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Player Profile: Sean Spence

This article was written by blogger UMike exclusively for Canespace...

I remember the 2008 recruiting class vividly. I remember thinking it was about time that Miami locked up the Dade County talent. I’ve watched year after year as the other two Florida schools and others around the nation swooped in and plucked away our kids. It seemed as if we forgot just how special these South Florida kids really are. It was this thinking that had me convinced Sean Spence would be the star of what became a recruiting class full of talented and highly rated linebackers.

 

The 2008 class included linebackers Authur Brown, the number one rated LB in the country and other 3 or 4 star prospects like Jordan Futch, Marcus Robinson, Antonio Harper and Garvin Hardin. Still, I knew it would be Spence that would stand out among the crowd. Not that the other players from this class won’t become stars or good players in their own right, but I just knew “Superman” Spence had “it”.

 

Sean Spence, at 6 feet and 186 pounds, was rated the #13 linebacker in the country according to Rivals.com, behind Brown, Robinson and Futch. He was also rated behind one-time Miami commit Lerentee McCray among others. But I knew better.

 

A lot of people on this blog talk about Dade County kids and what that means. These kids know swagger and are the most talented group in all the country, at least in my humbled opinion.

When you grow up in certain parts of Dade County, like the Liberty City “Pork-n-Bean” Projects like Sean Spence and teammate Marcus Forston, you become hungry. Hungry to get out. Maybe this is why so many Dade County kids succeed at the college level and pros. Whatever it is, Dade County kids certainly have “it”, and I knew he would be special.

After starting weak-side linebacker Colin McCarthy went down with an injury early in the year, Spence started the remaining eight games. Even before taking over the starting spot, it was obvious Spence was special. In just the second game of his college career, Spence showed the Florida Gators and the rest of the country that he just may be the next great Miami linebacker. Not only did he simply crush Gator RB Brandon James on a swing pass (almost as nice as Matt “Warrior” Bosher’s hit on James), he also slammed Heisman Trophy winning QB Tim Tebow to the Mud Puddle turf, much to the delight of Canes fans everywhere.

These were only a couple of the many big plays he would make all year including a interception return for a touchdown against hated rival FSU and a game saving strip of the football against Virginia. His speed and quick thinking kept him around the ball as he become a big play waiting to happen. He finished third on the team in tackles with 62 (36 solo), including 7.5 tackles for loss and would become the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Spence, now up to 212-216 lbs, depending on whom you ask, is ready to be the next great leader on a defense that has lacked a true leader in recent years. I’m confident there will be no “Sophomore Slump” here. Spence is just the kind of fast, intelligent, playmaking linebacker Miami needs for its return to glory.

Are South Florida Recruits Spoiled?

This feature was written by long-time blogger 321Cane exclusively for Canespace...

I am from a small area in Central Florida that produces great high school football talent. I’m from the city of Merritt Island which is located in Brevard County, Florida where my high school holds the honor of having the second longest consecutive playoff appearance streak in the State behind only Jacksonville Bolles high school. 

As a HUGE Hurricanes fan I can tell you that Brevard County has produced some great Hurricane talent: Bubba McDowell, Hurlie Brown, Darryl Spencer, Derrick Ham, Matt Walters, and now Ramon Cookie Buchanan. Four of those players were not only major contributors at Miami but they also won National Championships while attending UM.

I have also spent a lot of time in the City of Miami while living, staying and making frequent trips to the 305. I also have come across some interesting people and players while attending many games involving Miami, FAU, FIU and even some high school teams in Miami. I can truly say that Miami is a city in itself, there is nothing else like it. With all the high profile actors, actresses, musicians, pro athletes, sport venues, beaches, good looking people, clubs, shopping malls, real estate, etc. who wouldn’t want to live in Miami or play at The U?

Along with that, it’s a great place for any rising star or elite high school players to market themselves with all of the football camps, recruiting networks and spring game classics.  For example, it’s been a common trend recently for many high school players to say that they’re getting recruited or have offers from UM when it’s not even the case. Remember Brian Butler said another player of HIS (LOL) was getting recruited by Miami and that later came out to be false?

