Canespace

Meet Me In The Parking Lot

As I have told you time and again on this blog, the Canespace rules are: (1) You have to show up; (2) You have to stay to the end; (3) You can't by shy.  If you follow these rule good things and good luck are bound to find you sooner or later.  Saturday was once again one of those times.

After the Spring game had ended and the fans tried to make their way out of the Stadium the traffic was absolutely horrendous.  So rather than trying to fight it, I decided to spend some time talking some Canes and some trash with Canespacer Cat5 (Ron) in the parking lot.  Little did I know at the time that this would turn out to be one of the best decisions I had ever made. 

As Ron and I stood in the parking lot discussing his latest ideas on how and why I should improve and expand the blog we were soon joined by two other fans who arrived at their car that was parked next to ours. 

One of the guys, seeing Ron with his trademark Budweiser in hand, asked if he could borrow some ice.  As we gave him some ice and a Canespace card and told him about the site we talked and became friends. 

Then he introduced himself.  Turns out our new friend just happened to be Sam Shields' father [who is seen above with Canespacers Cat5 (L) and 86Cane (R)].  We shared a beverage, chatted a while and the questions came naturally as did the candid responses.  Here is our conversation...

Cat5: So how does Sam feel about moving from wide receiver to defensive back?

Mr. Shields: He says he feels like a kid in a playground!  He really likes it.  Sam has played offense all his life so moving to DB was a big change.  But now he says he can read and react; there is less thinking involved. 

Sam (seen here with Ryan Hill signing the now famous Canespace limited edition ST#26 T-shirt) told me that he feels that it allows him up to use his athletic ability and make plays.  And if he gets the ball on defense, he's gone, trust me, he's gone (for a pick six)!

86Cane: How did you feel about the position change?

Mr. Shields: Coach Shannon called me after he talked to Sam about it (the position change).  He asked me what I thought about it and I told him: "If Sam thinks it's OK, if he wants to do it, then it's OK by me." I told Coach Shannon that Sam would probably play Center if you asked him to (laughter all around).  He just wants to play and be on the field and contribute to the team.

86Cane: Sam and Shannon have not always seen eye to eye.  How is their relationship now?

Mr. Shields: Shannon is a serious guy.  Coach Coker was much nore relaxed in the way he treated players and ran the team.  I used to joke with Susan at The Miami Herald to ask Shannon if there was a door to get out his dog house.  Because once Sam got in there he could never seem to get out.  Shannon doesn't forget or let things go easily.  That's not a criticism, he's just that way.

86Cane: Sam came in with such high expectations.  Do you feel he got a fair shot or that maybe Shannon may have been to hard on Sam?

Mr. Shields: No, that's not it at all.  Listen, don't get me wrong, I respect Coach Shannon and understand what he is trying to get done at Miami.  I am a fan of the Hurricanes, partly because of Sam, but I have always liked the Canes and I want to see them win and do well.  But I don't think the image that some people got of Sam was accurate.  Shannon is a good coach but Sam is also good kid and I want people to know that.   I won't deny that there were some issues between Sam and Coach Shannon during his first two years at UM but we feel that's in the past.  We're moving forward. 

86Cane: So does Sam think he has a chance to play or possibly even start at CB this season?

Mr. Shields: Sam told me he is confident that he will get a fair shot at CB and he plans to make the most of his opportunity.  I'll tell you this, he's excited again about playing football.  The position change may actually help him later on because the more versatile you are the more chances you have to make an impression (on NFL coaches).  Coaches want to know that you can do more than one thing and contribute on special teams too (to increase the chance of getting drafted).

Cat5: We all know that Sam has the speed and talent, but tell us what we don't know about Sam?

Mr. Shields: I never played football, but I was a pretty good basketball player.  I wanted Sam to play basketball but he wasn't really good at it.  He would steal the ball and then miss the easy layup.  He was so fast he'd run up on the basket too fast and the ball would bounce off the backboard.  So he switched to football and that was his sport. He was always good at football from the first day he stepped on the field.  On the football filed, his speed was always his advantage.

