We Ain't Talkin' About A Game, We Talkin' About Practice

During his now infamous rant just over three years ago, NBA star Allen Iverson uttered the words that generated the title for this blog.  Iverson was being questioned by the media about missing a practice and during his rambling reply he managed to use the word "practice" over 23 times in just under than three minutes.  Iverson went on to thoroughly chastise the media about making such a big deal over him missing a "practice, not a game, but a practice".

Well earlier today practice apparently was a big deal to Canes fans as your University of Miami football team took to the field for their first practice of the Fall.  The event, which was open to season ticket holders and the media was held at Cobb Stadium on the UM campus in lovely, but steamy Coral Gables.  And even before the players hit the field one could almost predict that at some point during the early morning session that Head Coach Randy Shannon would state his famous line: "They (the UM players) were really flying around out there."

UM fans everywhere were literally holding their breath and simply couldn't wait for the first reports to leak out and onto the various Internet sites.  Canes fans wanted to know "how the team looked" and "who was doing what" during the first practice of the season.   If there is one thing we have learned over the years is that all the athletes look good in shorts and shells but it isn't until the pads go on and the hitting starts that the real football players start to step up and be counted.

Still based on several "sources" here is what we have heard about today's practice:

• QB Taylor Cook is still really tall and is starting to look really good as the Canes back-up QB going into 2009.  Our first look at A.J. Highsmith in a UM uniform showed that he is slightly taller than current third string QB Cannon Smith and that he looked decent throwing the ball.  Some are still projecting he may move to DB if the QB position turns out to not be his forte, but let's give that idea some time to marinate.

• WR Leonard Hankerson apparently has not only been working out with former Miami Dolphin WR Mark Duper but also with UM Strength and Conditioning Coach Andreu Swasey as he looked all "muscled up."  Hank impressed some fans on hand to watch the first practice who claimed he looked "NFL ready" on day one of Fall practice.  Some feel that he could be on the verge of having a break-out season in 2009 as a Junior.  Only time will tell as the Canes are very deep at this position and the competition for playing time will be intense.

• Reports are that Freshman OL/TE Stephen Plein is a very large man.  One fan said he looked slow and out of place.  Sounds about right for a true freshman on his first day of practice.

• The current consesnsus among those in the know and at the first practice is that former UM basketball player Jimmy Graham is going to turn a lot heads this year as a football player at TE.  Apparently the Liger's (part lion/part tiger) conversion from the air conditioned hardwood to the hot outdoor grass field has gone better than anyone could have expected.  Now let's see how he takes his first hit from LB Sean Spence before we crown him king of the jungle.

• TE Dedrick Epps is back on the field after recovering from knee surgery and looks healthy.  He caught a tipped ball over the middle of the field and ran it in a for a TD.  His return is crucial to the Canes offense this year and barring any setbacks he looks to be on schedule to be ready for the opener against FSU in Tallahassee on Labor Day. 

• Red-shirt freshman WR Tommy Streeter also looked impressive as he caught two TDs, one on a long pass from his high school and current QB Jacory Harris.  Streeter could be in the mix for some serious playing time if Aldarius Johnson, LaRon Byrd, Leonard Hankerson or others falter.  Isn't depth nice?  Poor Mark Whipple!

• Speaking of The Whip, fans report he was acting all "head coach like, barking out the offensive plays" and using a very hands on approach during the morning practice.  The Canes are counting on Miracle Whip to turn around a burning hunk of steaming junk that was last year's offense into something much more fragrant and appealing.  It says right here that he gets it done.

• Gary Ferman from Canesport.com reports that about 1,500 fans showed up for the event.  He stated that the only known injuries were two minor leg muscle (hamstring) strains.  Staying healthy will once again be the key to the Canes success in 2009.

• Defensive backs Brandon Harris and Demarcus Van Dyke both had interceptions for the defense, with Van Dyke returning his for a TD and a short celebration.  Now, let's see one practice results in two INTs whereas one entire season (2008) resulted in only four picks?  We are liking that improvement very, very much! 

• Lastly, during inside running drills both Ferman and one fan who attended the event raved about recent Miami Killian grad  Lamar "The Truth" Miller breaking off a nice run and showing some nice moves during the day's only big gainer.  Miller and Mike "Smiley" James and both looking for playing time and will push current co-starters Javaris James and Graig Cooper to become better players this year or find a seat on the bench.  Either way, the team wins! 

Comments

[solarcane]

wha?

[Old Skool]

Dang I took time to read. Good info Thx

[solarcane]

miracle whip, lmao soup!

skool did you ever get a Canespace Tee??

off to the Hobby Lobby with my wife, after we touch everything in the building twice and argue about the merits of bringing it home I'll be back

GO not so baby Cans!!
peace

[PFCane]

thanks for the info. great blog and i love reading it.

i find it hard to imagne spence even making an impact on graham. graham is a large mammal. 6'8, 253. he's gonna be very effective if utilized correctly, also intimidating.

go CANES!!!

