This feature was written for Canespace by blogger SolarCane...
Ted Hendricks did it. Chuck Foreman, Otis Anderson and Fred Marion did too.
Ray Lewis, Rohan Marley, Santana Moss and Randal Hill thrived on it.
You don't convert 3rd and 43 unless you can flat out fly around.
Devin Hester flew around so often that he was once actually checked for wings at haltime by the referees. During Super Bowl XLI Hester even took it upon himself to fly where no man had ever flown before by returning the opening kickoff for a TD.
What makes a player fly around anyway? Why does one guy just seem to hang around while another completely flies around?
Surely flying around takes more than speed, a strong set of arms and a keen sense of aerodynamics (here Jeremy Shockey demonstrates the "Flying Around" position). I think it boils down to how much heart and motor one has.
Kellen Winslow II was fond of flying around, ask Cory Campbell sometime.
Sean Taylor flew around so hard he couldn't be bound by Earth.
Warren Sapp? He flew around, over, and through anyone that was dumb enough to get in his way.
Just to prove his case, Sapp soared across the dance floor in front of millions of fans to make certain we understood he will fly forever… It's a Canes thing baby!
Are you born with the ability to fly like say, Superman for instance?
One Hurricane almost certainly was.
UM diver and U.S. Olympian Greg Louganis flew around with a precision and grace few have come close to duplicating.
Was it Louganis’ Samoan-Swedish decent that enabled him to somehow defy gravity? Actually it was a Cane’s thing.
During the 2001 season the Hurricanes had what seemed to be an entire team that was capable of, at any given moment, suddenly taking off and flying around.
When these Canes took the field it was simply no contest. Dorsey was their leader but it was his ruthless squad of mercenaries that flew around like no team had ever done before, or since.
Clinton Portis? Yeah he could fly around. In the Rose Bowl Andre Johnson and Jeremy Shockey flew around and shot down the Corhuskers to help the Canes capture their fifth National Championship.
So we come to this season. Who will it be that Randy proclaims flew around and excited him?
Sean Spence is a safe bet. Travis Benjamin? He flies around at such speeds they simply call him "The Blur"!
Will this be the year the running backs thunder through the holes and fly around? We have heard early rumors about true freshman RB Mike James "flying around" in practice.
Could the receivers, led by Thearon Collier, turn into a lightning strike squadron if they only learn to fly? Reports out of Greentree Field are that WR Tommy Streeter is out there flying around somewhere.
In the immortal words of REO Speedwagon:
“Ive had enough of the falseness, of a worn out relation,
Enough of the jealousy, and the intoleration,
I make you laugh, and you make me cry,
I believe its time for me to fly”
Me? I’'ll just be flying around the blog as usual. Catch me if you can!
Watusi
Posted by: Old Skool | March 09, 2009 at 07:00 PM
Good piece Solar. Great to see some take a new tack on something ripe for cliche'
Posted by: Old Skool | March 09, 2009 at 07:03 PM
nice going Old Skool....
Posted by: raizecane | March 09, 2009 at 07:06 PM
thanks skool
way to hit the pole position also!
soup,
nice pics thanks,I see you added a couple adlibs, sweet
out for dinner back in a few
flown
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 07:28 PM
So who's the new committ? Ragoo?
Posted by: Old Skool | March 09, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Great article Solar but I must say my favorite REO song (actually instrumental)
Is "Flying Truck Trot" which also goes right along with your theme.
Posted by: NativeCane | March 09, 2009 at 07:58 PM
So who's the new committ? Ragoo?
Posted by: Old Skool | March 09, 2009 at 07:56 PM
McDermot. Glad to get this one. He's a Center too. Great pick up
Posted by: bg1906 | March 09, 2009 at 08:07 PM
"Flying Truck Trot" which also goes right along with your theme.
Posted by: NativeCane | March 09, 2009 at 07:58 PM
"Flying Turkey Trot"...guitar solo right before 157 Riverside Avenue on the live album (pictured).
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 08:12 PM
Here is some video of the new commit. I like the fact that he gets off the ball well for a HS kid and stays low. He also gets to the 2nd level pretty well. Most of all, he's not an overpowering blocker, but he does STAY with his block and assignment. Doesn't let another color jersey cross his face. Good pick up.
Posted by: bg1906 | March 09, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Solar...added the photos and a few words here and there. Nice piece.
See U flying around the blog!