As our conversation ended we said goodbye we provided our new friends some Canespace T-shirts and watched them drive away.  Cat5 and I looked at each other with some sense of disbelief that we had such and rare and unique opportunity to get a candid, exclusive interview with a player's father. 

But that only lasted for a few minutes until our next visitor walked up.  Then we immediately started our next interview with WQAM radio personality and UM color comentator Don Bailey. 

Yeah, I know what you are thinking, but no, I am not making this up!  We talked with Bailey for about twenty minutes and even got him to make a 2009 season prediction, talk about national championships and select his Legends of the Fall for Canespace. 

But that was only until the cheerleaders arrived.  And yeah, we have the pictures to prove it... 

Canes Play It Smart, Look Sharp at Lockhart

Over the last few years the annual Spring game held at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale has become more of a public relations exercise than a real competitive event between the orange and white or offense and defense. 

To be honest, the Canes and recruiting Coordinator Clint Hurtt (seen here with OcalaCane) use this "game" primarily as a recruiting event.

The University utilizes it as a community outreach event for fans living in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. 

There usually is very little in the way of showcasing or evaluating talent of the players or the team.

With Head Coach Randy Shannon playing it smart by resting several projected starters and other players who managed to get themselves "nicked up" while "flying around" in practice, the annual Spring game was supposed to be another vanilla scrimmage to appease the fans insatiable appetite for football, any kind of football, even if the score or the outcome didn't matter. 

Or maybe it was for the cheerleaders?

Anyway much to the surprise of many fans who attended and maybe even some of the coaches, this Spring game may have been made with vanilla ice cream, but it was topped with a generous helping of chocolate syrup, and maybe, just maybe, a cherry, I mean a Berry on top. 

It's simply amazing what some real competition on a team can do.  So here is our summary of what we asked you to watch for.  Compete with this:

Offensive Line:  While the OL was no where near dominant, as a unit they played MUCH better than most had projected.  They opened several nice holes for the RBs and provided above average protection for Harris and Cook.  There were very few penalties for false starts or holding.  The OL was certainly NOT a "Mongolian (well U know)".  In terms of predictions, Calvin beats The Truth here, which for some strange reason, makes me smile?  A lot!

Running backs:

There was chocolate syrup all over the place here and even a cherry, ahh Berry, on top.  If Mike James (seen below with his co-star Berry) isn't the second coming of Frank Gore (before the knee injuries) then I don't know who is. 

If you didn't see his run after catching a short screen pass just before half let me tell you that the he showed the vision, balance and the moves to make it happen.  His cutbacks (3) during this one run were nothing short of spectacular.  It is apparent that his feet are direct wired to his brain and it is wonderful to watch them work in complete synchronicity without any delay. 

And due to injuries, Damien Berry finally got a chance to show what he can do.  And boy can he DO!  Berry was the star of the scrimmage and broke off a 54-yard run that ended with a flip into the end zone for a TD.  When was the last time you saw that?  The run was a thing of beauty but was NOT Berry's only moment on the day.  He showed he means business as he ran mean and hard and right around and then over a bunch of Cane defenders.  We are pleased to report that Loco's favorite player is indeed a p l a y e r.

Cornerbacks: Keep moving, keep moving, there's nothing to see here, keep moving...we have taken the stance of don't ask, don't tell on this one.  OK, OK they made a few good plays but there is still much work to be done here.  The only positive surprise here is the continued play of coverted WR Sam Shields who may just have found a home at CB.  We talked to his father in the parking lot after the game (more on this later).  We suggest that you come back tomorrow for additonal information.

Linebacker:

The LB play was good, but not great.  The good news? Sean Spence is Sean Spence.  No sophomore slump or worries there, only a future NFLU player in waiting.

We met and took photos with Jordan Futch (he's bigger than we imagined) during the autograph session before his start at OLB.  Futch (seen here with Ocala's bride-to-be) is a bright, personable and athletic player who appears to have great potential and great future at LB for the Hurricanes. 

Arthur Brown continues to impress as he makes progress in the middle.  It says here he starts by mid-season (As Cat5 goes crazy!).

