Miami Wins ACC Home Opener Against Clemson

Your Miami Hurricanes beat the Clemson Tigers at the BankUnited Center on a beautiful South Florida Winter evening in lovely Coral Gables on Wednesday night by the score of 76-73. 

It was the conference home opener for Miami, a team that really needed a big win after posting an 0-2 road record in the ACC early this season.

A balanced scoring attack propelled the 'Canes to victory over a stubborn and tenacious Clemson squad that trailed most of the game but refused to quit.

Malcolm "General" Grant led the Canes by scoring 16 points and made the game-clinching interception with less than 5 seconds left Wednesday to help the Hurricanes beat the Tigers.

But it was UM freshman Shane "Son Of A Barry" Larkin sank both ends of a one-and-one for the game's final points with 5.4 seconds to go to seal the deal for Miami.

Miami (10-6, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) won for the first time in six games against Clemson since February 2008. The Tigers (9-9, 1-3) are on the verge of falling below .500 for the first time this season.

The dependable Kenny Kadji added 14 points for the Hurricanes. Their point total was a season high against Clemson, who came into the contest ranked 19th in the nation in scoring defense at 58.6 points per game.

UM head coach Jim Larranaga had this to say about Miami's big home win:

UM players Trey McKinney-Jones and Malcolm Grant were interviewed after the game at the post game presser with the media and had these comments:

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Comments

[RCCF]

First and 2012 shirt to RCCF 12%

[RCCF]

RohanMarley

[RCCF]

FrankGore

[RCCF]

NajeehDavenport....and I'd still pick EdReed over SeanTaylor everything tht ST was instinctively Ed is knowledge wise ST did alot of RayRay type things playing like a linebacker which is great whn you have the DB's to cover your instict whereas Ed is a smart player plays his area more your TimDuncan style player rarely wrong but it isn't as pretty those two together would have been pure GREATNESS bt I'd take Ed GodBless ST....

[SJMPARMAN]

I really wish this blog would embrace what is going on with Canes basketball. This isn't Haith anymore, where you ask the best scorers to win games and live and die with the result. It is team basketball under coach L. There is a huge difference. This team will win the games against the middle of the pack like Clemson.

Are they elite in the ACC? They will have to play team ball to get to that level. There is talent there. I wouldn't be surprised if they go on a run from here. I doubt they win the ACC regular season but I think they will be competitive in the ACC tournament. It depends on how dominant the big man chooses to be, and give him time, because he is still recovering from the injury.

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

ESPN rumor mill reporting Goldman may have eliminated us, this according to a columnist from scouts.com, i say she's full of ish, but we'll see come nsd.

Also, rivals reporting that Dante Omari Phillips have made his commitment to the turds solid and ready to go.

ESPN is also reporting that FSU TE commit Kourtzidis, or however the hell you spell his name is looking to be very interested in the longhorns, and Mario Edwards seems to be that way as well.

According to itu.com, Howard would not mind staying home for college but that his mom is persuading him to go out of state, mama Howard is a big florida and lsu fan but dad is a big canes fan.

[LB]

After some hesitation, I've made up my mind about the free safeties.

No one argues that Taylor was a tremendous physical specimen, perhaps one of the greatest at UM.

I give the nod to Reed because of one trait that transcends all others:

LEADERSHIP.

[Ohio_Cane]

2013 DE/LB Garrett Sickels got a visit from Golden and D'No yesterday. NJ kid.

[Strauzer]

SJMPARMAN I agree, we need more UM football fans to reallize we have a terrific product in Canes hoops too! Larranaga is going to make this team competitive. Right now its still a work in process as last night highlighted that old habits die hard. The old street ball play under Haith is still prevelent on the team with the older kids like Grant and Scott. As much as I love those kids they need to listen to Coach when he screams "WHY MAKE IT SO DIFFICULT" as Malcolm makes a horrible pass on a fast break.

We are getting there, our turnovers are dramatically lower than last year but we need to keep playing SMARTER on the court. That will happen over time. Conditioning is also getting better (though its clear Reggie is a half season behind the rest of the team) which will ultimately allow Coach L to install his scramble defense more and more.

I am very optimistic and realize that this year is not going to be the year we go back to the dance but it won't be for poor coaching IMO.