Another trend that happens to be recent is the exploitation of players who do have an offer from Miami, but yet are playing the media to get more attention. They are looking for the fame to add to their name, guaranteed promises and maybe other things that come along with their Letter of Intent (can U say Patrick John$on-Peter$on)

I think in most cases the majority of kids already know where they would like to attend college and could be signed by the end of January. With that said, I love the approach and the handling of the recruiting process by Coach Shannon and the University of Miami staff.  And this is in spite of the fact that we are starting to see a lot of inconsistent and confusing comments from South Florida recruits who seem to waver every week when they go from saying “I grew up a HUGE Hurricanes fan and that’s all I used to watch growing up” to “well I like Miami but I’m going to look around and take all of my visits.”

Then there are those surprises by some players supposedly committed to UM who pull the hat trick on signing day and go elsewhere. There were numerous players over the last couple of years that did this.  And what makes matters worse is that now even some high school coaches are getting into this thing. Remember the coach from Deerfield Beach saying “Miami is not recruiting him and he would fit in perfectly in their system.”  Then Miami offered that kid and where did he end up going?  

I’m starting to wonder are the Hurricanes paying too much attention to their local area high schools instead of getting the best players in Florida or across the Country.  Are the Canes forgetting about Central and North Florida kids?  Don’t get me wrong, I think South Florida has the some of the best talent. Sometimes they are bigger, faster, and stronger; just not always.

I just don’t want the players like Ray Lewis (Lakeland), Clinton Portis (Gainesville), Warren Sapp (Apopka) to go elsewhere. Could you imagine this year if Ray Ray, Dye, (Sanford) Mr. Mike “Media love” James (Davenport) or Jamal “Put me anywhere” Reid (Mayo) had not signed with UM?

So you have to ask yourself: Is the University of Miami football staff too quick to give a South Florida recruit an offer before players from another area of the State or the Country?  I’m hearing a lot of kids saying why they like this school or that school, but does it really makes sense? Why would a TE that played in a high school that has a shot gun and passing offense go to a mostly running SEC school that doesn’t pass to a TE? 

You may know that there are head coaches at other universities that are trying to sway recruits away from UM saying: “Miami only cares about South Florida talent and they treat their local players differently.”  I believe Miami could prevent this negative rumor by recruiting the entire State instead of appearing to concentrate all of their efforts on The Bottom.

I remember a time when certain kids wanted to be a part of The U no matter how many games were won or lost or how many players were drafted in the first round of the NFL.  It’s simply not like that anymore. UM must adapt to the changes.

My opinion is that Miami can’t afford to any longer solely focus on “locking down South Florida” and hope to get it done.  While they may want to continue to focus on South Florida they must also make sure to expand their focus on the entire State! 

The bottom line: The City of Miami is not bigger, or better, than the whole State of Florida.  Randy Shannon and Clint Hurtt would be wise to remember that.

Look Out, The Sky Is Falling

Quick, everybody Lance Leggett, I mean DUCK!  The sky is falling, the sky is falling!  Well, not really but you would have thought so after seeing Hurricane fan's responses to the blog posted by The Miami Herald's Manny Navarro on Thursday at Eye On The U. 

Manny, our good friend who is affectionately known here as "The Mandingo", kicked over the ant pile with a story about how the "recruiting wall" that Randy Shannon has effectively re-built around the 305, 954 and 561 is slowly crumbling away and may even come crashing down. 

Say it ain't so!  Please Navarro, I'm begging you, say it ain't so!

Manny based his observation on recent interviews with several South Florida recruits who were found to be "looking around" at other options (beyond the University of Miami) across the State and even all across the Country.

Well Canes fans, I guess it's time to pack it in and close the program, right?  Not so fast my friend!

First of all, players from "The Bottom" have always received national attention in the recruiting game. Players from South Florida have not only chosen FSU and UF over the Canes in the past but have also committed to prominent national universities such as Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame and USC. 

More recently former UM coaches Greg Schiano at Rutgers and Butch Davis at North Carolina have also made their presence felt around the South Florida recruiting scene. 