Wide Receiver: If there was ever any doubt let it be known: Thearon Collier can ball.  Be ready to see him early and often in games this season making tough catches over the middle and moving the chains.  This fearless slot receiver might be the missing link that finally allows the outside recievers to get open and get deep this season. 

And wouldn't we LOVE to see some of that with LaRon Byrd, Travis Benjamin, Davon Johnson, Tommy Streeter and my personal favorite Aldarius "Glue Hands" Johnson scoring a quick six. Here, for the first time ever on any blog, a perfect view of the soon to be famous six million dollar (projected NFLU signing bonus) glue hands!

And by the way, don't forget WR Kendal Thompkins who caught a pass (as predicted) and WR Leonard Hankerson who made a nice leaping catch for a big gain during the "game".  The Canes are loaded at wide-out and will take advantage of other teams secondaries in 2009. 

And we would like to see all of this just in time for Labor Day!   Please.

Sick Of Vanilla, We Want Some Chocolate

Over the past few Spring Games Canes fans have been warned way ahead of time by coaches, players and media representatives that during the game:

• We should not to expect to see much if anything at all.
• The defense wouldn't show many formations and it would be very basic.
• The offense would be very bland and "vanilla".

We'll they were right each and every time.  But Canes fans want the UM coaches to know that we are SICK of Vanilla.  We want some serious Chocolate and we want it now!

This year, during the "Year Of Chocolate", we will look for improvements at the following positions during the Spring Game:

1. Offensive Line: The biggest concern that most fans have going into the 2009 season starts right up front on the OL.  Some fans have already begun pushing the panic button at this key position.  Even legendary blogger "The Truth" has predicted a impending castastrophy along the O-line.  We can't repeat what he called their performance on the blog, but it wasn't good.  Canespace orignal member Calvin on the other hand has tried to comfort Canes fans worries by projecting confidence in the players and Coach Stoutland to get 'er done in 2009.  We hope the Spring game will give us an indication of which prediction is more accurate.
2. Cornerback:  With 2008 Freshman sensation Brandon Harris and Junior DeMarcus VanDyke being criticized by some for their lack of size, strength and run support, many Canes fan are wondering who will cover who in 2009.  Converted WR Sam Shields?  Could be.  Chavez Grant?  Maybe.  The new incoming freshmen like McGhee and Kent?  Talented but raw.  To be honest, we are not sure if the Canes have anybody who could even cover Canechic this year.  AngryCane will testify that even with all of his "experience" that it is not an easy thing to do.  Time will tell who balls and who rides the bench at CB for the Canes in 2009.
3. Linebacker: The question on everybody's mind is: With former LB Coach Mike Barrow relieved of his previous duties as LB coach and allegedly promoted to "Defensive Assistant", which player will step up and who will step out at these three key positions under the leadership of new Defensive Coodinator John Lovett?  Sean Spence will play somewhere.  If he can get healthy, Colin McCarthy will also play.  At MLB you have former #1 recruit Arthur Brown trying to unseat possibly the most improved player this Spring in Daryl Sharpton.  Sir Arthur has blossomed as well this Spring since moving to the middle.  He now has a chance to make plays and we think he will this season at MLB.  He has to because if he doesn't there will no consoling Cat5.
4. Running Back:  In a bold prediction, bg1906 and Esteban report that Freshman RB Mike James will start and be the next Willis McGahee. No doubt.  With Javaris James "nicked up" once again, look for the law firm of Cooper, Chambers and James (Mike) to tote the rock at Lockhart Stadium this Saturday.  This position is solid going into 2009, and will only get better when Lamar "Truth" Miller of Miami Killian High School (Go Cougars!) arrives in the Fall.
5. Wide Receiver: Canespace legend SolarCane reports that Aldarius Johnson is by far the best WR on the talented Canes squad and will almost certainly be a top 10 draft choice.  In other news, Solar has openly admitted to having a "man crush" on Canes wideout Thearon Collier, who will work out of the slot position along with Kendal Thompkins and Davon Johnson this year.  It is widely recognized among most of the experts that Collier has the talent, the work ethic and the potential to be a successful WR in the NFLU.  Time will tell who leads the Canes in receptions, yards and TDs in 2009.  My money, so to speak, is on AJ.