[UMike]

Tyriq McCord @AutobotMcCord1

So a couple people in my skool questionin me bout bein @D3jr93 teammate nxt year... Hes not the enemy no more lol #CaneGang #StateChamps

I think the kid is solid to the canes

[UMike]

Tyriq McCord - Thank u #CaneGang / #CanesFam 4 ur support. Momma Dukes will be fine

[UMike]

Papa Cane - Recruiting Update: 4-Star RB Davante Bourque and UM verbal commitment DT Jacoby Briscoe will be visiting UM this weekend. Full court press.

[UMike]

Chris Nee - Miami (Fla.) Norland DT Teko Powell is visiting #WashingtonState this weekend, along with his teammate and #WSU commitment Feddie Davey.

[UMike]

What if Patrick Peterson and Trent Richardson had teamed up at Florida rather than signing with two of the Gators' biggest SEC rivals? How different would the ACC have looked the last several years if C.J. Spiller had signed with Florida State instead of Clemson?

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1320160

Talks about how Florida kids are leaving, but the big 3 still have top 10 classes..free article

[Ohio_Cane]

Tyriq Mccord - Not. I repeat NOT goin 2 take an offical 2 USC (Southern Cal) dis weekend. Mother caught the flu. Reschedule visit 4 nxt weekend.

[UpNorthCane]

SOUP your a lucky man i love Islamorada theres this Tiki bar where you can rent jetskis there ooooo man i had an amazing time there one i forget the name of the place.

4-real it feels good to be the father of the Swag princess but i like to think my daighter shares that title with the other newborn girls from Canespace its a family thing over here.

Big recruiting visits coming up can't wait to see my boy Golden put that full court press and sign them kids up.

[UpNorthCane]

Ohio whats going on bro? see you working hard my man, me like me like.....

Idc who we land i just wanna get some playmakers with these last couple of spots. but i would like golden, howard, and bourque just saying loll

[UMike]

I think no chance at Howard

[LB]

I'm pretty happy with what we have now, especially if Lockhart is an EE.

Northrup may be lost, but I'm pretty sure we gain someone of at least equal value (perhaps not a linebacker) as a silent.

The fact that Kirby is an EE is probably my favorite news of the whole 2012 cycle.

[UMike]

LB..I agree...not to mention there have been no reports of our staff trying hard to keep him, which to me says they know something we dont

[Ohio_Cane]

UpNorth, not much bro, what's up with U?

Goldman is possible, but unlikely.

Howard is VERY doubtful. I'd say 1 in 10,000 chance

Bourque is possible.

[Ohio_Cane]

Can anyone that sees a Canes recruit that announces when he's announcing post it here? I'm making a list. I've got Avery young so far.

[Ohio_Cane]

LB, completely agree. Kirby can contribute immediately, especially with the extra reps in the Spring

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Update On DL Eddie Goldman: Per Kristen Kenney, he will announce his choice on February 1st, around 10:30 a.m. - Bama, Miami, FSU, Auburn.

[SOUP]

SOUP your a lucky man i love Islamorada theres this Tiki bar where you can rent jetskis there ooooo man i had an amazing time there one i forget the name of the place.

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 19, 2012 at 10:14 AM

HOLIDAY ISLE MM 84

[SOUP]

SJM AND Strauzer...I am surprised about how many UM fansONLY follow football. I like UM basketball and love UM baseball and attend both whenever I get a chance.

I live in Central FL so getting there is not always easy and is usually tied to work travels for me in SoFL. I was appalled at the SMALL crowd that was on hand last night for a BIG ACC game. It was sad, very sad.

[SOUP]

UPNorth...I am working in the Keys today until 3 PM but will be kayaking by 4 PM.

[herbieibis]

Unless some sort of miracle takes place I can't see, Golden, Howard, Young coming here. That leaves L. Williams, Borque & D. Hamilton as the last of the big dogs, that we may have a minute chance of swaying this way.
I hope Al has a back-up plan for Northrup when he bolts. At one time we had 5 LBs verballed & if he bolts we won't have but 2. Besides CB's, this is a position in need of a lot of depth and talent.

[Ohio_Cane]

Herbie, as I said a couple days ago, Golden has a back-up plan for his back-up plan. He's got something ready if he bolts.

[UMike]

herbie, I, sure Golden either has a plan for Northup or knows he is ok..I personally think he bolts. We have a chance with Young, especially with us being his last visit, imo

[3G Cane]

Soup, you lucky SOB.