With teams limited to 85 scholarships and the typical boat load of talented players coming out of South Florida each year, there is absolutley no way the Canes and UM Recruiting Coordinator Clint Hurtt can nail down every kid coming out of high school in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

As everyone knows there are a million different reasons why kids choose the school they will attend to get their college, uh, "education".  Here are just a few (in no particular order):

1. Location, size, majors and academics: Believe it or not some college students actually got to college to get a degree.  As soon as you stop laughing we can continue.  OK then, at FSU and UF with 30-40,000 students you can easily get lost on campus.  At UM with only 8,000 undergrads enrolled it is hard to hide and you have to go to class. Just ask former Canes QB Robert Marve who didn't and got suspended for the bowl game against Cal.  Marve would later look to transfer somewhere closer to home (Tampa) like Purdue, Nebraska or Texas Tech.  Obviously Bobby Drama failed geography.  

2. Academic issues and ability to qualify for admission: Some high school athletes, well how can we say this politely, aren't very good students.  UM has much stricter and tougher qualifying standards than many schools and qualifying is no cake walk even for above average students.  Canes fans are always asking: "Why aren't we recruiting five star Frank who runs a 4.2 forty?"  One reason is that Canes coaches no that 'ol Frankie isn't going to have a snowball's chance in Miami in August to qualify much less succeed at UM.  Move along young man to Morgantown, Tuscaloosa, Pittsburgh or Auburn.

3. Promises and Guarantees: It has been alledged that some unscrupulous coaches who we will not be named here (rhymes with Satan) have made promises of instant playing time and even starting positions to certain high profile recruits.  It is well known that Shannon don't play that.  Don't believe me?  Ask the number one rated HS player from 2008.  He plays LB at UM and wears #11.  Or better yet, ask his brother. 

4. The Head Coach's personality, style and rules: Player's coach or disciplinarian?  Sneaky Pete or Randy Shannon? To some players the coach's style matters.  Shannon's rules about no guns and living on campus for the first two years seems reasonable enough right?  Palm Beach county high school teammates Orlando Franklin and Preston Parker felt differently about it.  Franklin chose Miami, Parker selected Free Shoes University.  Franklin will be a starting OL for the Hurricanes this season, Parker will not be playing anywhere.  You see Preston "Guns and Ganja" Parker, who has been arrested twice for weapon and drug possession charges, would never have fit in among the 3,500 or so students residing on the quaint, cozy, palm tree lined campus in Coral Gables.  Did we mention that Shannon don't play that?  Yeah, I thought so!

5. Relationship with position Coaches: Some recruits say that this is THE most important factor in their selection of potential suitors.  Players spend very little time with the head coach but spend most of their time with their position coach who more often than not determine who plays and how much.  Develop a good relationship here and the deal could be sealed.  Sign here please!

6. Big fish, small pond: Some players want the attention (and the ladies) that comes with being the BMOC (Big Man On Campus).  You go from being a four star RB wandering among the 2.5 million or so people in the 305 to a small college town like Chapel Hill, Clemson or Oxford and everybody knows who you are.  And of course there are certain perks wearing skirts that go along with that status if you get my drift.

7. Early playing time and competition at their position: The Canes currently are loaded at RB and WR.  Talented players at these positions from The Bottom and all across the Country are likely to look elsewhere for early playing time and less competition.  Players want to play, and play now.  You aren't going to see much time with Javaris James, Graig Cooper, Lee Chambers, Mike James and Lamar Miller in front of you.  So you wind up going to Tennessee because during your fasting and while glancing at depth charts "God told you so".

8. Getting out of "the hood" and away from negative influences: Some players from inner-city Miami, or even out in the muck of Pahokee and Belle Glade want desperately to leave behind the danger and misery of the reality of daily life in these impoverished areas.  And these players often seek to get as far away as possible from their possee and the negative influences of their previous peer group.  Farther is better for some players, so places like Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio don't look so bad after all.

9. Family attachment or personal affiliation to another team: Some players who live in South Florida come from families whose parents attended and/or have been lifetime fans and followers of the other State schools.  Some attended and even played for FSU or UF or other nationally prominent Universities like Notre Dame, USC and Ohio State.  Sometimes parents play a huge role in deciding which institution of higher athletics, uh, I mean education, that their children will attend.  Family influence can have a significant impact on where a player winds up regardless of where they live or play high school football.  And you wondered why Deonte Thompson rides the bench in Gainesvile?

