Player Progress Report

This blog was written for Canespace by DZ8...

One commonly stated theory about the recent decline in the performance of the University of Miami football team is the lack of player development.  It seems that on a fairly regular basis a freshman will show flashes of ability during his first year and then never quite improve upon that in subsequent seasons.  The examples of this are numerous, but I'll only mention a few.

After showing flashes of potential as a freshman linebacker, Darryl Sharpton never showed consistent production until late in his senior year. 

CB Chavez Grant began his career with a game saving interception in Miamis' last bowl win.  He finished his four years at Miami with only 1 more pick. 

RB Javaris James (seen above) had his best year at running back only as a freshman although injuries did contribute to his lack of production. 

Even a 5th year senior like Safety Randy Phillips let his team down far too often whether in run support (against Wisconsin) or in pass coverage (against Clemson).

On the flip side of that equation TE Dedrick Epps showed some noticeable improvement during his time at Coral Gables.  Only Jimmy Graham and recovering from knee surgery keeping his increased production from being more apparent.  OL Jason Fox showed significant improvement from his stellar freshman year becoming more consistent and one of the Hurricanes most productive players with time. 

 

The following is my list of players who showed improvement and have eligibility remaining:

 

Offensive Line:

 

Orlando Franklin - Six's nightmare showed consistency at the guard spot last year and even flashed his potential at the left tackle spot late in the season.  The start at tackle against South Florida offering hope for this upcoming season.

 

Harland Gunn - The prized "corn-fed" recruit from Nebraska got on the field and showed he belonged there.

 

Quarterback:

 

Jacory Harris - He showed great improvement on his velocity and decision making at the start of the year.  Improvement during the season was not apparent but might be due to injuries.

 

Running Back:

 

Damien Berry - It  took about half the season but we eventually got to see in real games what we glimpsed in the Spring Game.  Berry (seen below at R with Mike James at L) only has decent breakaway ability but has good instincts and runs with bad intentions.

 

Pat Hill - Even though he didn't play much his improvement was apparent in his physical blocking early in the season.  Now he needs to work on his vertical jump on sideline routes.

 

Wide Receiver:

 

Leonard Hankerson - Finally playing with confidence the junior receiver cut down on his drops and tremendously increased his production.  Working with former Dolphin great Mark Duper paid dividends.  Should more of our players?

 

Tommy Streeter - I scared my dog by yelling, "It's Streeter!"  when he made that long catch against Wisconsin.

 

Kendall Thompkins - He got on the field this year and scored a touchdown.  That's improvement, right?

 

Defensive Line:

 

Allen Bailey - Despite bouncing back and forth between tackle and end The Manimal (seen below flexing) was Miami's most consistent defensive lineman last year.  Hopefully a healthy year by the rest of the defensive linemen will allow him to focus at one spot.

 

Micanor Regis - After playing sparingly his first year the 2nd year player actually had games where he was getting noticed.  The interception in the Bowl Game (after an Allen Bailey tip) was another, "scare the dog moment".

 

Jeremy Lewis - Although not much production on the field the inexperienced (only two years of high school football) defensive tackle played meaningfull minutes. 

 

Andrew Smith - He played as a freshman and then started games as a sophomore.  He needs to increase his production this upcoming season.

 

Linebackers:

 

Colin McCarthy - The fact that he was injury free was the biggest reason for his improvement.  On a defense that lacked a "Big Playmaker", he provided a couple.

 

Jordan Futch - This die hard 'Cane (seen below flashing The U) was making great progress until a knee injury ended his season.  Big things are expected from him in 2010.

 

Ramon Buchanon-  He actually got on the field at the linebacker position and showed good athleticism.  Once the game sl os down for him he should be able to make some big plays.  (Also his decommitment from Florida caused Urban Meyer to break his cell phone.  I mention that as often as possible.)

 

Matt Bosher - That's right, Matt Bosher is a linebacker.  But while he was helping out at kicker for the 'Canes he had a great year.  Only field goals he missed where in a Canes blow out win against Georgia Tech.  After the one late hit in the first game of the year against Florida State he played "smart" the rest of the season.  Kickoffs could be more consistent.

 

Cornerbacks:

 

Brandon Harris - Played consistently well.  Solid in run support and makes plays in pass coverage.  Needs to make more interceptions to take it to the next level.  Developing into a vocal leader.  One of the few, clear-cut improving players on the team.

 

DeMarcus Van Dyke - Played much better in run support and his confidence is returning. 

 

Safeties:

 

Jared Campbell - Got to see meaningfull minutes in the defensive backfield and made some impact plays (UCF).