[bg1906]

86Cane,

Got to disagree with you Hankerson. I said from looking at him on the Mark Duper videos he looked JACKED. So yeah I have to disagree bro.

[SuperCooper]

Cannon really sucks.

[SOUP]

1906...U can disagree all u want. We always encourage differing points of view.

Of course I am ALWAYS right, but if U want to be wrong then have at it! LOL

[SOUP]

go CANES!!!

Posted by: PFCane | August 08, 2009 at 01:14 PM

PF...welcome to The Space. Post here, post often!

[CanesAddiction]

good practice report. I'm really curious to see how the logjam at receiver works out.

**I love the Miracle Whip thing that has started

[SuperCooper]

And I really hope Pipho is not the starter at the end of camp.

[SebastianDaIbis]

Lamar Miller making nice moves while breaking off a nice run for a big gainer

98 yarder here we come

Its only the 1st practice...Yes

How did that 1st practice go BB??? Last time I mention that name

Great news so far on day 1

[miamihurricane34]

The DVD pick 6 was sweet. They even did an endzone celebration. DVD got on the ground and held the football up and I beleive was pretending to film some of the other Canes dancing.

Jimmy Graham had a coach by his side most of the practice giving him individual attention, teaching him blocking schemes on field goals extra, how to move his feet and shift. I saw them put Jimmy in motion on at least one play. He has a nice stance, I think he could get some playing time if he gets the blocking down, good hands too.

Ian S. had no stamina left at the end of practice, his is big and slowwwww.

In the receiver drills it looked like men vs boys. our CB are tiny, no wonder we can't get any interceptions. Most of the times the receivers were lined up against CB that were 4-5" shorter than them.

Also, like the Dolphin practices, they asked fans to not use cell phones, video recorders, or tweet.

Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 08, 2009 at 01:09 PM

Some pictures from practice
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/view.gal?id=51087

Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 08, 2009 at 01:16 PM

Other observations: way better turnout than I thought there would be, they are estimating 1,500, but I thought more like 2K.

We need to issue the players smaller shorts, everytime they would run off the line their shorts were falling off and they had to keep pulling them up.

Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 08, 2009 at 01:18 PM

[CaniaK]

We need more detail

[fmcane]

thats great that Hank has gotten bigger, but size has never been his problem. He needs to catch the football consistently. I just cant handle to see more easy drops by our wr. I am hope full that with this group of studs we can find some that will catch.

[Canefantasy]

Soup I am going to keep buggin you till you give me those duke tickets... Its football time baby!!!!!!!!!!

[Esteban]

where is all the info from those who went? i know it ain't gonna be much since its the first practice, but still...feed the beast.

[86Cane]

Soup I am going to keep buggin you till you give me those duke tickets... Its football time baby!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Canefantasy | August 08, 2009 at 02:15 PM

Not gonna happen, I already gave them away the other day when someone guessed my area code for the first time. I just can't remember who it was?

[Sarasota 'cane]

Hey 86 and Legion,

The UM UCF ticket went on sale today! My brother said he got my family 4 good seats, so you all better get while the gettin's good!

Go 'canes!

P.S. I think the USF tickets wen on sale today as well!

[86Cane]

Este...I'm waiting for CaneZilla and others to file his report and photos later today.

More to follow...

[86Cane]

Sarasota...thanks for the heads up on the UCF tickets. Just bought 5 myself @ $50 each. We are in baby!!!

Ocala and Jarrel..are U in?

Canechic and Angry...are u guys covered already?

[CaneSawMassacre]

5? Who you heading with 86?

[CaneSawMassacre]

That is my neck of the woods coming from the Tampa area..

[canefanatic777]

great info about the first practice. hope to see you guys at the UCF game, ill be a freshman at UCF this year, but ill still be wearing my canes stuff for the game.

[Aces & Canes]

Man I Love me some CaneSpace! Keep all that info coming.

[CaneSawMassacre]

By the way 86 I was thinking about it.. The offense is going to have some awesome packages..

Two or even Three TE sets.. With Gordon and Epps on one side. J.Graham or T.Johnson on the other..

Four or Five wide receiver sets.

Power I running game with James/Berry and Calhoun/Hill.

Split back sets with Coop and either James/ or even chambers/miller.

Tall WR sets. With Byrd, Streeter, Johson, hank

Speedy WR sets with Benjamin, Collier, Thompkins, Johnson

Special spread sets with J.Graham or Epps playing in the Slot in the goal line.

Tons of opportunities for Whip, he just has to get the team 100% solid on a certain amount of plays before he increases the information..

Also. stuff I've heard about today..

People were a little ticked that the team walked off the field. No autographs after, no coach thanking the fans. Though there was a nice little set-up for the field.. BUT canefest was really for that anyways..

Whip was barking orders and was controlling the field from an authorative stand point. More so than Randy..

