We Salute U

We interrupt our normal programming to say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

For all of those warriors in the U.S armed forces who have defended the United States of America this is for U.

For all of those men and women who recognized that freedom isn't free and found it necessary to put themselves in harms way.

For all of those Army soldiers who have fearlessly risked their lives to defend our freedom in World Wars, regional conflicts and in other military battles.

For all of those Navy sailors, who sail the world on the open seas, without fear or concern for their own safety and to defend the world's oceans.

For all of those Air Force pilots and support crews who defend our airspace with their incredible talent and skill we salute U.

And for all of those jar head Marines like my father who served his Country well in Korea and as a Staff Sargent in Camp LeJune, NC may God bless you and keep you safe and well.

We wish all American defense personnel and all U.S. citizens across our great Nation the peace, freedom and security that all sovereign Nations deserve.

We would like to take this opporuntity to wish all of our armed forces and all of our Canespace Nation family and friends a safe, happy and fun Fourth of July. We Salute U and ask that God bless America!

Comments

[fran]

I add my appreciation also
Fran

[fran]

I just went out and posted my flag on the front of the garage wall it is well lighted.
Fran

[Old Skool]

Very apropos.

[Old Skool]

Canealum
CDB's Southside on Westshore seems to be the home of some of the Cane watch parties in Tampa

[8th Man in the Box]

God Bless America,our soldiers and their families!

[myndraize]

Happy 4th to all especially to all veterans who risk/risked their lives much love

[IraqiCane]

Happy 4th everyone, another great day to be a Miami Hurricane!!!

Hey Soup, is your email still canespace86@aol.com?

GO CANES!!!

Posted by: IraqiCane | July 04, 2012 at 02:51 AM

[LB]

Happy 7/4 everyone.

[86Cane]

The U.S. Flag is flying high in Winter Haven, FL.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

[86Cane]

Iraqi...YES, the email is correct.

[Ohio_Cane]

Happy Independence Day! Thank U to all of those who serve/have served our country to protect us and our Freedom! We love U!

Also, glad to see Lockhart impressing. Not surprised at Duke or TH, since U all know I picked TH to win every possible freshman and All-American award lol

[OCALACANE]

Happy Independence Day from Lizard Land!

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

To All Who Serve and Have Served...

Our house Thanks U
Our House Loves U
Our House Prays for U

God Bless America, Home of the FREE Because of the BRAVE!!!

We Got This................................

[86Cane]

Not surprised at Duke or TH, since U all know I picked TH to win every possible freshman and All-American award lol

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 04, 2012 at 10:59 AM

As Da Skreetz would say: Way to step up your game!

That's the way that it is done son.

[86Cane]

CDB's Southside on Westshore seems to be the home of some of the Cane watch parties in Tampa

Posted by: Old Skool | July 04, 2012 at 05:59 AM

That is correct. The UMAA Tampa club has their game watch parties there and the Pres of the TB UMAA is the owner of CDB's.

[86Cane]

To find a UMAA club and game watch parties in your area of the Country, click here:

http://www6.miami.edu/alumni/groups/alumniclubs.htm

[86Cane]

UMAA Tampa Bay Area Club:

Remember all UM Alumni, Hurricane Club members and Hurricane Fans are welcome to come to our 2012 Hurricane Game-Watches at CDB Southside, located 3671 S. Westshore in Tampa.

This is our 4th year at the same location and will be our home for all the games for Canes Fans this year. For more information on the restaurant you can visit their website at http://www.cdbssouthside.com/index.htm

ALL games will be seen! We have PC hook up and cable so we will get the game on! CDBs has added tvs in all areas of the restaurant so whether we have 30 people or 200 the games are live at CDBs. You never have to fight to see our games and you can come to a place where everyone is wearing Green and Orange!

[86Cane]

Fran...good to see U up and around EARLY in the AM! Hope U are feeling better from your recent medical issues.

Email me at: canespace86@aol.com

[86Cane]

We Got This...

Posted by: OCALACANE | July 04, 2012 at 11:03 AM

Indeed we do!

[WindyCane-Forecast1]

Freedom is never given, it is earned.

Thanks Canespace! Let's remember those who died so that we may be free and prosperous.

God Bless America. Happy July 4th!

