The New Place

As the University of Miami Hurricanes move from the historic old Orange Bowl to their shiny new home across town, Canes fans are left to wonder how things are going to be in their new environment.  One thing is for sure: they will NOT be the same.  But, like it or not, change happens and many changes are coming for UM football next year.

The Stadium once upon a time called the Joe (Robbie), The Pro (Player) and then Dolphin Stadium awaits a new name and the Canes in 2008.  For now, we will simply call it "The New Place" or TNP Stadium for lack of a better term.  Most of the fans here at Canespace are following the Billy Joel school of philosophy on this one.  In one of his songs, Joel sings the lyrics: "The good old days weren't always good, and tomorrow not as bad as it seems".  Let's hope Billy got that right.

In the New Place, the West end zone rowdies are still in the West end zone, except now moved into the upper deck and about as far, far away from the field as you can get.  Their antics that intimidated opponents for decades at field level in the Orange Bowl will be hard to duplicate from the upper deck. 

It's hard for an opponent to be intimidated by a group of fans you can't hear much less see as they stomp and yell in futility to be recognized. But, that's just how it is in The New Place.

Sure we've heard how Canes fans will now have on-site parking (for a fee of course), nice tasty concessions, giant jumbotron screens for replays and the all important sparkling clean and tidy bathrooms which some have promoted as though they will become the highlight of your visit to The New Place. 

If using the restroom becomes the focal point of any football game then I'd just as soon most of us would not want to be part of that event anyway.  You can be sure that Sani-wipes and antibacterial hand gel will never be too far away in The New Place.

If you happened to see the UM Athletic Department's mailing to season ticket holders then you realized that The New Place has all the potential to become a Chardonnay sipping, swiss cheese and fresh fruit eating, loafer wearing collection of posers who's interest in football extends to knowing that the ball is made of leather.  Oh yeah, that and saying "Hey Bob, they even throw it in the air sometimes!" 

UM football games may turn into events similar to most Miami Heat Basketball games where it is more important to see the who's who of who is seated courtside than it is about the score of the game.  A conversation I actually overheard once at a Heat game went something like this: "Hey is that Madonna?  Look, there's Jimmy Buffet!  Who are the Heat playing?  Are we going to South Beach after the game?" 

Air conditioned luxury boxes?  Check.  Private elevators to your suite?  Check.  A place to park your Mercedes right next to the Stadium?  Check.  Ushers to make sure everone only sits in the correct seat?  Check.  College football atmoshphere against FSU on a October Saturday?  Maybe not so much.

In spite of all this, I'm renewing my season tickets.  Just out of curiosity, I can't wait to see how things shake out in The New Place.  How will it sound during a noon game against Duke with 38,000 on hand?  How will the tailgating improve now that the fans will all be able to park on site?  Will people be afraid to use the bathrooms because they may actually get them dirty? 

Plus, I want to see how many get fans will get tased at The New Place in 2008 when someone complains to one of the stadium attendants that the person next to them yelled "Whoosh, WHOOSH", just a little too loud. 

But most of all, as a UM alumni and long time fan, I want to support the UM football team and Coach Shannon as they return for another season in search of glory and resume their journey on the long, hard road back to the top of college football.  Coach Shannon will have his hands full trying to get used to The New Place and improving on a 5-7 record in 2007. 

I plan to be there for every game, with my hands full too (see picture at left), and yelling DE-Fense, DE-Fense as usual, all they way through the 2008 season.  And I promise not to boo, not even once (if I can help it).  But I am warning you now, if I hear even one smug, wealthy, Rolex wearing poser dressed in a navy blazer while sipping on a glass of wine say: "Could you please pass the Grey Poupon" or "Which team is Miami" just once, I will not be responsible for my actions. 

Or for that matter the actions of any other respectable face painting, beer drinking, tailgating Canes fan out there dressed in orange and green from head to toe who might accidentally bump into one of the posers from the club level seats and spill a drop of their precious Cabernet Sauvignon on their $100 leather loafers.

Can't you just see it now: Cops all around, tasers drawn and threatening Aqua:

"Put down the $12 beer and step back from the sushi bar." 

The last thing you hear before he goes down is Aqua yelling:

"Don't tase me bro, don't tase me!" 

Comments

[Old Skool]

Yuuppp

[Old Skool]

Yowzas

[MDCane]

Ding!

[PLAY THE FRESHMEN!!!]

Numero uno!!!!!!!!

[PLAY THE FRESHMEN!!!]

Numero uno!!!!!!!!

[MDCane]

I am trying to be first, but typepad thinks I am a spammer..

[PLAY THE FRESHMEN!!!]

not last.

[PLAY THE FRESHMEN!!!]