[herbieibis]

UMike,
Our record recently of getting big dogs the last couple of weeks of the recruiting visits ain't too great! I know my man Al is beating the bushes and with him up in New Jersey, working on the class of 2013, it doesn't seem to me he's sweating anything!

[LB]

Soup, don't post stuff like that! We're freezing our knickers off up here. It's so cold that even the penguins are passing out.

[Hassan]

If Northrup leaves we are bringing back BOSHER for LB

[Ohio_Cane]

Jorge Milian - No surprise but Mel Kiper says on conference call that Jacory Harris has little chance of getting drafted. Ranks J12 as No. 22 QB in draft.

Kiper says that Tommy Streeter has a chance of going in the second round. Indicates Olivier Vernon made big mistake by leaving early.

Huge news from Steve Gorten - Canes catcher Peter O'Brien has been ruled eligible and cleared to play this season by the NCAA

[Texascane]

If Streeter runs in the 4.4's or better, Kiper will be wiping egg off his face...

[UMike]

Herbie..I agree..he aint sweatin these guys..must no something lol

[Ohio_Cane]

I think I may have posted this, but Canes have offered the nation's top 2013 WR recruit Robert Foster from Monaca (Pa.) Central Valley

[Ohio_Cane]

Corey Long - Some of the notable big Fla. movers in the ESPN 150. Noor Davis to No. 25, Duke Johnson to No. 35, A. Cooper and L. Williams in the top 50.

[Ohio_Cane]

Milian - Latest ESPNU Top 150 has 5 Miami commits: Duke Johnson (35); Angelo Jean Louis (41), Tyriq McCord (96), Deon Bush (101); Malcolm Lewis (145)

[UMike]

Al might work is magic up north

[DallasTX Cane]

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 19, 2012 at 10:14 AM

U just made my day UpNorth! Holiday Isle...been going there for over 20 years & still love it. Rum Runners (with extra rum shot on top for good measure) in the sun with some reggae in the background = pure heaven.

[Ohio_Cane]

Central Valley High is only about 1.5 hours from me. I may have to go watch Robert Foster play next year if we're in his top schools.

[UMike]

Ohio..maybe you can convince him we should be lol

[Ohio_Cane]

U know I'll do my best!! Lol

[UMike]

Mike Davis moved up the charts..so naturally he had to let everyone know..

Mike Davis @Mike28davis
Espnu ranking is off the charts! I like it

Glad he is not coming here lol

[UMike]

Jorge Milian - Mel Kiper on Bryce Brown's chances of getting drafted: "Probably not at all."

[Ohio_Cane]

UMike, didn't need Kiper to tell me that. He has under 500 CAREER rushing yards. Lol

[UMike]

lol..I know..just funny.

[3G Cane]

I wonder what Bryce's mentor has to say about his draft status...

[UMike]

I bet A. Brown makes an NFL roster

[UpNorthCane]

Dallas cane i hear you glad i made your day every time im in Miami i make the drive to the keys with my girlfriend, cant wait to take our daughter. Amazing times.

[SOUP]

3G, JB and Dallas...I get to come to Islamorada for work 4 times a year. I always stop off in Miami for a UM game (football, baseball or basketball) on the way down from Central FL.

Have a friend with an extra guest house that lets me stay for FREE. Seafood, sun and fun!

[SOUP]

Now, about those lobsters...See ya!

[UpNorthCane]

Lol quit messing with us SOUP aint nothing like a good ol lobster man dipped in some melted garlic butter wowwww...

[raizecane]

Now, about those lobsters...See ya!

Posted by: SOUP | January 19, 2012 at 03:18 PM

****************************************

Carefull - it's not lobster season yet. :-)

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

JShankerESPN Jared Shanker
RT @GregBiggins: After a 'great' home visit with Rich Rod today, AZ ATH Davonte Neal has cut Miami and will take his final OV to #Arizon

Goldman
Phillips
Neal

So that's three so far i'm hearing that have eliminated us from contention.

Here are the best of rest we're still trying to get that i'm closely following;

Leonard Williams (good chance)
Darius Hamilton (good chance)
Tracy Howard (low chance)
Davante Bourque (low chance)
PJ Williams (low chance)
Avery Young (low chance)
Ricardo Louis (no chance but looking around so who knows?)