[Six]

Dammit, I wrote on the old blog

Old Skool and 86 nailed it

Canealum1984 | July 03, 2012 at 09:24 PM

The "official" place for the Tampa Hurricane Club is ..

CDB's Southside
3671 S. Westshore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 805-2327

There is an upstairs bar/dining room with little patio out front above the restaurant

Sometimes they'll have one of the bigger rooms downstairs sectioned off just for the Canes games

Italian food

There's generally about 20-25 people there for games

Don't go to Lee Roy Selmon's next to Raymond James Stadium - that place is filled with Sooner fans

There's a bunch of other sports bars in Tampa that generally will put the game on if you ask, some places you'll even have your own little cubby hole to watch - which is nice to get away from all the Croc and Nole fans

Buffalo Wild Wings is good about turning on whatever game you want to whatever TV you want

You want a real nice relaxing spot to watch the games, The Brickhouse on Dale Mabry (literally right next to 275, near Westshore Mall) - I go there a lot. I sent a bunch of Canes fans there before/after the USF game and they all loved it. Has fireplaces, big ass comfy recliner chairs, etc

You're generally in Croc/USF/Nole country in Tampa

Just like there are a ton of Yankee/Red Sox fans here as well

[Six]

Happy 4th

One of my favorite lines from a movie I love, "Act of Valor" -

If you're not willing to give up everything, you've already lost. You live your life by a code. It's your shoreline. It's what guides you home. And trust me, you're always trying to get home.

Some great pics as well -

http://www6.miami.edu/miami-magazine/spring2008/images/Dep/alumnipics/alumnipic6.jpg

Flying above Pakistan border

http://www.allcanes.com/blog/uploaded_images/ucopter.jpg

Same guys here on the ground

http://www.allcanes.com/blog/uploaded_images/umheroes.jpg

[86Cane]

Six...Happy 4th of July!

[Jack]

Happy 4th of July! God Bless America, greatest country on Earth!!

[Keoki]

I still hate OSU

[Ohio_Cane]

Al Golden was born on the 4th of July? How fitting.

[86Cane]

I still hate OSU

Posted by: Keoki | July 04, 2012 at 03:44 PM

Even more than before? LOL

[pre83]

Happy Independence Day to all!

I cannot thank enough all of the men and women in the armed forces!

May God Bless each and everyone of you and may God Bless America!

[pre83]

OGV - Well, Minnesota landed Parise...and Suter, too!! I dropped my remote control in disbelief!

Of course, the task now shifts to the ice where it needs to happen. But hey, it's a great start!

Ironically, a state known for ice hockey has been baking the past week or so. It's been 100+ degrees with dew points in the 70's and most of the days were without much of a breeze.

Crazy to think that there are 130+ degree differences in temperatures between January and July!

Happy Birthday Coach Golden!

[The Dude]

Happy 4th to all the Spacers! Be safe, Go Canes!

[Canealum1984]

Thanks for the Tampa area info everyone!

[Ohio_Cane]

Steve Nash to Lakers

[elliott]

My father was also born on the 4th of July.....

[canezilla]

U.S.A

[canezilla]

JUST SAYING THO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSYG1M5LNqY

[LB]

An open message to one of the stooges on deck:

Dear Notre Dame,

I offer warm congratulations to your program.

Congratulations on your television contract. Despite your many losses, you still can be seen on television... much like a monkey can be seen throwing doo doo in a cage.

Congratulations on your excellent recruiting classes. They have provided you much joy, no? After all, they have given three coaches pink slips.

Congratulations on your 89 losses since 1994. You are still the pinnacle of college football despite averaging 5 losses a season. Yet, your facilities and infrastructure are as limitless as your unwarranted ego.

Though you did get a top 10 finish in 2005. However, it looks a little marred with 3 losses.

Congratulations in getting a spot in the playoff picture and former BCS scenarios. After all, you have been titleless since 1998 when you beat up on a bunch of depleted hillbillies.

You are also 1-9 vs. archrival USC. How would you define a rivalry?

At least you have a a decrepit old fart with visions of his past channeling his inner Miss Cleo. Doctor Leo's continual predictions of titles have gone well, no?

Do the world a favor and join the MAC with the have-nots. Maybe then can you get a title or two.

Your Touchdown Jesus history is weird. Your fans are paranoid and delusional. Your uniforms are as dated as your success. Oh, and you smell.

No one likes you. Go home.