I don't think that anyone is trashing PJ sr. and/or MP sr. I just could not see myself sending my kid to the gaiturs.

If push came to shove in some catastrophic circumstance (UM has no football in 11 years)I guess I would send him to UCF or USF.

But me being a UM Alumni, to the GAITURS: "HELL NO"

I wouls speak to Avery Atkins parents, DT, the 4-5 kids that have transferred and the ones have requested transfers only to be told by crier that once God tebow leaves UF perhaps they can be priests in his temple.

[MDCane]

Funny blog 86.

[MDCane]

This blog is really funny 86.

[canenexxus]

Nice Blob 86. I don't think TNP Park will be that bad. I don't have season tics but I will make it down to a few games this year just to see how it is.

[ObviousCane]

From another board-

I have heard other places that Patchan wants to go to Miami but his parents want him to go to Florida....sounds crazy considering his dad played at miami....but supposedly it holds pretty true from numerous sources....What do U guys think?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We need to stop repeating every ridiculous piece of speculation.

The truth is that Matt's uncle posts on another site, and he has said the family has tried everything to get Matt to choose Miami, now it is up to him to make that decision.

[Cavaleer]

Great blog 86.

PTF and Solar, my point about PJ's father, as that SI article revealed, is that the point of teaching your child hard lessons, like not being able to do something they love because they're slacking in the classroom, is so that they can MAKE DECISIONS ON THEIR OWN, LIKE AN ADULT!

What better opportunity to learn the ropes of independence/adulthood than the apparently important but actually insignificant in the long-term decision on where to attend college and play ball????

This decision has absolutely nothing to do with a kid's parents. Their is no real quantitative/objective difference between any of the schools he's comparing. They all have solid academics. They all have solid-great athletics.

As a parent, these areas should be his only concern.

After this, it's all subjective/personal and since PJ is the one who will be doing all the work, WTF does his father's wish have to do with anything????

Thus, he, Patrick Peterson, is clearly living out his fantasises through his son, like so many parents do.

We teach our children lessons so that they can be independent of us and still succeed.

What's PJ going to do when he's 26 and meets a girl he wants to marry??? Run to his dad and say, "Dad can I marry her?"

I would say marriage is a vastly more important decision than where you want to attend college and play college ball and parental input should be sought, to the degree that one respects and values one's parents input. lol

But I doubt Patrick Peterson will exercise anywhere near the control and influence on that decision, marriage, as he's exercising over this most personal, brief, once in a lifetime decision of his son's college choice.

If Patrick Peterson didn't preach accountaibility, responsibility etc., I wouldn't call him a hypocrite.

But that ain't the case.

[Cavaleer]

86, Typepad is smoking crack this morning. I can't post without it finding some phantom spam.

[MidWestCane]

A great get.

http://insidetheu.com/media/viewvideo.php?v=155

[Hurricanedave]

86
Thanks for all you have done for Cane fans this year. This blog is terrific! I hope you and Mrs. 86 have a great holiday season.

Go Canes!!!!

[Cavaleer]

Alright, here's the brief version.

PTF and Solar, here's my point about PJ's dad.

We teach our children hard lessons, like not being able to do something they love because they're slacking in the classroom, is to learn accountability, responsibility and ultimately INDEPENDENCE.

They need to be able to make decisions on their own.

What's going to happen in 10 years when PJ meets a woman he wants to marry??? "Hey, dad, can I marry her?"

[Sarasota 'Cane]

9th!!

[The Truth]

"Just so you guys know, Commercial recruiting sites like scout and rivals aren't regulated by the NCAA as colleges are. If there goal is to increase subscriptions by writing provocative articles regarding a certain "Can't miss" recruit, then they'll clearly stoop to any level to bring in that buck.....

Even if it means paying a highly talented prospect like PJ to take trips or come across as a "soft commit". These systems take advantage of the lack of information that fans who aren't in the know, don't have."

________________________________________

BINGO!

Also, remember, just because someone says they are his uncle, does NOT mean they are the player's uncle...

BUT, just because Manny gives you the info he hears, doesn't mean he was getting the correct info.

Almost NO ONE gets the "correct" info when it comes to recruiting. The only people with the "correct" info are the kids themselves...sometimes the parents and the kids are on the same page and sometimes they aren't.

I TRY to give you guys some perspective as someone who has been through this for MANY MANY years. Trust me when I tell you that even on NSD MOST of these kids have 2 and even 3 sets of paperwork in front of them and still aren't sure if they made the right choice even WEEKS after they have officially commited to a school. This process is VERY hard on them...not everyone handle's this like Willie did a few years ago. Most of them take this very seriously and sometimes end up at a school they never thought they would pick. Its about the best fit for them.