We get at least 1 or 2 to close out our class i'll be very happy, if we don't i'll still be very happy as long as we keep the current committed players.

[DallasTX Cane]

UpNorth - I do the same. One day I'm going to decide not to make that drive back north! U'r in a great time o life...with young daughter. Mine is 12 now and tho every stage is "the best", there's something really great about being a new dad with a little girl. U r lucky. Enjoy every minute...

//

Really SOUP?!?...ya just gotta twist that knife a little, huh???

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

I think I may have posted this, but Canes have offered the nation's top 2013 WR recruit Robert Foster from Monaca (Pa.) Central Valley

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 19, 2012 at 01:24 PM

I prefer Jordan Cunningham, he loves the U so let's lock this kid.

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

Milian - Latest ESPNU Top 150 has 5 Miami commits: Duke Johnson (35); Angelo Jean Louis (41), Tyriq McCord (96), Deon Bush (101); Malcolm Lewis (145)

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 19, 2012 at 01:34 PM

So that means Preston Dewey dropped out.

And how can ESPN not include Raphael Kirby in the 150, straight up haters, pshh.

[mi@mic@ne]

My focus I hope is the same with these recruits. We want to see the U back up on top of college football. Ive got a lot of perspective because i was in the OB when we beat Nebraska. I saw college ball change forever because the U not only played rugged and ruthless d but the U brought a circus like atmosphere with the fireworks on offense.

So it was more than just walking around town with our heads us as fans but it was how we dominated in a style that no one ever experienced in the past or ive seen up to the present styles. Its time to get back on top so we can bring the U to be enjoyed by all the generations that have seen it happen in the 80s through 2002. I hope these recruits make us proud to be Canes again.

[Ohio_Cane]

Auburn met with Avery Young today. Chizik stopped by.

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

"Some guys want to grow up and get out in the world," said Tracy Howard, a cornerback from Miramar and the state's top-ranked recruit. "People want to experience new things. Florida gets kind of boring after a while."

Yeah, wait til you get to the campuses of your top choices, you're gonna wish your back in south florida! LoL

[Hassan]

Our boy Feldman said this on Twitter about Early Entries to the NFL.

25% went undrafted. 21% never played andown in the NFL and 20% got drafted in rounds 4-7 between 2006-2010.

That is about a 66% failure rate in my book. if you are good enough as a JR to even consider doing into the nfl, as a 21 yr old kid 3 year removed from H.S. you have about a 99% chance of getting better your Senior year physically mentally and technically. If you have any bad rep from HS or things you have another year with a clean record to erase character concerns and doubts. You get another year to Graduate after all it is about the education right. Also Seniors have specials games and camps that Early Entries can not do like the Senior bowl that is another opportunity for the scouts, many a borderline guys have made an NFL buss before draft day from good Senior Bowl Showings like JIMMY GRAHAM.

Basically like our coach and many others have said if you are not projected as a 1st rd I woudl even go and say top 50 pick then do not come out early. A lot of guys can be projected 20 and be drafted 50. If you are projected 32 and are drafted 85 You lost millions had you gone back to school 1 year that can never be recovered.

[CGNC]

Good win for the B-ball team last night. 86, consistent winning will cure the empty seats

[Ohio_Cane]

*OFF TOPIC*

Terrible news.... SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke dies from injuries sustained in superpipe accident

[Six]

Papa Cane - Did You Know: 2012 Early Enrollee QB Gray Crow, from Clearwater Countryside, was 22-2 over 2 seasons as a starter. Expected to redshirt.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2012 at 09:44 AM

Papa Cane, I could tell you a lot of "did you know" about Gray Crow that completely makes that 22-2 record look like fuzzy math

Kid is either going to be Buck Ortega or Matt Perrelli Deux

Did you also know in that 22-2 record, Gray Crow threw for ...

- 1,369 7 TDs 8 INTs in 2010-'11 (got knocked out of the 3rd Round of the playoffs with one of the biggest OLines I've ever seen around him)

- 1,601 12 TDs 11 INTs in 2011-'12 (got knocked out of the 1st Round of playoffs his Senior year)

[Brevardcane]

If Crow gets in the game he'll just hand off to Duke. Lol

[j.w.]

Thanks for the art., souop- so busy today i'm just now checking in. And then I have to get right back to work. ..