[86Cane]

Posted by: canezilla | July 05, 2012 at 06:26 AM

Man we used to play some football.

[nemo2002]

Man we used to play some football.

But now . . . .?

[IraqiCane]

Posted by: LB | July 05, 2012 at 09:35 AM

Awesome post!!!

[LB]

"since 1998"

Correction: 1988. You've sucked so much the very thought of that awful program you gave me a 10 year delusion.

That's what happens when Notre Dame crosses the brain. The more thought goes into them, the less interesting they become.

[pre83]

Update on one of the members of the MIA NW Class of '08 looking to make it in the NFL:

Bubble Watch: Marcus Forston

July, 5, 2012
JUL 5
6:00
AM ET
By Mike Rodak | ESPNBosto

NAME: Marcus Forston

POSITION: Defensive tackle

AGE: 22

2011 STATS: 3 games (all starts), 5 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble -- with Miami (FL)

INJURY STATUS: No known injuries

CHANCE OF MAKING 53-MAN ROSTER: 20%

WHY HE SHOULD MAKE IT: Forston is an intriguing prospect at a position where the Patriots have more question marks than quality depth. One of the nation's best at his position coming out of high school, Forston was set to enter the draft after the 2010 season, but decided to stay in Miami for his redshirt junior campaign. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper rated Forston the second-best junior defensive tackle last summer, and he was on preseason watchlists for several college football awards. However, Forston was suspended for the first game of the season along with 11 other Miami players for receiving improper benefits while being recruited, and later suffered a season-ending knee injury. Should he emerge during the preseason, Forston could earn a role with the Patriots at a position the team didn't address through the draft or free agency.

WHY HE SHOULD NOT MAKE IT: One major storyline that will continue through training camp and into the preseason will be the use of sub packages on defense, and how that affects playing time of defensive linemen. If the Patriots are comfortable with having defensive ends Jonathan Fanene and Brandon Deaderick slide inside in the event of an injury to interior linemen Vince Wilfork or Kyle Love, there will be less of a need to keep more than one or two reserve options at defensive tackle on the roster. This will put on a squeeze at the position where Forston would be better served on the practice squad, with more experienced players such as Gerard Warren or Myron Pryor grabbing the few roster spots that may be available.

CLOSEST COMPETITION: DT Ron Brace, DT Gerard Warren, DT Myron Pryor

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4724727/bubble-watch-marcus-forston

[86Cane]

Notre Shame since 1980"

1981–85 Gerry Faust

5 seasons 30 wins 26 losses .535 W/P

1986–96 Lou Holtz

11 seasons 100 wins 30 losses .765 W/P

1997–01 Bob Davie

5 seasons 35 wins 25 losses .583 W/P

2002–04 Tyrone Willingham

3 seasons 21 wins 15 losses .583 W/P

2005–09 Charlie Weis

5 seasons 35 wins 27 losses .564 W/P

2010–Present Brian Kelly

2 seasons 16 wins 10 losses .615 W/P

[UMike]

Well..got a good offer on our business...I want to take it and run, my wife want to counter..decisions decisions lol

[86Cane]

UMike...counter offer, but be fair, always negotiate, U never know until U try! U can always take the initial offer if necessary.

[CaneRock]

Rest of BJ's article that I posted on previous blog:

## Players have noticed this is a particularly conscientious, mature group of freshmen. Both Golden and Hagens have used the words “very serious” to describe them. As Hagens said, “They don’t want to play around.” All business, in other words.

### Fisch is carving out a diverse package for Johnson to take advantage of his unique talents, both as a runner and receiver. “Every time he runs, there’s a certain level of excitement,” UM running backs coach Terry Richardson said. “You look at the balance, the change of direction, the vision, the multiple ways he broke tackles” at Miami Norland. “You don’t always have to line him up in the backfield. You’ve got to get him the ball in different ways.”

UM’s other tailback signee, Danny Dillard, probably won’t know for awhile if he will be cleared academically to enroll. Other than receiver Angelo Jean-Louis, every other recruit has been cleared academically and is enrolled, UM says.

### Because there's no experienced depth at defensive end beyond Anthony Chickillo, Shayon Green and former linebacker Kelvin Cain, at least one freshman must emerge among Jelani Hamilton (“a game changer,” according to linebackers coach Micheal Barrow), Tyriq McCord, Dwayne Hoilett and Jake O’Donnell, with linebacker Gabe Terry also factoring in as a speed rusher (ran the 100 meters in 10.9 seconds).

