close friend, Skip Prosser, in the summer of 2008.
In each of those four losses, Wake was the higher seeded team. And in each of those four losses, Wake was beaten by double digits.
Last time I saw the Deacons in person, they were being routed by No. 13 seed Cleveland State in the NCAA tournament. Now this.
A Miami team with nothing going for it scored on eight of its first nine possessions to start the game. Then, already up 14, it went on an 8-0 run to start the second half. Wake Forest had no response.
“Sometimes I feel like we just go through the motions,” Williams said.
Among those who appeared to be going through the motions Thursday was Wake’s most talented player, sophomore Al-Farouq Aminu. He somewhat surprisingly returned to school after a productive freshman season but has played very poorly during Wake’s very bad stretch.
Aminu came into this tourney averaging 15.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game but had scored just 25 total points in his last three games, including being shut out at Florida State. Against a depleted Miami front line, Aminu produced a lethargic 11 points and seven rebounds while playing 25 minutes -- his lowest minute total since mid-December.
“He just wasn’t playing well, so I was just trying to put the guys out there who’d give us the best opportunity to win,” Gaudio said. “And therein lies why he sat.”
Gaudio has won 60 of his 90 games as Wake’s head coach -- a perfectly fine winning percentage. But he’s also been blessed with an abundance of talent -- and that talent isn’t coming close to performing in the postseason.
This is a sport where coaching reputations rise and fall in March. After this debacle, Dino Gaudio’s has hit rock bottom.
He dogged Hurricanes guard Durand Scott left, right, left again -- in his face until the officials blew the whistle and signaled a five-second call. Williams had forced a turnover.
Wake Forest's L.D. Williams (42) goes to the hoop as Miami's James Dews (23) defends during the second half of Hurricanes' 83-62 win.He responded with two clenched fists and a yell in the direction of his Demon Deacons teammates.
Their damning, telling reaction?
They completely ignored Williams’ effort.
None of the other four Wake players on the court came to congratulate him. Not a single slap on the back, not a fist bump, nothing. The Deacons simply went about their half-hearted business.
“I feel like it was that way from Jump Street,” Williams said. “Coach (Dino Gaudio) was telling us all week we need to play with a tremendous amount of emotion, a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I don’t know what happened.”
What happened is this: Wake Forest was humiliated 83-62 in its own backyard by a team that won just four ACC games and was playing without its injured leading scorer and rebounder, Dwayne Collins. The performance was so bad that it will once again calls into question Wake’s NCAA tournament credentials, and Gaudio’s viability as the coach of this program for the long term.
The Deacons must hope that their athletic director, Ron Wellman, shielded all the televisions in Indianapolis from his fellow NCAA selection committee members. Either that, or he’ll have to do some off-the-record lobbying for a team that has lost five of its last six games.
Wake has some quality wins on its record, over Gonzaga, Richmond, Xavier and Maryland. But they’re also playing the worst basketball of anyone in the at-large pool.
“We’ll see on Sunday,” Williams said of the NCAAs. “I have no clue.”
Under Gaudio, Wake hasn’t had a clue in the postseason. Or a victory. They’re now 0-4 in postseason games under Gaudio, who got the job full-time after gracefully handling the sudden death of his boss and close friend, Skip Prosser, in the summer of 2008.
In each of those four losses, Wake was the higher seeded team. And in each of those four losses, Wake was beaten by double digits.
Last time I saw the Deacons in person, they were being routed by No. 13 seed Cleveland State in the NCAA tournament. Now this.
A Miami team with nothing going for it scored on eight of its first nine possessions to start the game. Then, already up 14, it went on an 8-0 run to start the second half. Wake Forest had no response.
“Sometimes I feel like we just go through the motions,” Williams said.
Among those who appeared to be going through the motions Thursday was Wake’s most talented player, sophomore Al-Farouq Aminu. He somewhat surprisingly returned to school after a productive freshman season but has played very poorly during Wake’s very bad stretch.
Aminu came into this tourney averaging 15.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game but had scored just 25 total points in his last three games, including being shut out at Florida State. Against a depleted Miami front line, Aminu produced a lethargic 11 points and seven rebounds while playing 25 minutes -- his lowest minute total since mid-December.
“He just wasn’t playing well, so I was just trying to put the guys out there who’d give us the best opportunity to win,” Gaudio said. “And therein lies why he sat.”
Gaudio has won 60 of his 90 games as Wake’s head coach -- a perfectly fine winning percentage. But he’s also been blessed with an abundance of talent -- and that talent isn’t coming close to performing in the postseason.
This is a sport where coaching reputations rise and fall in March. After this debacle, Dino Gaudio’s has hit rock bottom.
At the half: Miami 41, Wake Forest 27
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Halftime thoughts from Miami 41, Wake Forest 27.
It’s a major upset on a paper -- the Hurricanes are the No. 12 seed in this tournament, and the Demon Deacons are No. 5. But you could see this coming. Wake has played terribly down the stretch before temporarily righting its ship in the regular-season final against Clemson. Now the Demon Deacons have reverted to dysfunctional and disinterested.
Telling moment of the half: Wake’s L.D. Williams forced a five-second call on Miami’s Durand Scott with the Deacons down 10. Williams turned to his teammates, yelled and clenched his fist. Their response? Nothing. Not a single player walked up to congratulate him on a defensive effort play.
Meanwhile, Miami is taking full advantage of this second chance at the season -- much the way Nebraska did Thursday in pasting Missouri in the Big 12 tournament. The Hurricanes passed the ball sharply for open shots -- and then made them (6 of 13 from 3-point range). They drove with verve and got to the foul line (8 of 13 free throws). They played defense (Wake shot just 31 percent for the half). They hit the glass (22-18 advantage on the glass). They played like they knew they had a chance to win and wanted to take advantage of that.
DeQuan Jones had 12 points for the Hurricanes, high scorer for the half. He’s averaging 5 points on the season and hasn’t scored in double figures since November. Nice time to show up and show off.
It’s a major upset on a paper -- the Hurricanes are the No. 12 seed in this tournament, and the Demon Deacons are No. 5. But you could see this coming. Wake has played terribly down the stretch before temporarily righting its ship in the regular-season final against Clemson. Now the Demon Deacons have reverted to dysfunctional and disinterested.
Telling moment of the half: Wake’s L.D. Williams forced a five-second call on Miami’s Durand Scott with the Deacons down 10. Williams turned to his teammates, yelled and clenched his fist. Their response? Nothing. Not a single player walked up to congratulate him on a defensive effort play.
Meanwhile, Miami is taking full advantage of this second chance at the season -- much the way Nebraska did Thursday in pasting Missouri in the Big 12 tournament. The Hurricanes passed the ball sharply for open shots -- and then made them (6 of 13 from 3-point range). They drove with verve and got to the foul line (8 of 13 free throws). They played defense (Wake shot just 31 percent for the half). They hit the glass (22-18 advantage on the glass). They played like they knew they had a chance to win and wanted to take advantage of that.
DeQuan Jones had 12 points for the Hurricanes, high scorer for the half. He’s averaging 5 points on the season and hasn’t scored in double figures since November. Nice time to show up and show off.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Injuries give other University of Miami's linemen extra reps
Injuries give other University of Miami's linemen extra reps
The University of Miami offensive linemen are not letting recent injuries deter them, according to coach Randy Shannon. Instead, Shannon said, they are taking advantage of any temporary absences to bolster the younger players.
Brandon Washington has become one of the two latest casualties on the Hurricanes' offensive line.
Washington, a 6-4, 330-pound rising sophomore, was seen at the end of football practice Tuesday with a large brace covering nearly his entire left leg. He could not bend the leg, and limped slowly into the locker room. It is believed he sustained a medial collateral ligament injury last week.
Also hobbled is 6-6, 285-pound redshirt freshman Stephen Plein, who was converted from tight end and has been practicing at both tackle spots. His specific injury was not revealed.
Starting left tackle Orlando Franklin, 6-7 and 318 pounds, has back spasms and missed practice Tuesday. Guard Joel Figueroa is not participating this spring to rehabilitate his shoulder.
``It's not the season,'' Shannon said, explaining that the injuries won't affect preparation. ``The one thing it does is it gets a lot of guys a lot of reps and you build on that. Guys can see different formations. As far as where the defense is going, they learn from it and make their calls and checks and things like that. The more reps you get, the better off you're going to become [as] a player. You can see the improvement from Day One to now.''
Shannon said Harland Gunn, Jared Wheeler and Cory White are rotating at guard now. Franklin said White had been practicing at tackle last week.
`Those guys are really doing a good job,'' Shannon said.
One of the newcomers, freshman backup center Shane McDermott, said he needs to gain 10 to 15 pounds on his 6-3, 275-pound frame by the fall.
``Hopefully, that will put me in a better position to fight for the starting position,'' he said. ``It's physics. Newton's Laws don't lie. You can have technique and you can block a 300-pounder, but eventually the weight is going to attribute to everything.
``I've been doing really good against those guys, [but] every now and then my technique isn't perfect yet, so every now and then I screw up.''
McDermott said he is ``chugging Muscle Milks like there's no tomorrow.''
Tyler Horn is practicing at first-team center.
NOTABLE
Shannon and receivers coach Aubrey Hill said the receivers dropped too many passes Tuesday and in last week's scrimmage.
``When it's raining, it's pouring,'' Hill said. ``There are no excuses. We've got to do a better job. We're a veteran group.''
