Your Miami Hurricanes are hard at work getting ready for the 2009 season. Practicing in the heat of the heart of the 305 they are sweating and struggling to get prepared for the FSU Seminoles on Labor Day.
Here is what we hear from the practice field:
- If Mike James (pictured here with 86Cane and OcalaCane) doesn't play early and often like we think he will, Lamar "The Truth" Miller may just in fact be next great thing. Contrary to current Canespace blogger The Truth's opinion, the Miami Killian product may earn his moniker and may just be the breakaway player the Canes have been seeking since Portis, McGahee and Gore left campus.
- Jimmy Graham is getting some serious consideration at TE. The former UM basketball player turned football warrior continues to make an impression on both coaches and players. Word out at Greentree Field is that new Canes OC Mark Whipple likes what he sees and may even have some Miracle Whip specially designed for The Liger.
- Tall, long and lanky Tommy Streeter is also rumored to be turning some heads in Coral Gables. The speedmonger is going deep and deeper against the Canes secondary on a daily basis. He could be a name to watch as a LOF this year or next.
- The D-line is also making some noise as well early on in Fall practice. According to several reports they are getting pressure on the QB and causing pain to various RBs during practices. This is a key area for the Canes if they are to be successful in 2009. Watch out for true Freshman DE Oliver Vernon coming off the edge in 2009. Word out there is he is unstoppable!
- We have not heard any bad news about the O-line yet so far so all indications are positive. When they are locked up against the Noles on Labor Day we will know for sure, but not until then. Keep your fingers crossed on this one.
- Randy "The Boss" Shannon appears to be in quite the relaxed mood these days. Word on the street is that he even smiles once in a while and is openly humourous on radio interviews these days. Could he be sensing that something is brewing in Coral Gables? Time will tell...
Pads tomorrow
Posted by: Esteban | August 11, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Vernon is the best thing to happen to Jason Fox. Physical and just strong. Gives Fox a different look and should only help him get better.
Posted by: Esteban | August 11, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Este...U are due for some Canespace!
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:20 PM
dang it!!!!
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Pads tomorrow
get the ones with the sticky little flaps este, just to make certain
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
34...stuff happens? On Canspace, U gotta be quick, Lamar Miller quick!
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Soup, don't I get a shirt for being first yesterday??
Posted by: Canes.Fan.In.California | August 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
never gonna get that canespace tee. never even close. Always get caught up reading and bam, there it is. lol
Posted by: Aces & Canes | August 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
CFIC...sure U do! Email your mailing addy to host@canespace.com and I will mail U one later this week. Inlcude your SIZE!
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Aces...Edge never gave up against UCLA, don't U do it here!
Just keep trying or meet me at a Canespace event. We will cover U in Canespace!
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:32 PM
GIVE UP......NEVER. Cant make it to an event though. To far away. I'll get it soon enough.
Posted by: Aces & Canes | August 11, 2009 at 10:36 PM
that really is terrible about evans.
hate that for anybody.
Posted by: Aces & Canes | August 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
The Marlins are in quite the game tonight. They play sloppy poor fundamental baseball but keeping finding ways to stick around. Up 2-1, giving up 5 in the 5th and 1 in the 6th to be down 7-2, and then scoring 4 in the bottom of the 6th and 2 in the bottom of the 7th to take an 8-7 lead before doing the usual blown save thing and giving up a 9th inning run to take it to extra innings. They're in the bottom of the 10th, obviously still tied. There's one down, Ross up and no runners on.
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Does anybody know why Gavin Hardin has been sitting out of practice?
Posted by: Big Red | August 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM
I was watching the 2000 Miami Vs. FSU game last night and it was quite eye opening.
I didn't remember Dorsey looking so scrawny. My big knock on Jacory is his build still looks so small. His arms look tiny, but watching the game last night he has the exact same build as Dorsey in 2000. In 2000 we were comming off a bad season and had a tough schedule (not as tough as this year though) with a road opener agains UW (who was a good team that year) and then a few games later #1 FSU. He had two good receivers (Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss), but our offensive line was considered suspect, and a first year starter at QB left a lot to be desired. No one expected Miami to lose only one game and crush Florida in the Sugarbowl comming off a season of barely making a bowl game.