 

In summary, you can blame the previous regime for coddling players with a lack of competition. 

 

You can blame depth at the wide receiver position for keeping the Hurricanes' best WR (Aldarius Johnson seen above) from showing statistical improvement. 

 

You can blame injuries, the cold weather, the rain, someone spilling a magical tailgate beverage or a handful of other convenient excuses.  In the end, "You are what your record says you are."  You either improved, or you didn't. 

 

In 2010 all Hurricane fans will be watching and looking for more progress and development at each position.  Time for players to strap up and for the coaches to coach 'em up!

Comments

[moneycane]

and y'all got me wanting to try out the p90x

Posted by: Esteban | February 12, 2010 at 05:46 PM

Esteban p90x is crazy. It is very intense, but very effective. Sticking to the diet is the key, and if you can make it past Plyo, Yoga, and Core Synergistics you are in there. I dropped 17 lbs in a month, but then my diet went to hell. Took a two week break and didn't gain any weight back. Still doing the work outs but I am struggling mightily with the diet part. This program takes dedication.

[DZ8]

My dog hasdn't been that scared since Sean Spence got that pick 6 against FSU his freshman year!

[usagainsttheworld]

Posted by: usagainsttheworld formerly 1caneinatl | February 12, 2010 at 07:51 PM

Not a problem. Manny things in the world to worry about but Shannon getting a contract extension is WAY down low on the list.

yeah i hear you-- but it seems to be such an easy detail to handle-- if everyone is on the same page. i wonder if anyone is using it to negatively recruit against us? at any rate i'll drop it.

HEY-- CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO GET MY AVATAR UP?

[moneycane]

..

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Morning legion
partaining to the banning of calvin, I'm on soup's side on this one.
Many of you on this blog have been on canespace years before me. So you are much more familiar with calvin. If his anti-Jason Fox rant of the other day was all he's ever done wrong, it was definitely, in my opinion, enough to suspend him for. Sometimes, one blemish on one's record, person, or character is enough to destroy everything. Case in point: one's character could be as prestine as Ghandi's, if one commits murder, that immaculate history will not save one from the death sentence. SOUP's rational for banning him was based on Calvin jeopadizing the blog by bad mouthing a guest, which could have the result of scaring future guests away. This will endanger the reputation of the blog as a legitimate media outlet which is the recognition that soup is trying to get for the blog to make it competitive.
My rational for supporting calvin's ban is solely on the content of his rant from that day and the lack of common sense in his reasoning. He blames Fox for exagerating even though fox wasn't too way off in his hyperbole. If bolt claims to be the fastest man alive, does him loosing a couple of races put his comment way out of bounds? Fox was our best offensive lineman. Moreover for calvin not to have understood that fox was a senior who was never coming back to college and was mouthing off simply with the aim of selling himself to a pro team was idiotic. Calvin's tone was very aggressive and contradictory to the mature but bs free tone the space is known for.
His suspension from the legion will provide time to re access his state of mind and blogging etiquett and i'm sure will make him a better blogger when he comes back to the fold.

Posted by: NigerianCane | February 13, 2010
>>>>

Nigerian, wtf are you talking about?? Did you read Soup's words himself saying he wasn't banned?

And who the f8k are you to talk about someone who's been around since before the Space....someone who actually KNOWS FIRST HAND what Hurricane Football looked like before it was even known as Hurricane Football.

I'm going to refrain from expressing the rest of my thoughts your thoughts...

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

ONLY because I know what Soup is building and want to support him.

Back in the day this "stuff" you wrote above would've gotten a lengthy, raw whoopin'.

You need to check this sh8t at the door unless you really want to get real.

[moneycane]

HEY-- CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO GET MY AVATAR UP?

Posted by: usagainsttheworld formerly 1caneinatl | February 13, 2010 at 10:36 AM

Once you are signed in just click on your name( blue highlighted) and go to edit profile. Upload the pic you want for your avitar and then go to save changes. Should work

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Soup, tell him.

I'm done with it.

[moneycane]

Cav if you keep this up then you're gonna have to change your name back to Chinese Punisher. For a minute I thought you were responding to ponce

[Sebastian(2001U G.O.A.T.)]

If you want to fast forward to the 3:58 mark you can see the dream catch by the great Mr. Pat Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTPKWegGKo&feature=related

[SlingBlade]

I had a dream last night...no lie....J12 was scambling and tossed a bomb to the end zone where Streeter made an amazing catch..idk who we were playing, but I think its a sign lol

Posted by: UMike | February 13, 2010 at 07:36 AM

too bad that was a dream about them practicing..

[usagainsttheworld]

HEY-- CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO GET MY AVATAR UP?