Shannon praised receiver Travis Benjamin, saying he ``got physical'' Tuesday during press coverage.
``Usually, he just wants to use his speed,'' Shannon said. ``But he got physical and used his strength. He's a strong guy in the weight room, but his frame doesn't look very strong. That was really big to see him do something else besides run around past a guy.''
Safety Jared Campbell had a boot on his right leg Tuesday and walked with crutches.
The University of Miami offensive linemen are not letting recent injuries deter them, according to coach Randy Shannon. Instead, Shannon said, they are taking advantage of any temporary absences to bolster the younger players.
Brandon Washington has become one of the two latest casualties on the Hurricanes' offensive line.
Washington, a 6-4, 330-pound rising sophomore, was seen at the end of football practice Tuesday with a large brace covering nearly his entire left leg. He could not bend the leg, and limped slowly into the locker room. It is believed he sustained a medial collateral ligament injury last week.
Also hobbled is 6-6, 285-pound redshirt freshman Stephen Plein, who was converted from tight end and has been practicing at both tackle spots. His specific injury was not revealed.
Starting left tackle Orlando Franklin, 6-7 and 318 pounds, has back spasms and missed practice Tuesday. Guard Joel Figueroa is not participating this spring to rehabilitate his shoulder.
``It's not the season,'' Shannon said, explaining that the injuries won't affect preparation. ``The one thing it does is it gets a lot of guys a lot of reps and you build on that. Guys can see different formations. As far as where the defense is going, they learn from it and make their calls and checks and things like that. The more reps you get, the better off you're going to become [as] a player. You can see the improvement from Day One to now.''
Shannon said Harland Gunn, Jared Wheeler and Cory White are rotating at guard now. Franklin said White had been practicing at tackle last week.
`Those guys are really doing a good job,'' Shannon said.
One of the newcomers, freshman backup center Shane McDermott, said he needs to gain 10 to 15 pounds on his 6-3, 275-pound frame by the fall.
``Hopefully, that will put me in a better position to fight for the starting position,'' he said. ``It's physics. Newton's Laws don't lie. You can have technique and you can block a 300-pounder, but eventually the weight is going to attribute to everything.
``I've been doing really good against those guys, [but] every now and then my technique isn't perfect yet, so every now and then I screw up.''
McDermott said he is ``chugging Muscle Milks like there's no tomorrow.''
Tyler Horn is practicing at first-team center.
NOTABLE
Shannon and receivers coach Aubrey Hill said the receivers dropped too many passes Tuesday and in last week's scrimmage.
``When it's raining, it's pouring,'' Hill said. ``There are no excuses. We've got to do a better job. We're a veteran group.''
Shannon praised receiver Travis Benjamin, saying he ``got physical'' Tuesday during press coverage.
``Usually, he just wants to use his speed,'' Shannon said. ``But he got physical and used his strength. He's a strong guy in the weight room, but his frame doesn't look very strong. That was really big to see him do something else besides run around past a guy.''
Safety Jared Campbell had a boot on his right leg Tuesday and walked with crutches.
Canes could still add two high-end recruits
With spring football in full swing, a forgotten storyline playing out behind the scenes these days in Coral Gables is that the Hurricanes are still in the running to add two of the nation's top 2010 recruits: cornerback Latwan Anderson (5-11, 185) and mammoth offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson.
Anderson, ranked the second best safety in the country according to Rivals.com, visited UM with his father last week and is expected to choose between the Canes and West Virginia Wednesday morning at his school in Ohio around 9 a.m.
Anderson originally committed to West Virginia, but chose not to sign a national letter-of-intent, instead opting to weigh all his options. If he chooses UM, word is he would come in on a track scholarship and then play football in the fall.
Henderson, who chose USC on National Signing Day but didn't, still has the Canes in the running with Ohio State. No word yet when Henderson will sign. But he is waiting to get a clearer picture on how the NCAA will come down on USC for possible NCAA violations.
Anderson, ranked the second best safety in the country according to Rivals.com, visited UM with his father last week and is expected to choose between the Canes and West Virginia Wednesday morning at his school in Ohio around 9 a.m.
Anderson originally committed to West Virginia, but chose not to sign a national letter-of-intent, instead opting to weigh all his options. If he chooses UM, word is he would come in on a track scholarship and then play football in the fall.
Henderson, who chose USC on National Signing Day but didn't, still has the Canes in the running with Ohio State. No word yet when Henderson will sign. But he is waiting to get a clearer picture on how the NCAA will come down on USC for possible NCAA violations.
Five-star safety, track star commits to Miami
Latwan Anderson commits to Miami - SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
The University of Miami has its first five-star football player for 2010 -- by way of track.
Defensive back and track star Latwan Anderson of Glenville High in Cleveland, Ohio, has committed to the Miami Hurricanes to sign a track scholarship, and also will play football. Once he plays in a game, his scholarship will convert to football.
Anderson attends Ginn Academy -- founded and directed by Ted Ginn Sr., father of Miami Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn Jr. -- for academics, but plays sports for Glenville. Ginn Sr. is Glenville's football coach.
Anderson had previously committed to play for West Virginia on national television during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but had second thoughts and visited the UM track program last weekend.
UM apparently has met its 25-player scholarship limit for this year, and NCAA recruiting rules prohibit football coaches from having contact with an athlete who is signing with another sport. Other UM players in the past, such as star receiver Santana Moss and current UM football player Cory Nelms, signed on a track scholarship and were automatically converted to football -- per NCAA rules -- once they played in a game.
``It was a little strange not talking to them, but I understand the situation,'' Anderson told Canesport.com. ``I picked Miami because me, my dad and mom, we compared everything from Miami to West Virginia. And everything stacked up. Miami's academics were step and step, and when it came to football Miami was on another level.''
He said he would sign the Letter of Intent whenever he receives it -- ``tonight or tomorrow. It's a done deal.''
Rivals.com ranks Anderson as the second best safety prospect in the nation.
Anderson's assistant football coach at Glenville, Matt Chinchar, said he was an exceptional talent, and obviously erred in committing too early to WVU.
``Part of the problem was that he was on national TV, a young man who got caught up in the limelight instead of holding off and being patient, so he declared [in January],'' Chinchar told The Miami Herald on Wednesday. ``A lot of people contacted him saying this and that.
``He's excited about playing at the University of Miami. He said he has a lot of family in Florida and likes the football program and its reputation.''
Chinchar said Anderson, listed as 5-11 and 178 pounds, mostly played safety this past season. He was the state runner-up in the 200 meters last year at Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward, where he played football for two seasons. He went to Euclid High during his freshman year.
Glenville lost this season by one point to Hilliard Davidson in the state championship game.
``At times he played corner,'' Chinchar said, ``And he did some kick and punt returning. He's got tremendous closing speed on the football. That's his biggest skill. When you think he might be out of position, he's just baiting the receiver. All of a sudden he'll close in on the ball and intercept it.''
Chinchar said that Ginn Sr. is currently at home recuperating from knee surgery.
Recruiting analyst Larry Blustein described Anderson as ``an exceptional football player and tremendous athlete. There are never any guarantees, but as far as what he's done at the high school level, he's a great prospect. He's quick, athletic, a total player.''
The Canes are still hoping that tackle Seantrel Henderson of St. Paul Cretin-Hall, Minn., the nation's No. 1 offensive lineman, will sign with UM. He previously committed to Southern Cal on National Signing Day, but is awaiting news on possible NCAA sanctions against USC to make his final decision.
The University of Miami has its first five-star football player for 2010 -- by way of track.
Defensive back and track star Latwan Anderson of Glenville High in Cleveland, Ohio, has committed to the Miami Hurricanes to sign a track scholarship, and also will play football. Once he plays in a game, his scholarship will convert to football.
Anderson attends Ginn Academy -- founded and directed by Ted Ginn Sr., father of Miami Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn Jr. -- for academics, but plays sports for Glenville. Ginn Sr. is Glenville's football coach.
Anderson had previously committed to play for West Virginia on national television during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but had second thoughts and visited the UM track program last weekend.
UM apparently has met its 25-player scholarship limit for this year, and NCAA recruiting rules prohibit football coaches from having contact with an athlete who is signing with another sport. Other UM players in the past, such as star receiver Santana Moss and current UM football player Cory Nelms, signed on a track scholarship and were automatically converted to football -- per NCAA rules -- once they played in a game.
``It was a little strange not talking to them, but I understand the situation,'' Anderson told Canesport.com. ``I picked Miami because me, my dad and mom, we compared everything from Miami to West Virginia. And everything stacked up. Miami's academics were step and step, and when it came to football Miami was on another level.''
He said he would sign the Letter of Intent whenever he receives it -- ``tonight or tomorrow. It's a done deal.''
Rivals.com ranks Anderson as the second best safety prospect in the nation.
Anderson's assistant football coach at Glenville, Matt Chinchar, said he was an exceptional talent, and obviously erred in committing too early to WVU.
``Part of the problem was that he was on national TV, a young man who got caught up in the limelight instead of holding off and being patient, so he declared [in January],'' Chinchar told The Miami Herald on Wednesday. ``A lot of people contacted him saying this and that.
``He's excited about playing at the University of Miami. He said he has a lot of family in Florida and likes the football program and its reputation.''
Chinchar said Anderson, listed as 5-11 and 178 pounds, mostly played safety this past season. He was the state runner-up in the 200 meters last year at Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward, where he played football for two seasons. He went to Euclid High during his freshman year.