Watching that game was like drinking the coolaid. Why can't we go 11-1 or better this season?
Durring the game they mentioned that Butch Davis was 2-8 vs. ranked teams (not sure if that was in the OB or overall). It was his sixth season as head coach, 6th! Lets not run Randy out of town if we don't win it all this year, give him a couple more. He is building something special, and that takes a little time.
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Yeah, it is really a tough break for the VTech rb. Hopefully he'll be able to bounce back.
As for Brandon Washington, if there is any real Cane in a player, being at prep school should be a time where a player at least continues to work on some aspects of physical training and preparation, even if not fully in the way it would happen if in Coral Gables. Also, physical maturation of 1 year can be tremendous at that age, especially if the person assists the process. Don't forget what happened with Orlando Franklin....
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Alright I stand corrected, it was 1998 when we barely made a bowl game, 1999 we went 9-4, but still, we got this.
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 10:44 PM
A look back, nationalchamps.net offensive preview for Miami in 2000
Strengths: Carrying the pigskin will not be a problem as Miami possesses the deepest list of tailbacks in the nation. Fifth year senior James Jackson returns as well as Najeh Davenport, who created a big disappointment after going down for the year in the first game of 1999 with a torn ACL. Walter Payton's son Jarrett Payton is back from a solid frosh season. With so much talent the teams leading rusher in '99, Clinton Portis, may find himself at third or fourth on the chart in 2000. The receivers are superb. Santana Moss, Heisman candidate and UM indoor track record holder for the 60 meters, teams with three year starter Reggie Wayne who is as solid as they come. Kick returner Andre King provides some good depth at the spot. Tackle Joaquin Gonzalez is an All-American candidate as a two year starter. Gonzalez, Bibla, and Laferre make up the backbone of the OL but watch for freshman Vernon Carey to get his shot as he was one of the highest rated lineman out of high school.
Weaknesses: QB Kenny Kelly left early to play baseball with the Devil Rays. The next in line is sophmore Ken Dorsey who did start three games at the end of last season and scored 155 points. That set a three game span record surpassing Jim Kelly and Bernie Kosar. The bad news is the defenses were the likes of Rutgers and Temple. Beyond Dorsey is Ethenic Sands who switched over from wide receiver for the spring. Depth is a concern. The offensive line took a big hit with the loss of All-American's Richard Mercier and tight end Bubba Franks, who left for the NFL. All conference center Ty Wise is also a big loss. Kicker Andy Crossland finally departs and finding a new replacement will come from the inexperienced category.
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 10:46 PM
aces,
i had a 57 Pontiac 347
a 62 Valiant slant 6
a 62 406 Ford
a 63 Falcon with a Russ Barfield motor, Econoline straight axle D/G type setup
57 Pontiac 347
a Corvair Spyder
a bunch of motorcycles
a thousand F250 trucks
a Toyota Matrix
I'll stop and see you for sure
If you ever get a chance google the Davie Tower Shops Cruise I have a shytload of pics from the 01 to 03 cruises with hundreds of mucle cars.
Do you make it to Gatlinburg for the Grand Rod runs?
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Hermida walks with 2 outs and the pitcher coming up. What a shock...time to pinch hit. Out goes Pinto and up is Bonifacio. A quick 0-1 count, now 1-1 with a wild pitch and Hermida taking 2nd. A single to the outfield should end the game now.... 2-2 count. To a full count we go. Bonifacio singles to left, Hermida rounds 3rd, and he's nailed at the plate. How about we get another inning going....:(
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 10:47 PM
From www.hurricanesports.com:
Miller Post-Practice:
After practice, head coach Randy Shannon and several players met with the members of the media. Freshman running back Lamar Miller was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including his expectations for the year, the toughest part about being a freshman and his strong showing in today's practice.
On his touchdown run in practice - It felt great. I read the offensive line, cut back and made one person miss. I tried to take advantage of my speed and my timing.
On his expectations for his freshman season - My expectation is to get in here and help the team win. Win games and get the University of Miami back to how it used to be.
On practicing in pads for the first time tomorrow - It will be a wake-up call for me, because it will be my first time in full equipment. I need to get adjusted to the blocking schemes, along with the running and the hitting.