Player Profile: Matt Bosher

This feature was written by official Canespace photographer OcalaCane.  He lives deep in Lizard Land but he bleeds Orange and Green.  Here is his profile of "The Warrior"...

“The Warrior” is a title fitting for a kicker from Jupiter High School in Palm Beach County.  You see, Jupiter High’s nickname is The Warriors, and Matt Bosher demonstrated on the field last year why this title fits him like a glove.

 

Little did any of us know that when Bosher came to The U that he would become the team MVP in 2008.  Yes, he had great high school stats and won the Lou Groza award as a high school junior and senior.  But people would have called you crazy if you would have picked the kicker as the pre-season MVP!

 

At Jupiter High Bosher made 70% of his field goals, including one from 52 yards. Matt also handled kickoff duties equally as well. Most went into the end zone. Oh, and by the way, his recruiting bio says “He can punt also” and averaged 46.5 yards a punt in high school.

 

Bosher was rated the #1 placekicker in the country by Scout.com.   Rivals had him at #6.  ESPN ranked him third.  Matt was numero uno on the Florida Times Union Super 75. He soon demonstrated that he was as smart as he was talented when he eventually chose the Canes over the Crocs.

 

In 2006, his first year at Miami, Matt was redshirted as a true freshman.

 

Then came the 2007 season. “Don't get me started” I can still hear myself saying to 86Cane as one of Matt's punts went less than 20 yards and out of bounds.  He was inconsistent at best and you never really knew what to expect on any single kick.  I truly was his number one critic.

 

Was I unfair to the freshman? Possibly. He improved as the season progressed and even managed to boot a 75 yard punt against Virginia Tech, the fourth longest in school history. He also added kickoff duties late in the season. He finished the year with stats that masked some very poor play at critical moments for an already struggling team.  

 

The punt is not the last play on offense it is the first play on defense. A great punter is truly a weapon for any team.  And this Hurricane team needed a weapon, any weapon, in the worst of ways.

 

Then came the beginning of Matt’s sophomore season. Luckily for us Coach Shannon is running this team and I (a fan) am not. When I heard that Matt was the starting punter and was going to handle all kicking duties including field goals the best I could manage was: “What? Are you kidding me?”

 

The 2008 season opened. Game two was against Florida in Gainesville. I sat in the upper deck at the bog with 86Cane, Canechic, Angry and Carlos hoping, no praying for a Miami victory. Well you know how that turned out: not so good.  The Canes lost to the Lizards 26-3 in the land of jorts.

 

But Matt Bosher not only scored the only points for an anemic Canes offense he did it by nailing a 50 yard field goal!  

 

Then on a kickoff later in the game, Matt solidified his spot in Canes folklore forever.  After kicking the ball deep, Bosher came down field on a mission and simply leveled the Florida returner.  Just ask Gator Brandon James who was picked up and driven into the ground by the kicker wearing The U on his helmet!  His solo, open-field tackle electrified his fans and team mates. 

 

I left this game with one thought: Matt Bosher is a Warrior. I even posted a written apology for my criticisms on the Space the next day.  You see I learned that Matt is no ordinary kicker.  He benches 325 lbs. and squats 455 lbs. And he loves to hit things hard!

 

Matt went on to record 17of 19 field goals during the 2008 season with a long of 53 yards. He was 5 for 5 from 30 to 39 yards.  

 

His punting improved with a 40.1 average (including a 76 yarder) and 19 of his punts were downed inside the twenty.  He out performed his opponents on kickoffs as well.

 

And that weapon the Canes were so desperately looking for?  All you need to know is that Bosher recorded more tackles than some of his starting defensive team mates.  Most importantly he was the only Cane to receive All-ACC honors and was named team the Canes 2008 MVP.  

 

I am proud to say that I have become Matt's biggest fan.  Matt Bosher is a Warrior and a weapon.

 

Player Profile: Thearon "Pimp" Collier

This feature was written for Canespace by the one and only SolarCane.  His title for the article is "Pimp My Stride".  Here is Solar, on his favorite player, unfiltered...