Glenville lost this season by one point to Hilliard Davidson in the state championship game.
``At times he played corner,'' Chinchar said, ``And he did some kick and punt returning. He's got tremendous closing speed on the football. That's his biggest skill. When you think he might be out of position, he's just baiting the receiver. All of a sudden he'll close in on the ball and intercept it.''
Chinchar said that Ginn Sr. is currently at home recuperating from knee surgery.
Recruiting analyst Larry Blustein described Anderson as ``an exceptional football player and tremendous athlete. There are never any guarantees, but as far as what he's done at the high school level, he's a great prospect. He's quick, athletic, a total player.''
The Canes are still hoping that tackle Seantrel Henderson of St. Paul Cretin-Hall, Minn., the nation's No. 1 offensive lineman, will sign with UM. He previously committed to Southern Cal on National Signing Day, but is awaiting news on possible NCAA sanctions against USC to make his final decision.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Miami Hurricanes RB and Glades Central grad Damien Berry realizes he's the main man now
Miami Hurricanes RB and Glades Central grad Damien Berry realizes he's the main man now
CORAL GABLES — After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in high school, then finding himself near the bottom of the depth chart last spring, University of Miami running back Damien Berry still had faith that at some point he would be the man.
Now as UM goes through its spring practices, it appears that Berry, a 5-foot-11, 217-pound tailback from Glades Central, will be the 'Canes No. 1 back this season.
Berry earned UM head coach Randy Shannon's trust after becoming UM's second-leading rusher last year despite not carrying the ball until the fifth game of the season and splitting time with two other backs.
Shannon said the emphasis this spring is to polish the other parts of Berry's game.
"He emerged as a guy that can come in and run the football inside," Shannon said. "Like we told him, 'Now you have to become the complete guy. You've got to be a guy that can pass protect, run routes, run outside and do other things beside just run up the middle.'"
If he has to adjust, it shouldn't be a problem for Berry.
As a senior at Glades Central in 2006, Berry played the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, foregoing surgery until he led the school to a state championship.
And when he entered spring practice last year far down on the running back depth chart, he didn't flinch.
"I was focused on giving them a reason to play me," Berry said.
And Berry did just that, rushing for 114 yards in UM's spring game, then snowballing that effort into a sensational junior campaign.
Splitting time with Javarris James and Graig Cooper, Berry finished with 616 yards, averaging 77 yards in nine games while topping the Hurricanes in yards per carry (6.6) and rushing touchdowns (8). His 77 yards-per-game average puts him just under the 1,000-yard mark for a 12-game regular season. The Hurricanes haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Willis McGahee in 2002.
So this season appears to be Berry's.
Gone is James, who started seven games last season and has since graduated. And Cooper, the starter in UM's remaining six games, is recovering from major knee surgery and it's uncertain if he'll be available for the 2010 season.
"Being [the starter] is a big step, but any guy that laces them up here envisions himself being the man," running backs coach Mike Cassano said. "Especially skill guys. Damien is no different. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He sees himself as an NFL running back and wants to prove that to everyone."
UM fans don't need convincing.
Berry's hard-charging style made him a favorite with the home crowd last season. In the second half of UM's game against Duke on Nov. 21, fans began chanting "Berry, Berry" in an attempt to coax Shannon into playing him.
Shannon complied and Berry rewarded his supporters by sparking a rally and scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Hurricanes' 34-16 win.
Teammates won't let Berry live down the fans' chants. It's rare that he enters UM's locker room without players greeting him with, "Berry!, Berry!" Guard Joel Figueroa sometimes breaks out the chant when Berry enters the class the two seniors share.
"They joke with him about it all the time," cornerback Brandon Harris said. "He doesn't like it. He's a very humble guy."
But Berry doesn't lack confidence, and knows that his time is now.
"I'm going to be the man," he said.
CORAL GABLES — After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in high school, then finding himself near the bottom of the depth chart last spring, University of Miami running back Damien Berry still had faith that at some point he would be the man.
Now as UM goes through its spring practices, it appears that Berry, a 5-foot-11, 217-pound tailback from Glades Central, will be the 'Canes No. 1 back this season.
Berry earned UM head coach Randy Shannon's trust after becoming UM's second-leading rusher last year despite not carrying the ball until the fifth game of the season and splitting time with two other backs.
Shannon said the emphasis this spring is to polish the other parts of Berry's game.
"He emerged as a guy that can come in and run the football inside," Shannon said. "Like we told him, 'Now you have to become the complete guy. You've got to be a guy that can pass protect, run routes, run outside and do other things beside just run up the middle.'"
If he has to adjust, it shouldn't be a problem for Berry.
As a senior at Glades Central in 2006, Berry played the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, foregoing surgery until he led the school to a state championship.
And when he entered spring practice last year far down on the running back depth chart, he didn't flinch.
"I was focused on giving them a reason to play me," Berry said.
And Berry did just that, rushing for 114 yards in UM's spring game, then snowballing that effort into a sensational junior campaign.
Splitting time with Javarris James and Graig Cooper, Berry finished with 616 yards, averaging 77 yards in nine games while topping the Hurricanes in yards per carry (6.6) and rushing touchdowns (8). His 77 yards-per-game average puts him just under the 1,000-yard mark for a 12-game regular season. The Hurricanes haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Willis McGahee in 2002.
So this season appears to be Berry's.
Gone is James, who started seven games last season and has since graduated. And Cooper, the starter in UM's remaining six games, is recovering from major knee surgery and it's uncertain if he'll be available for the 2010 season.
"Being [the starter] is a big step, but any guy that laces them up here envisions himself being the man," running backs coach Mike Cassano said. "Especially skill guys. Damien is no different. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He sees himself as an NFL running back and wants to prove that to everyone."
UM fans don't need convincing.
Berry's hard-charging style made him a favorite with the home crowd last season. In the second half of UM's game against Duke on Nov. 21, fans began chanting "Berry, Berry" in an attempt to coax Shannon into playing him.
Shannon complied and Berry rewarded his supporters by sparking a rally and scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Hurricanes' 34-16 win.
Teammates won't let Berry live down the fans' chants. It's rare that he enters UM's locker room without players greeting him with, "Berry!, Berry!" Guard Joel Figueroa sometimes breaks out the chant when Berry enters the class the two seniors share.
"They joke with him about it all the time," cornerback Brandon Harris said. "He doesn't like it. He's a very humble guy."
But Berry doesn't lack confidence, and knows that his time is now.
"I'm going to be the man," he said.
UM fullback Pat Hill balances role of student, father and husband
The senior missed most of last season with an ankle injury, but his return could boost the running game
There are days the football team meetings are briefly interrupted.
The mood in these supposedly intense learning sessions is lightened when players and coaches hear a familiar voice. Pat Hill Jr., the son of Miami Hurricanes starting fullback Pat Hill, is quiet for the most part but at times behaves like any other 2-year-old.
"He's got good enough home training to sit still in the meetings," the elder Hill said. "But he still has his little outbursts. Every now and then, he'll let out a ‘Touchdown."'
Hill, a senior, is all smiles as he tells the story because talking about his family brings nothing but joy. When the pads come off, he returns home to be father and husband. Hill has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for nearly two years, leading a lifestyle different than most college athletes.
"I feel luckier than a lot of the guys [on the team]," Hill said. "I get to go home to my wife and son, who love me dearly. I like to joke around and say it's like having a sleepover all the time."
A loving family was the best remedy for Hill's disappointing 2009 season. He missed most of it after suffering a high ankle sprain against Virginia Tech the third game of the season. Fatherly duties such as taking Pat Jr. trick-or-treating were all he had to keep his mind off football.
"It was very tough," Hill said. "I had to get used to not traveling for away games. It was real hard for the nail-biters, like Wake Forest and North Carolina."
After receiving a medical redshirt, the 5-foot-9, 255-pound Hill is once again in the UM backfield. Coach Randy Shannon said his presence was greatly missed. The Hurricanes were forced to replace Hill with freshman Mike James, a tailback whose blocking skills were not as advanced as Hill's.
"He was a vital part of our success the first three [games] because of his blocking, protection and things like that," Shannon said. "Pat, all he wants to do is be part of the team. He's not worried about his carries."
Hill's most important team, though, is the one he lives with in an off-campus apartment in Coral Gables. He and Stephanie, 22, have known each other since grade school. They started dating as high school juniors after Hill's candid advances became evident.
There are days the football team meetings are briefly interrupted.
The mood in these supposedly intense learning sessions is lightened when players and coaches hear a familiar voice. Pat Hill Jr., the son of Miami Hurricanes starting fullback Pat Hill, is quiet for the most part but at times behaves like any other 2-year-old.
"He's got good enough home training to sit still in the meetings," the elder Hill said. "But he still has his little outbursts. Every now and then, he'll let out a ‘Touchdown."'
Hill, a senior, is all smiles as he tells the story because talking about his family brings nothing but joy. When the pads come off, he returns home to be father and husband. Hill has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for nearly two years, leading a lifestyle different than most college athletes.
"I feel luckier than a lot of the guys [on the team]," Hill said. "I get to go home to my wife and son, who love me dearly. I like to joke around and say it's like having a sleepover all the time."