Chickillo predicts McCord will help immediately: “He’s going be a contributor to us on third down.” With Chickillo and McCord, this staff is making strong inroads in the Tampa area.

### UM is optimistic at least one tackle will help immediately from among Earl Moore, Jacoby Briscoe and Dequan Ivery. “Ivery is going to be an incredible nose guard for us,” Golden said. “Same with Briscoe.”

Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio said “Moore will be ready to play. He’s really strong.”

### UM is hopeful Raphael Kirby, off an impressive spring, can make the type of immediate impact that Denzel Perryman did last year. “He’s going to be tremendous – explosive with a great change of direction,” Barrow said.

UM is curious to see what it can extract from Perry, who was "a true under the radar kid," Barrow said. "He came from Nebraska to Palm Beach in August. Shane McDermott said, 'We have a guy at my school who's pretty good.'' Josh Witt and Jawand Blue (the former Virginia Tech oral commitment) will also get a look at linebacker.

### Among January arrivals, nobody drew higher praise than Norland offensive tackle Ereck Flowers. UM coaches believe that eventually, he’s going to be exceptional.

### Defensive backs coach Paul Williams believes four incoming cornerbacks will be in his top six. Howard, assuredly, will be one, and early arrival Ladarius Gunter was UM’s third-best corner this spring behind Brandon McGee and Thomas Finnie, Williams says. Larry Hope, Vernon Davis, Nate Dortch and possibly Bush will also compete here. While Bush could play either position, UM sees Rayshawn Jenkins as its one definite safety in this incoming class.

### UM has high hopes, eventually, for quarterback David Thompson, who will miss three to six months after shoulder surgery. "It was a huge shock to David and his family and coaches," said his father Ed, who said the tear likely occured during a practice for the Semper Fedelis All-American game.

Thompson, as you know, will try to juggle football and baseball after he gets healthy. Only a limited number of UM athletes have been able to pull that off especially well (Jim Maler, Maurice Crum, among them) and none recently.

“Obviously, it’s not the easiest thing to not practice in the spring,” Fisch said. “It will be a challenge. He is going to have the handle the learning curve of playing quarterback. He’s a good decision maker and I like a lot of things about him.

### Realistically, there will be serious challenges for UM this season after the departure of a dynamic running back, two solid receivers, an exceptional college linebacker (Sean Spence) and four key defensive linemen, among others. These freshman cannot be expected to lead this program back to where the Canes want to be in their FIRST year. But the hope, internally, is they will form the nucleus of a top-20 caliber team in a year or two, and lift UM in ways the top-rated Class of 2008 could not. Time will tell.

### One other UM note: In the wake of an InsideTheU.com report that senior Ray-Ray Armstrong has been suspended indefinitely for discussing interaction with a booster on Twitter, his father Albert said he was told his son “is definitely” going to be on the team this season. “And he’s not turning pro.” Besides, the deadline for next week’s NFL supplemental draft has passed. Albert Armstrong said his son has not mentioned the suspension to him, and UM isn't confirming or denying the report, with staff on strict orders not to discuss it.
Seantrel Henderson also disputed Internet speculation, insisting he’s not suspended and not in trouble. Henderson reportedly arrived one day late to the start of the second summer session, which isn't exactly egregious.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2012/07/um-freshmen-already-impressing-heat-free-agent-update-dolphins-marlins-notes.html#storylink=cpy

[CaneRock]

### "Realistically, there will be serious challenges for UM this season after the departure of a dynamic running back, two solid receivers, an exceptional college linebacker (Sean Spence) and four key defensive linemen, among others. These freshman cannot be expected to lead this program back to where the Canes want to be in their FIRST year. But the hope, internally, is they will form the nucleus of a top-20 caliber team in a year or two, and lift UM in ways the top-rated Class of 2008 could not. Time will tell."
____________________________________________

I think this quote from BJ is right on, what say ya'll?

[Ohio_Cane]

UMike...counter offer, but be fair, always negotiate, U never know until U try! U can always take the initial offer if necessary.

Posted by: 86Cane | July 05, 2012 at 12:13 PM
--------------------------------------

This.