Its almost not fair the way these (recruiting) sites take advantage of you and these kids...on the other hand, its also not fair the way SOME, and not even close to all, of these kids take advantage of you and these sites with their games...

The message boards, well, if you are being taken advantage by those bozo's, then that's your fault...they REALLY don't know...even Mr. Patchan's "Uncle."

What I am trying to say is, NO ONE KNOWS. NO ONE (Not even Manny or O Kelly back in the day). Recruiting is all about everyone's opinion based on what they last heard...and that is it. Do some "rumors" turn out to be true? Yes, but MOST of them don't.

Miami is kicking A** this year as far as getting the players they want. They will NOT get them all. NO SCHOOL does. So if "so and so" goes someplace else, who cares. They weren't Miami's to begin with.

All the rumors and speculation right now are just that....rumors and speculation. The only reason you know anything about it is because of the internets and blobs we gots these days. But this has been the game since the very beginning. Nothing is any different except that the mis information that used to get told to the coaches now gets into your ears too.

Welcome to your favorite Head Coaches Nightmare that is recruiting a 17-18 year old boy!!!

[Canes904]

Interesting - I asked Manny last night how much they are using TNP for recruiting?

My issue with the survey is that I wanted to choose more than one response - I hate it, and will try my hardest to support/love it just the same!

See ya at the 1st game!

Nothing compares to a night game at OB - RIP!

[Cavaleer]

86, Typepad is firmly opposed to 3+ paragraph posts.....or the words fantasy, ha*ing and a few others

[The Truth]

"Just so you guys know, Commercial recruiting sites like scout and rivals aren't regulated by the NCAA as colleges are. If there goal is to increase subscriptions by writing provocative articles regarding a certain "Can't miss" recruit, then they'll clearly stoop to any level to bring in that buck.....

Even if it means paying a highly talented prospect like PJ to take trips or come across as a "soft commit". These systems take advantage of the lack of information that fans who aren't in the know, don't have."

________________________________________

BINGO!

Also, remember, just because someone says they are his uncle, does NOT mean they are the player's uncle...

BUT, just because Manny gives you the info he hears, doesn't mean he was getting the correct info.

Almost NO ONE gets the "correct" info when it comes to recruiting. The only people with the "correct" info are the kids themselves...sometimes the parents and the kids are on the same page and sometimes they aren't.

I TRY to give you guys some perspective as someone who has been through this for MANY MANY years. Trust me when I tell you that even on NSD MOST of these kids have 2 and even 3 sets of paperwork in front of them and still aren't sure if they made the right choice even WEEKS after they have officially commited to a school. This process is VERY hard on them...not everyone handle's this like Willie did a few years ago. Most of them take this very seriously and sometimes end up at a school they never thought they would pick. Its about the best fit for them.

Its almost not fair the way these (recruiting) sites take advantage of you and these kids...on the other hand, its also not fair the way SOME, and not even close to all, of these kids take advantage of you and these sites with their games...

The message boards, well, if you are being taken advantage by those bozo's, then that's your fault...they REALLY don't know...even Mr. Patchan's "Uncle."

What I am trying to say is, NO ONE KNOWS. NO ONE (Not even Manny or O Kelly back in the day). Recruiting is all about everyone's opinion based on what they last heard...and that is it. Do some "rumors" turn out to be true? Yes, but MOST of them don't.

Miami is kicking A** this year as far as getting the players they want. They will NOT get them all. NO SCHOOL does. So if "so and so" goes someplace else, who cares. They weren't Miami's to begin with.

All the rumors and speculation right now are just that....rumors and speculation. The only reason you know anything about it is because of the internets and blobs we gots these days. But this has been the game since the very beginning. Nothing is any different except that the mis information that used to get told to the coaches now gets into your ears too.

Welcome to your favorite Head Coaches Nightmare that is recruiting a 17-18 year old boy!!!

[ObviousCane]

CORAL GABLES - Things to ponder about the Tim Walton firing:

……I don’t have any idea who Randy Shannon might hire to replace Walton, but I hear that former Ole Miss head coach and ex-UM assistant Ed Orgeron is very interested in the position. Again, I have no clue if Shannon considers Orgeron a candidate, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

………Coaching is a tough business. Before he became head coach, Shannon and Walton seemed inseparable and regularly went on jogs together after practice. Shannon also gave the 36-year-old Walton his biggest career break early this year by naming him UM’s defensive coordinator. The meeting between the two men on Monday couldn’t have been much fun.

………By firing Walton, Shannon edged closer to the hot seat himself. One thing to consider: Shannon has three years left on his contract and will be working for a new athletic director by the time next football season begins. If Shannon isn’t signed to an extension, he’s going to have a tough time guaranteeing recruits that he will be at Miami during their college careers.

