Under Armour: Kevin Olsen

On Wednesday I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Under Armour All-American practice session and skills challenge at The Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World In Orlando, Florida.

The best of the best high school players in the Country are invited to participate in this prestigious event before National Signing Day. Among them were University of Miami recruits and verbal commitments QB Kevin Olsen and CB Artie Burns.

First of all, like everything Disney does, the facility is first class all the way. Well designed, nicely landscaped and friendly staff are everywhere. Just like Walt Disney imagined it to be all the time.

As I arrived at the practice fields I looked for the two UM verbal commits that were at the event: QB Kevin Olsen and CB Artie Burns.

I found them on an adjacent field playing for former NFL head coach Steve Marriuci who was coaching them up big time.

Olsen was large and in charge of the White Team offense. His talent was clearly evident as he hit several crisp passes to his receivers on consecutive repetitions on different areas of the field.

His posture, form and footwork were excellent and his delivery was also accurate and on time. His release is quick and precise. We like that.

He hit passes long and short and over the middle. His accuracy was simply amazing. His footwork was excellent and his balance was outstanding.

He did throw on interception to...wait for it...wait for it...Artie Burns. Imagine that! A future UM QB throwing an INT to a future UM CB.

So I ask U: What are the chances?

Olsen was seen chatting it up with several other high school all-stars and looked very comfortable in this environment. He is very mature and appears to be a real leader among his teammates.

We like that, we like that a lot. When we left the field we caught up with Kevin and we had the chance to chat with him for a while and managed to take a photo with him and our new friend David Kenyon at Bleacher Report.

After that we left the UAAA practice session and wondered out loud about the Miami Hurricanes chances for next year. And we decided that we like our chances very much thank U!

Comments

[Willie Will in Nashville]

If you ain't first your last

[roachcane77]

LAST!

[Willie Will in Nashville]

But a dirtbag in personality, trust me i've met and spoke with the guy countless times and you won't even believe the things he said about Randy Shannon years back when he was still in U of F, how he laughs about the U and that he thinks we're going nowhere but down!

Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | January 03, 2013 at 08:23 PM

You did hit em in da mouf after he said that right??? Lol

[86Cane]

Roach77...U gotta get busy and get with it if U wanna be first!

[Montreal-Cane]

86 nice update on Kevin Olsen. Does he have better arm strength than Ken Dorsey?

[kenyon19ypr]

Thanks for getting that picture in 86! Had a great time talking CANES all day long.

Kevin seems like a stand-up guy and has the skills that I love to see. Can't wait for him to get on campus, but in the meantime he can throw up some []__[]'s!

http://bleacherreport.com/users/1309484-david-kenyon

I'd love to hear what you guys have to say on some of my articles. Thanks, and GO CANES!

[Montreal-Cane]

Dear Coach Larranaga,

Please recruit Andrew Wiggins from Canada a super star and a great kid. The no.1 recruit for the class of 2013.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/class/2013

http://www.google.ca/#hl=fr&gs_rn=1&gs_ri=hp&cp=9&gs_id=t&xhr=t&q=Andrew+Wiggins&pf=p&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&oq=Andrew+Wi&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.cWE&fp=6817b556ba9fe934&bpcl=40096503&biw=1280&bih=668

[86Cane]

Does he have better arm strength than Ken Dorsey?

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 03, 2013 at 10:53 PM

Olsen makes Dorsey look like a noodle.

Child Please!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Nice updates 86.

[KiriJax]

Great updates! Looks like we are really getting a good one! I'll try not to get too excited.

[86Cane]

Trust me this is GOOD and getting BETTER!

[Montreal-Cane]

Nice to hear 86

[Montreal-Cane]

January 3, 2013

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Stefanie Yderstrom became just the 23rd player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau, as the Miami Hurricanes dispatched the visiting Clemson Tigers 78-56 Thursday night at the BankUnited Center.

Yderstrom, who entered the contest averaging 19.0 points in the team's last three games, helped the Canes improve their record to 11-2 overall and 2-0 ACC.

[laquinton]

86 my comment is gone thatI just made ?

[86Cane]

We had such a GOOD time it was just totally unbelievable! The day, the weather and the players and coaches were awesome.