Just don't turn into a King of Spring. We need you to show up for Fall ball.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 08:17 PM
HAHAHAHAHA! Stupid me, I forgot to post the link.
http://www.soflafootball.com/homepage-hot-news/video-shane-mcdermott
Posted by: bg1906 | March 09, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Solar...nice work.
SOUP.. thanks for the link, its appreciated.
Posted by: UMike | March 09, 2009 at 08:20 PM
UMike...roger that!
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Miami's first-ever All-ACC First Team pick as a junior in 2008, McClinton was one of just two repeat selections on the 2009 team joining four-time honoree Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina. In addition, McClinton is the only All-ACC honoree – on any team – to also earn All-ACC Academic Men's Basketball Team recognition this season (his third straight).
Posted by: UMike | March 09, 2009 at 08:27 PM
It all about the U! Go Canes!! I hope that Benny boy or one of our fast wr really shines this next year.
Posted by: Canefantasy | March 09, 2009 at 08:39 PM
New Manny
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2009/03/jack-is-back-on-allacc-first-team.html
Posted by: TLuv | March 09, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Congrats to Jack on the 1st team nod. I'm a tad surprised he got it over Teague though. JMO.
Posted by: TLuv | March 09, 2009 at 08:45 PM
!!!!NEW COMMITMENT!!!!! Shane McDermott,Wellington (FL) Palm Beach Central High School OL
Posted by: Jack | March 09, 2009 at 08:48 PM
McDermott sounds like a true Cane for sure.
"The reason I committed so early is I was there during the Saturday scrimmage and I believee it doesn't get any better than that. I figure I'll be happy there, and I can't wait to be part of the Cane nation."
His coach said...
"He's the perfect fit for Miami," Palm Beach Central coach Rod Harris said. "He has the frame to be a 300-pound center for them. He'll be a leader for them,a hard worker. He's one of e finest student-athletes I've been around. On the field he's mean, and I mean that in a good way - he has a killer instinct."
Lastly,
"I believe in being loyal. So I'm not taking any visits, going anywhere. I'm committed to the Hurricanes. Once a Cane, always a Cane."
Posted by: TLuv | March 09, 2009 at 08:51 PM
The ninth-seeded University of Miami men’s basketball team opens the 2009 ACC Tournament versus eighth-seeded Virginia Tech on Thurs., March 12, at noon at the Georgia Dome.
Winners of three of their last four games, the Hurricanes (18-11, 7-9 ACC) have advanced past the opening round of the ACC Tournament in three-straight seasons – including an upset of fifth-seeded Maryland in 2007.
Miami leads the all-time series versus Virginia Tech 8-7, however the Hokies have won two straight over the Hurricanes – including an 88-83 overtime decision in Coral Gables on Jan. 25.
The Hokies (17-13, 7-9) – who had improved to 14-4 following that win over UM – ride a three-game skid into Atlanta and have dropped six of their last seven games.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 08:55 PM
The sixth-ranked University of Miami baseball team, coming off its second series sweep in as many weekends, will play host to Saint Joseph's (Pa.) and Pittsburgh in a pair of mid-week games this week at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
The Hurricanes, winners of seven of their last eight, swept NC State over the weekend to improve to 10-2 overall and claim their first Atlantic Coast Conference series of the season. Miami continues to move up in all of the major national collegiate baseball polls, jumping up at least two spots in all five rankings released Monday. The `Canes highest ranking of No. 6 comes via the USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches' poll.
Miami will host SJU on Tuesday at 6 p.m. before Pittsburgh visits Alex Rodriguez Park on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Junior right-hander John Housey is slated to go for Miami on Tuesday while freshman left-hander Daniel Miranda will likely earn the start on Wednesday.
Junior closer Kyle Bellamy, who has yet to allow an earned run in 8 2/3 innings in relief this year, was named Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday. The Davie, Fla. native played a crucial role in two of Miami's four wins on the week, picking up a win on Friday and a save on Sunday the sweep over NC State. On the week, he held his opponents scoreless in three outings, allowing just three hits while striking out 12 in 5 1/3 relief innings.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 08:57 PM
We need more parents like this to explain the meaning of commitment to these kids.
McDermott talked about what he thinks were the biggest factors in his decision and whether he is 100% committed to Miami.
