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!
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.
Bout time
Posted by: Esteban | March 28, 2009 at 09:01 PM
I guess I'm first.
Posted by: Esteban | March 28, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Berry Rules!
Posted by: MDCane | March 28, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Curses!
Posted by: ` | March 28, 2009 at 09:03 PM
Este earning his T-shirt after all! Nice...
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Looks like only Maryland on the space tonight. Watching Pitt and Nova while reading the space.
Posted by: ` | March 28, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Good article soup.
Great to have a real team to talk about again.
the sky is the limit from here on out!!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 09:16 PM
SOUP..no pics? lol
Posted by: UMike | March 28, 2009 at 09:18 PM
sneak peek of Spring game crowd
first of many you tubes that will sprout up by sunday night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0pbMyaCNr0
spring game..sprout up... I kill myself!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Who is that in the front on that video by the gate. That looks like a Canespace Sean Taylor T-Shirt.
Posted by: bg1906 | March 28, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Solar - LOL did you wash away with the rain? Feel like I am in the rainforest here!
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 28, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Hi Cg
yea flood watch, swollen creeks, now possible tornado warnings
stay dry girl!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Great article SOUP. The CB's still worry me. We must get better at that position in order to succeed.
Posted by: ` | March 28, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Great article SOUP. The CB's still worry me. We must get better at that position in order to succeed.
Posted by: MDCane | March 28, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Vill might take out Pitt 20 secs to go
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Bg1906 and co I record the 2009 spring game I will be glad to send you or 86canes a copy to be distributed to true canes that missed the game send me your mailing address to [email protected].
Posted by: wildcane | March 28, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Awesome man! Email sent!
Posted by: bg1906 | March 28, 2009 at 09:23 PM
JCane - thanks for the info - I live in Charlotte I didn't get to go either. Next year.....
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 28, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Solar, it has stopped here for the last hour
Soup - nice breakdown of the game.
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 28, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Solar see that bad coaching decision by Villanova coach? Why you throw the ball down the court like that and then foul? Ugh!
Posted by: canechic | March 28, 2009 at 09:27 PM
Wow what a basketball game, hurriphin must be going crazy! Big East basketball is amazing!
Posted by: canechic | March 28, 2009 at 09:30 PM
canechic,
what a game, yea that Hail Mary was weird.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 09:32 PM
Canes Baseball really struggling, 5 to 2 GT still top of the 8th
Posted by: canechic | March 28, 2009 at 09:33 PM
SOUP..no pics? lol
Posted by: UMike | March 28, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Shhhh...I'm workin' ova heya!
To follow soon, REALLY good too...
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 09:35 PM
If I told U I had to wait in the parking lot with a beer drinking Cat5 for an hour just to get out of the place would U believe me?
If I told U we met and talked to Sam Shields Dad, who now wears Canespace, in the parking lot for a half an hour would U believe me?
If I told U that we then met and talked to Don Bailey the Voice of the Hurricanes who also now wears Canespace and picked his own Legends of the Fall for 2009 for us would U believe me?
U should...LOL!
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Rumor going around that Ivan McCartney and Jeff Luc commited today. Probably too good to be true though.
Posted by: SuperCooper | March 28, 2009 at 10:04 PM
It is like we are cursed when we play Georgia Tech
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 28, 2009 at 10:06 PM
SOUP, I don't post alot anymore but I still read. You're doing a hell of a job...keep it up!
Posted by: MDCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Hill - why no posting? The more the merrier
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 28, 2009 at 10:07 PM
SOUP, I don't post alot anymore but I still read. You're doing a hell of a job...keep it up!
Posted by: MDCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:06 PM
MD...I do what I do, but what makes the Space work are the intelligent, thoughtful and knowledgeable bloggers and their comments here. Well, that and SolarCane!
Post here, post often and tell ALL of your Friends!
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 10:10 PM
canechic,
Gt baseball is very good they are a top ten team I belive.
The way Berry ran through our defense today
GT will rack up some big yards, but this time we have an offense that can keep them off the field plus score points.
but yea cursed
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Down by 3, bottom of the ninth, Melendres on first, Harold Martinez at bat with a 3-2 count, nobody out..... Fun timing for me to check what's going on. C-A-N-E-S! Caps on inside out everyone! Allright. We have a walk, so now runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs, and DiNatale coming up.