And meeting David from BR was also very nice and informative. He knows a lot of stuff about recruiting.

[Brevardcane]

86 was the pick on Olsen or was it just a spectacular play by burns?

[86Cane]

Brevard...It was on Olsen, he threw it late and Burns jumped the route. Olsen threw his helmet in disgust after the play, he knew he screwed up.

[Brevardcane]

Live and learn then..

[Montreal-Cane]

Ron Turner has signed a five-year contract at FIU worth $500,000 in base annually, which is slightly more than what Mario Cristobal got.

Mario Cristobal was fired at FIU for ... Ron Turner. Wow Pete Garcia is not a genius..

[Montreal-Cane]

Can we expect Kevin Olsen on campus in january as an EE?

[86Cane]

Brevard...Trust me this kid has the goods. He stands tall in the pocket, he does NOT flinch under pressure and he delivers a direct and catchable ball down the field. He gots skills!

[86Cane]

U have to go to these events to really see these players compete against the best players. It is very eye opening. For example I was watching the DL/OL drills and there were two players on the OL getting dominated by the DL rep after rep.

One was #54 (I have no idea who he was) and the other was Ira Denson who I believe is a FSU recruit. That guy got burned every play because of his footwork. He was slow and had poor balance, not a good combo.

[panamacitycane]

Im excited if olsen is this good early I can't wait till sophmore year when he will be ready. Dang when does football season start again? I can't wait much longer...

[TLuv]

Monty-

There's no way Coach L will waste his time recruiting Wiggins. The kid would be the top pick in the draft this year if allowed. I saw him play at the Lebron skills academy. Complete stud. Miami has to make a few Sweet 16s before they could land a player of his caliber.

[MIA Chi 'Cane '98]

Just came back from the Fiesta Bowl. Oregon is the real deal, granted it was probably Chip Kelly's last game at Oregon. Really a well coached team. No dumb penalties or time outs. I gotta say Oregon's D might be undersized but they are quick and smart. Their O is unstoppable when they want to be.

One day Miami will be that team again.

They showed a lot of highlights from KSU's season and of course they showed a bunch of plays from the Miami game.

Miami was represented in the crowd... Saw a guy in my section wearing 'Canes hat & shirt.

[Montreal-Cane]

Posted by: TLuv | January 04, 2013 at 01:19 AM

TLuv if Florida State is after him i don't see why the Canes don't recruit him very hard. Read the latest update on his recruiting. This kid is the real deal for any program.Read the latest on his recruiting.

http://keepingitheel.com/2012/12/24/unc-basketball-recruiting-andrew-wiggins-to-the-tar-heels-fantasy-or-real-possibility/

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1435960-florida-state-fans-and-cheerleaders-profess-love-for-andrew-wiggins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRxaHP4f9d8

The kid is smart humble extremely talented, already knows Lebron and he loves south Florida. If he ends up at a trash school like FSU we should be very upset...Larranaga should ask Al Golden to assist him in recruiting or i will go and get him next door in Toronto but that would be an NCAA violation since i am a UM Alumni so i will just calm down...lol...

[canezilla]

SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE GATORS LEAVE THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR A NON-SEC GAME!!!YOU WILL NEVER SEE THEM LEAVE AGAIN

[Brevardcane]

Excited about Olsen! Interested who will get the nod at QB after Morris leaves. Williams has waited patiently but Olsen might be too good by then.

[LB]

I hope Olsen gets in early. He and Dobard are the ones that make this class click.

[LB]

Caneinsider:

Just saw some video of Foster. Tried to come off charming, but didn't quite work. Doesn't seem serious about UM.

Olsen seems sharp as a tack and media savvy. Burns is humble and a perfectionist.

Sebastian LaRue (WR, recent USC decommit) is Pat Hill's cousin. Doesn't know too much about the program. Too early. Unsure.

[Fish]

You know how to make gator cookies? Throw them in the Sugar Bowl and beat them for three hours!

