Canes Enjoy Some Significant Gaines

This Canespace recruiting EXCLUSIVE was written by blogger bg1906...

 

What’s up Legion? It’s your boy bg1906 here and I have a special treat for you. As many of you know, following recruiting for The U is one of my favorite past things to do, as recruiting is the life blood of any program.  So as we inch closer to National Signing Day on February 3, let's take a closer look at what is happening on the recruiting front at the University of Miami.

 

Recently, the Hurricanes got a verbal commitment from Jimmy Gaines (Canisius High School) of Buffalo, NY. Gaines, a 6-3 205 LB, with 4.5 speed, was gracious enough to spend a little time with me Sunday evening for an interview to talk about his experience in becoming a Miami Hurricane.

 

Jimmy was a real gentleman and seems like he has a very good head on shoulders. He’s a yes sir, no sir type of kid, though I told him to PLEASE not call me sir as I’d like to think I’m still to young to be a sir to anyone!  At any rate, without further adieu, here is my interview with Canes commit Jimmy Gaines.

 

Q: Congrats on becoming a Cane. Just to give you a little bit about Canespace, we are a fan run blog site, "For the fans, by the fans."  We appreciate you taking your time to give us an interview.

 

A: No Problem

 

Q: So, you are from Buffalo, New York. Buffalo seems to be a town crazy about football. Have you grown up in Buffalo your entire life and how did you get started playing football?

 

A: Oh yeah, I was born and raised in Buffalo. I started playing when I was 6 years old on my little league North Buffalo team and I never stopped.

 

Q: A lot of Miami fans believe that football is only played in South Florida, or they believe that the recruiting end all be all are the recruiting sites like Rivals, Scout, and Inside The U. With you coming from New York, and not known as much on the national scene, how did Miami coaches hear about you, and what was your reaction to them showing you interest?

 

A: Well actually I sent my highlight tape everywhere, but The U got it 2 weeks ago.  They happened to like me and decided to come up and see me. When my coach told me that one of the coaches (Coach Lovett) was coming to see me, I couldn't believe it but when he came, I was surprised and excited.

 

Q: So when did they extend the offer for you to come and visit?

 

A: Monday last week, it was so short notice that my parents didn't know if they would be able to make it, but it all worked out.

 

Comment (bg1906): Thanks goodness! Opportunity sometimes only knocks once!

 

Q: What were your thoughts and expectations when you found out you were visiting Miami?

 

A: I was really excited; I had never been to Miami before, let alone Florida.

 

Q: You were initially committed to Turner Gill and Buffalo, how did that situation turn into you being interested in Miami?

 

A: It (University of Buffalo) is definitely a great place, but once Coach Gill and the staff left, I was really unsure about UB. Once Miami contacted me, it was all she wrote.

 

Q: What other schools showed interest after receiving your tapes?

 

A: University of Arkansas was the only other school.

 

Q: What players did you get a chance to hang with, and did you have a good time in the 305?

 

A: Well my host was JoJo Nicolas, but I met so many of the guys that I cant really remember their names. The 305 is amazing, I loved it down there. I am very excited to get back there.

 

Q: Did coaches discuss with you your future role on the team?

 

A: Not really, they just told me that i would have a chance to compete for a job, and that is all I want.

 

Q: What are your goals and aspirations for yourself during your time at Miami?

 

A: I want to win a national championship, and I want to represent my family and Buffalo by being the best that I can be.

 

Q: Did you get a chance to meet with and talk to Coach Shannon? Were your parents excited too? I'm sure they had lots of questions.

 

A: Yeah he is a good guy and my parents were very excited. They asked a whole lot of questions.

 

Q: Did you receive any post-season awards or recognition after your high school season?

 

A: Yes. I was 1st Team All-Western New York, and 2nd Team All State.

 

Comment (bg1906): Congrats!

 

Q: Last question, anything you want to say the Canespace.com crew affectionately known as The Legion, and the thousands Canes fans out there?

 

A: If you live up north and live in Buffalo and you want to play football, you need go to Canisius. Coach Brandon Harris did so much for the program there and changed my whole outlook on playing college football.