Starting lineup included a few suprises.. As the DB's... had B.Harris, DVD, Chavez Grant and R.Phillips.. With VT standing right behind the first group... Not sure if it was a special package situation or if they were actually plaing C.Grant at Safety but they ended up giving VT more first team reps..

Hankerson looked bulked up, dropped no balls. Though he did bobble a few easy ones.

Ray Ray had a tough day, dropped 5-6 passes that came his way as part of drills. (DUDE IS HUGE)

Apparently Gary said Jermaine Johnson could seriously challenge Pipho for that RT spot. Which is interesting because of how much people said he struggled in the spring. So he must have been busting his a$$ over the summer. or Pipho looked like crap today..

Another report said that B.Jones/Brandon Washington were looking pretty good as well but this is with no pads. B.Washington is a monster and will be a stud if he focuses on getting stronger.. (Think Cowboys Olineman Larry Allen.. He could be that big and strong)

Forston split first team reps with J.Holmes. Bailey was the other first team tackle.

D.Epps had a nice touchdown grab off a tipped ball and looked very good. Very healthy, very fluid and was cutting well. God I hope he is mentally ready for the season with his body looking ready.. We all know that just the thought of injury kills these guys..

Apparently B.harris INT was due to Hankerson falling down on a route. DVD pick was off a walk on WR... but he returned it for a TD and did a celebration. Dropping and appearing to film his teammates with an imaginary ball.

L.Miller had the only run that actually broke through the line on 11-11 team drills but he got limited carries and Gary seems to think he is way behind.

Benjamin and a lineman quit running drills at the end of practice as they did 110 yard sprints.. Not sure if it was conditioning or injury..

J.Reid and D.Johnson had hamstring injuries and were out of practice about halfway..

Cory White looks a lot bigger and seems solid. Could be a beast after a good year of redshirting and putting on solid muscle.

Did I say RAY RAY IS HUGE... I MEAN LIKE CRAZY BIG>.. If he really is fast that could be crazy.. but again people said he looked like a deer in headlights and lot of people said that maybe the hype has gotten to him early. Too many expectations, so maybe we slightly temper them. But the kid has the potential to play 5-6 positions on offense or defense.. That is crazy scary...

Jacory was very impressive and he was the only QB who did not throw a INT I believe... T.Cook was inconsistent but had some nice throws. Cannon Smith and Highsmith are very short and C.SMith should likely not be playing here on scholarship, I like the kid but the talent level is bad. Highsmith with be a QB for at least this eyar because he throws a better ball than C.SMith already...

Streeter had an amazing day. .Catching everything and scoring two TD's.. One a very impressive diving catch... We shall wait until the pads come on to judge him..

Ramon Buchanon is looking very good and Gary has some talks with Barrow that indicate that if an injury happens (or maybe not even that.. he could steal a spot) that "cookie" will see the field. That this will be his breakout year.. Gary even said J.Futch looked pretty solid.. NOT EVEN A WHIMPER ABOUT A.BROWN.. Take it for what it is worth. Other people might have seen soemthing different but I guess Gary wasn't paying attention to A.Brown when he was in or if he didn't have a great day..

He also said L.Bryd seemed a bit sluggish but still had a solid day. K.Thompkins looked very good but didn't really do anything within the 11-11 format.

Don't think anythhing else... I'll put in anything if I forgot.

[Canes.Fan.In.California]

Being in California is killing me - thank God for this site and the info. you all bring me!!! Finally, fall practice is here!!!

[CaneSawMassacre]

QandA with Shannon from Canesport.. So go suppor their site and get a membership.. cheapskates...But still wanted to share the info with my brethren..

Q: Last year Jacory Harris platooned with Robert Marve to give him experience. How do you attack that now that he has to play every snap?

Shannon: It's different because Jacory is an experienced quarterbacks. That's why we went to a two-quarterback system. Now you have a veteran quarterback that has played. You don't worry about it now. You have a quarterback that's done it.

Q: how has the offense responded to new coordinator Mark Whipple?

Shannon: Fine, great, no problem.

Q: You have two new coordinators.

Shannon: The only thing different is terminology and how you use players. It's all verbage. How you use people is going to be a difference on defense and offense.

Q: Jacory, going back to the Emerald Bowl, he talked about how much his shoulder hurt. How hurt was he in that game?

Shannon: Honestly he was probably seriously hurt, but knowing Jacory is a competitor, it probably wasn't as bad as what he assumed it to be because he threw some deep balls. He did some things in the game. It shows that as a quarterback he went in that game and proved to the team that no matter what happens I'm going to be with you guy – let's go out and have fun, I'm going to prove I can win the game.

Q: How do you challenge Taylor Cook now as a backup?

Shannon: The difference first year to now is depth. The numbers make a big difference. Taylor knows that no matter what happens, if he has a bad practice, you have Cannon Smith and A.J. Highsmith right behind him. So don't say `I'm No. 2,' because you may become No. 3, No. 4. The running backs, you can do a lot of good things at running back because it's you have to compete in practice or the next guy comes in. The same thing at receiver, defensive line. When you have those situations, now guys understand every day you have to go out and get better.