But make sure the counter isn't drastically different. Some people will withdraw their initial offer if they feel you're trying to take advantage of them by going way over their offer.

[LB]

Sean Spence and Jacory Harris hurt the most.

Defensively:

I have no concerns about defensive end. We've needed a DT since Wilfork, so the struggle inside is nothing new.

From everything I've heard: Buchanan, Gaines, Perryman, Kirby, Johnson, and Paul make a hell of a group.

The starting safeties are experienced, but there is no depth whatsoever. If Telemaque or Armstrong gets hurt, we'll need a Deon Bush or Rayshawn Jenkins STAT.

I'm sure we'll find one descent corner from the bunch. Two? Unsure.

Duke Johnson and the emergence of Clements will help take off the sting (if not all out improve) on the numbers lost from Miller.

Quarterback and tight end scare me the most. Though I think Ryan Williams will start, I don't think he is the transcendent player we need. See my previous 100 comments about tight end.

Floor: 6. Ceiling: 9. Great schedule at the end of the season...

8-4, and I'd love it.

[j.w.]

Good day, folks- CEO- look for an article in the next couple of days.

[86Cane]

LB...9-3 and I'd LOVE it!

[86Cane]

JW...I'll be here. Write it up as a Word document and then email it to me as an attachment, OK?

[UMike]

UMike...counter offer, but be fair, always negotiate, U never know until U try! U can always take the initial offer if necessary.

Posted by: 86Cane | July 05, 2012 at 12:13 PM
--------------------------------------

This.

But make sure the counter isn't drastically different. Some people will withdraw their initial offer if they feel you're trying to take advantage of them by going way over their offer.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 05, 2012 at 12:50 PM

The business was listed for 100K, someone has offered us 80k, however we have broker fees and taxes. I want to sell fast, my wife wants to counter at 90k. I am a little worried of loosing him (a cash buyer)

[LB]

Man, the ACC is horrendous in the BCS era. AWFUL. DREADFUL. 6 different ACC representatives have been in BCS games since 1998.

The ACC is 2-13 (UM in the Big East beating FSU in 2004).

FSU is 1-6, beating VT for their title in 2000. Virginia Tech is 1-3, beating the mighty Bearcats in 2009. Wake, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Maryland are all 0-1.

vs. the SEC? 0-4.
vs. the Big Ten? 0-3.
vs. the Big 12? 0-2.
vs. the Pac Ten? 0-1.
vs. the Big East? 2-3.

Even last year when the ACC had two chances, they went 0-2... losing to a brand new head coach and the Big East.

If Miami had a moment to rise, now would be good. This conference is awful, and continually embarassed on the big stage. If VT didn't get a break in 2009 (Cincinnati), the ACC would have been winless in the BCS since 2000.

It'll take Miami at least two more years to get back there. Virginia Tech is steady, but unless they get the Big East champion... they'll probably end up 1-4. Florida State's cake schedule should give them 10 wins (or else give up football entirely), but are they serious competition against anyone but the Louisvilles and Syracuses of the postseason world?

Miami is the only team that can change the ACC's losing ways. They are 3-1 in BCS games, and a bad call from 4-0.

Long story short, if it's anyone but UM representing the ACC in the sunset of the BCS... bet the other team.

[Ohio_Cane]

Mike Huegenin - Team Countdown: No. 44 Miami

There's some mystery involved in coach Al Golden's second season at Miami. That's not necessarily a good thing.

Miami has questions at quarterback, tailback, wide receiver and along the offensive line. There also are questions along the defensive front and at cornerback. The mystery, of course, is how those questions are going to be answered.

The biggest mystery of all, though, has to do with an NCAA investigation into the program. Last August, Yahoo! Sports released a report alleging numerous rules violations committed by booster Nevin Shapiro. Miami self-imposed a bowl ban last season, but there has been no official word – from UM or the NCAA – about when any investigation would end.

The potential for sanctions certainly did not hurt Miami's recruiting efforts, as Golden and his staff reeled in a top-10 class. Given the number of holes in Miami's lineup, a lot of those freshmen will need to play important roles this fall.