“The biggest thing I believe is the relationship with coach Stoutland and that it’s an hour away from my house,” McDermott said. “I’m done (with other schools), I’m not messing around like that. My parents told me that you make a commitment and you’re done, so I’m not going to fool around with anybody.”
Posted by: bg1906 | March 09, 2009 at 08:59 PM
University of Miami football fans will have the opportunity to take part in two spring events as well as two summer events as part of fan appreciation days announced by the UM football program.
Miami's first open practice of the spring will be held Mar. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Traz Powell Stadium located on the north campus of Miami Dade College (11380 NW 27th Avenue). Fans will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets.
BankUnited CanesFest will be held on Saturday, Mar. 28 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (5201 NW 12th Avenue). CanesFest will feature a spring game at 10:30 a.m. as well as an autograph session prior to the game. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. Parking and admission are free.
The first summer opportunity for fans will be the Summer BankUnited CanesFest scheduled for Saturday, July 25 at Dolphin Stadium. UM players will be on hand to sign autographs. UM players will also be featured in a dunk tank. Sebastian and the UM cheerleaders will also be on hand while fans will be treated to several inflatables in the fan zone.
The start of fall practice for the Hurricanes will culminate with the season ticket holder exclusive practice located on the UM campus on Aug. 8.
Season tickets will be sold at all four events and are on sale now by either visiting www.hurricanesports.com or by calling 1-800-GO-CANES. Miami opens its home schedule on Sept. 17 when it hosts Georgia Tech.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 09:00 PM
I like the ESPN profile on McDermott and center is definitely a position of need. I noticed he is also a wrestler so that could be why he is actually a little light.
Posted by: shwarma | March 09, 2009 at 09:00 PM
TLuv...perfect play there on the "New Manny". That is the way it is done!
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 09:01 PM
NativeCane thanks for the props!
yea you are right Flying Truck Trot would have been a killer if we had audio.
I was going to use Tom Petty's
Learning to Fly
which was right down the Freshmen/ sophomore alley.
I just love the line
"I make you laugh, and you make me cry,
I believe its time for me to fly”
so I went that way
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 09:06 PM
SOUP check out this ancient REO you tube
http://nixonsghost.blogspot.com/2007/04/tribute-to-gary-richrath.html
Gary Richrath can walk the dog on that Les Paul!
Posted by: NativeCane | March 09, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Poasted by mdcanesfan on tos. Good read.
Coaches Clinic / Scrimmage Views Reply
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not a writer, so don't hate me!
My take on the coaches clinic that started on Thurs night and end after Saturday's scrimmage. I sat through Whipple's caulk talk and this guy gave me goose bumps. It sounded like to U of old and was proven on the field on Friday and Saturday. We can expect big things from our offense this coming year.
He stated that he's molding the O around the talents of the players and working on their strengths. They ran out of the pro set, Eye, Power eye, shot gun and spread Offense with multiple bunch receivers to one side. He was diffidently working on the pass on both days, mainly on Friday nights 11 on 11.
Lovett - He praised the kids and the speed he has to work with! He also was going to use the players skills to make plays on the field and fly to the football. He blocked to extra Points at scrimmage. We haven't done this in a while!
ALL PLAYERS ARE BIGGER AND PUT ON MUSCLE! O-Line is also BIGGER! Big change from last year. The muscle milk cooler is always stocked after work outs. I heard one of the players say during warm ups that there using muscle milk in their cereal!
Friday 11 on 11
Offense, Offense, Offense - they scored multiple TD's on the ground and at the goal line with a spinkle of passes to backs out of the back field. They practice goal line several times with JJ and Chambers scoring multiple times. They went deep to # 47 LB for two scores, one of the TD's was a broken assignment from Brandon MaGee.
Richard Gordon caught every pass thrown to him along with Hankerson, Johnson, Streeter and # 83 Kendal Thompson, this guy is special!
O-Line was owning the D-Line most of the scrimmage, but D-Line had plenty of sacks and a pick from # 7 Telemaque. Orlando Franklin is stepping up to be a vocal leader for the O. Jacory is the man showing his leadership in the huddle and on the field, have very good ladderal movement and hits his targets. He also was looking at his progressions before he threw the ball.
RB's , all caught passes out from back field, with full backs getting passes also. Mike James is stepping up for a freshman. This kid looks like a senior and is bigger then JJ. Coop showed some break away speed!
D played well for first practice and Coach Hurtt wasn't to pleased getting owned like they did. The LB play was very fast and hard hitting! The D turned the tide late in the scrimmage and carried over to Saturday's scrimmage.