………Coaches used to leave UM for better jobs. Now they leave UM looking for jobs.

………I know people change their minds, but Shannon did say several times that there would be no staff changes.

A couple of thoughts regarding UM basketball:

…….Hard not to get excited about this team. They are, by far, the deepest UM basketball team I’ve ever covered. With Ray Hicks putting last year’s nightmare season behind him, the Hurricanes have four legitimate big men. Brian Asbury is a better player than anyone gives him credit for and James Dews is a guy that can score and defend. The one thing this team can’t afford is an injury to Jack McClinton. McClinton has taken over the point guard duties and will be UM’s go-to player at the end of games when the ACC schedule gets here.

………I don’t want to jump the gun, but if UM makes the NCAA Tournament, the school is going to have a real hard time keeping Frank Haith around as coach. We knew he could recruit. This season, Haith has flat out proved he can coach. Look at UM’s roster and it’s hard to find a guy that hasn’t improved during his time here.

………You never know, but how much better could the Hurricanes have been if Denis Clemente hadn’t forced Haith to boot him off the team? Clemente, who transferred to Kansas State, was really beginning to develop into a real point guard last season and would have allowed a young guy like Edwin Rios - who is going to be very good - a little more time to develop.

And finally:

………UM athletic director Paul Dee has a contract that runs through June, but said he would step down early if the university hires a replacement before then. Dee said he expects UM’s search committee to begin interviewing candidates in January.

[Cavaleer]

Patrick Peterson is living through his son but talking the talk of making him accountable and responsible.

In my book, that spells hypocrite.

What a way to embitter your child against you....

[ObviousCane]

CORAL GABLES - Things to ponder about the Tim Walton firing:

……I don’t have any idea who Randy Shannon might hire to replace Walton, but I hear that former Ole Miss head coach and ex-UM assistant Ed Orgeron is very interested in the position. Again, I have no clue if Shannon considers Orgeron a candidate, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

………Coaching is a tough business. Before he became head coach, Shannon and Walton seemed inseparable and regularly went on jogs together after practice. Shannon also gave the 36-year-old Walton his biggest career break early this year by naming him UM’s defensive coordinator. The meeting between the two men on Monday couldn’t have been much fun.

………By firing Walton, Shannon edged closer to the hot seat himself. One thing to consider: Shannon has three years left on his contract and will be working for a new athletic director by the time next football season begins. If Shannon isn’t signed to an extension, he’s going to have a tough time guaranteeing recruits that he will be at Miami during their college careers.

………Coaches used to leave UM for better jobs. Now they leave UM looking for jobs.

………I know people change their minds, but Shannon did say several times that there would be no staff changes.

A couple of thoughts regarding UM basketball:

…….Hard not to get excited about this team. They are, by far, the deepest UM basketball team I’ve ever covered. With Ray Hicks putting last year’s nightmare season behind him, the Hurricanes have four legitimate big men. Brian Asbury is a better player than anyone gives him credit for and James Dews is a guy that can score and defend. The one thing this team can’t afford is an injury to Jack McClinton. McClinton has taken over the point guard duties and will be UM’s go-to player at the end of games when the ACC schedule gets here.

………I don’t want to jump the gun, but if UM makes the NCAA Tournament, the school is going to have a real hard time keeping Frank Haith around as coach. We knew he could recruit. This season, Haith has flat out proved he can coach. Look at UM’s roster and it’s hard to find a guy that hasn’t improved during his time here.

………You never know, but how much better could the Hurricanes have been if Denis Clemente hadn’t forced Haith to boot him off the team? Clemente, who transferred to Kansas State, was really beginning to develop into a real point guard last season and would have allowed a young guy like Edwin Rios - who is going to be very good - a little more time to develop.

And finally:

………UM athletic director Paul Dee has a contract that runs through June, but said he would step down early if the university hires a replacement before then. Dee said he expects UM’s search committee to begin interviewing candidates in January.