The particulars

Last season: 6-6 overall, 3-5 in ACC (tied for 4th in ACC Central)
Coach: Al Golden (6-6, 2nd season at Miami; 33-40, 7th season overall)
Returning starters (minimum 7 starts last season): Offense (4)–T Jon Feliciano (likely will play G), WR Allen Hurns, G Brandon Linder, TE Clive Walford. Defense (4) –E Anthony Chickillo, LB Jimmy Gaines, CB Brandon McGee, SS Vaughn Telemaque. Special teams (2)–P Dalton Botts, K Jake Wieclaw.
Fast fact: Miami has lost at least six games five times in the past six seasons. The last time that happened? Try 1974-79.

Offense

Miami lost its starting quarterback, starting tailback and top two receivers – and that's from an offense that ranked 70th nationally and seventh in the ACC.

Junior Stephen Morris, who has five career starts, should be the quarterback. He has thrown seven TD Likely starting QB Stephen Morris has been inconsistent in his career. (Getty Images) …passes and 11 interceptions in his career, and is going to be working with a lot of unproven players this fall.

There is intriguing talent at tailback. Senior Mike James has shown flashes at times, but he lacks breakaway speed. That's where true freshman Randy "Duke" Johnson comes in. He scored 70 TDs in his high school career at Miami Norland, leading the school to a state title last season. He does possess breakaway speed and at the least can be used as a change-of-pace back this fall. Junior Eduardo Clements also could be in the mix; he is a former four-star recruit who hasn't done much at UM (114 yards in two seasons).

Allen Hurns is Miami's leading returning receiver; he had 31 receptions last season and scored four times, including twice in a victory over Ohio State. Sophomore Rashawn Scott, who had one catch last season, had a big spring and looks ready to be a productive No. 2 receiver. The only other wide receivers on the roster with a reception are sophomore Phillip Dorsett, who made 14 catches last season, and senior Kendal Thompkins, who had three catches last season and eight in his career. Freshman Angelo Jean-Louis was expected to contribute, but academic troubles sent him to prep school. Miami does have five other freshmen wide receivers, and expect at least two to get into the rotation.

Sophomore TE Clive Walford should become a more important part of the offense. He can go deep and also knows how to get open on intermediate routes.

To cap it off, the line will likely have issues, too. Gs Jon Feliciano and Brandon Linder look OK, but there will be a new center (likely sophomore Shane McDermott) and two new starting tackles. Former mega-recruit Seantrel Henderson is penciled in to start at right tackle, but he must become far more consistent. Sophomore Malcolm Bunche, who started one game last season, is the likely left tackle. Depth at tackle is extremely iffy, though Feliciano and Linder have played the position.

Defense

Things look a bit better on this side of the ball, with linebacker looking like the strongest position.

Sophomore E Anthony Chickillo is a rising star. He started nine games last season as a true freshman, and though he got pushed around at times, he made 38 tackles and had five sacks. The other end spot is Sophomore DE Anthony Chickillo is a rising star for the Hurricanes. (Getty Images)a concern, as no other end on the roster has started a game. Chickillo is the only proven pass rusher on the team.

Curtis Porter and Darius Smith should be the starting tackles, and both are solid against the run. That's important because UM was spotty against the run last season, allowing 161.9 yards per game (69th nationally). Depth is an issue all along the line, and some freshmen need to make immediate impacts.

LB Denzel Perryman should vie for all-league honors. He made 69 tackles as a true freshman last season and is a big hitter who moves well laterally. Jimmy Gaines and Ramon Buchanan are expected to man the other starting linebacker spots. Buchanan has good speed and big-play potential, but he is returning from a knee injury that sidelined him after Game 4 last season. Touted true freshman Raphael Kirby will likely see time.

The safeties could be excellent. While seniors Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque have NFL talent, they have lacked consistency during their time at Miami. Armstrong also seems to always have off-field issues. If both guys put everything together this fall, Miami would have the best safety duo in the nation.

The corners are a concern. Senior Brandon McGee was a four-star recruit and considered one of the nation's top 10 corners in 2008, but has made just 13 career starts. He has one pick and four pass breakups in his career.

The other corner could be true freshman Tracy Howard, a five-star recruit who was the nation's top cornerback prospect in this signing class. Howard should at least be the nickelback this season. JC transfer LaDarius Gunter enrolled in time for spring ball and should see playing time along with sophomore Thomas Finnie and freshman Deon Bush.

Somebody in the secondary needs to make some plays. Miami had just six interceptions last season, with five coming by defensive backs.