On expectations of being a local player going to Miami - I get motivated sometimes but I am trying to stay focused, stay humble, compete and help my team get better.
On his toughest part of picking up the college game - The toughest part would probably be the blocking. I need to get adjusted to it, know my assignment, stay focused and do the right thing.
On learning a new offense - It's a very difficult play book. You've got to get adjusted to it and just study. I try to focus on the play book, read it every night and know my assignments.
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Post-practice notes:
• Tuesday's practice was the team's fourth of the fall, third on the Greentree Practice Fields and second in shells.
• The session lasted approximately two hours.
• Practice temperatures: Between 85-88 with a heat index consistently in the mid-to-upper 90's.
• Former players Romeo Davis and Khalil Jones were in attendance at Tuesday's practice.
• The Hurricanes' season-opener at Florida State on Mon. Sept 7 is 27 days away.
Practice Schedule:
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Four of those workouts have been completed. The Hurricanes open the season on Labor Day Monday Night at rival No. 19 Florida State. Hurricanes' practices will start at 8 a.m. daily, with the exception of off-days on Aug. 14, 16, 20 and 22. Miami's first day in full pads is slated for Wednesday Aug. 12. Four two-a-day practices are slated for preseason camp with the first taking place on Thurs., Aug. 13 at 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. UM's other two-a-day practices are Mon. Aug. 17, Wed. Aug. 19 and Sun. Aug. 23. The schedule is subject to change.
TV Appearances:
Miami has already has been selected for three national television appearances, beginning with the Sept. 7 opener at Florida State (ESPN). Additional games chosen for national telecasts are the Hurricanes' home opener against Georgia Tech on Thurs. Sept. 17 (ESPN). Miami's game at UCF will air on CBS College Sports at 8 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 17.
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Every Miami fan should be a Devil Rays fan for drafting Kenny Kelly ... what would've happened if he hadn't gone to play baseball?
Ken Dor .. who?
Posted by: Six | August 11, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Sucks for Evans but, Va. Tech will fine without him. They have 2 nice young Rb's who will fill the void. Evans was a little overrated too. Hope the kid gets healthy soon.
Truth, maybe you can answer this I have read a lot of stuff about Collier gaining weight and losing a step which has put him behind the other WR's. Do you know if this is true?
Posted by: canefan3 | August 11, 2009 at 10:51 PM
JCane...I am watching the FISH along with U. Can't believe they sent Hermedia? He was OUT before he rounded third base. WTF???
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Haha, that is true six. I like how in 2000 Ken Dorsey was the weakspot on offense because of the loss of Kenny Kelly. He was pretty much run out of town, not a fan favorite.
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Cubs are in the 10th with Philly
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 10:55 PM
so romeo davis and glenn cook are on the sideline giving the young guys pointers. sounds like a recipe for success!
Posted by: Daytoncane | August 11, 2009 at 10:55 PM
I could use some CAKE about now.
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Truth
you know him, you love him
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/charlie.jpg
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Marlins with a lead-off walk to start the 11th. Strength of the order coming up...
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Cubs Phills go to the 11th too
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 11:04 PM
\/ watchin The Hurt Locker and the Rays game
Posted by: Six | August 11, 2009 at 11:05 PM
alot of injury's around the nation,vt,gt,ok,damn hope we can stay healthty
Posted by: canezilla | August 11, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Nick Johnson walks, Hanley Ramirez is up with Coughlin on 2nd...
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Do you make it to Gatlinburg for the Grand Rod runs?
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 10:47 PM
every year brother. U goin this year?
Ive got about 20 cars in my showroom, so I pretty much go to all the shows in Piegon Forge-Gatlinburg
Posted by: Aces & Canes | August 11, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Soup:
I think they were going to send the great wall of China home on that single, and with Hermida running it was just a tad faster. They were counting on a bad throw, which isn't a way to typically play baseball at this level. I'm still wondering how Hermida took in the 6th with the bases juiced, one out, down by 3, a 2-0 count and a perfect setup for a fastball up the middle. Hopefully he wasn't "ordered" to.