Q: Do you feel like the players are understanding everything they need to now?

Shannon: The seniors have done a great job. Randy Phillips has been around a long time, Jason Fox, Chavez Grant, Eric Moncur and Dedrick Epps. Those guys have been here three years. They know the heartaches, ups and downs. This summer they did a lot of senior things together, said what we have to get done, the problems, who they have to talk to, pull in as a group.

Q: So they had a team council?

Shannon: A team council because they want to win. They understand you can't have anyone slack off.

Q: Javarris James was less productive last year. What do you expect from him?

Shannon: A big season. He's done a great job of getting himself ready. Me and Javarris this off-season, we looked what he did his freshman year. He was 207, 208, real quick. Then he gained weight. He was weighing 218, 217. It was good weight, but he was nicked up a lot. He's cut his weight down (this year). He's faster, bigger and stronger than he's ever been by losing weight. He's doing well.

Q: What does a healthy Colin McCarthy mean to the defense?

Shannon: Oh, a lot. You look at what Colin has done when healthy, it's unbelievable. Big hits, touchdowns, blocked punts. He could have went this spring, but we wanted to get him ready for the season. He was upset (sitting out the spring), but I'm looking at the big picture on what he can help us with as far as leadership, be fresh, ready to go.

Q: What have you done to improve the run defense?

Shannon: Well, we're a lot older. A year experience will make us a whole lot better on the defensive front. Plus we have Colin McCarthy, Darryl Sharpton was banged up (last year).

Q: What about the tough early schedule?

Shannon: I can't control the schedule. You can play Oklahoma early, play (them) late. Either way, you play them.

Q: What about Eric Moncur?

Shannon: You add Eric into the mix, the run defense – you have energy on that defense. Take Eric out (with a double team) and you're looking at Allen Bailey. Marcus Robinson had a good year last year as a freshman, Adewale Ojomo as a redshirt freshman (did well).

Q: Talk about Bailey. He's moved around a lot.

Shannon: The first year Allen was the fourth linebacker. We only had three. We get an injury, Allen has to go. The following year we lost Eric Moncur, still had Antonio Dixon, Dwayne Hendricks, Josh Holmes (so Bailey played DE).

Q: Do you have the depth you need to pull through the first four games?

Shannon: We still have some depth issues. We still have some holes we have to fill through recruiting. Do we have receivers? Yeah, we have receivers. But we have sophomore starters. If Eric Moncur isn't the starter, we have sophomore teamed with another sophomore. Do I think we'll be a lot better next year? Yeah. Because we'll have (more) game experience.

Q: What can you expect from Jimmy graham?

Shannon: From watching him today, he's not afraid. When we get in pads, the difference is how he'll respond. It's the 30 pounds (of pads) added on, how he gets on guys.

Q: Is DL the strength of your team?

Shannon: I don't know. We have some pretty good running backs. I won't make that statement.

Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of this team.

Shannon: Strength, we're young. We'll fly around, make plays because they don't know any better. the weakness is we are young – they may take a chance on something, it may hurt us.

Q: How do you plan to get the young RBs in the rotation?

Shannon: I don't know what we'll have on game day. I've been here two years. We start off with four or five running backs; by the end of the season we have one. (In practice) every running back is going to get equal amounts of reps.

* Shannon said there were no serious injuries coming out of the morning's practice. He said there were some hydration and cramping issues.

[NigerianCane]

Virginia Tech is #7? what are this mofos smoking? same VT team that struggled in the ACC last year? it is a effing joke!!

[SOUP]

Not sure yet CSM. Probably Ocala and his wife and then ??? Gotta check with Angry and Canechic but they may be able to get their own through the school. If so I may have two extra for U.

BTW...U can buy single game tickets for UCF vs UM on line right now. Cheapest ones are $50, next level is $65.

[Canes.Fan.In.California]

Nice article on Moncur:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4385901

[SOUP]

Man I Love me some CaneSpace! Keep all that info coming.

Posted by: Aces & Canes | August 08, 2009 at 03:28 PM

That's the plan!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Ok, just curious.. Even if I buy my own online for that game want to meet up with you guys..

The cash flow like I said right now is a little limited because we are focused on paying off the wedding but I should be solid by the end of the month or mid September.

[SOUP]

Sarasota...Negative on the USF tickets being on sale. They go on sale 9/10/09.

[SOUP]

The cash flow like I said right now is a little limited because we are focused on paying off the wedding but I should be solid by the end of the month or mid September.

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | August 08, 2009 at 04:09 PM

CSM...just wait and see how it all shakes out. If U go we will definitely meet up at the stadium for a tailgate. Even if U get shut out for the UCF game there will always be the USF game in Tampa with tickets going on sale in September.

I already bought the 2 FSU tickets you wanted with the pre-game UMAA party, and U were gonna mail me a check for one of them ($105). Email me about when U plan to do that or if U plan to just pay me at the game.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Thanks Soup!