10. Personal or romatic relationships (with players or girlfriends):  It is widely known that star TE Orson Charles is dating Robert Marve's sister.  After Bobby Drama was done screwing things up at Miami Charles' chances of attending The U were slim and none, and slim, along with little Bobby, had left town.  It was alleged recently that the State school located in Gainesville had even managed to find a way to give out an athletic scholarship to a certain player's girlfriend.  Imagine that!  Now there's a deal that is just to good to refuse.

So if a few kids from South Florida say that they want to "look around" at their options, Randy would be wise to not only let them, but to encourage them to do so.  Those that bleed orange and green will stay home and help return the Canes to glory. 

If Shannon has proven anything so far in his short career at Miami it is that when it comes to recruiting, Randy may not always get what he wants, but he definitely gets what he needs.

And what about the ones that get way?  Don't sweat it, they can't all be Canes!

Five Questions With Ferman

Gary Ferman of Canesport.com is one of the most experienced and respected journalists covering your Miami Hurricanes.  We saw Gary at the Spring game at Lockhart Stadium and chatted a while.

Here are his responses to questions from several Canespace bloggers...

CANESTEELER: How much progress needs to occur on the field next season to make the U talk to RS about a contract extension?

FERMAN: I think they will talk to him about at least a one year extension before next year. I have spoken to Kirby Hocutt about this and he and Shalala are both big Randy supporters. They haven't begun talking about it yet, but with four months of off-season ahead now, I would think they would make the time. Shannon deserves at least a one year extension right now.

ESTEBAN: After watching Spring practice and the Spring game at Lockhart, who were the most improved players and most disappointing players  for the Canes? 

FERMAN: Most improved: Jacory Harris, Damien Berry, Kendall Thompkins, Matt Pipho, A.J. Trump, Ryan Hill, Sam Shields

FERMAN: Most disappointing: Steven Wesley, Gavin Hardin

UMIKE:We are searching for a TE and a FB.  Do they matter and who plays here for the Canes in 2009?

FERMAN: Tight End is Epps' position plain and simple if he is healthy. If not, Richard Gordon gets the shot. But there is an effort to try to talk basketball player Jimmy Graham into playing football.  At fullback, I like John Calhoun. I expect he and Patrick Hill to both play and yes, they will touch the ball in the Mark Whipple offense.

SOLARCANE: Which coach, OC Whipple or DC Lovette will make the biggest impact this year for UM?

 

FERMAN: No question it will be Whipple. How Whipple goes, the Canes go in 2009.

 

BG1906: The Canes are thin at CB.  Who starts at this position and what chance do Ryan Hill and Sam Shields have to fill that gap?

 

FERMAN: It looks like Demarcus VanDyke and Brandon Harris will win the starting jobs. UM will need everyone here to step up.

The News According To Navarro

The Miami Herald's Manny Navarro is the hardest working reporter covering your Miami Hurricanes.  In this latest edition of the news according to Navarro, Manny once again digs deep to give Canes fans the news they can use about their beloved team. 

Here are his responses to your questions...

CANESTEELER: How much progress needs to occur on the field next season to make the U talk to Randy Shannon about a contract extension? 

MN: I think the only way Randy Shannon won't keep his job is if UM has a complete and total meltdown. What constitutes a total meltdown? The Canes don't win more than two games in the ACC and take steps backward off the field with player arrests, scandals. As long as he stays free of that, Shannon will probably receive that contract extension midseason. President Donna Shalala cares about the off field stuff a lot more than if Miami were to finish 3-5 in ACC play. That's the nature of the situation at UM right now. Plus, Kirby Hocutt or Shalala wants to do is hurt the hurt the steam the program been gaining in recruiting. So, they'll give Randy an extension -- probably a short one (2-3 years) and then would only fire him after 2010 or 2011 if they still aren't winning.

ESTEBAN: After watching Spring practice and the Spring game at Lockhart, who were the most improved players and most disappointing players for the Canes?

MN: I'll start by saying this -- don't take what you saw at the spring game very seriously. Too many guys were out and too many potential starters were injured.