A loving family was the best remedy for Hill's disappointing 2009 season. He missed most of it after suffering a high ankle sprain against Virginia Tech the third game of the season. Fatherly duties such as taking Pat Jr. trick-or-treating were all he had to keep his mind off football.
"It was very tough," Hill said. "I had to get used to not traveling for away games. It was real hard for the nail-biters, like Wake Forest and North Carolina."
After receiving a medical redshirt, the 5-foot-9, 255-pound Hill is once again in the UM backfield. Coach Randy Shannon said his presence was greatly missed. The Hurricanes were forced to replace Hill with freshman Mike James, a tailback whose blocking skills were not as advanced as Hill's.
"He was a vital part of our success the first three [games] because of his blocking, protection and things like that," Shannon said. "Pat, all he wants to do is be part of the team. He's not worried about his carries."
Hill's most important team, though, is the one he lives with in an off-campus apartment in Coral Gables. He and Stephanie, 22, have known each other since grade school. They started dating as high school juniors after Hill's candid advances became evident.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Scrimmage stats
Rushing
Lamar Miller 9 carries, 32 yards, 2 TD
Damien Berry 8 carries, 48 yards
Mike James 6 carries, 46 yards
Storm Johnson 6 carries, 34 yards
Pat Hill 2 carries, 13 yards
Passing
A.J. Highsmith 9-for-18 95 yards, 3TDs
Spencer Whipple 2-for-10 60 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Stephen Morris 6-for-11 63 yards
Receiving
Travis Benjamin 4 catches, 49 yards, TD
Thearon Collier 3 catches, 19, TD
Leonard Hankerson 2 catches, 50 yards, TD
Kendal Thompkins 2 catches, 32 yards
LaRon Byrd 2 catches, 30 yards, TD
Wieclaw 3-for-3 Field Goals (32 yards, 25 yards, 22 yards)
Scoring
Highsmith 5-yd TD pass to Hankerson
Miller 9 yd TD run
Highsmtih 17 yard TD pass to LaRon Byrd
Spencer Whipple 15 yard pass to Travis Benjamin
A.J. Highsmith 14 yard TD pass to Thearon Collier
Miller 3 yd TD run
Defense
Colin McCarthy 5 tackles, Fumble recovery
Vaughn Telemaque 5 tackles
Shayon Green 4 tackles
Steven Wesley 3 tackles, 2 sacks
Ray Ray Armstrong 3 tackles, 1 INT
Lamar Miller 9 carries, 32 yards, 2 TD
Damien Berry 8 carries, 48 yards
Mike James 6 carries, 46 yards
Storm Johnson 6 carries, 34 yards
Pat Hill 2 carries, 13 yards
Passing
A.J. Highsmith 9-for-18 95 yards, 3TDs
Spencer Whipple 2-for-10 60 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Stephen Morris 6-for-11 63 yards
Receiving
Travis Benjamin 4 catches, 49 yards, TD
Thearon Collier 3 catches, 19, TD
Leonard Hankerson 2 catches, 50 yards, TD
Kendal Thompkins 2 catches, 32 yards
LaRon Byrd 2 catches, 30 yards, TD
Wieclaw 3-for-3 Field Goals (32 yards, 25 yards, 22 yards)
Scoring
Highsmith 5-yd TD pass to Hankerson
Miller 9 yd TD run
Highsmtih 17 yard TD pass to LaRon Byrd
Spencer Whipple 15 yard pass to Travis Benjamin
A.J. Highsmith 14 yard TD pass to Thearon Collier
Miller 3 yd TD run
Defense
Colin McCarthy 5 tackles, Fumble recovery
Vaughn Telemaque 5 tackles
Shayon Green 4 tackles
Steven Wesley 3 tackles, 2 sacks
Ray Ray Armstrong 3 tackles, 1 INT
Middle linebacker still a mystery … or is it?
Middle linebacker still a mystery … or is it? - Shandel Richardson
CORAL GABLES _ Greetings from chilly Mark Light Field.
I’m here at the opener for UM’s three-game series against Florida, but wanted to drop a few football notes before it gets too late.
After Friday’s practice, linebacker Colin McCarthy spoke to the media for the first time this spring. McCarthy, who has played on the outside throughout his career, said he’s playing some middle linebacker.
And so is Shayon Green.
And Kylan Robinson.
And so will Ramon Buchanan and Jordan Futch when they return from injury in the fall.
“We’re just kind of working everybody in,” McCarthy said.
UM coach Randy Shannon was asked about the position and spoke mostly of Robinson and Green. He said Robinson would be the starter if the Spring Game were today. This is Shannon’s way of avoiding talk of McCarthy making the move, although it seems more likely.
McCarthy said he’s played the middle mostly during nickel situations, but said it’s not much of a difference from playing it in base defense.
When asked about moving to middle, McCarthy said, “It’s a possibility, as far as I know. We’ll see what happens.”
A few thoughts:
–C.J. Holtonis behind Sean Spence at strongside linebacker. Holton said he’s gained 20 pounds and now up to 230.
“I’m just learning from anybody I can,” Holton said.
Surprisingly, Holton said he’s learning the most from Futch and Buchanan, who both are participating on a limited basis.
–The linebackers unit, and defense, feels it benefits from Michael Barrow returning to linebackers coach. His presence allows defensive coordinator John Lovett to spend time working with other areas. Barrow spent last season as a defensive assistant while Lovett coached the linebackers.
It also helps Barrow played the position at UM and in the NFL for several years.
“(Barrow) has been there, so we can relate to him a lot better,” McCarthy said. “He’s doing a great job and we’re feeding off him.”
–I’m told left tackle Orlando Franklin missed Friday’s practice because of back spasms. Shannon refused to comment, but did say Franklin is dealing with a minor problem he experienced last season.
–Guard Brandon Washington is expected to miss at least a week with a slight knee sprain.
–Safety Jared Campbell was seen at practice on crutches and in a leg brace.
–Sophomore receiver Davon Johnson is back in the mix after redshirting last season. He said he made that decision after three games because he “didn’t want to waste a year.” It’s going to be tough for Johnson to leap anyone, but he feels a year away helped him learn.
“Last year, it was a good time for me to learn the system better, get well-adjusted to college ball,” Johnson said. “This year, I feel like I’m ready.”
–For anyone interested, the Sean Taylor Foundation is holding a charity softball game Saturday at St. Thomas University. Here’s a link for more information. Among the celebrities expected to play are Jevon Kearse, Ed Reed and Sinorice Moss.
CORAL GABLES _ Greetings from chilly Mark Light Field.
I’m here at the opener for UM’s three-game series against Florida, but wanted to drop a few football notes before it gets too late.
After Friday’s practice, linebacker Colin McCarthy spoke to the media for the first time this spring. McCarthy, who has played on the outside throughout his career, said he’s playing some middle linebacker.
And so is Shayon Green.
And Kylan Robinson.
And so will Ramon Buchanan and Jordan Futch when they return from injury in the fall.
“We’re just kind of working everybody in,” McCarthy said.
UM coach Randy Shannon was asked about the position and spoke mostly of Robinson and Green. He said Robinson would be the starter if the Spring Game were today. This is Shannon’s way of avoiding talk of McCarthy making the move, although it seems more likely.
McCarthy said he’s played the middle mostly during nickel situations, but said it’s not much of a difference from playing it in base defense.
When asked about moving to middle, McCarthy said, “It’s a possibility, as far as I know. We’ll see what happens.”
A few thoughts:
–C.J. Holtonis behind Sean Spence at strongside linebacker. Holton said he’s gained 20 pounds and now up to 230.
“I’m just learning from anybody I can,” Holton said.
Surprisingly, Holton said he’s learning the most from Futch and Buchanan, who both are participating on a limited basis.
–The linebackers unit, and defense, feels it benefits from Michael Barrow returning to linebackers coach. His presence allows defensive coordinator John Lovett to spend time working with other areas. Barrow spent last season as a defensive assistant while Lovett coached the linebackers.
It also helps Barrow played the position at UM and in the NFL for several years.
“(Barrow) has been there, so we can relate to him a lot better,” McCarthy said. “He’s doing a great job and we’re feeding off him.”
–I’m told left tackle Orlando Franklin missed Friday’s practice because of back spasms. Shannon refused to comment, but did say Franklin is dealing with a minor problem he experienced last season.
–Guard Brandon Washington is expected to miss at least a week with a slight knee sprain.
–Safety Jared Campbell was seen at practice on crutches and in a leg brace.
–Sophomore receiver Davon Johnson is back in the mix after redshirting last season. He said he made that decision after three games because he “didn’t want to waste a year.” It’s going to be tough for Johnson to leap anyone, but he feels a year away helped him learn.
“Last year, it was a good time for me to learn the system better, get well-adjusted to college ball,” Johnson said. “This year, I feel like I’m ready.”
–For anyone interested, the Sean Taylor Foundation is holding a charity softball game Saturday at St. Thomas University. Here’s a link for more information. Among the celebrities expected to play are Jevon Kearse, Ed Reed and Sinorice Moss.
Freshman RB Lamar Miller impresses during first UM football scrimmage
Redshirt freshman running back rushes for two touchdowns in the Hurricanes first scrimmage -Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
When Miami running backs coach Mike Cassano was hired, one of the first things he wanted to do was see Lamar Miller.
"I can't wait," Cassano said.
That wait is over.
Miller, who missed the early portion of spring because of track, was one of the stars of Saturday's scrimmage at Greentree Practice Fields. Miller, a redshirt freshman, carried nine times for 32 yards and two touchdowns. The Hurricanes ran about 100 plays in a session that lasted nearly two hours.