[ObviousCane]

……I don’t have any idea who Randy Shannon might hire to replace Walton, but I hear that former Ole Miss head coach and ex-UM assistant Ed Orgeron is very interested in the position. Again, I have no clue if Shannon considers Orgeron a candidate, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
………Coaching is a tough business. Before he became head coach, Shannon and Walton seemed inseparable and regularly went on jogs together after practice. Shannon also gave the 36-year-old Walton his biggest career break early this year by naming him UM’s defensive coordinator. The meeting between the two men on Monday couldn’t have been much fun.
………By firing Walton, Shannon edged closer to the hot seat himself. One thing to consider: Shannon has three years left on his contract and will be working for a new athletic director by the time next football season begins. If Shannon isn’t signed to an extension, he’s going to have a tough time guaranteeing recruits that he will be at Miami during their college careers.
………Coaches used to leave UM for better jobs. Now they leave UM looking for jobs.
………I know people change their minds, but Shannon did say several times that there would be no staff changes.
A couple of thoughts regarding UM basketball:
…….Hard not to get excited about this team. They are, by far, the deepest UM basketball team I’ve ever covered. With Ray Hicks putting last year’s nightmare season behind him, the Hurricanes have four legitimate big men. Brian Asbury is a better player than anyone gives him credit for and James Dews is a guy that can score and defend. The one thing this team can’t afford is an injury to Jack McClinton. McClinton has taken over the point guard duties and will be UM’s go-to player at the end of games when the ACC schedule gets here.
………I don’t want to jump the gun, but if UM makes the NCAA Tournament, the school is going to have a real hard time keeping Frank Haith around as coach. We knew he could recruit. This season, Haith has flat out proved he can coach. Look at UM’s roster and it’s hard to find a guy that hasn’t improved during his time here.
………You never know, but how much better could the Hurricanes have been if Denis Clemente hadn’t forced Haith to boot him off the team? Clemente, who transferred to Kansas State, was really beginning to develop into a real point guard last season and would have allowed a young guy like Edwin Rios - who is going to be very good - a little more time to develop.

[ObviousCane]

Good Blog on Walton Firing and other Cane stuff...typepad is killing me!!!

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/umblog/entries/2007/12/18/a_few_thoughts_on_waltons_firi.html

[ObviousCane]

I can't even post anything because of typepad!!!

[3-0-CINCO]

Have you guys seen this from Barry Jackson?

• Word is Tim Walton was fired as UM's defensive coordinator because he was slow making in-game adjustments. Randy Shannon would love a coordinator with NFL experience.

• Recruiting guru Tom Lemming said Wichita (Kan.) linebacker/new UM oral commit Arthur Brown is ''one of the top two or three defensive players'' nationally and puts UM's class No. 2 (with Georgia) behind Notre Dame.

Lemming said elite cornerback Patrick Johnson told him on TV Tuesday he likes the Brown addition and definitely will come to UM.

http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/349871.html

[Canez1]

Calm your nutz
By Allen Wallace
National Recruiting Editor
Posted Dec 18, 2007

"I'm about 90 percent solid right now," Patrick Johnson admits. "I'm still committed to Miami. I love Miami. It's a great city and I love all the support they have. Everybody loves them. I also like coach Randy Shannon. They had a really disappointing season and didn't make it to a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but he still has the respect of the players and I think he'll get..."

Patrick Johnson, the 6-foot-1, 197-pound five-star cornerback from Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Fla., has been committed to Miami since April, however, the seriousness of his commitment has always been in question.
"I'm about 90 percent solid right now," Johnson admits. "I'm still committed to Miami. I love Miami. It's a great city and I love all the support they have. Everybody loves them. I also like coach Randy Shannon. They had a really disappointing season and didn't make it to a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but he still has the respect of the players and I think he'll get them back to winning next year. They are doing all the things they need to win."

So why isn't his mind 100 percent sure? "Really the main thing from holding me back and saying that I'm 100 percent sure is that I heard that their defensive coordinator (Tim Walton) was fired (which has been confirmed by online reports). He's the main guy for me and he's been the one recruiting me the most. If it is true that he's fired then I've got a lot of thinking to do. I need to talk to them and see if it's true and see what's gonna happen."

Johnson, ranked the No. 1 cornerback in the country, has over 30 scholarship offers and has already taken visits to Florida (Sept. 14), LSU (Oct. 19), Georgia (Nov. 9), North Carolina (Dec. 7) and also went to USC (Dec. 1) for a day. "I really wanted to make sure I didn't have any regrets," he said. "I wanted to see the country and go and see colleges I may not have normally had a chance to see. It was a great experience and I don't regret taking the visits. I had a great time at all of the schools I went to."

While he enjoyed all of his visits, Johnson admits that one stood out. "My Florida visit probably impressed me the most," he said. "Everybody there is great. They have a good group of players and coaches and they really showed me a lot of love. I liked them a lot, but if I have to play against them I think it'll just be like any other game. I'll prepare just like I would regularly."

The only trip that Johnson was disappointed with was USC, but that's because he only went for one day. "I flew out there on a Friday and flew back on Saturday," he said. "I had to get back for a banquet and didn't really get a chance to see any of the school at all. It was just too rushed to really get a sense of what it's like out there."