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

Dunno' if this been posted yet, sad yet i applaud Mr. Darrin Kitchens, respect to this young man!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/lone-florida-player-stays-sing-final-alma-mater-172044134--ncaaf.html

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

But a dirtbag in personality, trust me i've met and spoke with the guy countless times and you won't even believe the things he said about Randy Shannon years back when he was still in U of F, how he laughs about the U and that he thinks we're going nowhere but down!

Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | January 03, 2013 at 08:23 PM

You did hit em in da mouf after he said that right??? Lol

Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | January 03, 2013 at 10:27 PM

I would have only the dude is built like a rock! LoL

[Ohio_Cane]

Can we expect Kevin Olsen on campus in january as an EE?

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 03, 2013 at 11:56 PM
--------------------------------------

50/50 if grades can get cleared and approved in time.

[Ohio_Cane]

You know how to make gator cookies? Throw them in the Sugar Bowl and beat them for three hours!

Posted by: Fish | January 04, 2013 at 09:44 AM
----------------------------------------

LMFAO! I'm stealing this!

[herbieibis]

Listening to a video, Olsen won't be an early entrant, as of right now.

[herbieibis]

How many think Mo comes on board tomorrow?

[LB]

"How many think Mo comes on board tomorrow?"

Mo?

[UMike]

Herbie..we should have two commits this weekend

[UMike]

or COULD have

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359]

why is it that one day on CANEsport someone is committed and the next there name is gone??....Sonny Done already??

RCCF12%

[UMike]

GREAT read with some Q & A over at Sate of The U (dont have the address cant get twitter at work).. Joe Garcia thinks we get Grace, Bostwick, Thomas, AQM, Either Collins or Coley and Kirkland.

[UMike]

He also thinks Williams could be left out due to class size and Bryant will be at FSU

[UpNorthCane]

Kevin Olsen will be one of the best if not the BEST QB to ever play at the U.... Im telling you people once Morris is done beasting next year you will see a Monster Qb in Olsen taking over.

[86Cane]

On March 3, 2011, Shockey signed a one year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Along with fellow tight end Greg Olsen, Shockey proved to be an important part of the Panthers' offense in 2011—the pair accounted for a combined 995 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.[7] He was not re-signed for the 2012 NFL season by the Carolina Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.[8]

[herbieibis]

LB,
Mohammed

[LB]

Once Olsen adjusts, he and Dobard look like a scary combination.

[canezilla]

Kevin Olsen will be one of the best if not the BEST QB to ever play at the U.... Im telling you people once Morris is done beasting next year you will see a Monster Qb in Olsen taking over.

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 04, 2013 at 12:01 PM
THATS BOLD!!! ILL WAIT TILL AFTER HIS FIRST SEASON

[KiriJax]

Read somewhere that Coach Larranaga expects Reggie Johnson to be out for eight games. That would put his return at around the Feb 5th game against Boston College and with 10 games remaining in the regular season. Kadji and Gamble split Center duties against LaSalle. Hope the guys can hang in there until the team is at full strength again. And please, no more injuries or we are cooked for sure.

[86Cane]

BERRY INTERESTING:

http://footballscoop.com/news/8568-a-look-at-arkansas-assistant-salaries

[86Cane]

Panthers PR Dept.‏@PanthersPR

TE Greg Olsen sets new #Panthers record for receiving yards in a season by a tight end. Passes Wesley Walls (822, 1999).

[IraqiCane]

On March 3, 2011, Shockey signed a one year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Along with fellow tight end Greg Olsen, Shockey proved to be an important part of the Panthers' offense in 2011—the pair accounted for a combined 995 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.[7] He was not re-signed for the 2012 NFL season by the Carolina Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.[8]

Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 12:04 PM

Awesome news thanks 86Cane!

[UpNorthCane]

Bring Shockey to coach tightends!!! let Carroll just be the Recruiting coordinator

[86Cane]

From Gerry Hamilton at 247 sports:

2. Artie Burns, CB, Miami Northwestern

Simply put, Burns enjoyed an otherworldly day at corner. Burns not only showed his pure speed, but also demonstrated his ability to redirect routes in press coverage, react and recover and close with physicality to ensure pass break ups. Over the course of two days, Burns has been very impressive athletically and physically with active hands.