Here's who looked good to me and who didn't (starting with defense). At linebacker, I like what I saw from Jordan Futch and Ramon Buchanon. Both look like they've improved some and will be able to help this season in backup roles. Arthur Brown still looks lost and is by far the most disappointing player on defense. In the secondary, Vaughn Telemaque and Randy Phillips look like they'll do a good job at safety. Brandon Harris and Demarcus Van Dyke look older -- just not a whole lot better. On the line, I like what I saw from Miami's defensive ends. Olivier Vernon has come along faster than I expected. I thought Adewale Ojomo and Steven Welsey had very good springs, constantly getting to the quarterback and doing a pretty good job on run defense. At tackle, Marcus Forston continues to play up and down. Injured or not, Allen Bailey still hasn't shown me enough to make me feel confident he's going to be a dominating player (which he should be with that body.

Offensively, I was very impressed by the growth of Jacory Harris. I thought he looked very good under Mark Whipple's guidance. Mike James was the obvious standout among the running backs. He has the word special written all over him. At receiver, I believe UM is loaded. Kendal Thompkins and Tommy Streeter should help this team tremendously. Hankerson had his moments, too. But he's going to cut down on the drops. He averaged at least 3-4 a practice. Laron Byrd and Aldarius Johnson look like future first round picks. At tight end, I thought we learned nothing this spring. Nobody emerged -- although Daniel Adderley did have a few moments were he made plays. Honestly speaking, Jake Byrne might be the most reliable guy (think Buck Ortega). The offensive line really did not impress me as a whole. I'm not convinced Matt Pipho is the answer at right tackle. I'm still worried about right guard (Harland Gunn and Joel Figueroa are serviceable at best). I think there's potential with Ben Jones, Jermaine Johnson and Brandon Washington. They just are probably a year away.

UMIKE: We are still searching for a TE and a FB.  Do they matter in the Canes offense and who plays here for UM in 2009?'

MN: They matter when it comes to blocking. But that's about it UMike. I think unless Dedrick Epps returns to full health by October, UM probably won't use the tight end or fullback in passing situation unless they are near the goal line. There is no question Miami has to address the tight end position in recruiting. We'll have to see what Stephen Plein and Billy Sanders bring in the fall. But I don't think either will help the team this year. Plein looks more impressive physically -- at least on the sidelines -- than Sanders.

SOLARCANE: Which Coach, OC Whipple or DC Lovette (or another?) will make the biggest impact this year for UM?

MN: Both are obviously equally important. But I think in the end everyone will feel Whipple will make the most positive impact. He already has made huge strides with Jacory Harris in my opinion and his offense is going to produce a lot more in my opinion than Patrick Nix's. You can definitely see the difference in the passing game. In a way, it's a shame we didn't get to see Robert Marve in this offense. He and Jacory could both have thrived.

BG1906: The Canes are thin at CB.  Who starts at this position and what chance do Ryan Hill and Sam Shields have to fill that gap?

MN: The Canes aren't thin on bodies. They are thin on dependable, quality, proven guys. I think you'll see Demarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Harris begin the season as starters. But the fact nobody has wrestled the job down gives guys like Hill and Shields a real opportunity to come in and steal it from them. Chavez Grant looks like the same player to me he was when he came in as a freshman. It's a shame. He's a good guy. He's just probably never going to be better than a nickel corner. I do like what I see from Brandon McGee, though and I'm excited to see what Jamal Reid will do.

Canes Trounce Noles, Take Series

Atlantic Coast Conference and in state rival Florida State University won the first game of the series against the University of Miami baseball team on Friday night in Coral Gables. 

The confident and sometimes cocky Noles started thinking SWEEP!  Well, it was at that very same moment  that the Canes collectively shouted out loud: NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!

Your Miami Hurricanes came storming back to win two straight games and take the series from the dreaded Noles by winning the Sunday Decider 14-8.

It was sweet , sweet, sweet beating the Seminoles and taking the State title in baseball.  The Canes have now won weekend series over both the Noles and Gators this season.