In addition to taking official visits, Johnson hosted several coaches either at his house or school in the past few weeks. "We had everybody come by," he said. "All the coaches came to the house. We had coach (Urban) Meyer, coach (Mark) Richt, (Pete) Carroll, (Les) Miles, (Butch) Davis…there were a lot."

Missing from that list was Miami head coach Randy Shannon, although Johnson says that 'Canes secondary coach Wesley McGriff has been by his house.

"They really all talked about the same things," he said. "They just talked about how I'd be able to impact their defense and that I could play early and stuff like that.

"Coach Miles (LSU head coach) is a great guy though," he said. "He's a real players' coach and his team really likes and respects him. That's a great program that has been on top for a while."

Another official visit that stands out in Johnson's mind is Georgia. "I had a great time there," he said. "It was a great environment. I loved it because it's a real college town and everyone there follows the 'Dawgs. They have a lot of support and the trip was fun. I got along great with everybody."

While Johnson may have had a great time on his visit to Georgia, the 'Dawgs failed to make his top three: Miami, Florida and LSU.

Johnson finished his senior season with 733 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns (9 rushing, one kick return and one punt return). Defensively, he had 21 tackles and five interceptions.

He reports a 2.7 core GPA and a 1600 SAT.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

By Allen Wallace
National Recruiting Editor
Posted Dec 18, 2007

"I'm about 90 percent solid right now," Patrick Johnson admits. "I'm still committed to Miami. I love Miami. It's a great city and I love all the support they have. Everybody loves them. I also like coach Randy Shannon. They had a really disappointing season and didn't make it to a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but he still has the respect of the players and I think he'll get..."

Patrick Johnson, the 6-foot-1, 197-pound five-star cornerback from Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Fla., has been committed to Miami since April, however, the seriousness of his commitment has always been in question.
"I'm about 90 percent solid right now," Johnson admits. "I'm still committed to Miami. I love Miami. It's a great city and I love all the support they have. Everybody loves them. I also like coach Randy Shannon. They had a really disappointing season and didn't make it to a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but he still has the respect of the players and I think he'll get them back to winning next year. They are doing all the things they need to win."

So why isn't his mind 100 percent sure? "Really the main thing from holding me back and saying that I'm 100 percent sure is that I heard that their defensive coordinator (Tim Walton) was fired (which has been confirmed by online reports). He's the main guy for me and he's been the one recruiting me the most. If it is true that he's fired then I've got a lot of thinking to do. I need to talk to them and see if it's true and see what's gonna happen."

Johnson, ranked the No. 1 cornerback in the country, has over 30 scholarship offers and has already taken visits to Florida (Sept. 14), LSU (Oct. 19), Georgia (Nov. 9), North Carolina (Dec. 7) and also went to USC (Dec. 1) for a day. "I really wanted to make sure I didn't have any regrets," he said. "I wanted to see the country and go and see colleges I may not have normally had a chance to see. It was a great experience and I don't regret taking the visits. I had a great time at all of the schools I went to."

While he enjoyed all of his visits, Johnson admits that one stood out. "My Florida visit probably impressed me the most," he said. "Everybody there is great. They have a good group of players and coaches and they really showed me a lot of love. I liked them a lot, but if I have to play against them I think it'll just be like any other game. I'll prepare just like I would regularly."

The only trip that Johnson was disappointed with was USC, but that's because he only went for one day. "I flew out there on a Friday and flew back on Saturday," he said. "I had to get back for a banquet and didn't really get a chance to see any of the school at all. It was just too rushed to really get a sense of what it's like out there."

In addition to taking official visits, Johnson hosted several coaches either at his house or school in the past few weeks. "We had everybody come by," he said. "All the coaches came to the house. We had coach (Urban) Meyer, coach (Mark) Richt, (Pete) Carroll, (Les) Miles, (Butch) Davis…there were a lot."

Missing from that list was Miami head coach Randy Shannon, although Johnson says that 'Canes secondary coach Wesley McGriff has been by his house.

"They really all talked about the same things," he said. "They just talked about how I'd be able to impact their defense and that I could play early and stuff like that.

"Coach Miles (LSU head coach) is a great guy though," he said. "He's a real players' coach and his team really likes and respects him. That's a great program that has been on top for a while."

Another official visit that stands out in Johnson's mind is Georgia. "I had a great time there," he said. "It was a great environment. I loved it because it's a real college town and everyone there follows the 'Dawgs. They have a lot of support and the trip was fun. I got along great with everybody."

While Johnson may have had a great time on his visit to Georgia, the 'Dawgs failed to make his top three: Miami, Florida and LSU.

Johnson finished his senior season with 733 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns (9 rushing, one kick return and one punt return). Defensively, he had 21 tackles and five interceptions.