When Thearon Collier was growing up in Overtown his two favorite teams to watch on TV were the Miami Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Eagles.  Collier had no idea at the time both teams would have a big impact on his young life.

Thearon grew up without a father and was responsible for being the role model for his younger sister and two little brothers.  He lost a lot of his neighborhood friends because he turned his back on selling dope and smoking weed.  Instead he spent countless hours with his mom and siblings.

 

Collier loves his mother, she is his hero.  In the back of his mind his only goal is to someday make life easier for her and give her the home she deserves.

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Young Collier would try and emulate his favorite Hurricane Devin Hester while playing in the Optimist League.  He was an instant sensation making acrobatic catches and long touchdown runs.  As Thearon’s confidence grew so did his athleticism.

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He became a star at Booker T. Washington High School, where he played receiver and returned kicks.  It was apparent colleges would soon come knocking on his Mom’s front door.  During his Junior and Senior high school years Auburn, Florida, Miami and a half dozen other schools were constantly in contact with Thearon.

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Against Hallandale High Collier had four catches for an amazing 132 yards netting 33 yards per catch. Everyone realized “Pimp” as he was now known was going to be a superstar.  Collier’s high school team was one of the best in the country.

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Booker T. Washington later traveled up to South Carolina to face Summerville on national television. Playing on ESPN would give the average 5 foot 9 inch 165 pound 17 year old a stomach full of butterflies and a head full of what-ifs.  Pimp couldn't wait to shine, the bigger the game the more he wanted the ball.

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Booker T. pummeled Summerville by a score of 36-3.  Pimp pulled down four catches for an impressive 59 yards.   The phone never stopped ringing.

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Collier would end up doing what he said he would do; he committed to The U.

Pimp was surrounded by a class of the biggest names in Florida high school football recruiting history.  Was Collier intimidated?  Are you kidding!

Practice after practice he made the big catch or broke a big run.  He became one of Coach Aubry Hill’s clutch go to guys, a role Pimp relished.

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With so many receivers in the freshmen class Thearon lined up in the slot and constantly came through battling linebackers and corner backs to get open and move the sticks.  His teammates love him, they respect how hard he works, and they recognize the joy he has for being a Miami Hurricane.

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Travis Benjamin recently stated in Whipple’s new offense there are some sick formations with Pimp, Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson and LaRon Byrd all on the field at the same time running crazy routes.  Collier is chomping at the bit to run a few routes he has watched the Eagles score with.

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Thearon Collier is one of the new breed Canes with the old school attitude. He doesn’t care who gets the ball as long as they are racking up points all game long.

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With a nickname like Pimp Collier you would expect to see Thearon strutting around with a beautiful lady on each arm after practice.  What you see Collier doing at the end of his day makes you realize this is a humble young man with his head screwed on right.

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After Hurricane practice he gets his two little brothers together and coaches them on how to run their routes and look the football into their hands. Both of them are receivers on their teams, and Pimp wants to make sure they understand what it means to be a wide out named Collier.

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So you may wonder, after studying in class all day, practicing with the Canes, and then going home to practice with the mini-Colliers, what does Thearon Collier do to relax?

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He turns on his favorite TV channel, Animal Planet and goes over his playbook until he drifts off to sleep dreaming about reaching out to snare another impossible catch at the last possible second…

So, How U Like Me Now?

This article was written by Mepistopheles who, when not tormenting poor lost Gator, Seminole, Irish or Buckeye souls, is one of our many resident baseball experts.  Canespace covers baseball like no other site.  Here is the feature:

 

Isn’t funny how in sports, trends that emerge early in a campaign often become a lasting theme throughout the season?  This year’s Hurricane baseball squad has become the latest incarnation of the Cardiac Kids, with their 12th come-from behind victory in just 22 games played last Sunday.  They have also, very quietly, moved solidly into the top 10 in the NCAA, and are in good position to challenge in arguably the toughest division, in the toughest conference in America.

