Christmas Comes Early!

National Signing Day (NSD) this year brought so many new, bright and shiny presents to University of Miami Head Coach Randy Shannon that he must have assuredly felt like Christmas had come exactly 10 months and 19 days early.  Randy and his crew of top flight recruiters dominated NSD 2008 like the 2001 Canes dominated all of college football. 

Yes, in 2008, February 6 was indeed Christmas for the Canes.

ESPN rated the Canes class #1 in the country and all of the so-called experts and recruiting sources had the Canes ranked in the top 5 classes nationwide.  Focusing on the talent rich 305, Randy and crew made sure to lock down the local studs from Miami Northwestern High School and nearby Booker T Washington in an unprecedented round-up of some of the best players in the Country. 

Remember these names: From MNW, Forston, Johnson, Spence, Thompkins, Washington, Jones, Streeter and Harris (Jacory).  From BTW, Collier and another Harris (Brandon) and Johnson (Davon).

And don't go to sleep the two "Muck Boys" WR Travis Benjamin and DL Micanor Regis.  Both could play a major role in the Canes success in 2008, Benjamin as a punt and kick returner and Regis in the rotation at defensive tackle across a suddenly solid Canes defensive line.

Nationally the Canes landed top rated LB Arthur Brown from Kansas, Antonio Harper from Tennessee, a Cook from Texas, a Kane from New Jersey, a Byrd from Louisiana and Safety Vaughn Telemaque from California.  The Canes also stole CJ Holton right out from under Bobby Bowden's nose and even took back Ramon Buchanon from the hated Gators and coach Urban Buy-her. 

Christmas in February?  This was even better, way better! 

Now the job for Coach Shannon and his assistant coaches is to get these young pups ready to play, and not soon, but NOW!   The only thing standing between these Canes and another 5-7 season is a new starting freshman QB and this sudden and dramatic infusion of talent and heart into the Canes locker room. 

Yet, once we get beyond the giddiness and glee of landing all of this top talent on NSD, the question still remains:  Which Canes team will see on the field in 2008?  More of the same from 2007, or a totally new team, more like the one we saw back in 2001?

Comments

[Esteban]

hank's still my choice 4 one of the WR spots. he and kayne aren't tryin to let aldarius just come in and take over. and Ava, you seen adderly lately?

[CaneDolfan386]

I agree with Manny thats what Ive been saying it will get interesting come time for spring ball. I cant wait I hope these kids lite everyones A$$e$ up. I know whoever wins the starting job will be nasty. I know every Year I say the same thing but Im sayinng this team can make a stink the talents there its just a matter of the coaching staff cultivating it. I think its the year Miami suprises everyone.

[solarcane]

CVS
I'm still thinking Thearon Collier is a sleeper, ever clip I see of him says goto guy.

peace

[AvaCane96]

idk RT6 has it lol...there was a big group of football players at the game...Allen Bailey, J-Mac, Ian Symonette, Sean Spence, Hank...and others i couldnt see/didnt recognize. Spence was talking to a guy in a hoodie that coulda been AJ.

[caneranus]

My final thoughts on Signing Day!

Alright so my initial reaction. Amazing! We brought together a deep and solid class. I want anybody here to challenge those 2 and 3 star recruits and tell them they can't beat out the 4 and 5 star recruits. Everybody plays a key factor in making this team formidable. I know for a fact we have to change the culture at the U. . . The last few years it has turned into IMGPU.. I'm Going Pro University. . Every player was more worried about their stats or production opposed to sacrificing for the team. We have a 40 percent new team this year. A new culture and a new attitude. I understand the concept of preparing yourself for the league, but a portion of that is becoming a better teammate. Talent will always get you in the league, but your ability to learn systems and be A TRUE TEAM PLAYER will expand your abilities and enable you to be an all-american or all-pro. To all the new recruits just remember. IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.. Ofcourse it is going to be tough. Why would you want it easy. Everybody's ultimate goal is to make it to the league. Right? Get a great education. Just do what they tell you, push yourself and others. If you feel slighted, like you are not getting a fair chance, bring your issue to Randy Shannon and your coordinator. Think about what they tell you. If they give you constructive criticism that will improve your game listen. DON"T BE DISCOURGAGED BY OBSTACLES. Every player has them, only GOD knows your destiny and at this time it includes the UM... Be patines, be proude, be competitive and be fair to your coaches and teammates. To any player who doesn't see the field next year listen to R.S. and Swasey and I promise they will have taught you to be a man. Congratulations to all of you young men. Just remember God has a plan for each and every one of you. Believe and all of your dreams will come true, doubt and your soul become's clouded with the devil's spirt.