Special teams

Miami has one of the best kicker/punter duos in the ACC. P Dalton Botts averaged 42.7 yards last season after transferring in from junior college. K Jake Wieclaw was 11-of-14 on field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder.

Miami's kickoff coverage was excellent last season, but its punt coverage needs vast improvement.

Miami also is looking for a new return man with the departure of Travis Benjamin.

Schedule

Three of the first four games are on the road, including ACC matchups with Boston College and Georgia Tech. There's also a trip to Kansas State, which won at Miami last season.

In addition, there's a tough September game against North Carolina State. That's followed the next week by a game in Chicago against Notre Dame. And on the heels of that game are back-to-back-to-back contests against North Carolina, Florida State and Virginia Tech.

In short, a flawed Miami team has a difficult schedule.

Overview

As usual with Miami, the roster is filled with top-flight athletes. But there aren't that many proven players.

Morris' play at quarterback bears watching. Can he maintain consistency? And will he get some help from his tailbacks? A lot is expected of Johnson, a Miami native who could start the opener.

There are defensive issues, too. How will Miami hold up against the run? Will the safeties play to their abilities? And will there be any kind of pass rush?

The schedule is not kind, meaning there will be no time for a retooled offense to find its footing.

There's enough talent on hand for a bowl bid. But it would be a surprise if Miami was a legitimate contender for the ACC Coastal Division title.

The recruiting side

Average recruiting ranking for past five years: 16th nationally
The buzz: Golden and his staff brought in a massive class, signing 33 prospects. The class ranked No. 9 overall. The class was led by two five-star prospects from the Hurricanes' backyard – CB Tracy Howard and RB Duke Johnson. Other strong defensive additions include CB Deon Bush, LB Raphael Kirby and DEs Tyriq McCord and Jelani Hamilton. One negative is that talented WR Angelo Jean-Louis did not qualify academically and is headed to prep school. – Chris Nee, Rivals.com

Breakthrough player

LB Denzel Perryman. Perryman is expected to begin blossoming into a superstar this season. He has moved to the inside linebacker spot for the 'Canes, which should enable him to lead the team in tackles. He has shown explosive traits, reminding many in Coral Gables of a young Ray Lewis. Look for Perryman to be the marquee player on an improved Miami defense in 2012. – Gary Ferman, canesport.com

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--fbc-team-countdown-team-44-miami.html

[CGNC]

UMike - crunch the numbers and see what your bottom line is if you haven't already done it. If he is offering $80 there is probably a little more on his end since he knows you were asking $100.

[UMike]

Well..looks like we settled on $85K..which is fine with me being that it hasnt even been listed a full week I dont think.

[UpNorthCane]

What kind of business is it Umike?

[UMike]

Upnorth...its an online business selling central vacuums and accessories for them

[Ohio_Cane]

Congrats, UMike!

[UMike]

thanks ohio

[86Cane]

UMike...U can thank your wife and me for another $5000 in your pocket. Way to handle your bidness young man! LOL

[86Cane]

The Hurricanes and the community are no doubt keeping close tabs on Vernon and Miller, including Al Golden, the coach at the University of Miami.

"There's a lot of talented players on teams around the NFL," Golden said.

"But these are two talented players that are home grown, and have tremendous character. The combination of those three is what makes us unique, and we'll certainly benefit from it, the Miami Dolphins will benefit from it, but most importantly the fans.

"I think Dolphin fans will look back two years from now and say that they ended up with three first-round picks in Vernon, [Ryan] Tannehill and Miller. I think those two have tremendous upside, and potential and will go on to have great careers for the Dolphins."

[86Cane]

UMike...I'm gonna need a new email addy for U, correct?

[UpNorthCane]

Congrats umike way to made that paper my man.....

[Six]

Atta boy UMike

[TJL]

Anybody saw this guys pic? A few months ago he was bald and now a full head of hair! looks like the Heat coach!!

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/05/2882584/zimmerman-bond-ruling-expected.html

[hassan]

Does skreetz know how big mccord looks now?

Does he have any idea will dallas be in by fall or prep school bound

[Six]

Tyriq played in high school at around 235 lbs. , so a couple of sessions of UTough, kid is going to be scary

[The Dude]

I dont know these answers so I thought I would ask. When is the start of fall camp? What are the players doing right now in regards to football?

57 more days until Boston College.

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!