"I did all right for my first week," Miller said. "I've got a lot of room for improvement. I'm just trying to get better."
Teammates have already begun calling him "Miller Time" because of his breakaway speed. Miller earned the nickname while impressing on the scout team last year. He is pushing Damien Berry and Mike James for playing time, and has become one of the Hurricanes' most discussed players.
"I don't too much pay attention," Miller said. "People tell me what they say on the message board about me. I'm just trying to stay focused and keep my composure."
UM coach Randy Shannon said he was impressed with the running backs as a whole. Berry, the expected starter, rushed for 48 yards on eight carries. James, who played fullback last year, had 46 yards on six carries.
"The best thing about it was the running backs really performed well," Shannon said. "Damien Berry performed unbelievable. Lamar Miller did some great things. [Freshman] Storm Johnson did some great things, and Mike James. Each one of them had the opportunity to carry the football and make somebody miss in space."
When Miami running backs coach Mike Cassano was hired, one of the first things he wanted to do was see Lamar Miller.
"I can't wait," Cassano said.
That wait is over.
Miller, who missed the early portion of spring because of track, was one of the stars of Saturday's scrimmage at Greentree Practice Fields. Miller, a redshirt freshman, carried nine times for 32 yards and two touchdowns. The Hurricanes ran about 100 plays in a session that lasted nearly two hours.
"I did all right for my first week," Miller said. "I've got a lot of room for improvement. I'm just trying to get better."
Teammates have already begun calling him "Miller Time" because of his breakaway speed. Miller earned the nickname while impressing on the scout team last year. He is pushing Damien Berry and Mike James for playing time, and has become one of the Hurricanes' most discussed players.
"I don't too much pay attention," Miller said. "People tell me what they say on the message board about me. I'm just trying to stay focused and keep my composure."
UM coach Randy Shannon said he was impressed with the running backs as a whole. Berry, the expected starter, rushed for 48 yards on eight carries. James, who played fullback last year, had 46 yards on six carries.
"The best thing about it was the running backs really performed well," Shannon said. "Damien Berry performed unbelievable. Lamar Miller did some great things. [Freshman] Storm Johnson did some great things, and Mike James. Each one of them had the opportunity to carry the football and make somebody miss in space."
UM rally falls just short in loss to Florida State
Freshman guard Durand Scott missed a jumper at the buzzer in the Hurricanes 61-60 loss to FSU
By Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Durand Scott will have plenty of other chances during his University of Miami career to hit winning shots.
On this day, he came up just a bit short.
Scott, a freshman, missed a difficult running jumper at the buzzer in the Hurricanes' 61-60 loss to Florida State on Saturday at BankUnited Center. The loss guarantees UM a last-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 'Canes will play the No. 5 seed Thursday in the first round of the ACC tournament in Greensboro, N.C.
"I don't even know if we got a shot [off]," UM coach Frank Haith said. "I think Durand shot it, but obviously they did a good job defending us. "
The Hurricanes played without leading scorer Dwayne Collins, but still rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit to put themselves in position for the upset. Collins, who is out with a leg stress reaction, is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
He watched from the sidelines as the Hurricanes (18-12, 4-12 ACC) trailed by a point with 5.1 seconds remaining. The inbounds play was designed for Adrian Thomas, but execution was hindered because of Florida State's pressure. When Thomas bobbled the ball, he passed to Scott.
Scott took a few dribbles before missing an off-balance shot.
"I called [Thomas'] name and he gave me the ball," Scott said. "I was hoping I had enough time to get to the basket, but the coaches were like, ‘Shoot,' and I just tried to get it up as soon as possible."'
Despite the loss, the Hurricanes can somewhat enter the conference tournament with momentum. They trailed 56-45 with 7:01 left, but went on a 13-2 run to tie it at 58. After Florida State's Ryan Reid, who played at Boyd Anderson, missed three consecutive free throws, UM went ahead on a driving layup by Scott.
Scott finished with a game-high 14 points, but the lead was short-lived. FSU guard Luke Loucks hit a 3-pointer on the next possession to put the Seminoles up 61-60 with 1:51 left. FSU shot 10 of 18 from 3-point range. Loucks and guard Deividas Dulkys each scored 13 points.
"That was huge because that was the only basket that we scored in an eight- or nine-minute period," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said. "… I thought he came down and very confidently stepped up and knocked down two big 3s that we had to have."
By Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Durand Scott will have plenty of other chances during his University of Miami career to hit winning shots.
On this day, he came up just a bit short.
Scott, a freshman, missed a difficult running jumper at the buzzer in the Hurricanes' 61-60 loss to Florida State on Saturday at BankUnited Center. The loss guarantees UM a last-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 'Canes will play the No. 5 seed Thursday in the first round of the ACC tournament in Greensboro, N.C.
"I don't even know if we got a shot [off]," UM coach Frank Haith said. "I think Durand shot it, but obviously they did a good job defending us. "
The Hurricanes played without leading scorer Dwayne Collins, but still rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit to put themselves in position for the upset. Collins, who is out with a leg stress reaction, is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
He watched from the sidelines as the Hurricanes (18-12, 4-12 ACC) trailed by a point with 5.1 seconds remaining. The inbounds play was designed for Adrian Thomas, but execution was hindered because of Florida State's pressure. When Thomas bobbled the ball, he passed to Scott.
Scott took a few dribbles before missing an off-balance shot.
"I called [Thomas'] name and he gave me the ball," Scott said. "I was hoping I had enough time to get to the basket, but the coaches were like, ‘Shoot,' and I just tried to get it up as soon as possible."'
Despite the loss, the Hurricanes can somewhat enter the conference tournament with momentum. They trailed 56-45 with 7:01 left, but went on a 13-2 run to tie it at 58. After Florida State's Ryan Reid, who played at Boyd Anderson, missed three consecutive free throws, UM went ahead on a driving layup by Scott.
Scott finished with a game-high 14 points, but the lead was short-lived. FSU guard Luke Loucks hit a 3-pointer on the next possession to put the Seminoles up 61-60 with 1:51 left. FSU shot 10 of 18 from 3-point range. Loucks and guard Deividas Dulkys each scored 13 points.
"That was huge because that was the only basket that we scored in an eight- or nine-minute period," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said. "… I thought he came down and very confidently stepped up and knocked down two big 3s that we had to have."
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Hurricanes can't rally past Gators
Hurricanes can't rally past Gators - By Manny Navarro
Chris Hernandez entered his first Friday night start of the season looking for career win No. 20 and a little payback for the two NCAA regional losses the Florida Gators handed the Hurricanes last May in Gainesville.
He was denied both.
Sixth-ranked Florida didn't pound Hernandez like the last time it saw him. But the Gators did just enough, touching him for three earned runs and eight hits over six innings in a 7-1 victory against the 11th-ranked Canes at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
Hernandez, who gave up six earned runs in a loss to the Gators last May, struck out eight and didn't walk a batter Friday but simply didn't get much run support from his team in front of the crowd of 4,274.
UM (6-2) came in averaging more than 11 runs a game but produced only two hits and struck out 15 times.
``You have to give him [Florida starter Alex Panteliodis] credit, getting ahead of our hitters, working the strike zone,'' UM coach Jim Morris said. ``He beat us with his fastball.''
Chris Hernandez entered his first Friday night start of the season looking for career win No. 20 and a little payback for the two NCAA regional losses the Florida Gators handed the Hurricanes last May in Gainesville.
He was denied both.
Sixth-ranked Florida didn't pound Hernandez like the last time it saw him. But the Gators did just enough, touching him for three earned runs and eight hits over six innings in a 7-1 victory against the 11th-ranked Canes at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
Hernandez, who gave up six earned runs in a loss to the Gators last May, struck out eight and didn't walk a batter Friday but simply didn't get much run support from his team in front of the crowd of 4,274.
UM (6-2) came in averaging more than 11 runs a game but produced only two hits and struck out 15 times.
``You have to give him [Florida starter Alex Panteliodis] credit, getting ahead of our hitters, working the strike zone,'' UM coach Jim Morris said. ``He beat us with his fastball.''
Haith: 20 wins, postseason berth would satisfy
Haith: 20 wins, postseason berth would satisfy - Manny Navarro, Miami Herald
When the University of Miami men's basketball team started the season 15-1 it seemed inevitable the Canes would reach the 20 win plateau. Now, with only one regular season game left to play Saturday afternoon against Florida State at the BankUnited Center, all coach Frank Haith is hoping for is that his team still gets there.
Miami (18-11, 4-11 ACC) hasn't had the type of second half it was hoping for. But with a win Saturday against the Seminoles and a win Thursday in the first round of the ACC Tournament, UM will reach 20 wins -- likely good enough to earn a second straight NIT berth. And for Haith, who said his team shouldn't have lost at home to Boston College and North Carolina State, that would be good enough.
"I haven't had a chance to reevaluate the whole season. But I felt like if we would have gotten to seven league wins, that would have been awesome for these guys," said Haith, who said before the season he thought his team could finish in the top half of the ACC.