 

Comment (bg1906): Well we are glad to have you here. Thanks again Jimmy. We appreciate you giving us some time to talk with you on this big day in your life. Take care and congrats again. Welcome to "The U" family and good luck!

 

-bg1906

C.C.M.J.T.K.O

Comments

[PhillyCane]

1st?

[PhillyCane]

serioussssss

[klcanefan]

Nice read, bg! Thanks for putting together the interview... he sounds like a great kid.

Welcome to the family, Jimmy!

[Lurker]

Sounds like a good kid.

Work hard, young man. You're now part of the best football family in the world, the "U family". Now go earn it!

Welcome to the "U". Welcome to the family.

Go Canes!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Close but no cigar!

Why is the guy, always the last to know!

I must have had my head in the sand not to be aware of how good this kid is and he was the one who was the walk on!

What's the scoop and why is he walking on?

Who's got his SS, phone and addy... I want this kid...J.K.,LOL!!!

Very impressive... OK, Randy, do what you do!!!

[bg1906]

Good kid. Has his head on right, is academically sound, and if you notice, when I asked him about his personal goals, he listed a team goal...win the national championship.

These ARE the kinds of kids we want in this program...Also being a 4.5 LB helps too!

HAHAHAHA!

I gave him the link to the article so do not be suprised if he pops in and interacts, maybe, maybe not, but I'm sure he'll stop by and check out the article.

[SOUP]

Hopfinger.. check him out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtGk2cPOL3w

Posted by: PhillyCane | January 25, 2010 at 07:45 AM

WALK ON KICKER VIDEO.

[SOUP]

Philly...who dat winning some Canespace gear? Nice work, now U know what to do correct?

[bg1906]

Who is to say Hopfinger WON'T get a scholie. In this game...you never know!

[bg1906]

Off to work guys. Check you later! Be excited, its the final week of recruiting for 2010. Lets hope we close strong.

Go Canes!

[Lurker]

bg,

Nice article. Totally agree that these are the type of young men we want in the program. Leaders on and off the field. I also like the team goal he has, an NC. That's something nobody can ever take away from you, so even though it's a team goal, you always carry it with you.

And as if these kids needed more motivation, how many Canes are playing in Super Bowls every year? How many this year, including Vilma, a linebacker. With the classes we've been recruting the last few years, there'll be more to come, as well as the NC's.

See you at the NC game, young man!

Go Canes!

[bg1906]

Also remember on Hopfinger, in NCAA he's 10 yds further back so you wouldn't see as many kicks into the end zone.

[PhillyCane]

Great read. I hope he turns out greeat. Sounds like a true gent. Cant wait to see him rockin da U on his helmut. On a more important note, how do I got about getting my t-shirt?!

[Cat 5 Cane]

My previous post was from the last post on Hopfinger...still wow!

1906... Nice!!! Welcome aboard Jimmy! There 's lots of room for ya and the water's just right for U to grow down here. Throw on a few pounds and Kick some butt down here. Good stuff!

[86Cane]

History of Canisius High School:

http://www.canisiushigh.org/about.cfm?subpage=266

Very Interesting...

[86Cane]

From last year at Canisius, NY HS:

Football Class Unmatched In WNY

On Friday, February 6th at 10am, Canisius High School held a news conference and college signing ceremony for its class of senior football players. Our eight gentlemen represent a class that is unmatched in Western New York.

The event was hosted by our school’s Director of Athletics, Mr. James Mauro. Due to the large turnout, the event, originally scheduled for the Crusader Room, was moved to the Canisius High School Auditorium.

Parents, faculty, staff, friends and media were all in attendance as the following young men signed their letters of intent to play football at the collegiate level:

Sean Brady – Duquesne University

Derek Brim – University of Buffalo

Anthony Fulham – Dartmouth College

Drew Lewis – St. John Fisher College

Steve Madlock – Mercyhurst College

Jon Michel – Hamilton College

John Urschel – Penn State University

Pat Wilson – University at Buffalo

For a larger version of the Group Photo, click here.

[PhillyCane]

No clue Soup

[Lurker]

Very Interesting...