Go CANES!! FOR LIFE!!
305 born, 813 raised. Still representing Dade!!!!

[Obviouscane]

Its pretty sad what college coaches (bowden) will do to get a kid to commit....It is the way it is though....Personally I would want a player that WANTS to be there...Unhappy players won't play well....

[AvaCane96]

CGNC, the bball team gets 2 thumbs down from me lol...i've played the game my whole life, and ive never seen worse gameplans.

well at least we got baseball!

[CaneDolfan386]

Este those Wrs are going to be staight nasty. Im so glad U and I dont have to argue about the QBs. Whoever wins that job Im going to be happpy. I just hope Our O-line steps up.

[AvaCane96]

Esteban, idk wut Adderly looks like, so i havent looked for him.

[CanesgirlNC]

Ava - this season I was trying to learn about and like BB especially since the ACC tourney is here in Charlotte. LOL now I don't have to :-D

[AvaCane96]

lol at least you can watch some real games between UNC and Duke.

[CanesgirlNC]

Canedolfan - Reggie Youngblood needs to improve his play no doubt

[pb(CSHOF09)]

Hi CGNC...

[solarcane]

Este (and other spaceballers) will you be able to tape the spring game for all of us out of staters to buy a copy?
watching it on You Tube would be the next best alternative

peace

[CanesgirlNC]

Ava - you know, I wanted to watch the UNC v Duke game the other night but something was wrong with my cable and ESPN turned into ESPNU and they had Texas Tech on. Apparently Duke handled NC without too much trouble.

[Obviouscane]

I was expecting Youngblood to produce more as well....he definetly needs to CANE UP....

[OCALACANE]

Sup Legion?
CGNC... How's everything
86...
Did U see my post about the punter?
LMAO!!!

[AvaCane96]

y is the spring game not at TNP?

[solarcane]

ava,
did you watch how Duke adjusts to the clock, dictates whats going on, and gets people where they are effective in different situations?
everything we seem to lack the ability to do

peace

[CanesgirlNC]

Hi PB - campaigning late at night I see

[solarcane]

ava,
I live in the North Georgia Mountains, I doubt I will see the spring game no matter where I go
peace

[CVS]

CGNC,
Thank you...
Obvious,
I don't know much about Harland Gunn outside of last year's clip
For everyone who thinks Thearon Collier is a sleeper...I didn't think much of his game production on that ESPN2 game earlier in the year in South Carolina...Davon Johnson impressed me the most, and a lot more than Brandon Harris even. But as I watch highlight clips, I think TC is probably the best get of the bunch. Crazy, I know.
- CVS

[OCALACANE]

CGNC...
Warmer weather = less clothing ;)
80's here for days!!!

[AvaCane96]

which is y i lost faith in haith solar...i lost it completely when we were in 2-3 zone and duke was just standing at halfcourt milking the clock with 2 minutes left...thats the time to PRESSURE THE BALL.

[CanesgirlNC]

Duke plays and executes with precision - wished I could have seen part of the game against NC. Our guys played them hard though - looked really defeated though at the end

[CaneDolfan386]

I agree with U Canesgirl, I think He will break out this Year. The Kid has all the potential in the world. This is the year We need the O-line more then ever with all these Young Kids at key playmaking positions They got to protect Our Young QB for Us to have a chance. Im keeping the faith.