Fresh opportunity in the bottom of the 11th, still tied but with Coghlan getting the leadoff walk and the meat of the order now coming. Johnson has been a solid pickup for this offense. 2-1 count. This could be a huge blow for this team to blow this game after the comeback. However, the Phillies did the same, blowing a late 1 run lead, and are now in extras with the Cubbies. Johnson goes to full, and then walks. Two runners on, nobody out, and Hanley up. This is the inning they have to take advantage of.
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Ramirez strikes out, 1 out...2 men on for the FISH, four hours in.
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Hanley with the quick 0-2 hole, and he goes down looking. Cantu is next, with Baker (a clutch hitter tonight) on deck.
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Cantu strikes out...2 outs, 2 men on and now we have Baker at the plate...
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:10 PM
oops. Sorry, Soup. I just saw that you're calling it, too. All yours. I'm just going to take it in for now while hoping Baker makes up for Cantu's K. Have a good night.
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 11:10 PM
FSU Marcus White
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The face of Florida State's defensive line will change this fall, as the Noles' lost last season's top defensive end, Everette Brown, early to the NFL, and the coaching staff is expecting to hear within a day or two whether Kevin McNeil, who is listed as a starting defensive end on the preseason depth chart, will be cleared academically.
Mickey Andrews is counting on Markus White to take over the right end spot vacated by Everette Brown.
While the interior line is deep and strong, the end positions are a question mark, though Markus White is the clear front-runner to take over for Brown on the right end.
"They're going to look for the guy who can make all the sacks," White said of FSU fans. "They're going to look for the standout guy. That's what they're used to. There's always been a dominant defensive end. Now that Everette's gone, who's the dominant guy? I want to step into that role, but only time will tell."
The Saturday scrimmages will help, and so will Wednesday's practice, which will be the first day in pads, but defensive ends coach Jody Allen said the defensive line won't be "near as talented" as it was last year without Brown, but that White has the intangibles it takes to be an aggressive end.
"He plays football with a very mobile and hostile attitude," Allen said. "He's got a good motor, and he plays hard, and he plays mean. He's a super person, but on the field he's a football player."
Allen said maybe one player can't replace Brown, but if he gets a collective effort from four players, the ends might be better as a group than they were last year. Everett Dawkins, Jamar Jackson, Brandon Jenkins, Dan Hicks, Craig Yarborough, and Toshmon Stevens are all candidates to help.
"The interior looks real good but our outside, they have the talent they just need to learn," White said. "They need somebody to learn from. The coach can only do so much, but as a player I can help them, too."
"He looks great," defensive tackle Budd Thacker said. "His confidence level is definitely way up there, I promise you that. He'll hustle, he gets to the football all the time. He knows the playbook front and back, and that's what we need."
Thacker said the unit's goal is to get more pressure on the quarterbacks, get the ball out of his hands, cause some more picks and get some more sacks. FSU had the best pass defense in the ACC last year, but only had nine interceptions. The only ACC team with fewer picks was Miami with a measly four. With Brown in the lineup, FSU led the ACC with 39 total sacks.
White said he's been working on two primary counteraction new moves this summer to help him keep those sack numbers high.
"Last year we had Everette Brown and he would always get pressure on the quarterbacks even if it wasn't sacks, but I got too much pressure and not enough sacks," White said. "This year instead of getting pressure I want to get to the quarterback, get past the guy, be able to grab him and tackle him."
If he does, White just might be the Noles' next "dominant defensive end."
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Baker walks the bases loaded, Uggla is up.
Changing pitchers...
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Damn, Phills hit a homerun to take the lead, come on Cubbies we need some runs!!
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | August 11, 2009 at 11:14 PM
aces,
yea i'll be there we can hook up,
I'll come by your showroom before then I'd love to meet you and see your place.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Uggla get's a hit to win the game!
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:17 PM
MARLINS WIN, MARLINS WIN!!!
Posted by: SOUP | August 11, 2009 at 11:17 PM
im out
later people,
peace
Posted by: solarcane | August 11, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Sounds like a plan Solar.
Ok spacers i'm out til 2morrow.
Lets GO Canes..........Lets GO Canes
Posted by: Aces & Canes | August 11, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Alright. Uggla singles in the gamewinning run after Baker's walk. The Fish take game 2 and keep the pressure on. The Phillies are now up by 1 in the 12th.
Have a good one, Soup.
Posted by: JCane | August 11, 2009 at 11:20 PM