So what happened on Sunday was that Harold Martinez and Yasmani Grandal each hit grand slam homers and starting pitcher Iden Nazario struck out six in six innings of work as No. 7 Miami beat No. 23 Florida State, 14-8, Sunday afternoon in front of 3,209 at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

The victory secured Miami's (23-8, 10-5 ACC) second straight series win over the Florida State (18-10, 7-6 ACC), after the `Canes took two-of-three from the Seminoles last year in Tallahassee. The 14 runs scored by the `Canes on Sunday was the most UM has put up against FSU since winning 17-11 on April 10, 2004 in Tallahassee.

After FSU plated a run in the top half of the first, the Hurricanes put up five runs in the bottom of the frame and another five in the second to put the game out of reach early on.

Martinez had his best day at the plate as a Hurricane, going 3-for-5 with two homers, a career-high five RBI and two runs scored. Grandal also finished with five RBI, going 1-for-5 with two runs scored. Jason Hagerty, Ryan "Action "Jackson and Teddy Blackmon joined Martinez in finishing with multiple hits.

The two grand-slam game for Miami was its first since Gaby Sanchez and Joey Hooft accomplished the feat versus Pace University on May 2, 2003.

Nazario (4-0) won for the second consecutive weekend, allowing four runs on five hits while walking five.

Canes Storm Back, Even Series With Noles

This article courtesy of www.hurricanesports.com...

The seventh-ranked University of Miami baseball team evened the series with No. 23 Florida State Saturday night, picking up a 6-4 win in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,500 at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

Miami starter Chris Hernandez (3-2) picked the victory for Miami, tying a career-high with 11 strikeouts on the night. After allowing four runs through the first three innings, Hernandez settled in and kept the game in reach before Miami's five-run sixth put the `Canes ahead for good.

Down 4-1 after 5 ½ innings, the Hurricanes not only broke up a no-hit bid by FSU starter Brian Busch, but they were able to force him out of the game and take advantage of the Seminoles' bellpen. Scott Lawson led off the frame with a walk before Jason Haggerty hit a deep homer to left to put the `Canes down just one. After FSU turned to its bullpen, four of the next five UM batters singled.

The final single came off the bat of pinch-hitter Ted Blackman and it proved to be the difference. After rolling through the right side, the ball proceeded to go under right-fielder D'Vontrey Richardson's glove, rolling all the way to the fence to allow Harold Martinez and Yasmani Grandal and eventually Blackman to come around and score to put the `Canes up 6-4.

Hernandez quickly recorded two outs in the seventh but after walking Tyler Holt, was relieved by closer Kyle "Ring My" Bellamy. Four pitches later, Bellamy struck out Stephen Cardullo to end the inning and send it into the eighth.

Bellamy would earn his fifth save of more than an inning, not allowing a hit while striking out five over the final 2 1/3. Bellamy, who is now a perfect eight-for-eight in save opportunities, would not allow a single base-runner on the night, while striking out two in each of the final two innings.

Hagerty finished 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI while Martinez went 1-for-3 with two runs scored.

Sean Taylor: We Remember U

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and Coach named Schnellenberger, would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to this team and its fans in his home town.

Sean would grow up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title and become the #1 ranked prep player in the County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at this level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back for that team. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor had already become a hometown hero and would soon become a true legend in the 305.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  Nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast, Sean would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.

Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor.

A miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable of beating the other team all by himself.

Meet Me In The Parking Lot: Part II

So as Cat5 and I stood there in the parking lot outside of Lockhart Stadium and watched as Sam Shields' father drove away wearing his new Canespace gear, who should appear other than WQAM radio personality and Miami Hurricane color comentator Don Bailey Jr. 

I immediately called him over to introduce myself (with the ever-present Canespace card in hand).  Don walked right over to us and seemed glad to spend some quality time with some true Canes fans. 

Actually, the poor guy had no choice really but to be subjected to our questioning because he couldn't get to his car without walking by us.  As it turns out, he was parked directly behind us.  We had him right where we wanted him! 

And so we began our typical Canespace (think Guantanamo) style interrogation...

86Cane:  So what did you think about the scrimmage?

Bailey Jr.: I think you saw improvement throughout the Spring especially on offense and that was true again today in the scrimmage.  There were a lot of guys held out on defense like McCarthy who missed the entire spring, Moncur, Bailey didn't play today.  Obviously the the talent and execution on the field is much better, the depth is getting to where it needs to be and I think this team is coming together.  But there is still a lot of hard work to be done over the Summer for this team to get to where they need to be.