[j.w.]

That's souuuuuuuuuuuuup ^^^ (getting ready for baseball season)

[TheWhat]

Ok. Now I'm angry. Saw on twitter that Laron Byrd was turning heads at the East-West Shrine game as I'm sure others saw that tweet as well.

I am so sick and tired of these players half assing at the U and when its time to get paid or really put effort they hunker down and do what they are supposed to do. LaRon Byrd should have been shining for 4 years, so should have Brandon Washington (although he played well this year), so should have all these other GOD DAMN players that were drafted last year and entered the draft this year.

If you are forced to run crossing routes by your NFL coach during practice cause you are afraid of getting hit then there is something wrong with you.
If you s**t the bed for 4 years at the U and now cause your future is on the line you are turning heads then you are a tool. If you leave early cause you think you are a first rounder and end up on the bench of a playoff team contributing nothing then you are a fool (I didnt mean for that to rhyme). I'm just sick of the legacy of these players. I'm sick of their half ass effort they gave the U, I'm sick of their excuses and their waste of talent while in college only to turn it on at the NFL or during EAST-West games. Lets get some players in here that have pride and wanna win a championship. Not some divas that see the U as a speed bump to their eventual bench warming days in the NFL. If you dont want to put 100% at the U then get the F*** OUT. We don't need nor want you. If your so eager to get paid for playing football go to the SEC or Clemson or Florida State. I'm sick of those clowns that set the U back years cause of their selfishness or in the coaches case their ineptness. Cant wait for the stain they left behind to be fully cleansed from the U by Coach Golden.

Its all about the U.

[Texascane]

Careful Six...

Sam Bradford was on a team his senior year that was ranked #4 in Oklahoma preseason...they went 5-5 and didn't even make the playoffs...he completed 59% of his passes for 2200 yards...had 19 TD's and 15 Int's...did not even make All City in OKC...was rated 3 stars and was only offered a scholarship at OU after Leach offered at Tech...sometimes you can never tell...

[UMike]

Regarding the players leaving early..I almost wonder if they simply didnt want another U Tough,...they had been strolling along for so long, why work harder now? just maybe

[CaneRock]

Posted by: TheWhat | January 19, 2012 at 05:14 PM

It doesn't surprise me that Byrd is showing out at the EWSG, I've always felt that He had more promise out of all the WRs from the 08' class. It's not His fault that He didn't have a competent position coach until this season. It's not His fault that Golden didn't let Him play through His case of the dropsies. He seems like a good kid, has kept His nose clean since He got to UM, I wish Him success in His NFL endeavors...

[UMike]

I know this is old news..but expect Northup to flip to FSU

[UMike]

Bruce Feldman - 4-star DB Yuri Wright won't be the first blue-chipper colleges drop bc of his FB/Tweets. More kids needs to grasp this.

Dont know the story of this, but interesting.

[UMike]

Kyle Bennett - Per his father on Twitter, Leon McQuay was offered by the University of Miami today. #UM #Canes #Miami

[UMike]

Leon McQuay - http://rivals.yahoo.com/miami/football/recruiting/player-Leon-McQuay%20III-100111

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Wow, Six is still alive, I thought Gray Crow would have carried mortally through on his personal vendetta against him by now on his way to campus to finish off the feud that these two obviously hold against each other in a completely equal from both sides mutual loathing society.

Also, now if a guy doesn't win big at UM we should now hope he doesn't do well in football ever again? I've got that correct? And some swear I have a personal dislike for the current coach of the football team because I don't consider his Temple or Miami career record a revelation . . .

[SlingBlade]

lady canes in a battle with virginia...20-20 tie with 8:12 left in the first half

[LB]

Crow may end up surprising all. Best let things unfold. High school and the NCAA do not necessarily translate.

Kirby should be ESPN Top100, not 150.

[LB]

By the way, am I the only one who hates that "Be a Force" spot. It looks so contrived.

Bring back Gloria Estefan!

[SlingBlade]

lady canes down 33-29 at the half...