FYI on the USF game, if you know anyone (or company) with a suite at Raymond James stadium for the Buc's games, they have first right of refusal to use their suite for any event held at the stadium. They would still have to buy a ticket for each person attending the game.

Just a thought, I have been to several events and games @ Raymond James with my buddy whos client gave us his suite when he was not using it. We just had to pay for tickets.

If you have a relaionship with a business that has a suite, lean on them! It won't cost them a dime! The tickets are pretty cheap too!

[canechic]

Thanks 86 I have not checked with UCF but I am sure will get something. I am going to try this week. Money is tight this month with Nicole leaving for Miami. Thanks for looking out for us :)

[canechic]

I cleaned the garage yesterday and had a yard sale today and I am just exhausted, it is just miserably hot.

[CaneSawMassacre]

yea I wouldn't send you a check..SOUP.. I Will either send you a money order or bring the cash at the event..

send me your address to my work email and I'll figure out from there..

Def. will get you the money. No doubt about that.

Kenneth.C.Disalvo@verizon.com

[SOUP]

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday August 19th
Football Season Kickoff Party

with Special Guest Speakers Lamar Thomas & Steve Walsh

With SPECIAL GUEST EMCEE: DON BAILEY JR.

7:00 PM
Miller's Ale House

1200 Yamato Road
Boca Raton, FL

Here is the link to RSVP:

http://www.561canes.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=325224

[canefan3]

For the record Hankerson is a junior this year. Its his 3rd year in the program which is when most players breakout so i could see it happening.

[SlingBlade]

went to the practice today, wearing my canespace T...

a few observations.....

stephen plein does look big...and slow...he looks very laborsome in his moves...i see a move to LT for him, he is no TE...

billy sanders on the other hand looked very good...i can see good things in the future with him...has good balance and body control

jimmy graham is very physical and not surprisingly has soft hands...he is still learning his footwork and body positioning in the blocking plays...but while the other TE's were doing their drills he was wasnt just looking around at fans but he was watching what they were doing and putting it to use...

i didnt see dedrick epps limping at all...i didnt watch him a whole lot though...but i did see him running pretty good...

aj highsmith did show that he had some zip behind his throws, although they werent always on target...but not bad for the first day...i did see him doing some secondary drills also...he didnt look so good doing those...often trailing the receiver

micanor regis looks like he is stronger this year...he was pushing offensive linemen around...lookout for him

and one more thing......LT36 was there..nice to see him...i didnt notice any other former canes

[CaneSawMassacre]

Been tring to save a duck with a broken leg down in Miami...Exhausting as well. My fianee' is so emotional and one of those amazing women that cherishes all life and I have to help when I see her face...

So just got done creating a bed for it, giving it food and water and ME the DR. put a makeshift splint on there.. Not sure that it will help but that was the best info I could get from google on the subject.. Amazingly enough animal services won't rescue ducks... Vets won't save them because they are not native to Florida, so all they can do is put them down.. (Which in my opinion might be best for the duck. Though I won't say that to my fiancee's face)

BUT say a little prayer for our new ducky friend.. Hope everything will work out.

[SlingBlade]

im working an angle to get tickets to the UCF game hopefully it works so we can represent in orlando....
a guy i work with has a really close friend that lives in orlando and 2 houses down from him is the strength coach for UCF..and apparently the coach told him that he could get him and his friends into the game...

[canechic]

We will all pray for the duck CSM! :)

[CaneSawMassacre]

From Gary Ferman at www.canesport.com:

Quarterback Jacory Harris spoke today at media day, and he had a simple one-sentence message.

"It's time for an ACC championship," he said. Harris says some weight gain this off-season will "help my durability."
He played at 175 pounds last year and is up to 190 this year.

* Harris spoke about some of his targets.

Of Dedrick Epps, Harris aid, "Dedrick is a great player. He brings a lot to the team. He can catch, run fast. He's a strong guy, strong individual that is passionate about football."

Of TE Jimmy Graham, Harris said, "He's looking good. He's out there catching the ball, doing his assignment. He can help us a lot. The tight end position, we don't have numbers there."

Of Leonard Hankerson, he said, "Hankerson is doing well, has improved for last year. He's a hard working guy."

* Harris spoke about the running game, saying, "You need the run to help open up the pass. Without the running game it's going to be hard. We have a good stable of running backs. We're going to look good this year."

Of Javarris James, he said, "he's healthy. He dropped some weight, so he's going to be quicker, faster.

Of Mike James, Harris said, "He's doing well. He's a guy that doesn't make mistakes. He knows all his plays, is just having fun out there. I expect him to do great things over the years at the University of Miami."

For more news on today's practice go to:

www.canesport.com

[CaneSawMassacre]

Thank you Canechic that is sweet of you..

I really hope what we did helps and doesn't make things worse but he seems to be breathing steadier and at least comfortable now.. So..

[SOUP]

Canesfan3...thanks for the correction.