Saturday's Scrimmage
Intense!
O and D played very well and were even. Telemaque and MaGee had interceptions, with McGee having a pick 6! On the Telemaque INT, Randy Phillips took the head of of Streeter. Street was down for a few seconds then got up and walked off! This fired up the D, but Lovett talked to the D after the scrimmage about hitting our guys like that, he said to save those type hits for opponents and not our own guys.
LB play was very strong and hitting the hole quick stopping the RB's at the line. Author Brown had the hits of all hits! It was a thud type hit, then silence and the howls came from the D! It was a crushing blow, but the D was off side on the play! Spense is unreal and looks good, he put on 15-20 lbs of muscle.
D-Line was penetrating and sacking JH and the other QB's! On some plays the refs blew the whistle when no one was around JH! They were only protecting him, and blew when D was next to him, he broke out and scrambled. Bailey, Forston and other lineman played very well. Coach Hurtt was pleased with scrimmage, but said we have more work to do.
CB Play- They played well, but McGee gave up half back pass for TD on blown coverage and he also stumble on another TD thrown his way. He has some growing to do, but the guys will show him the way! DVD, Harris and Phillips all played well.
QB -Cannon struggled, but completed some passes! He's lucky to see over his lineman on pass plays. (Hence he threw INT) Cook is very tall and completed some nice passes and looks good in the pocket. He looks like another Vinny! JH was on all day, but threw and INT inside the red zone. RS wasn't to happy about that!
RB - JJ had an ok day, was power running to get to outside carrying several players on his back before they drove him O.B. Cooper and James ran with authority and had some breakaways. The one that caught my eye was Berry on the way he was running the ball. JH mentioned that he was running the ball hard!
Whipple ran the Offense from the side lines with no issues with clock running out. I didn't see any off sides or false starts during the scrimmage. The players were thriving in his system!
Orlando Franklin and Sharpton almost got into it! They were ready to throw down!
Injuries - Cooper dislocated left ring finger
Chambers dislocated his shoulder on tackle O.B.
McGee - I didn't see him hurt after scrimmage.
Fig had his arm in a sling, shoulder issue before scrimmages.
This team looks unreal with the talent that we have and looking at the recruits looking on at scrimmage, it looks like were a factory again! The big T.E. Palien was there looking on and a couple of guys from Miami Northwestern were on hand.
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | March 09, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Solar, ask and you shall recieve!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiHW32XJHHA
Posted by: NativeCane | March 09, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Native...I know ALL about that! Saw REO back in the day. Gary was a beast back in the day. I play guitar myself so I know.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 09:24 PM
"Mike James is stepping up for a freshman. This kid looks like a senior and is bigger then JJ. Coop showed some break away speed!"
I TOLD U SO!!!
At the NSD event I saw JJ and James standing side by side in the same room in street clothes and I am telling U the KID is STRONG!
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 09:32 PM
The one that caught my eye was Berry on the way he was running the ball. JH mentioned that he was running the ball hard!
I think I've heard somebody say before that this would be the case.. hmm...
Posted by: Loco | March 09, 2009 at 09:53 PM
Loco...U are biased for Berry. LOL
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Loco...U are biased for Berry. LOL
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Loco is not biased. I think 305 players are given too much credit while everyone else have to prove themselves. I remember last year when everyone discounted Benjamin except for the people who knew him. But that's just my bias.
Posted by: MDCane | March 09, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Berry
Posted by: MDCane | March 09, 2009 at 10:07 PM
native thanks man,
I loved hearing that again.
The little tiny run he does a minute or so before the Ghost Riders in the Sky notes always makes me think Allen Collins had that riff in his head when he sped up Free Bird
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Loco...U are biased for Berry. LOL
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Loco is not biased. I think 305 players are given too much credit while everyone else have to prove themselves. I remember last year when everyone discounted Benjamin except for the people who knew him. But that's just my bias.
Posted by: MDCane | March 09, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Yeah, I suppose I was biased for Benjamin too because I played against him and told everybody he would turn heads? Hmm...
Posted by: Loco | March 09, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Sorry loco (and I know this is going to sound bandwagon) but the worst news for Damien Berry is Mike James. If this kid is the truth as it seems, they have similar running styles (power runner but James also have decent wheels) and James sounds like the real deal
Posted by: shwarma | March 09, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Right you were about Blur loco, dude is electric
Posted by: shwarma | March 09, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I'm really liking the reports from practice.