Posted by: 86Cane | January 25, 2010 at 08:31 AM

86,

The Jesuits don't mess around. Also, I know a few people from Buffalo and they make 'em tough up there. This young man can also teach some of our guys a thing or to about strapping it up when it's cold.

[86Cane]

Last year their biggest recruit went to Penn State. Here is what their coach Brandon Harris (not making this up) had to say about him:

John Urschel – "John is going to be a Nittany Lion. The Penn State coaching staff is ecstatic to have him. As soon as they saw the tape, they rerouted one of their coaches while he was at the airport and sent him like the very next day to visit John. We couldn’t be happier for him and his family. He is the classic example of what can happen when you put in the work. John is explosive, strong as an ox and has a mean streak to go with it. Some might say he flew under the radar nationally, but as soon as people got a look at his highlight film that didn’t last long at all. To play for Coach Paterno will be a dream come true for him. Academically, John is stellar as we all know. He’ll come out of Penn State with a world class degree to go along with a very fulfilling athletic career. We will miss him but wish him well on his new journey and the challenges that lie ahead; knowing John he’ll handle it just fine."

[86Cane]

No clue Soup

Posted by: PhillyCane | January 25, 2010 at 08:37 AM

Email me a mailing addy and shirt size to:

[email protected]

Then the magic happens!

[masscanefan]

who is visiting south carolina this weekend?

[RBLCane]

There's no place like The Space!

What a GREAT way to start off my day!

Awesome work BG!

GO CANES!!!!!

[PhillyCane]

Email me a mailing addy and shirt size to:

[email protected]

Then the magic happens!

Posted by: 86Cane | January 25, 2010 at 08:44 AM

Thanks. E-mail sentah

[Canez1]

Great job BG!

Love these kind of kids.

Gill was creating a strong program up there from nothing so I trust his judgement as well.

Cal LMFAO!!! I knew you would catch that little dig ;)

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

By GFerman

The latest on Corey Lemonier recruitment

Sources have told me that Lemonier has totally been playing Miami the past several weeks, making everything difficult for McGriff and Shannon.

This is similar to the Patrick Johnson deal a few years back.

There is a chance his recruitment is being used as a platform to try to upstage The U in the 305.

From what I hear, Shannon made the decision end of last week to drop him.

He is telling us that he has been trying to set up home visit with Shannon for this week but from what we know, Shannon was supposed to go last week and was jerked around which is why he made the decision to stop recruiting Lemonier.

It doesnt look like anything short of Lemonier going down to Miami and sitting down with the coaches and patching this thing up is going to result in him going to Miami. But he has never given an indication he really wanted to go to Miami, so .......................

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Loco]

Nice article

[Esteban]

i liked Asante Cleveland's highlight reel. More Bubba than Kellen either way still looked good.

[Esteban]

and feeling the interview bg. hopefully he does his thing while down in Miami.

[86Cane]

Also, in case U missed it in October of 2009 two of our bloggers did two articles on LB Nelson and DB Davis at GHS.

Here they are from Mike Bradley and Randy Bradley on Canespace:

http://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2009/10/going-deep.html

http://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2009/10/going-deeper.html

[PhillyCane]

Soup.. by the way I sent u my address not an aderol (addy).. thought id clear that up

[masscanefan]

Which one of our commits is heading to south carolina for a visit?

[Canez1]

Cive Walford is taking the visit.

"I'm just going to South Carolina because I haven't seen that place. Tell the fans don't worry about anything."

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

**Clive**

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Da U N Houston]

``The UM class isn't as sexy because there aren't a lot of skill position guys,'' Fishbein said, ``but this is probably its best offensive line class in the last five or 10 years.''

Hope this is true

[CaneRock]

What is it with the Hialeah/HML kids, for some reason those kids have always been tough pulls for Miami. Do the coaches there not like Miami or something...

[CaneRock]

Peyton Manning, "I grinded on em'!", GANGSTA!

[Canez1]

CR something is funky with the Hialeah program and the U.

Not sure what it is.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[bg1906]

Kevin Nelson has a guy that posts on the message boards that is close to him and that was on the official. Here is what he said about Gaines.