[86Cane]

GREAT ARTICLE FROM THE BEAST:

http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/miami-football-the-beast-unleashed-time-to-pay-up/

[86Cane]

FROM FLORIDA HS FOOTBALL:

#8 Artie Burns| Miami Northwestern HS | Miami, FL | 6’0, 183 | Miami (FL)

Artie Burns is just an overall amazing athlete. Not only is he ranked as a top ten cornerback on ESPN, but Burns is nation’s No.1 hurdler with the top times in the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. However, Burns is committed to the University of Miami to play cornerback. Burns hopes to make an immediate impact at Miami like his former high school teammate and 2012 Under Armour All-American, Amari Cooper, has done at Alabama.

[LB]

I'd really like to hear a tangible candidate for the UM WR position. I've heard none.

Does anyone know the salaries of our coaches? I know UM is a private institution, but it would be a nice guess. We need to keep Fisch at all costs. Dude is working wonders. Tell the hobbit to stop being cheap.

http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/miami-football-the-beast-unleashed-time-to-pay-up/

[BigWindyCane1]

Joe Garcia thinks we get Grace, Bostwick, Thomas, AQM, Either Collins or Coley and Kirkland.

Posted by: UMike | January 04, 2013 at 11:43 AM

That would be a monster haul. I will take it.

[LB]

Interview with Alex Gall. Good stuff. A Skyline chili fan! Great comments about FSU:
http://canesinsight.podomatic.com/player/web/2013-01-03T19_15_03-08_00

"Grace, Bostwick, Thomas, AQM, Either Collins or Coley and Kirkland."

- If AQM comes to UM, that's MAJOR in terms of need and geography.
- I hope grades pan out. If so, big time year.

[CGNC]

I predict 9-3 next year

Posted by: CoCane | January 03, 2013 at 04:02 PM

Me too Co. And I am not budging from that until they achieve it :-D

[CGNC]

5 Questions with Travis Benjamin

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/five_questions_with_cleveland_13.html

[86Cane]

Five Questions? What a great idea! Maybe we should try that? LOL

[herbieibis]

How many ships do we have left? If we get Mo, Thomas, Bostwick (grades may be iffy), Collins & Coley that would be awesome but what if Williams & Bryant want in, then what? Listening to Williams, his last visit is set for LSU. All I can say is Al needs to tell some roster taker to take a hike. It would really suk, if Bostwick can't get in and we don't get Bryant. Bryant is probably FSU anyway, as well as Kirkland but how nice would it be if we could get them all.

[Willie Will in Nashville]

I would have only the dude is built like a rock! LoL

Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | January 04, 2013 at 10:35 AM

LMAO. I didn't say you couldn't run after you did it lol

[Anthonyjmanis]

Al Golden up next Cfb

[LB]

"Bryant is probably FSU anyway, as well as Kirkland..."

I don't agree with that. You can't tell what Bryant is going to do, and Kirkland (grade depending) is UM.

[KiriJax]

Strong may hate Miami, but I do admire him for the way he stayed loyal to UL and didn't jump on the first SEC ship passing by. Just one Golden quality about him there.

[VegasCane]

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 04, 2013 at 02:55 AM

You're right, I mean it couldn't hurt to at least TRY to land the kid. It's just so unlikely. Coach Hamilton at FSU is a really good recruiter and his team has made a couple Sweet 16s and is the defending ACC Champs. That'll get you some pull with the big names. Not to mention they get a McDonald's All-American pretty frequently (I know that Mike Snaer was one). But it would definitely be the biggest recruit ever in our program if we landed him...by a LONG shot.

Go Canes!

[86Cane]

Golden sounded good on ESPN. South Beach in the background didn't hurt recruiting either.

[86Cane]

Hmmmmmmmm...

http://www.afca.com/article/article.php?id=BobbyKennedy

[KiriJax]

Wow. His wife's name is LaShonda. Can't remember anything else.

[86Cane]

The University of Miami women’s tennis team will open its 2013 spring campaign as the nation’s ninth-ranked team as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Last season, the Canes advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship for the fourth consecutive year before falling to eventual national champion Florida.

[KiriJax]

The women's team is doing good, need that special recruit to get to the top! The men's team on the other hand, start at #65 and have a lot to prove. Coach Rincon could be on the hot seat if this season doesn't show improvement.