Sling...thanks for the report and sporting the Canespace shirt at the event.

Zilla...where U at?

CSM...don't do that again, now I gotta go fix it. Paraphrase it or summarize it in one paragraph.

[CaneSawMassacre]

I guess I'm confused.. I thought I just had to cite the source, No??

[CaneSawMassacre]

Is that wrong SOUP.. my post disappeared, but I thought as long as I gave credit to the appropriate site, it was ok..

I didn't claim the information as my own and advised the readers to purchse memberships.. That is free advertising for their establishment.

[Esteban]

once the pads come on some guys will rise up n some will fall back.

and lewis n regis need to have that stamina. could be the lil difference that allows someone else to be in the rotation while they watch.

[CaneSawMassacre]

ok.. now that is two posts deleted.

[SOUP]

CSM...your post is still there, I just shortened it and posted credits differently so it serves as a tease for people to go to Canesport.

[Brownsub]

*Freshman running back Bryce Brown was held from 11 on 11 contact work after suffering a slight concussion on Thursday.

Kiffin's first week of fall camp has been extremely physical and has been debated among some when is it too much. Kiffin sort of scoffed at the notion after practice when asked if all the physical work was starting to catch up to them.

"We had two people not practice today who came into camp practicing. That is pretty good for 104 guys."

[Brownsub]

Glad we Have Mike James and Lamar Miller over Bryce!

[CaneSawMassacre]

...

[Esteban]

me too brownsub.

[canezilla]

soup,i sent u a email around 2 pm with all i saw

[UMike]

Just had a deer in my back yard..awesome

[miamihurricane34]

Another tidbit you won't find on other sites, I notice Jacory was wearing ankle weights today. He is the only guy I saw wearing them.

[Brownsub]

Article as well as Video from Practice about a minute and a half in length: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/um/story/1177585.html

[SebastianDaIbis]

Not gonna happen, I already gave them away the other day when someone guessed my area code for the first time. I just can't remember who it was?

Posted by: 86Cane | August 08, 2009 at 02:43 PM

That was me 86 and i`ll be hitting you with the email. It was the 386.
Thanks again
I meant to send it yesterday but wifes mom got sick

[Brownsub]

Better Video of Today's Practice: http://cbs4.com/sports

[UMike]

Man..I have been watching a deer eat from about 30 yards away for about 15 mins now....right in my back yard. I know i miss florida very much because I was there for all cane events and games..but this almost makes it a fair trade.

[Aces & Canes]

I agree Este, it's way to early to tell who is going to step up yet. The best we can hope for is that all the boyz work there aZZs off, and we can stay injury free.

[Aces & Canes]

..

[Canez1]

I'm lookin forward to seein graham block some fg's this year more than anything. With that height, wingspan and hops..... That dude is gonna be swattin shyte like he's back on the court!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[AngryCane]

Nice video link Brownsub...

Is that Whipple in the shots whom looks like a HARDA$$ while he works with the players?

If so I like the dude already! Truly shows how a real coach can make a difference; Nix was just too young & too lost.

Give me someone who'll drop you for 50 push-ups, give you a jump boot in the ARSE, and the drop you for 50 more!

And if you screw-up again, it's time for flutter kicks 'till you puke!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Whipple has what the rest of the coordinators we've had the last three years have lacked, HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE. Nix had it down in DII-AA or somewhere but it obviously didn't translate. Whipple on the other hand knows what it takes to run the ship from the captains seat. This will help immensely IMO for the coaching staff as a whole.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

OGV, Whipple's skill and mentality are at least as important as his HC experience, no?
I'm not really worried about what happens now compared to when the pads come on because all these guys have seen live bullets, so we know they can play.

And while I'd rather have Johnson, Wash or Jones ahead of Pipho if Pipho can handle our DL regularly he'll be ready.

Get ready. It's almost like old times. Past is prologue.

[SebastianDaIbis]

IMO Nix never told RS dont worry I GOT THIS

Im sure even before the name was on the paper Whip already told RS..OH I GOT THIS

Nix didnt make the D adjust to us

Whip will make the D adjust to us and then hit them with something else.

[Canefantasy]

Canez I never even thought about Grahams potential on special teams.NICE OH YEAAAH

This is going to be a great year... give me more of the KOOL AID... SNIIIIIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF .... mmmmmmmmmmm thats good stuff.... my face is numb...

[SlingBlade]

thearon collier has the best hands on the team......

harland gunn isnt gonna get much playing time...he is huge...and not in a good way...dude is short and round...and the coaches had to yell at him just to keep him with the offensive line everytime they would change drills...i guess his mind was wandering...too bad because i was really rooting for this guy...i hope he can get it together for his junior and senior year

[orange 'n green in the vein]

From the way Jimmy Graham played the 4 for Haith, he's got the mindset to bust some skulls already, open season on contact always seemed to be more his style than the finesse aspects needed on the basketball court anyway. Plus he wasn't much of a post scorer anyway.