Jimmy Gaines-Wow, I was very impressed with him. He was kind off to himself a lil at first, so I walked up to him and asked him who he was. I told him to come back here with us (Mind you, I could look like a recruit but I'm not, so my influence was just as affective). I will say this, he has a good body frame and could be just as an impact as any other recruit. I really like him alot the more I spent tiem around him...I really think that this was not a bad pick up. I was very impressed with him. Jimmy is what they call him, but James if you don't know him :) Inside Joke.

[bg1906]

What he said about Nelson.

Kevin Nelson-He measured at 6'1 213...I already knew this, but I discovered this even more about him in this element...He will be the unquestioned vocal leader of this class, no doubts about it. Unless he is muzzled, he will speak and play with so much passion...How I came to this conclusion is by sitting back and observing how they interact with each other and with out a doubt, he has leadership written all over him. Just watch what I tell you. You guys here it in his interviews. Wait to Matt writes writes his story on his experience from the visit. I was with him last night when Matt called. I digress...he is locked in and ready to go.

[bg1906]

What he said about Cain.

Kelvin Cain-a legit 6'4...looks like he could grow into a defensive end, he just loves to be here and is so greatful about the opportunity to be a cane...a serious chip on his shoulder because of the under radar status and title. He is ready to be here and ecstatic about it.

[bg1906]

And finally Palardy...

Mike Palardy-Last but not least...So stand offish, I must admit every recruit was together, he was over in the corner with his parents everytime I seen him. What I realize is that we as fans of recruiting and Canes football are not the same as actual football recruits. You and I know that we need Mike Palardy on this team, our recruits didn't even know who he was. I here people talking as if our recruits should have been more pro active in trying to get at him, but they didn't even know who he was at first and what impact he could have on our team...Anyways, I didn't get good vibes...To me he, it seemed like he was uncomfortable and always up under his parents, while every other player was together laughing, joking, and having a good time. And he didn't go out with us at night, so don't ask.

[bg1906]

He had good things to say about all the recruits including: Tallman, Hagens, Cleveland, Feliciano, Rodgers, and Devont'a Davis.

Lastly he added...

I will leave with this...They are aware of the under the radar label that this class has received and they have a serious chip on their shoulder...That's all they talked about...I really like this class a whole alot where it stands currently...If we can get 2-3 more big time recruits, I'm ready to move on and get ready for spring ball.

[Nashvillecane]

Thnx for the heat bg

[bg1906]

``The UM class isn't as sexy because there aren't a lot of skill position guys,'' Fishbein said, ``but this is probably its best offensive line class in the last five or 10 years.''

Hope this is true

Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 25, 2010 at 10:21 AM

I've been saying this for weeks.

[PhillyCane]

Great info bg.. they better have a chip on their should cause everyones hatin hard on em.. Id be pissed and i bet they are. RS knows what hes doin.. prolly doesnt mind all the bad talk as it adds motivation.

So Haters get on your damn job cause its Motivation

[JSQ]

Great article and great info on this weekend, bg!

[JSQ]

Great article about post game grief over a loss. Reminds me of how I was crying in my firm's ladies room the Monday after the Clemson loss.

http://www.examiner.com/x-3040-Life-in-the-Cubicle-Examiner~y2010m1d25-Sports-hangover-at-work-How-to-cope-with-painful-losses-as-a-sports-fan

[JSQ]

``The UM class isn't as sexy because there aren't a lot of skill position guys,'' Fishbein said, ``but this is probably its best offensive line class in the last five or 10 years.''

Hope this is true

Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 25, 2010 at 10:21 AM

I've been saying this for weeks.

Posted by: bg1906 | January 25, 2010 at 10:45 AM

Yes, you have!

[bg1906]

Great article and great info on this weekend, bg!

Posted by: JSQ | January 25, 2010 at 11:04 AM

Thanks JSQ!

[tortugacane]

Enjoying BG1906's article. Lots of reading to still catch up on from all previous ones.

BTW: 86, U'r pic with d' little fellow is totally cool! :)