 

Now for those of us in the glass-half-full constituency, this shows signs of the development of a youthful, but talented team, and bodes well for future seeding in the NCAA tournament.  For some of the more critical among us, this may be a sign that the team is not very good, and is heading for a losing avalanche once the breaks tend to go against them.  To be honest, the novelty of this team precludes any convincing prognostications, but the stats warrant at least a measure of optimism.

 

In spite of their loss to Ohio State tonight, Miami is currently battling with the Fullerton Titans for the top spot in the collegiate baseball RPI, largely due to the strength of their schedule and conference.  Not only has Miami won 5 of 6 on the road against top 15 teams, but 3 of the top 4, and 4 of the top 10 in the RPI reside not only in UM’s Conference, but their Division.  Miami’s 2.91 ERA, and gaudy .216 opponents BA is impressive under any circumstances in college baseball, but it is especially strong when seen through the prism of their schedule, and a shockingly sloppy defense. 

 

While a Sunday starter has been hard to come by, the staff overall is quite deep, and with the quinella of Rudman and Bellamy as the final act, UM can turn most games into a 6 inning affair for its opponents. 

 

As I mentioned last season, most college baseball games are decided between the 5th and 8th innings, where a team’s pitching depth is revealed.  UM is outscoring the opposition 91 to 36 in that pivotal time this season.  By comparison, last year’s mighty Canes outscored opponents 247 to 123 during that stretch, a slightly lesser percentage.

 

The offense has been inconsistent, but that was expected with the loss of such great talent in the off-season.  The power numbers are surprisingly sound (to me anyway) and a modest .309 batting average is offset somewhat by a solid .405 on base average.  The strike out/walk ratio is uncomfortably high, and the relatively soft scoring early is a concern, but they are indicative of a young team-as these Canes no doubt are. 

 

They have done a nice job with 2 out RBI, but I’m a little disappointed with the lack of a running game, and poor fielding defense.  However, if the pitching holds up, their scoring average of more than 7 runs per game should allow them to contend for the ACC crown. 

 

Another concern for me is the conspicuous absence of Jason Santana this weekend.  He has been terrific each of his 3 seasons, but in the previous 2 he had his year cut short by injury.  Hopefully there is no nefarious reason for him sitting out this weekend because having a versatile arm like that in the post-season could be a real difference maker.  He can come into any situation, whether to start a game, middle relief, righty or lefty, men on base, etc. and would be a huge loss if unavailable.

 

As we get into the meat of the ACC schedule, we’ll see if these Canes are ready to challenge, or if they need a little more seasoning.  Fan support never hurts, so you local cats should make your way over to “The Light” (it will always just be The Light to me) and make some noise.  The next two weekends are home against GT and FSU. 

 

Don’t let the Seminoles’ early struggles fool you-they’ll be a tough out for these Canes.  Here’s hoping this trend of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat continues, and is a sign of good things to come.    

 

Nether yours, Mephistopheles. 

Hanging Out At The Hampton

When Canes fans are looking for a place to stay for football games this season they should look no further than the Hampton Inn in Plantation. 

The Hampton Inn offers luxury accomodations, excellent customer service and a location that is unmatched in terms of proximity to popular restaraunts (too many to mention), upscale shopping (next to Broward Mall) and easy transportation to Dolphin Stadium via Florida's Turnpike (travel time is around 20 minutes).

The Hampton Inn Plantation also is a partner of ours and hosts our Canespace pre-game parties that actually start the night before game day.  Several Canespacers have stayed at this hotel and met other Canes fans in the process.  It is THE place to be if you wear the orange and green!  I have stayed at this great location several times and I can tell you that this is the place to be for Canes fans. 

For reservations, contact Susan Stern at the hotel directly and mention Canespace: 1-954-382-4500.   Or click on the link in the top left corner of the blog or this link and enter "Canespace" under group rates:

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX 

Check out these pictures that tell you the rest of the story...

   

 

Hurricanes Storm Past Cavaliers, Take Series

The seventh-ranked University of Virginia baseball team came into this weekend's series against ACC rival Miami with a perfect 17-0 record. The Cavaliers were playing at home, had a dugout full of confidence and even seemed a bit cocky in facing the fourth-ranked Hurricanes. 