[Six]

Texascane & LB - I've watched Gray Crow for 2 years and when I say watched, I'm not talking about looking at YouTube video like a lot of people and then making judgement. I'm talking, been on the sidelines 20 feet away at all times and watched Diomi Roberts with that massive OLine Countryside has lead them to that 22-2

Have plenty of film of his games where he's under thrown/over thrown his own players wayy too many times

Game against Eastlake, one of his passes actually scared the hell out of one of the Eastlake Safeties b/c he wasn't expecting it to come anywhere near his side of the field as it zipped past his head

It would be similar to you standing out in a field by yourself, looking at a lone tree. Then out of nowhere, a football comes whizzing past your head from behind

[Six]

It's about time the Canes offered McQuay III. Should've offered him at the beginning of last year when all the offers started rolling in

Dunno how he would fit down there though. Kid is insanely humble, quiet and heavy on the shy side. Think I saw every single one of his braces brackets on his teeth when I was talking to him b/c kid was like the cheshire cat when smiling and I've heard mimes talk louder than him

Absolute ball hawk though and incredibly focused at all times on the field, eyes never leave it

[Six]

OGV - kid has a lot of heart/passion for Miami and he's smart as well

I think Kirby Freeman had 2 of those 3 I just listed also ... doesn't mean I want him under center

Will always give Kirby props for that drive against FSU - also can't forget Nuke Jenkins saving his ass a few times on his throws. But other than that, still can't wipe that NCState game away or the other games in which he routinely looked less than average

[TheWhat]

It doesn't surprise me that Byrd is showing out at the EWSG, I've always felt that He had more promise out of all the WRs from the 08' class. It's not His fault that He didn't have a competent position coach until this season. It's not His fault that Golden didn't let Him play through His case of the dropsies. He seems like a good kid, has kept His nose clean since He got to UM, I wish Him success in His NFL endeavors...

Posted by: CaneRock | January 19, 2012 at 07:06 PM

I wish all the players and coaches the best. But it was evident that the players never gave their 100% to the program. I understand the previous coaches didn't put them in the best positions to succeed but sometimes you gotta take matters in your own hands like hankerson did when he worked with duper. It's all under the bridge and maybe I shouldn't have ranted against the players but so much potential over the last couple of years wasted due to so many reasons. I believe under golden that's changing.

[Old Skool]

Weren't the names of the other two EE's supposed to be released today?

[SlingBlade]

on a night when riquna williams shoots 2-11 from the field, shenise johnson steps up and leads the lady canes to a 56-53 win over virginia

[Ohio_Cane]

Old Skool, yes. I'm a little worried actually that they weren't named today

[LB]

A little late on those other EE's. What's the latest date someone can be considered such this year?

[Texascane]

Six, I'll take your word for it and hope you are wrong...LOL

I watched Sam Bradford play from the time he was 9 (one of my sons played with him the entire time, I saw every game he played from PeeWee through HS)...good athlete, never very impressive in HS...but he was big, smart and competitive.

Interesting below...

"Sam Bradford of Oklahoma City (Okla.) Putnam City North, Greg McElroy of Southlake (Texas) Carroll and Christian Ponder of Colleyville (Texas) Heritage School would each go on to the big stage. But while Matt Stafford was one of only two five-star pro-style quarterback recruits that year (Mitch Mustain was the other), Bradford, McElroy and Ponder arrived in college with far less fanfare.

Each, in fact, finished their prep careers as a high three-star player.

Bradford, who starred at Oklahoma, was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2010, McElroy quarterbacked Alabama to the 2009 national title and Ponder, who played at Florida State, recently was selected in the first round."

I'll take a McElroy type...game manager, winner, no bonehead plays...my guess is that the pedigree that fits the bill is Preston Dewey...Texas HS Spread roots...Ty Detmer trained...4.27 GPA

[Montreal-Cane]

By Steve Gorten, Sun Sentinel

8:41 p.m. EST, January 19, 2012
CORAL GABLES—

Miami catcher Peter O'Brien has been cleared by the NCAA to play this season, the school announced Thursday.

O'Brien, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, took part in fall practices with the Hurricanes as he waited to hear whether he'd receive a waiver to avoid sitting out a year.

O'Brien (6-4, 220) was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft while attending Bethune-Cookman. Because he didn't sign with the Rockies, O'Brien was allowed to return to college.

A few weeks after the Aug. 15 signing deadline passed, the former Miami Braddock High standout transferred to UM to be closer to his mother, who is sick.