"We lost a whole lot with Jimmy Graham. You realize what those guys meant to your program as you go through the season. Jack McClinton, Jimmy Graham, Brian Asbury, Lance Hurdle, they were here for a long time. They won a lot of games and played in a lot of games. With that said, we're trying to build a program here. You want to have consistency, some winning ways. If we would have gotten to seven wins, that would have been awesome for me and the program to say we've been able to sustain winning, losing great players. Because you're going to take a dip. There's no way you're not going to take a dip when you lose guys that meant so much to your program... With that said, we still have an opportunity to get to where we want to be."
That would be the post-season for the third consecutive season -- and for the fifth time in Haith's six seasons as coach. Going to the postseason three years in a row is a rare feat at UM. It's only happened one other time when UM made it six seasons in a row from 1996 to 2002 -- the first four under Leonard Hamilton and the last two under Perry Clark.
"That's would be a pretty nice little deal for [our seniors]," Haith said. "I think for our program, you look at the history of our program and the tradition of our program, that's a nice little feat."
UM will honor its three seniors -- guard James Dews and forwards Dwayne Collins and Cyrus McGowan -- before Saturday's game. Haith said he doesn't know if Collins, who suffered a stress reaction in his leg, will play. Haith talked a little about both Collins and Dews Friday and what they've meant to the program.
"His freshman year, we wanted him to be a defensive stopper, something he probably hadn't had to do his whole career," Haith said. "But it was what the team needed and he was willing to do. His sophomore year he was a part of the team that went to the NCAA Tournament and was a critical member of that team, came back his junior year and we changed his role a little bit there. He's a guy who went through role changes his whole career. Now, he's been one of the leading scorers and been asked to to be a leader. There's no question James has been a special player for us and a special player for me to coach. You've seen his growth over four years. He's been not only a valuable player, but a valuable person on this team."
Collins, a player Haith pushed to attend NBA camps last year, hasn't had the type of senior season Haith was hoping for. But he said the 6-8, 241-pound forward has had to endure a lot during career.
"He was kind of thrown to the wolves as a freshman," Haith said. "We had a lot of injuries that year and Dwayne was asked to do so much early in his career. We lost Jimmy Graham, Ray Hicks, Anthony King for about nine games and he was the only post player we had and he had to play with a walk-on and a three-man at the other post position. To see him grow from that to where he is today is great."
Despite a few disappointments this season, Haith said he feels good about the direction of the program. He talked a lot about the growth of freshman Durand Scott and how he and redshirt sophomore Malcolm Grant will be a solid foundation heading into next season.
"We only have one senior on our team next year, that's Adrian Thomas," Haith said. "I'd be encouraged by what I see if I'm a fan and what's on tap for this program the next couple years."
> The Sean Taylor Foundation will host a celebrity All-Star Game Saturday at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas University to raise money for local youth programs. For more info, click here.
When the University of Miami men's basketball team started the season 15-1 it seemed inevitable the Canes would reach the 20 win plateau. Now, with only one regular season game left to play Saturday afternoon against Florida State at the BankUnited Center, all coach Frank Haith is hoping for is that his team still gets there.
Miami (18-11, 4-11 ACC) hasn't had the type of second half it was hoping for. But with a win Saturday against the Seminoles and a win Thursday in the first round of the ACC Tournament, UM will reach 20 wins -- likely good enough to earn a second straight NIT berth. And for Haith, who said his team shouldn't have lost at home to Boston College and North Carolina State, that would be good enough.
"I haven't had a chance to reevaluate the whole season. But I felt like if we would have gotten to seven league wins, that would have been awesome for these guys," said Haith, who said before the season he thought his team could finish in the top half of the ACC.
"We lost a whole lot with Jimmy Graham. You realize what those guys meant to your program as you go through the season. Jack McClinton, Jimmy Graham, Brian Asbury, Lance Hurdle, they were here for a long time. They won a lot of games and played in a lot of games. With that said, we're trying to build a program here. You want to have consistency, some winning ways. If we would have gotten to seven wins, that would have been awesome for me and the program to say we've been able to sustain winning, losing great players. Because you're going to take a dip. There's no way you're not going to take a dip when you lose guys that meant so much to your program... With that said, we still have an opportunity to get to where we want to be."
That would be the post-season for the third consecutive season -- and for the fifth time in Haith's six seasons as coach. Going to the postseason three years in a row is a rare feat at UM. It's only happened one other time when UM made it six seasons in a row from 1996 to 2002 -- the first four under Leonard Hamilton and the last two under Perry Clark.
"That's would be a pretty nice little deal for [our seniors]," Haith said. "I think for our program, you look at the history of our program and the tradition of our program, that's a nice little feat."
UM will honor its three seniors -- guard James Dews and forwards Dwayne Collins and Cyrus McGowan -- before Saturday's game. Haith said he doesn't know if Collins, who suffered a stress reaction in his leg, will play. Haith talked a little about both Collins and Dews Friday and what they've meant to the program.
"His freshman year, we wanted him to be a defensive stopper, something he probably hadn't had to do his whole career," Haith said. "But it was what the team needed and he was willing to do. His sophomore year he was a part of the team that went to the NCAA Tournament and was a critical member of that team, came back his junior year and we changed his role a little bit there. He's a guy who went through role changes his whole career. Now, he's been one of the leading scorers and been asked to to be a leader. There's no question James has been a special player for us and a special player for me to coach. You've seen his growth over four years. He's been not only a valuable player, but a valuable person on this team."
Collins, a player Haith pushed to attend NBA camps last year, hasn't had the type of senior season Haith was hoping for. But he said the 6-8, 241-pound forward has had to endure a lot during career.
"He was kind of thrown to the wolves as a freshman," Haith said. "We had a lot of injuries that year and Dwayne was asked to do so much early in his career. We lost Jimmy Graham, Ray Hicks, Anthony King for about nine games and he was the only post player we had and he had to play with a walk-on and a three-man at the other post position. To see him grow from that to where he is today is great."
Despite a few disappointments this season, Haith said he feels good about the direction of the program. He talked a lot about the growth of freshman Durand Scott and how he and redshirt sophomore Malcolm Grant will be a solid foundation heading into next season.
"We only have one senior on our team next year, that's Adrian Thomas," Haith said. "I'd be encouraged by what I see if I'm a fan and what's on tap for this program the next couple years."
> The Sean Taylor Foundation will host a celebrity All-Star Game Saturday at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas University to raise money for local youth programs. For more info, click here.
Healthy Sean Spence looking to put pop back in Hurricanes’ defense
Healthy Sean Spence looking to put pop back in Hurricanes’ defense - by Jorge Milian, PBP
If you ask me, the turning point in UM’s 2009 season came during the first quarter of the Hurricanes’ Oct. 24 game against Clemson. That’s when linebacker Sean Spence injured his left knee, a victim of a perfectly-legal cut block by a Tigers’ offensive lineman.
UM entered the Clemson game ranked No. 8 in the country with a 5-1 record. But with Spence sidelined – he missed three games and parts of two others – the Hurricanes staggered down the stretch, losing three of their last seven games.
A gimpy-kneed Spence eventually returned to the lineup, but he was never close to 100 percent. He made just one tackle in UM’s last three games.
"I was still kind of nicked up,” Spence said about returning after the injury, which did not require surgery. “I was just trying to fight through it for the team. I never got hurt in high school or optimist or anything. It was a first-time experience for me. It was kind of tough.”
Now Spence is back. He’s thickened up to 217 pounds, he’s completely healthy and is looking to rebound from a year that, while not nearly a sophomore slump, wasn’t what he or anyone else wearing orange and green had hoped for.
“Not what I wanted it to be,” Spence said of his sophomore season during an interview this week following a UM spring practice. “I wanted to come out and help my team win games. Obviously, I didn’t do that. I had a setback when I got hurt. I’m just trying to bounce back.”
A healthy Spence should be exactly what UM’s defense – which allowed 22.15 points per game but an average of 31.0 points in its four losses – needs to take a step up in 2010. On a unit lacking an established big-play guy, the hard-nosed Spence could be that player.
“I think [Spence’s absence] affected us tremendously,” said cornerback Brandon Harris. “His presence on the field gives everybody such a comfort level and allows us to play faster and smoother. When you have a guy like Sean on your defense, you know automatically that you can count on him to make a big play. When you have a guy like that on the field, the rest of our job is easy.”
Two weeks into spring practice, Harris reports that Spence “couldn’t be better. He looks great, fast, physical.”
Spence, a serious young guy who spits out answers to questions in short, machine-gun bursts, is certainly a lot happier. He admits being miserable last year watching the Hurricanes on television during road games against Wake Forest and North Carolina. UM rarely allows injured players to travel for games.
“Yeah, it was frustrating being on the sidelines, being home watching my team play on TV,” said Spence, the 2008 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. “It hurt me.”
Teammates noticed.
“During that injury process, he just wasn’t himself,” Harris said.
But Spence is back to his old ornery self on the football field. Coach Randy Shannon said Spence has looked like his old self, going head to head in practice with offensive linemen that often outweigh him by more than 100 punds.
“Spence was a little banged up last year,” Shannon said. “That was the biggest thing. It’s a new season, new year, and he’s starting off fast right now in spring football.”
It goes without saying that Spence, who is playing strongside linebacker, is a key to UM’s success in 2010. Asked his goals for next season, Spence said it would be to provide “a lot of leadership, helping my team stay together when we’re going through tough times.”
That will be a lot easier for the Hurricanes with Spence back on the field.
If you ask me, the turning point in UM’s 2009 season came during the first quarter of the Hurricanes’ Oct. 24 game against Clemson. That’s when linebacker Sean Spence injured his left knee, a victim of a perfectly-legal cut block by a Tigers’ offensive lineman.