[CaneDolfan386]

Solar if U can get to a place that has Directv They show it on Sunshine Network. Every Year. I saw it last year. If Im mistaken Ill repost around that time and tell U what channel U can find it on.

[AvaCane96]

Robert Marve in 2008=Bernie Kosar in 1983

[CaneDolfan386]

I know They played several different times last year.

[raizecane]

Solar - I was up that way last July.....Loved it. We were about 30 minutes from Helen and stayed in a cabin. Will be going back someday soon.

[CanesgirlNC]

Whatever happened to masscanefan? Don't think he's posted since the Superbowl loss?

[CanesgirlNC]

Solar, tell everyone about your shirt

[86Cane]

Canespace stats:

2/1/2008 10465
2/2/2008 5057
2/3/2008 6098
2/4/2008 8160
2/5/2008 8172
2/6/2008 19722

It seems like every site meter or hit counter somehow collects different numbers.

The ones above are page views from Typepad.

If you click on the site meter on this page (orange column at left near the bottom) and then click on "visits and page views" in the "last 7 days" it says for 2/6/08 we had 5300+ visits (unique IP addresses) and 17950 page views.

[pb(CSHOF09)]

cgnc, I only want "The Hall" so I can escort you...

[solarcane]

canedolfan,

I appreciate that!
peace

[Obviouscane]

Solar,
Where in the N. Georgia Mountains? I live in Woodstock and was in Blueridge a month ago....Good to see cane fans up here....

[CaneDolfan386]

86 its been awesome having this site to check up on the Canes. I kow Truth got upset but if I want to get the real scoop on My Canes I come here. A BIG thank U to all the bloggers Who bring Us the Fans out of state the news Thank U Everyone

[86Cane]

Ocala...I saw it LOL. You and that kicking game! I hear Taylor Cook has skills in that department? If not we just go for it EVERY TIME on fourth down next year!

Email me your work email address. I have an update on your Monday appointment.

[CaneDolfan386]

no problem anything for a fellow U follower. Just keep an eye on here in the spring.

[solarcane]

raizecane,
Helen is about 15 minutes away from where I live. I live out in the farm lands, its really beautiful and laid back.

Did you happen to stay in a cabin owned by Blueridge Cabins next to Unicoi State Park?
peace

[pb(CSHOF09)]

Hi PB - campaigning late at night I see

Posted by: CanesgirlNC | February 07, 2008 at 11:08 PM

I dont know about you all, but I could feel the the love in that statement.

[raizecane]

Solar -

No, here is the link where we stayed. The cabin is the pics is the one we stayed in -

http://www.mtngetawaycabins.com/unequa_lodge.php

[OCALACANE]

greatamericansd@yahoo.com

[raizecane]

BTW - I loved Helen.......what a great place

[solarcane]

obvious,
my wife works in Woodstock, at Serenity Medical( owned by a St Thomas Aquanis Graduate) a nice hour and a half commute one way.
I live in the farm lands of White County.
Cleveland and Helen would be the closest towns.
Hiawassee,Blairsville,Dahlonega are places we hang around.

peace

[86Cane]

Robert Marve in 2008=Bernie Kosar in 1983

Posted by: AvaCane96 | February 07, 2008 at 11:15 PM

How profound. If this were to actually come true you would go down in Canespace history as a legend and be automatically eligible for the CSHOF!

[Obviouscane]

Thats right around the corner from where I live...your right..it is real peaceful up there...we had a great cabin in the middle of no where....

[86Cane]

BTW...I loved Helen too - what a hottie she was!

[solarcane]

CGNC is a big fan of my anti-local Tee shirt
It has
PADDLE FASTER, I HEAR BANJO MUSIC
across the back.

The folks that can read here get a big kick out of it.

peace

[AvaCane96]

woooooooo i guess im in the vault for the first time?