O'Brien told reporters at a UM practice in October of not signing an MLB contract, "It was a great honor (to be drafted) and I'm very thankful for everything the Rockies did for me, but it wasn't the right time for me and I have a lot of things left to accomplish."

He added, "I definitely have a lot to show. …I want to win a national championship and prove wrong people who say I can't do some stuff."

O'Brien, who had a .336 batting average with 38 home runs and 154 RBI in 168 career games at Bethune-Cookman, is ranked the nation's 44th best college prospect by Baseball America.

He said in October, "it would be awesome" to get to play for UM this season. "I've been watching their games ever since I was a little kid. It's my hometown team.
............................................

Great news for the Canes!!! The U Baseball team will be awesome this year.

Let's go Canes!!!

[CaneRock]

I understand the previous coaches didn't put them in the best positions to succeed but sometimes you gotta take matters in your own hands like hankerson did when he worked with duper.

Posted by: TheWhat | January 19, 2012 at 08:28 PM

I feel ya' TW, but that WAS the problem right there, going outside of the program for something that you should be getting IN the program. Seems like AG has corrected that with giving the players "Homework" in the offseason.

And honestly, it's guys like Aldarius Johnson that were a drain on the program, as evidenced by His Mom saying that He was entitled to a spot just because His LAZY ASS waited His senior season to FINALLY put some work in.

And I'm with you on Washington, when the chips were down, instead of embracing His new role, He ended up WHINING about "being all ACC this, and all ACC that", whatever, STFU and PLAY SOME DAMN FOOTBALL!

But like I said, I wish them good fortune in their professional endeavors, it just didn't work out here...

[Six]

Texascane - would be unbelievably glad to be wrong on this one

Still will bring up the name, Jacob Guy, from Pasco. Would take that kid in a heartbeat over Crow. Dunno where he's going to end up, but, that kid slung the ball around the yard these past two years as if he was sitting at home playing a video game

I dunno if it was my blitzkrieg I laid upon a certain Cane coach that I sat with during the Plant/Miramar State Championship game or what, but that coach finally came out and said "I know his stats suck, but, he's a smart kid, he's a leader, he doesn't get in trouble and I'll take kids like that everyday. He'll find a way to get on the field somehow"

When I was at the UnderArmour game, I stood next to Preston Dewey for a while. Ty Detmer was there next to him the entire time, talking with him and pointing things out after each play - then when the QB for their team would run over to get a play, Ty would give the kid advice as well. If Crow ever overtakes Dewey, I'll be very very surprised. Dewey looked extremely disappointed that he couldn't play in that game. He was on the sidelines warming up with Chad Kelly for a good long while. I'm 5'11, I'd say Dewey is about 6'2

I'd also go with Dewey simply b/c look who his coach is. Gray had nowhere near the type of coaching that Dewey has had

[Hassan]

Six you have a man crush on Guy lol

Crow might be a good player, it sounds like he lack accuracy, it could be how he sets he feet.

[LB]

My first, second, and third thoughts are that Dewey will surpass Crow during this year's training camp and never look back. Detmer's attachment alone is enough to do that.

I'm just saying that funny things happen at UM. A recent QB went from 54.8 to a 65.0 completion ratio (also cutting INT's from 15 to 9) in one year of Fisch's system (though it was assisted greatly by much-improved line play and a subsequent 1,000 rusher).

I really like Dewey. He's one of my five favorites in the class thus far. I also expect for someone to shoot me down for my choice of #1.

1. Kirby
2. Johnson
3. Flowers
4. Dewey
5. Lewis

[Ohio_Cane]

Canes just offered Darius White ths morning. Think he winds up in class? wht a gr8 story on how UM found out abt him! http://bit.ly/AoW6BM

"This LB landed a UM offer from Al Golden this morning. And if he winds up a Cane, he can thank some fortuitous timing - Golden was in his high school coach's office three weeks ago when the solid looking prospect walked by in the hallway talking to a different college's coach. That caught Golden's eye and started his Miami recruiting process started."

[Ohio_Cane]

Has everyone heard about Yuri Wright? He got expelled for tweet(s) that he sent out and got expelled. Every offer he had was pulled, except for Rutgers.

Wow...

Dear recruits, be careful what U tweet!!

[Ohio_Cane]

^^ Article with his tweets here: http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Yuri-Wrights-tweets-are-why-Michigan-stopped-recruiting-him-10-2-1807