[BEERicane]

Olsen is a clutz.

[The Wizard]

Did anybody else see Matthew Thomas throw up THE U after his pick ?

[laquinton]

if we get colorados wr coach.. they get dukes wr coach.. bet

[The Wizard]

Matthew Thomas just leveled the QB in the open filed and threw THE U into the camera !!!!!

[DeeCane]

Does anyone see that referee looks like Howard Schnellenberger...lol...It looks like Matthew Thomas wanted to throw up the U when he got that pick...

[elliott]

Just a few observations....

Oregon looks really small
Florida is not that good and we should murder them next year..
Our QB,RB, and WR's are all better than what they have
Our schedule looks very easy next year....

[Montreal_Cane]

What is wrong with Bosa going to OSU...Have some south florida pride man.

[BigWindyCane1]

Does anyone see that referee looks like Howard Schnellenberger...lol...It looks like Matthew Thomas wanted to throw up the U when he got that pick...

Posted by: DeeCane | January 04, 2013 at 06:20 PM

Schnelly - LOL. I was thinking the same thing.

Matthew Thomas is very good. I may have already said this before, but saw him play last year and this year, and he is definitely the real deal. Thomas, Carter and Burns are the kinds of playmakers on D that the Canes need.

[TJL]

Bosa's uncle is Eric Kumerow-He played at OSU and was the WORST 1st round draft pick in Dolphin history-a complete bum-

[Mcginns ale house]

Gionna Paul out at um---that really sucks I liked him

[Montreal_Cane]

Any good news tonight?

[UMike]

Any good news tonight?

Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 07:57 PM

One more spot is open lol

[Montreal_Cane]

Tim Reynolds ‏

Gionni Paul, Miami breakup was a MUTUAL decision. Commence with your incorrect conspiracy theories.

[Montreal_Cane]

Denzel perryman ‏@D_Perryman52
Honesty, consistency, loyalty.. All I want

Yes we can read between the lines.

Good luke Mr. Paul.

[Montreal_Cane]

That's right UMike

[Mcginns ale house]

I think we all know the story. Lets not rehash it. Paul was gracious
In his statement thanking the fans and wishing the hurricanes well.

[canezilla]

FIRST TIME SEEING OLSEN PLAY. AM I NOT SEEING WHAT EVERYBODY IS RAVING ABOUT. HE LOOKED LIKE HE DIDN'T EVEN BELONG ON THE FIELD????

[Montreal_Cane]

One more reason for Matthew Thomas to come to the U...Playing time as a freshman.

[The Wizard]

Could that open a spot for the other LB Foster ?

[Old Skool]

Is everything cool with EJ now?

[Montreal_Cane]

The At&Tcommercial with Bob Stoops recruiting a player...Is it an NCAA violation? Lol...

[LB]

"What is wrong with Bosa going to OSU...Have some south florida pride man."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think he was offered.

[UMike]

Is everything cool with EJ now?

Posted by: Old Skool | January 04, 2013 at 08:20 PM

I sure hope so..or we will have a hard time next year at LB

[UMike]

FIRST TIME SEEING OLSEN PLAY. AM I NOT SEEING WHAT EVERYBODY IS RAVING ABOUT. HE LOOKED LIKE HE DIDN'T EVEN BELONG ON THE FIELD????

Posted by: canezilla | January 04, 2013 at 08:10 PM

He definitely had a bad series, but he is still a top QB..that is why he started, because he showed he was the best. You also have to remember how far ahead the defense usually is in these type of games and he was forced out of the pocked a few times to start of

[UMike]

"What is wrong with Bosa going to OSU...Have some south florida pride man."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think he was offered.

Posted by: LB | January 04, 2013 at 08:24 PM

I watched a few St. Thomas games this year and I wasn't impressed at all by Bosa...I could be very wrong, but from what I saw it is no big loss. Either way I will root for a south Florida kid no matter where they go

[Montreal_Cane]

The Stoops brothers Bob and Mike going at each other on the side lines...I love it.

[Montreal_Cane]

Manziel the best freshman QB we have ever seen.