86Cane: So what do you think about the Canes schedule this year, especially the first four weeks?

Bailey Jr.:  What are you kiddin' me?  Who has that schedule?  Who does that?  You start on Labor Day the road against FSU at Doak Campbell; the you come home to Georgia Tech and who knows what that means; then you go on the road again against Virginia Tech at Blacksburg and come home to face a top 5 Oklahoma!  Are you kidding me?  You think Bobby Bowden or Urban Meyer has that schedule? That schedule is murderers row!  Are you kidding me?

Cat5: So what do you think about the Canes chances this year?  Do you have a prediction?

Bailey Jr.:  Well like I said, the team is improving.  The talent level across the board is getting better but that schedule is MURDER.  So forget about what you want, focus on what you need.  What you need is Javaris James to get 1,000-1,200 yards and Colin McCarthy to have 120 tackles.  You get those two things and you can do some damage.  Then you let your depth contribute and you have something.  But those two guys in particular have to stay healthy and contribute for this team to get to do well. 

This team, with that schedule, could go 6-6 or 8-4, that's being realistic.  Is 9-3 or 10-2 possible?  Sure, but a lot of things would have to go right for that to happen and I'm not sure the talent has enough experience yet to pull that off. 

Look, there's no arguing that the cupboard was bare when Randy took over.  The Canes may not have a draft pick this year.  Forget FIRST ROUND, I mean any round!  And even looking to next year it's hard to say who will have a stand-out season (in 2009) and maybe start a new first round streak of NFL picks.  It's going to take Randy some time to restore the level of athletes and talent that Miami is used to.  Fans have to be patient for that to happen, but I believe it will.

86Cane: And what about the competition in the ACC?

Bailey Jr.: Well it will not get any easier.  It's easy to see that UNC, GT and NCST are getting better.  The ACC is going to be tough, Miami has to get better too.

Cat5: How do you feel about Sam Shields' move to CB?

Bailey Jr.:  I think Sam was smart to accept the change (from WR to CB).  He has speed and ability to make an impact.  The Canes are thin there (at DB) and he could step into the rotation at CB.  He has a chance to find a home and make some contributions.  Who knows this could be the spark that get's him going?  I think he may just surprise some people.

86Cane: If you had to select two players, one on offense and one on defense, who were going to make an impact this year, who would you choose as your Legends of the Fall?

Bailey Jr.: Ask me in August and I'll let you know.  It's really too early to tell.

86Cane: Yeah, I know that is the politically correct answer and you sound like Canespacer Esteban, but if you had to give an answer right NOW, what would you say?

Bailey Jr.: Well where does Jacory stand in this?  He started what two games last year against Charleston Southern and then Cal in the bowl game.  But this is his first year as THE starter.  This is Jacory's team, don't let there be any doubt about that.  Jacory is going to do big things in this life, but not only in football, but in life.  He's a special kid and he will make an impact on this team, but his impact will not end on the football field.  When Jacory is 40 he will still be making an impact somewhere, somehow long after football is over.

86Cane: Some people like Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald have said that when they see Jacory play that he reminds them of Ken Dorsey.  What do you think about that?

Bailey Jr.:  (smiling broadly) Well let me say this: "By the time Jacory leaves UM, I think people will be saying that Kenny was almost as good as Jacory Harris."

Cat5: So who else catches your attention, who will be a Legend of the Fall?

Bailey Jr.:  Well I think you have to look at LaRon Byrd, he could do some great things.  I think that Mike James will bring something special to this team.  You mentioned Sam Shields.  Now there's a pick.  If he can make an impact at CB and special teams he could be the one that makes a difference.

Satisfied with his answers and feeling that he had spilled all of the information he was going to give to two complete strangers he just met in the parking lot, we allowed him to leave.  But only once again after providing him with the latest Canespace gear.

And then after all this had happened, two impromptu interviews with Sam Shields' father and then with Don Bailey Jr., we thought to ourselves that this couldn't get any better. 

That was until the UM Cheerleaders showed up and this happened...