[Canez1]

Sling gunn got rave reviews in. The spring. I think he is gonna push for pt his year.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[miamihurricane34]

I guess they did sign some autographs
http://media.miamiherald.com/smedia/2009/08/08/16/360-5739299.skyboxwide.prod_affiliate.56.JPG

[SlingBlade]

ESPN says Demarco Murray pulls hamstring..out for a couple of weeks...could this be a lingering injury...

[SlingBlade]

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Moments after completing the final sprint of the Miami Hurricanes' season-opening practice Saturday, Eric Moncur slowly removed his helmet.

He looked exhausted.

Still, it's a safe bet that no Hurricane cherished being back on the field more than Moncur, whose time at Miami has been marred by heartbreak and disappointment -- chapters that he's determined to put behind him in 2009.

ACC blog
ESPN.com's Heather Dinich writes about all things ACC in her conference blog.

• Blog network:
College Football Nation

"I've been through some stuff," Moncur said, softly. "Stuff that some people don't go through in a lifetime."

Indeed, it's been one challenge after another for the 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive end.

His college experience started a year behind schedule because of struggles with the SAT in 2003. His best friend Bryan Pata was shot and killed outside an apartment complex on Nov. 7, 2006, just a few hours after they walked off Miami's practice field together. And Moncur's mother Edwina, 42, died last year, not long after being diagnosed with rectal cancer.

"He lost his best friend," said Benny Moncur, the player's father. "And then he lost his other one."

On Aug. 30, 2008, Edwina Moncur entered a hospice facility in South Florida. Eric Moncur kissed her atop the head and promised to take care of the family, no matter what.

The next morning, he awoke to a text message from his brother, saying she was gone.

"Until then, I kept thinking, 'She'll get through this, she'll get through this,'" Moncur said. "I still can't believe it. I went home the night before she died, me and my girl slept on the couch and I couldn't do anything but cry. And when I got that text ... I just kept saying, 'Edwina Moncur, my mom, mom is dead, mom is dead, mom is dead.'"

Along with the emotional anguish, his physical pain was just starting.

Earlier that summer, Moncur had surgery to repair a sports hernia. He rehabbed vigorously, but pain in his midsection persisted, even though doctors insisted everything was fine. About a month after Edwina's death, Moncur simply said he couldn't play anymore.

Eventually, another doctor figured out why: He had a golf-ball-sized abdominal muscle tear, which had gone undetected. Still, Moncur missed the rest of the season, and Miami finished 7-6.

"I knew he was really hurt," Miami coach Randy Shannon said. "Eric's always been a guy, even in high school, who could play through pain. It didn't have anything to do with his mom. He was hurt. He was done."

Another surgery took place, this one to sew up the tear. Within weeks, Moncur starting feeling like himself again.

"Eric's got some things that he hasn't accomplished here yet," Shannon said. "He's a leader now."

Moncur could have gone to the NFL combine earlier this year, but would have been a longshot to get drafted. So to regain eligibility, Moncur needed to apply to the NCAA for an extra season, which was anything but a guarantee.

Then the NCAA sent word in February that Moncur could have a sixth year.

"I knew football was important to him before, but he's really, really taken it to a new level," Benny Moncur said. "He's using it to help himself heal. And it's working."

It all goes back to that last promise he made to his mother. Playing is his way to take care of his family.

Part of Edwina Moncur's legacy is her voice. The woman was loud, especially when her son made a big play. Even in raucous stadiums, Eric Moncur swears he could always hear his mom.

"I need him out there," Benny Moncur said. "It's helping him. It's helping me, too. I still have my moments where it's hard. But every day is a little better than the day before. I was always kind of reserved at games in the past. Not anymore. I've got to let it out."

His kid feels the same way. Moncur came to Miami determined to win a championship, and hasn't even celebrated a league title yet.

Now comes his last chance.

"All this, it's been the Lord's way of humbling me, man," Moncur said. "You go out and you think you're the top dog, somebody's going to put you in your place. Me and Bryan, we came here thinking it'd take us three years and we'd get right into the NFL. If it takes me six, then so be it. I'm here. I'm here for a reason."

[SlingBlade]

Sling gunn got rave reviews in. The spring. I think he is gonna push for pt his year.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | August 08, 2009 at 07:41 PM

i sure hope so..like i said i was pulling for him

[CaneSawMassacre]

Sorry 86, thanks for fixing it for me..

Everybody.. will be back on later tomorrow. Keep on keeping on... I'm all jacked up on Moutain Dew..

[elliott]

Man..I have been watching a deer eat from about 30 yards away for about 15 mins now....right in my back yard. I know i miss florida very much because I was there for all cane events and games..but this almost makes it a fair trade.

I know what U mean Mike I live on 4 acres in the country right outside of Charlotte and almost every night I get a chance to watch deer roam and eat. One day it freaked me out because I was like 10ft away from a HUGE one.

[AngryCane]

"...I was like 10ft away from a HUGE one."