Whipple especially.
I get the vibe that people are going to put Nix in the same boat with Coker after the Harris Air Circus goes on tour this fall.
It is going to become real obvious Carlos had an epiphany before the rest of us saw the light.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Loco...I'll see U your Benjamin and RAISE U a Mike James.
U in?
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:37 PM
"It is going to become real obvious Carlos had an epiphany before the rest of us saw the light."
When Carlos put his behind out there and called for Nix's behind, U all said he was CRAZY.
Speak now...or apologize.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Harris Air Circus - you mean the new OC/DC Tour - Life is a Highway? Tom Cochran version only ;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 09, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Miami Herald company laying off 1600.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Bellamy ACC performer of the week
BC's Sanchez, Miami's Bellamy named ACC Baseball Performers of Week
Duo posts strong performances in ACC-opening weekend.
Bellamy, a junior from Davie, Fla., played a crucial role in two of Miami’s four victories on the week, picking up a win on Friday and a save on Sunday in the Hurricanes’ series sweep of NC State. On the week, Bellamy held his opponents scoreless in three outings, allowing just three hits while striking out 12 in 5.1 relief innings.
Bellamy tied career-highs for innings pitched (3.0) and strikeouts (6) as he tossed the final three innings in Miami’s 12-inning, 7-6 win over NC State on Saturday. He then converted his fourth save of the season in a 9-7 win on Sunday, coming on in the eighth to get the Hurricanes out of a jam with a bases-loaded strikeout before fanning out two more in the ninth to secure the series sweep.
In mid-week play, Bellamy went one inning in relief against Mount St. Mary’s, striking out the only three batters he faced. On the season, Bellamy (1-0) has converted all four of his save opportunities and had yet to allow an earned run in six appearances. In 8.2 innings thus far, Bellamy has struck out 18 and has allowed just five hits while holding his opponents to a .152 batting average.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 10:44 PM
TypePad
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Top 4 ACC pitchers though 3/8
Player ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO
Kyle Bellamy, UM........... 0.00 1-0 6 0 0 0/0 4 8.2 5 2 0 4 18
Tyler Wilson, VA........... 0.00 1-0 4 0 0 0/0 0 8.2 2 1 0 1 12
Patrick Johnson, NC........ 0.00 0-0 4 1 0 0/1 0 8.0 5 1 0 2 15
Taylor Wulf, UM............ 0.00 0-0 5 0 0 0/1 0 6.2 6 0 0 3
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Solar...Talk about your faith in Thearon Collier?
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Julia Cohen, a sophomore tennis player, has been named the Muscle Milk Student-Athlete of the Week for the period ending March 8.
The Philadelphia native collected three singles wins and a doubles upset last week against three Atlantic Coast Conference foes and helped the Hurricanes in wins over Boston College and No. 9 Clemson.
Cohen, ranked 13th in singles, completed a 3-0 week with wins over a pair of Top 5 opponents last week. She defeated three Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponents, including a 6-4, 6-1 win over Ani Mijaciki of Clemson--ranked No. 1 in the Campbell's ITA singles poll, in straight sets.
Prior to that upset, she defeated Georgia Tech's fifth-ranked Irina Falconi in a three-set affair on a 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 line. That win, 24 hours prior to her upset of Mijaciki, had served as her highest rated opponent defeated. She has now won her last six matches--five of them being ranked, including three against Top 10 opponents. She has upped her record to 18-4 on the season, and 12-2 in the spring.
In doubles play, she teamed with partner Bianca Eichkorn to upset Clemson's 26th-ranked pair of Bek and Hadziselimovic at the No. 2 position.
Posted by: SOUP | March 09, 2009 at 10:57 PM
soup,
Thearon is competing in the most talent rich position on the team.
Had he graduated from high school three years ago he would be the talk of the blog during his tenure because... well he can catch
None of the current receivers have more confidence than Thearon in their ability, he wants the ball in his hands when we need the first down.
One thing I think he has going for him is A Hill always talks positive about him, which I think spreads over to Jacory when he's looking for the open guy and he knows pimp is on the field.
I don't think Pimp will lead the team in receiving Yds, too many deep threat guys now. I think Collier's yds after the catch will be very impressive though.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 09, 2009 at 11:00 PM