He reports a 2.7 core GPA and a 1600 SAT.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

By Allen Wallace
National Recruiting Editor
Posted Dec 18, 2007

"I'm about 90 percent solid right now," Patrick Johnson admits. "I'm still committed to Miami. I love Miami. It's a great city and I love all the support they have. Everybody loves them. I also like coach Randy Shannon. They had a really disappointing season and didn't make it to a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but he still has the respect of the players and I think he'll get..."

Patrick Johnson, the 6-foot-1, 197-pound five-star cornerback from Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Fla., has been committed to Miami since April, however, the seriousness of his commitment has always been in question.
"I'm about 90 percent solid right now," Johnson admits. "I'm still committed to Miami. I love Miami. It's a great city and I love all the support they have. Everybody loves them. I also like coach Randy Shannon. They had a really disappointing season and didn't make it to a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but he still has the respect of the players and I think he'll get them back to winning next year. They are doing all the things they need to win."

[rubcatcane]

No disrespect to Mr Peterson and PJ but why different surnames?

Just wondering if there are other decision maker involved for PJ that we don't know. I think we respectfully tell the mom to bat for the son -- unless she already did and he is signing with the U.

The dad may only be trying to take the heat for somebody else.

[Canez1]

So why isn't his mind 100 percent sure? "Really the main thing from holding me back and saying that I'm 100 percent sure is that I heard that their defensive coordinator (Tim Walton) was fired (which has been confirmed by online reports). He's the main guy for me and he's been the one recruiting me the most. If it is true that he's fired then I've got a lot of thinking to do. I need to talk to them and see if it's true and see what's gonna happen."

Johnson, ranked the No. 1 cornerback in the country, has over 30 scholarship offers and has already taken visits to Florida (Sept. 14), LSU (Oct. 19), Georgia (Nov. 9), North Carolina (Dec. 7) and also went to USC (Dec. 1) for a day. "I really wanted to make sure I didn't have any regrets," he said. "I wanted to see the country and go and see colleges I may not have normally had a chance to see. It was a great experience and I don't regret taking the visits. I had a great time at all of the schools I went to."

While he enjoyed all of his visits, Johnson admits that one stood out. "My Florida visit probably impressed me the most," he said. "Everybody there is great. They have a good group of players and coaches and they really showed me a lot of love. I liked them a lot, but if I have to play against them I think it'll just be like any other game. I'll prepare just like I would regularly."

The only trip that Johnson was disappointed with was USC, but that's because he only went for one day. "I flew out there on a Friday and flew back on Saturday," he said. "I had to get back for a banquet and didn't really get a chance to see any of the school at all. It was just too rushed to really get a sense of what it's like out there."

In addition to taking official visits, Johnson hosted several coaches either at his house or school in the past few weeks. "We had everybody come by," he said. "All the coaches came to the house. We had coach (Urban) Meyer, coach (Mark) Richt, (Pete) Carroll, (Les) Miles, (Butch) Davis…there were a lot."

Missing from that list was Miami head coach Randy Shannon, although Johnson says that 'Canes secondary coach Wesley McGriff has been by his house.

"They really all talked about the same things," he said. "They just talked about how I'd be able to impact their defense and that I could play early and stuff like that.

"Coach Miles (LSU head coach) is a great guy though," he said. "He's a real players' coach and his team really likes and respects him. That's a great program that has been on top for a while."

Another official visit that stands out in Johnson's mind is Georgia. "I had a great time there," he said. "It was a great environment. I loved it because it's a real college town and everyone there follows the 'Dawgs. They have a lot of support and the trip was fun. I got along great with everybody."

While Johnson may have had a great time on his visit to Georgia, the 'Dawgs failed to make his top three: Miami, Florida and LSU.

Johnson finished his senior season with 733 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns (9 rushing, one kick return and one punt return). Defensively, he had 21 tackles and five interceptions.

He reports a 2.7 core GPA and a 1600 SAT.

[Canez1]

So why isn't his mind 100 percent sure? "Really the main thing from holding me back and saying that I'm 100 percent sure is that I heard that their defensive coordinator (Tim Walton) was fired (which has been confirmed by online reports). He's the main guy for me and he's been the one recruiting me the most. If it is true that he's fired then I've got a lot of thinking to do. I need to talk to them and see if it's true and see what's gonna happen."

Johnson, ranked the No. 1 cornerback in the country, has over 30 scholarship offers and has already taken visits to Florida (Sept. 14), LSU (Oct. 19), Georgia (Nov. 9), North Carolina (Dec. 7) and also went to USC (Dec. 1) for a day. "I really wanted to make sure I didn't have any regrets," he said. "I wanted to see the country and go and see colleges I may not have normally had a chance to see. It was a great experience and I don't regret taking the visits. I had a great time at all of the schools I went to."