UM entered the Clemson game ranked No. 8 in the country with a 5-1 record. But with Spence sidelined – he missed three games and parts of two others – the Hurricanes staggered down the stretch, losing three of their last seven games.
A gimpy-kneed Spence eventually returned to the lineup, but he was never close to 100 percent. He made just one tackle in UM’s last three games.
"I was still kind of nicked up,” Spence said about returning after the injury, which did not require surgery. “I was just trying to fight through it for the team. I never got hurt in high school or optimist or anything. It was a first-time experience for me. It was kind of tough.”
Now Spence is back. He’s thickened up to 217 pounds, he’s completely healthy and is looking to rebound from a year that, while not nearly a sophomore slump, wasn’t what he or anyone else wearing orange and green had hoped for.
“Not what I wanted it to be,” Spence said of his sophomore season during an interview this week following a UM spring practice. “I wanted to come out and help my team win games. Obviously, I didn’t do that. I had a setback when I got hurt. I’m just trying to bounce back.”
A healthy Spence should be exactly what UM’s defense – which allowed 22.15 points per game but an average of 31.0 points in its four losses – needs to take a step up in 2010. On a unit lacking an established big-play guy, the hard-nosed Spence could be that player.
“I think [Spence’s absence] affected us tremendously,” said cornerback Brandon Harris. “His presence on the field gives everybody such a comfort level and allows us to play faster and smoother. When you have a guy like Sean on your defense, you know automatically that you can count on him to make a big play. When you have a guy like that on the field, the rest of our job is easy.”
Two weeks into spring practice, Harris reports that Spence “couldn’t be better. He looks great, fast, physical.”
Spence, a serious young guy who spits out answers to questions in short, machine-gun bursts, is certainly a lot happier. He admits being miserable last year watching the Hurricanes on television during road games against Wake Forest and North Carolina. UM rarely allows injured players to travel for games.
“Yeah, it was frustrating being on the sidelines, being home watching my team play on TV,” said Spence, the 2008 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. “It hurt me.”
Teammates noticed.
“During that injury process, he just wasn’t himself,” Harris said.
But Spence is back to his old ornery self on the football field. Coach Randy Shannon said Spence has looked like his old self, going head to head in practice with offensive linemen that often outweigh him by more than 100 punds.
“Spence was a little banged up last year,” Shannon said. “That was the biggest thing. It’s a new season, new year, and he’s starting off fast right now in spring football.”
It goes without saying that Spence, who is playing strongside linebacker, is a key to UM’s success in 2010. Asked his goals for next season, Spence said it would be to provide “a lot of leadership, helping my team stay together when we’re going through tough times.”
That will be a lot easier for the Hurricanes with Spence back on the field.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Spence eager to put 2009 behind him
Spence eager to put 2009 behind him
If he wanted to reach for them, Sean Spence has plenty of viable excuses for his drop in production last season.
He could blame the knee injury that cost him three games and slowed him down. He could point to his position switch -- from weakside linebacker to strongside linebacker -- as the reason why he didn't come close to matching the 65 tackles he made as a freshman when he was the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year.
But the 6-foot, 217-pound junior-to-be isn't doing any finger pointing for his unspectacular sophomore season -- except at himself. "I have to go out there, make plays and help my team win. I didn't do that," Spence said Wednesday after the Hurricanes' sixth practice of the spring.
"I can't say it was a lack of maturity. I can't say it was my knee. All I can say was it was a lack of production. Last season just made me hungrier to want it even more this year."
Spence, who finished his sophomore season seventh on the team with 36 tackles including 6.5 for loss and three sacks, is already impressing his teammates this spring with his bounce-back attitude. Cornerback Brandon Harris said Spence, a childhood friend, "looks fast, looks physical."
"He's going in there, head on head with the offensive lineman, shedding blocks, making plays," Harris said. "He's a great motivator for the defense. He's a guy who is going to speak up when something needs to be spoken, keep everybody humble.
"I think it affected us tremendously [when he went out]. His presence on the field, it gives everybody a comfort level and a high and allows us to play faster and smoother. He makes sure everybody is on the right page. When you have somebody like Sean on your defense, you know automatically you can count on him to make a big play. When you got a guy like that on the field, the rest of our jobs are easy."
Spence started the first seven games of the season for the Hurricanes before injuring his knee in the first half against Clemson. He then missed the next three games, including arguably the team's worst defensive performance of the season against Wake Forest and the loss at North Carolina. He said he "didn't really feel right" until the bowl game. Missing time was tough to deal with mentally for Spence -- especially since he didn't many any games in high school and played in all 13 games and started nine for UM as a freshman.
"Me and Sean are close friends and during that injury time he wasn't himself," Harris said. "It was hard for him to sit out and not be able to travel with the team and having to watch the games on TV and he'll call me after the games and was very disappointed he couldn't be out there. He did extra rehab, everything to make that injury process happen faster. But he sat out for a reason."
Spence, who said he's gained five pounds of muscle since the end of the season, has remained at strongside linebacker this spring with senior Colin McCarthy on the weakside. With so many young and inexperienced linebackers on the team, Spence said he's tried to take on more of a vocal leadership role on the field and in the film room at the urging of new linebackers coach Micheal Barrow.
"It's a new season, new year," UM coach Randy Shannon said. "and he's starting off fast right now in spring football."
A FEW MORE TIDBITS...
Trying to earn a kicking job on a team with Matt Bosher isn't easy. The All-ACC First Team kicker and second team punter handled all three facets last season for the Hurricanes including kickoffs. But redshirt sophomore Jake Wieclaw, who temporarily handled kickoffs before losing the job to walk-on Alex Uribe and then Bosher, is hoping he can finally win one of those three jobs come the fall.
With Bosher out this spring (he reportedly injured his shoulder in a car accident), Wieclaw is being given every chance by Shannon to impress this spring. So far, Wieclaw says, all the special teams work has been centered on blocking. But he'll get a few chances to kick in pressure situations Saturday.
"I've always felt pretty comfortable inside of 40 [yards], Anything outside of 40 for a kicker isn't easy, but you should be making those," said Wieclaw, who feels his best shot at earning a job could be on kickoffs. "If [Bosher] does all three, then he does all three. If they need my help anywhere then I'll see what I can do to help out."
It took cornerback Demarcus Van Dyke 33 college games before he intercepted his first past last season against Wake Forest. That's the only pick he has in three years. But so far through his first two practices in the spring, he's made interceptions on both days. Tuesday, Van Dyke said he got some tutoring from Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed about taking better angles.
If Reed, 31, decides to retire, the Hurricanes might want to ask him to become a volunteer assistant. His senior year at UM in 2001, he had nine interceptions. Last season, UM had nine as a team (five more than in 2008).
If he wanted to reach for them, Sean Spence has plenty of viable excuses for his drop in production last season.
He could blame the knee injury that cost him three games and slowed him down. He could point to his position switch -- from weakside linebacker to strongside linebacker -- as the reason why he didn't come close to matching the 65 tackles he made as a freshman when he was the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year.
But the 6-foot, 217-pound junior-to-be isn't doing any finger pointing for his unspectacular sophomore season -- except at himself. "I have to go out there, make plays and help my team win. I didn't do that," Spence said Wednesday after the Hurricanes' sixth practice of the spring.
"I can't say it was a lack of maturity. I can't say it was my knee. All I can say was it was a lack of production. Last season just made me hungrier to want it even more this year."
Spence, who finished his sophomore season seventh on the team with 36 tackles including 6.5 for loss and three sacks, is already impressing his teammates this spring with his bounce-back attitude. Cornerback Brandon Harris said Spence, a childhood friend, "looks fast, looks physical."
"He's going in there, head on head with the offensive lineman, shedding blocks, making plays," Harris said. "He's a great motivator for the defense. He's a guy who is going to speak up when something needs to be spoken, keep everybody humble.
"I think it affected us tremendously [when he went out]. His presence on the field, it gives everybody a comfort level and a high and allows us to play faster and smoother. He makes sure everybody is on the right page. When you have somebody like Sean on your defense, you know automatically you can count on him to make a big play. When you got a guy like that on the field, the rest of our jobs are easy."
Spence started the first seven games of the season for the Hurricanes before injuring his knee in the first half against Clemson. He then missed the next three games, including arguably the team's worst defensive performance of the season against Wake Forest and the loss at North Carolina. He said he "didn't really feel right" until the bowl game. Missing time was tough to deal with mentally for Spence -- especially since he didn't many any games in high school and played in all 13 games and started nine for UM as a freshman.
"Me and Sean are close friends and during that injury time he wasn't himself," Harris said. "It was hard for him to sit out and not be able to travel with the team and having to watch the games on TV and he'll call me after the games and was very disappointed he couldn't be out there. He did extra rehab, everything to make that injury process happen faster. But he sat out for a reason."
Spence, who said he's gained five pounds of muscle since the end of the season, has remained at strongside linebacker this spring with senior Colin McCarthy on the weakside. With so many young and inexperienced linebackers on the team, Spence said he's tried to take on more of a vocal leadership role on the field and in the film room at the urging of new linebackers coach Micheal Barrow.
"It's a new season, new year," UM coach Randy Shannon said. "and he's starting off fast right now in spring football."
A FEW MORE TIDBITS...