Posted by: elliott | August 08, 2009 at 08:27 PM

Sounds like DINNER!!

[86Cane]

That was me 86 and i`ll be hitting you with the email. It was the 386.
Thanks again, I meant to send it yesterday but wifes mom got sick

Posted by: SebastianDaIbis | August 08, 2009 at 06:00 PM

Roger that!

[86Cane]

Marlins up 4-3 in the sixth over the Phillies. Cody Ross jacks a 2 run HR to give the FISH the lead!

[TJL]

canesaw I got a good recipe for duck!

[hrg]

From The Herald:

The truth is Shannon's contract would have been extended already, reflecting a modest raise, if the university had its way.

The delay is the coach's idea. Actually, closer to his strategy.

``Shannon's Last Stand?'' Nah. That's a bit too dramatic.

``Shannon's Big Gamble?'' OK, now we're getting warmer.

The coach is betting a table full of chips on his faith in sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris and these Hurricanes.

He believes privately that Miami can go 9-3 or even 10-2, get into a major bowl and set up his young team for a realistic run at a national championship in 2010.

That means he believes UM can hold its own in the opening stretch of 19th-ranked Florida State, 15th-ranked Georgia Tech, No. 7 Virginia Tech and No. 3 Oklahoma -- the toughest first month in college football.

He banks on this season being much improved overall and offering the tantalizing hint of championship potential to turn that modest raise UM has in mind into a major payday. Shannon, 43, just saw Florida coach Urban Meyer enriched to $4 million a year. Boss Cane won't make that leap without a national title, but believes he can get a lot closer if his team justifies his faith over the coming months than he would right now, coming off last year's 7-6 record.

It is a gamble because the Canes are young, and because potential means you haven't done it yet.

[bg1906]

Cote article on Shannon Reply

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cote says that Randy has been offered a contract with a small raise, but Randy is holding off banking that this season's results will give him traction for a bigger raise.

Cote says Shannon privately thinks he can pull of 9-3 or 10-2 this year, get into a major bowl, and set up a championship run in 2010. What seems more important is that Randy is making a personal contract gamble based on his strong belief in this season.

Hmmmmmmmmm sounds like what BG said. HAHAHA!

[86Cane]

Shannon's time will come, and we will all rejoice when it does.

We'll drink and dance with one hand free,
And have the world so easily,
U know will be a sight to see,
Back in the high life again...

[86Cane]

Marlins win, Marlins win!

Beat the Phillies again.

Final score 6-4.

[solarcane]

bg,
When people were discussing why hasn't Randy had an extention. I said Randy, Kirby and Donna already knew Randy was getting an extention no matter what.

Now if Randy has a fanatastic season come salary talks he will be giving the University an extention so to speak.

peace

[Six]

Riddle me this, on Boss Man Shannon and his extension ...

"He believes privately that Miami can go 9-3 or even 10-2"

How the hell is that "private thinking" when newspapers PRINT IT for EVERYONE to see?

Past few days, I've been busy at Bucs camp and USF practices - wearing my Canes hat ... funny to see the reaction from USF players.

[86Cane]

wearing my Canes hat ... funny to see the reaction from USF players.

Posted by: Six | August 08, 2009 at 10:36 PM

What do you mean?

BTW...Six wanna go see the Canes beat UCF?

[bg1906]

Sounds good for us.

http://www.tharinger.com/2010%20state%20rankings/ArieK.htm

[AngryCane]

"Marlins win, Marlins win!

Beat the Phillies again.

Final score 6-4."

Posted by: 86Cane | August 08, 2009 at 10:33 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZWLup3yB7s

GO FISH!!!

[Six]

86 - I'm supposed to be on the field at that game at UCF, same with the USF game

During some of their drills, I could overhear some of the USF players talking about FSU & Miami ... esp. since I was wearing a Canes hat and a photojournalist from somewhere else was wearing a FSU shirt

I flashed the "U" at about sternum level when I heard some muttering about Miami from some of the players, then just said "that's right" with a big sh*t eating grin

Let me tell you, they think they're going to walk over FSU and Miami .. seriously .. they have that in their minds

[solarcane]

bg check these

they suck but I'm gettin it

Arcadia Assassins first phase proofs

the last one has the helmet stickers and visors they wont let you stick on

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/assassins1.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/arcadiaaway1.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/ARCADIA555-1.jpg

peace

[bg1906]

I'm impressed with the work the guys put in in the weight room in the off season. Look at Brandon Harris' arms.

http://www.insidetheu.com/images/newspics/18160BHarris.jpg

[bg1906]

I see ya Solar! HAHAHA!

[solarcane]

oops here's the one with the helmet stickers

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/ARCADIA3.jpg

peace

[solarcane]

man I'm hoping Brandon has the hellacious season of all of them.

He always looks like he's trying his azz off.

peace

[86Cane]

NEW MANNY:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2009/08/taylor-cook-says-hell-be-ready-if-it-happens.html