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Ha Solar - you finally got me and CC confused ;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | March 28, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Photos at 11 PM.
Tomorrow on the blob...Cat5 and I have a conversation with Same Shiled's Dad and UM radio personality Don Bailey after the scrimmage in THE PARKING LOT of all places. I keep telling you people U gotta show up. U will not believe the quotes, comments and material we got. U just won't believe it!
Ocala's Photo essay on Monday. Good Stuff!
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Go JCane GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Solar, I think that is the one concern I have watching the game today. Our rush defense still stinks. Everything else looked to be better, except the huge holes that were there for the running backs.
Posted by: SuperCooper | March 28, 2009 at 10:16 PM
DiNatale riding an 0/3 night with 3 Ks so far. Time to redeem himself for the evening. I'll settle for anything that doesn't include an out in this at-bat. 2-2 count....make that a full count. Payoff pitch coming....
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:17 PM
JCane...what's happening in the baseball game? UPDATES?
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Cg,
figures.... like I said yesterday, not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree lol!
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:19 PM
ahhhh. Strikes out for the 4th time tonight. Didn't even swing. Ramjit pinch hitting for Powers, who was in at shortstop without any at-bats tonight. 2-1 count with one down, still runners on 1st and 2nd.
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:20 PM
like I said yesterday, not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree lol!
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Solar...Are U even on the Christmas tree? LOL
Did U read what I wrote about Collier?
CGNC...got a surprise for too!
Posted by: SOUP | March 28, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Soup and everyone else, thanks for all of the info. from the game and other action today.
Ramjit with a little fly, out to the 2nd baseman. We now get to last chance time, with the tying run still at the plate in the form of Scott Lawson, who has been playing well so far tonight.
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:22 PM
For those that want to see Jack one last time, he is going to be competiting in the 3 point shootout later next week
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032709aaa.html
Posted by: SuperCooper | March 28, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Double to left center, one run in, runners on 2nd and 3rd, Blackman up with the winning run at the plate and tying run halfway around. C-A-N-E-S!
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:24 PM
super,
I'm worried about that also.
That was Berry/James with basically about a C average line killing us.
Reading GT news releases those kids say they finally have their offense running at 100% and expect it to be more potent and difficult to defend.
There are gonna be the usual Kool aid Comments how Arthur and Spence will hold GT down but it isn't likely.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Blackman out. Game over. Oh, well. Tomorrow afternoon is now to avoid the sweep in the Gables. Ugh.
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Jcane they are just struggling, not their weekend, they are young, I said the comeback thing would catch up to them as soon as we ran into good pitching.
GO CANES!
Posted by: canechic | March 28, 2009 at 10:25 PM
super,
I'm worried about that also.
That was Berry/James with basically about a C average line killing us.
Reading GT news releases those kids say they finally have their offense running at 100% and expect it to be more potent and difficult to defend.
There are gonna be the usual Kool aid Comments how Arthur and Spence will hold GT down but it isn't likely.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:24 PM
And the kid Dwyer is probably one of the best backs in the nation. I still have nightmares about what he did to us last year.
Then again, LSU somehow stopped them. We gotta hope Lovett develops a gameplan to do the same.
Posted by: SuperCooper | March 28, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Thanks sup you see those Wildcats point guards? That team is like 3 deep, canes really need some guys like them.
I am going for Villanova but I think U Conn wins it all.
Posted by: canechic | March 28, 2009 at 10:28 PM
depth is being provided by guys who haven't played yet on defense. going to be growing pains with them as a complete unit. thankfully will be guys mixed with the starters in the real game.
Posted by: Esteban | March 28, 2009 at 10:31 PM
GREAT PICS!!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | March 28, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Canechic:
The baseball team definitely is young and has a ways to go. They have played over the heads so far this season, and being UM gets a good poll position quickly still in baseball anyway. I don't think they're really a great team, but getting on a roll at the right team is the key in any sport. We shall see.
Nova looks awesome for now. Wasn't Grant on their team? Guess this could explain a desire to transfer...
Posted by: JCane | March 28, 2009 at 10:41 PM
yeah, JCane makes a lot of sense now.
Posted by: Esteban | March 28, 2009 at 10:42 PM