Trying to earn a kicking job on a team with Matt Bosher isn't easy. The All-ACC First Team kicker and second team punter handled all three facets last season for the Hurricanes including kickoffs. But redshirt sophomore Jake Wieclaw, who temporarily handled kickoffs before losing the job to walk-on Alex Uribe and then Bosher, is hoping he can finally win one of those three jobs come the fall.
With Bosher out this spring (he reportedly injured his shoulder in a car accident), Wieclaw is being given every chance by Shannon to impress this spring. So far, Wieclaw says, all the special teams work has been centered on blocking. But he'll get a few chances to kick in pressure situations Saturday.
"I've always felt pretty comfortable inside of 40 [yards], Anything outside of 40 for a kicker isn't easy, but you should be making those," said Wieclaw, who feels his best shot at earning a job could be on kickoffs. "If [Bosher] does all three, then he does all three. If they need my help anywhere then I'll see what I can do to help out."
It took cornerback Demarcus Van Dyke 33 college games before he intercepted his first past last season against Wake Forest. That's the only pick he has in three years. But so far through his first two practices in the spring, he's made interceptions on both days. Tuesday, Van Dyke said he got some tutoring from Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed about taking better angles.
If Reed, 31, decides to retire, the Hurricanes might want to ask him to become a volunteer assistant. His senior year at UM in 2001, he had nine interceptions. Last season, UM had nine as a team (five more than in 2008).
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Miami practice report
A few notes from Tuesday's practice session, according to the sports information department:
- The Canes worked on third-down blitz situations, inside run, and pass-rushing drills along with the usual offensive and defensive position drills before wrapping up practice with 11-on-11 team drills.
- Redshirt freshman running back Lamar Miller practiced for the first time this spring. Miller, who spent last week getting ready for the ACC indoor championships, had a few long runs along with running backs Damien Berry and Mike James.
- Sophomore safety Vaughn Telemaque intercepted a pass in team drills and also made a pass breakup.
- Senior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson continued to impress as he caught several passes in 7-on-7 and other passing drills.
- Junior wideout Travis Benjamin had a 20-yard gain from quarterback A.J. Highsmith in 7-on-7.
- Junior quarterback Spencer Whipple also had a nice pass to Thearon Collier in team drills. Collier and Kendal Thompkins made a few nice receptions in the team period.
Miller ready to flash breakaway speed
Miller ready to flash breakaway speed
You have to give Lamar Miller credit -- at least he tried. Twice during track season the 5-11, 212-pound running back said he challenged receiver Travis Benjamin for the title of fastest Hurricane. And twice, Miller laments, Benjamin got the better of him -- barely.
"It's hard to beat him," Miller said of the much thinner Benjamin who placed fourth in the 60 meters (6.74 seconds) and two spots ahead of Miller (6.84 seconds) at last weekend's ACC Track and Field Indoor championships. "He runs at warp speed."
Miller might not be fast enough to catch Benjamin in track, but on the football field he's fast enough to grab just about everyone's attention. Tuesday, as the Hurricanes resumed spring practice in full pads and shorts, the redshirt freshman was back on the football field, flashing his speed and talent. And just like last season, he's receiving rave reviews.
"I couldn't wait to see him come back out on the field," said redshirt freshman defensive end Dyron Dye who faced Miller plenty on the Canes' scout team. "The things he sees, does, I've never seen a running back do the things he does. It's very exciting to go against him. It's crazy. I'm excited to see what he does this year."
Miller said he had a couple "big runs" Tuesday. "One, we were running a counter and I saw the hole, cut back and outran everybody," he said. "The next one was a stretch play, I cut back in the inside and did the same thing."
Miller knows the Hurricanes are likely to rotate running backs plenty this season and he said he just wants to earn his share of carries with the other guys -- likely senior Damien Berry and sophomore Mike James. He said his goal this spring is to stay healthy, drop down a few pounds (he wants to weigh 205 when the season starts), and work on his pass blocking -- something he didn't do a lot of at Miami Killian.
A FEW MORE TIDBITS...
I almost made the mistake Tuesday of confusing redshirt freshman defensive end Dyron Dye with senior Allen Bailey. Dye isn't as beefy as Bailey yet, but you can definitely see his 6-5, 250-pound frame has room to grow. Dye, who had knee surgery before the Oklahoma game last season, said he has added 15 to 20 pounds since returning.
"The way I put it on, I don't feel heavy," Dye said. "It came on bit by bit. I feel real good. I'm still moving the same as I did before."
UM coach Randy Shannon said he hopes to run about 130 to 140 plays during Saturday's closed scrimmage at Greentree practice field. That's seems like a lot more than usual. The Canes usually run about 75 to 80 per scrimmage. Shannon said all players -- including the quarterbacks -- will receive equal reps. The scrimmage is open to local high school coaches and youth football coaches who participate in UM's weekend coaching seminar ($50 to register).
The Hurricanes will have two open scrimmages for the public. The first one is Thursday, March 11th at Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium at 7 p.m. The spring game is set for Saturday, March 27th at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on CSS. There will be an autograph session for fans an hour before both scrimmages are set to begin.
Shannon said he was pleased with the first week of spring practice including the progress of his young quarterbacks in the offense. Occasionally, he says, a few scuffles have broken out between other players because of the intensity of the workouts. "That' the one thing you like, that those guys are really going after each other," Shannon said. "Instead of `you're my teammate, my roommate,' it's more of `you're on offense, I'm on defense, now I'm going to get after you,' which is good."
Shannon praised receiver LaRon Byrd as one of his one of the opening week's biggest standouts. "He made a lot of plays last week, improved from last year," Shannon said. "We told him, and I told him Saturday, `Hey you had a great week. But now when we come back you have to have a different mentality; what you did last week is over with.' I'm trying to prepare those guys for next season, because we had success early in the season, guys were feeling good about themselves and probably slacked off. Now this is a time you can actually work on it to see if you take that next step, not relax now."
You have to give Lamar Miller credit -- at least he tried. Twice during track season the 5-11, 212-pound running back said he challenged receiver Travis Benjamin for the title of fastest Hurricane. And twice, Miller laments, Benjamin got the better of him -- barely.
"It's hard to beat him," Miller said of the much thinner Benjamin who placed fourth in the 60 meters (6.74 seconds) and two spots ahead of Miller (6.84 seconds) at last weekend's ACC Track and Field Indoor championships. "He runs at warp speed."
Miller might not be fast enough to catch Benjamin in track, but on the football field he's fast enough to grab just about everyone's attention. Tuesday, as the Hurricanes resumed spring practice in full pads and shorts, the redshirt freshman was back on the football field, flashing his speed and talent. And just like last season, he's receiving rave reviews.
"I couldn't wait to see him come back out on the field," said redshirt freshman defensive end Dyron Dye who faced Miller plenty on the Canes' scout team. "The things he sees, does, I've never seen a running back do the things he does. It's very exciting to go against him. It's crazy. I'm excited to see what he does this year."
Miller said he had a couple "big runs" Tuesday. "One, we were running a counter and I saw the hole, cut back and outran everybody," he said. "The next one was a stretch play, I cut back in the inside and did the same thing."
Miller knows the Hurricanes are likely to rotate running backs plenty this season and he said he just wants to earn his share of carries with the other guys -- likely senior Damien Berry and sophomore Mike James. He said his goal this spring is to stay healthy, drop down a few pounds (he wants to weigh 205 when the season starts), and work on his pass blocking -- something he didn't do a lot of at Miami Killian.
A FEW MORE TIDBITS...
I almost made the mistake Tuesday of confusing redshirt freshman defensive end Dyron Dye with senior Allen Bailey. Dye isn't as beefy as Bailey yet, but you can definitely see his 6-5, 250-pound frame has room to grow. Dye, who had knee surgery before the Oklahoma game last season, said he has added 15 to 20 pounds since returning.
"The way I put it on, I don't feel heavy," Dye said. "It came on bit by bit. I feel real good. I'm still moving the same as I did before."
UM coach Randy Shannon said he hopes to run about 130 to 140 plays during Saturday's closed scrimmage at Greentree practice field. That's seems like a lot more than usual. The Canes usually run about 75 to 80 per scrimmage. Shannon said all players -- including the quarterbacks -- will receive equal reps. The scrimmage is open to local high school coaches and youth football coaches who participate in UM's weekend coaching seminar ($50 to register).
The Hurricanes will have two open scrimmages for the public. The first one is Thursday, March 11th at Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium at 7 p.m. The spring game is set for Saturday, March 27th at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on CSS. There will be an autograph session for fans an hour before both scrimmages are set to begin.
Shannon said he was pleased with the first week of spring practice including the progress of his young quarterbacks in the offense. Occasionally, he says, a few scuffles have broken out between other players because of the intensity of the workouts. "That' the one thing you like, that those guys are really going after each other," Shannon said. "Instead of `you're my teammate, my roommate,' it's more of `you're on offense, I'm on defense, now I'm going to get after you,' which is good."
Shannon praised receiver LaRon Byrd as one of his one of the opening week's biggest standouts. "He made a lot of plays last week, improved from last year," Shannon said. "We told him, and I told him Saturday, `Hey you had a great week. But now when we come back you have to have a different mentality; what you did last week is over with.' I'm trying to prepare those guys for next season, because we had success early in the season, guys were feeling good about themselves and probably slacked off. Now this is a time you can actually work on it to see if you take that next step, not relax now."
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