Not any more!

Your Hurricanes managed to take two out of three games and the series thanks to a scrappy bunch of hardballers who never quit and always battle until the last out of every game. 

After dropping the series opener behind a struggling Chris Hernandez, the Canes fought back.

On Saturday Miami erased a three run deficit and rallied for a come from behind 4-3 victory.  The Canes did all of their damage in the seventh inning behind two, two-run singles by seldom used pinch hitter Ted Blackman and Ryan "Action" Jackson (seen here at the 2008 ACC tourney). 

In the seventh, Grandal singled to get the rally started and was followed up by a DiNatale double, a walk by Melendez and then the first two RBI single by Blackman.  After Scott Lawson walked, Jackson singled home what would turn out to be the winning runs.

On Sunday the Canes barely escaped once again and only courtesy of another late rally, this time in the eigth inning.  Once again it was Grandal who got it started with a walk.  But this time it was Jonathan Wieslow who doubled in the winning runs for the final score of 7-5.

Canes closer Kyle "Ring My" Bellamy walked one and put another runner on base via a passed ball in the bottom of the inning.  But Bellamy manned-up and escaped by striking out the last two batters in the time-shortened, travel day game. 

The Canes now return to the warm, sunny 305 for a home stand that includes a series with Georgia Tech next weekend.  UM now stands at 18-4 on the young season and 8-2 in the ACC. 

The only question left on Canes fans' minds is: Can Jim Morris coach basketball?

Player Profile: Graig Cooper

This blog was written for Canespace by CanesgirlNC.  It is a preview of our Summer Series of player profiles that we will run during the "dead season" of April through July. 

Coop, Coop, Coop!  

That's what you hear in the stands when #2 makes a play. 

A native of Memphis, UM running back Graig Cooper earned the title of Mr. Football Tennessee as a high school senior in 2005.   As a high profile player and highly sought after recruit, he chose the University of Miami over Tennessee, Oklahoma State and Mississippi. 

In 2006  he attended  Milford Prep and led the team in rushing with 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns in eight games, averaging 12.5 yards per carry (he missed two games with injuries).

In 2006 he was rated the No. 4 overall player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com, the No. 10 running back by Scout.com, and ranked the No. 28 running back by ESPN and was selected as a PrepStar All-American. 

In his freshman year at Miami (2007) he rushed for 627 yards, third most ever for a true freshman, trailing only Clinton Portis (838) and Javarris James (808).

In his first game at UM, he showed his talent against the Thundering Herd of Marshall, rushing for 116 yards on 12 carries.

He finished his sophomore year in 2008 with 841 rushing yards, 113 receiving yards and 51 passing yards and showed glimpses of becoming the breakaway threat the Hurricanes offense has so desperately needed. 

But that’s not all, he also sees the field as a special teams player with 166 yards on punt returns and 89 yards on kick returns. 

In 2009 Cooper (seen here with UMike's son at the Spring scrimmage) enters his junior season as a solid and experienced player for Miami. 

He faces serious competition from returning starter Javaris James and incoming freshmen Mike James and Lamar Miller.

With improvement in the play of the O-line and better play calling by new Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple, we expect the Canes running game to improve and the hard working Cane who wears #2 to add more a lot more footage to his highlight reel.  

For additional information there are  several websites that you can visit.

Canes Mauled By Gators In Gainesville

It was bad.  It was ugly.  It was embarassing.  It was your Miami Hurricanes getting schooled, humbled and humiliated in losing big to the hated Florida Gators in the second round of the NIT. 

For get the final score, the game was never close.  Miami came out flat (again), proceeded to miss their first seven shots and trailed 20-2 before your could say: J O R T S!

The word on the street is that some fans have even begun to seriously question their "Faith in Hath". 

And with the UM basketball team coming home from the NIT with their tail between their legs having lost to their arch rival on their home court by a huge margin, can you blame them?

The Canes will once again begin their next season begging for respectability, not only in the ACC but in the entire NCAA.

At least there is always next year to look forward to with new recruits, a brand new season and a new team. 

One without Jack McClinton. 

Uh oh...