[3-0-CINCO]

Dam canez1, losing Walton might be a bigger loss than what we had anticipated.

Like "Juan" stated yesterday, hopefully he is a Shannon boy and not a Walton boy.

[vince]

Personally I am sick and tired of hearing about Patchen and Johnson! If they come great, if not I wish them success wherever they choose to attend school.

[3-0-CINCO]

Dam canez1, losing Walton might be a bigger loss than what we had anticipated.

Like "Juan" stated yesterday, hopefully he is a Shannon boy and not a Walton boy.

[3-0-CINCO]

Dam canez1, losing Walton might be a bigger loss than what we had anticipated.
Like "Juan" stated yesterday, hopefully he is a Shannon boy and not a Walton boy.

[Canez1]

JH update

MCL and ACL strain. So, it is nothing serious. In a cast for another week.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

JH update

MCL and ACL strain. So, it is nothing serious. In a cast for another week.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

Vince maybe this is better news.lol

JH update

MCL and ACL strain. So, it is nothing serious. In a cast for another week.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[insanecane]

I said money - money changes everything
We think we know what we're doing'

we don't pull the strings.
It's all in the past
now - money changes everything.
Money, money changes everything.
We think we know what we're do
We don't pull the strings.
It's all in the past now -
money changes ever
Money changes everything now
money changes everything now

Money changes everything
money changes everything.

This is just a lot of hype to build a nice recruiting story and get people up in frenzy. Based on our reactions it has worked very well. Look at some of the post that has been going up. We are being played like a bunch of cheap hookers on 79th and Biscayne. I think in the end, no pun intended, PJ will be a Cane and down the road the recruits that come after him will have to deal the phrase "he's recruiting processing has generated as much controversy as Patrick Johnson did...." The recruiting game off the field has gotten just as heated as it is on the field. Welcome To The New Recruiting Process. Once again, the love of money has screwed up a once, proud, exciting and honorable process. Money really does changes things doesn’t it.

[hornetcane]

Cyndi Lauper once said "Money Changes Everything"...Yes I am quoting Cyndi on the sports blog. Are you challenging my FANHOOD?

This is just a lot of hype to build a nice recruiting story and get people up in frenzy. Based on our reactions it has worked very well. Look at some of the post that has been going up. We are being played like a bunch of cheap hookers on 79th and Biscayne. I think in the end, no pun intended, PJ will be a Cane and down the road the recruits that come after him will have to deal the phrase "he's recruiting processing has generated as much controversy as Patrick Johnson did...." The recruiting game off the field has gotten just as heated as it is on the field. Welcome To The New Recruiting Process. Once again, the love of money has screwed up a once, proud, exciting and honorable process. Money really does changes things doesn’t it.

[hornetcane]

Cyndi Lauper once said "Money Changes Everything"...Yes I am quoting Cyndi on the sports blog. Are you challenging my FANHOOD?
This is just a lot of hype to build a nice recruiting story and get people up in frenzy. Based on our reactions it has worked very well. Look at some of the post that has been going up. We are being played like a bunch of cheap hookers on 79th and Biscayne. I think in the end, no pun intended, PJ will be a Cane and down the road the recruits that come after him will have to deal the phrase "he's recruiting processing has generated as much controversy as Patrick Johnson did...." The recruiting game off the field has gotten just as heated as it is on the field. Welcome To The New Recruiting Process. Once again, the love of money has screwed up a once, proud, exciting and honorable process. Money really does changes things doesn’t it?

[hornetcane]

This is just a lot of hype to build a nice recruiting story and get people up in frenzy. Based on our reactions it has worked very well. Look at some of the post that has been going up. We are being played like a bunch of cheap hookers on 79th and Biscayne. I think in the end, no pun intended, PJ will be a Cane and down the road the recruits that come after him will have to deal the phrase "he's recruiting processing has generated as much controversy as Patrick Johnson did...." The recruiting game off the field has gotten just as heated as it is on the field. Welcome To The New Recruiting Process. Once again, the love of money has screwed up a once, proud, exciting and honorable process. Money really does changes things doesn’t it.

[Splarfy]

Personally, I'd rather pay more for a nicer looking hooker.

[vince]

Hornetcane you are so correct! The recruiting sites and the chase for money has turned the recruiting process into 79th street and Biscayne BLVD. Remember most college recruiters are a $1.50 above a crack head! (DOC HOLIDAY)

I propose a 24 hour moratorium on any PJ or MP talk

[hornetcane]

Vince, Two very well know recruiting sites are looking more like "wet food stamps" at this point. Talk about beating a dead horse.