Posted by: usagainsttheworld formerly 1caneinatl | February 13, 2010 at 10:36 AM

Once you are signed in just click on your name( blue highlighted) and go to edit profile. Upload the pic you want for your avitar and then go to save changes. Should work
Posted by: moneycane | February 13, 2010 at 10:41 AM

that's money!!! thanks.

[SlingBlade]

1hr and 11min until canes bb on sunsports....

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Money, lol, I've traded my old ways but this "foolishness" almost brought it back out.

It's always funny when people talk a lot about something they know nothing about.

Then they think they can diss someone because they're not around.

You know what kind of person that is....

[Cat 5 Cane]

GET MY AVATAR UP???

Since you are registered already in type pad, log into your account, by clicking on your name at bottom of post. find edit profile and click. find browse buttom and click... go to pictures in your saved file and sellect favorite picture. after sellecting pic, scroll down to bottom of profile and save changes.

If you have no pitures saved in computer. surf the net and save pic's that you like, by right clicking on picture and click save. Repeat above and there you go!

Not sure I missed a step? Try it!

[86Cane]

Calvin has been banned? Oh Lordy!

Posted by: canechic | February 13, 2010 at 08:39 AM

As many here have already posted, Calvin is NOT banned. He is just not posting and has not yet emailed me at:

canespace86@aol.com.

That's on him, not me. Nobody wants Calvin back MORE than I do. But as I have stated repeatedly, no ONE blogger is bigger than the blog. For all of those who obviuosly realize that and have posted in support I appreciate it.

Calvin may just be taking a break as Esteban implied, who knows. Maybe it's that Calvin is a proud and stubborn man? Well I'm not so I'll say this one more time:

CALVIN COME HOME!

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

[PhillyCane]

Mornin' Legion. Rockin my canespace t shirt this beautiful morning. Ne one know where to watch the canes v clemson game at 12? TV? online?

[SlingBlade]

Listen To What Jeezy say like fa real...Then Think Bout the CANES...
Jeezy = CANEmusic

Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359 | February 13, 2010 at 10:12 AM

i posted a different link to this video last night but def. check this one out...they even rocking canes in the video and song...and the name of the song says it all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9AatxRqows

[Esteban]

Calvin's disappeared before. usually meant he got some things to take care of family/business wise. its the off season - might be taking a vacation to get his rest up for spring practices.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Money... ya beat me and was writing when you posted

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

might be taking a vacation to get his rest up for spring practices.

Posted by: Esteban | February 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM

>>>>

LOL.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359]

My only thing about tht is Snoop Rockn the Adidas with the Nike Awwwwwwwwwwwwh Flag On the Play ... and I feel em on the U but we the U now and 80's are Gone ... Stop Disrespectn Our NOW...lol..

not sayn tht U are disrespectn our NOW Sling jus sayn bout the song but I like the song and love the reference to the U bcuz its the U...but go back and listen to Jeezy's words on wht I postd...he talks about how its Showtime time to take the stage lookn at the big lights and seein a packd house...If Folk want the Nostalgia of the 80's then remember ALOT of tht Nostalgia was WATCHN frm the stands go watch the Show Im GoING this year when they come to GT its my Duty...lol..

2010 "ShowTime" CANES
RCCF

[SlingBlade]

45min until canes bb

[Texascane]

*

[86Cane]

Anyone going to the Light today? If you see some unathletic, long-hair, hippie-looking kid, that's me. I'll make sure to say what's up to ARoid if I bump into him

Posted by: Aquaman | February 13, 2010 at 09:45 AM

Aqua...take photos and write an article from UM baseball Fan Fest please!

[86Cane]

and for the record, when I sent this article I said something like, "don't blame the depth at WR if your favorite player didn't show statistical improvement". Somehow when I sent it it became AJ being the best WR.

Posted by: DZ8 | February 13, 2010 at 08:56 AM

I have NO IDEA of how that could have happened??? LOL

[PhillyCane]

Bball on tv or online ne one know?

[SlingBlade]

Bball on tv or online ne one know?

Posted by: PhillyCane | February 13, 2010 at 11:21 AM

it is on florida sunshine network...dont know if you get that where you are...

[moneycane]

My only thing about tht is Snoop Rockn the Adidas with the Nike Awwwwwwwwwwwwh Flag On the Play ...

Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359 | February 13, 2010 at 11:13 AM

lol. I remember that used to be a definite NO NO. The homies had a right to ride on you all day for that one.

[usagainsttheworld]

thanks cat 5

[SlingBlade]

dont forget to watch danica on espn2 at 1;15 today...theres a rumor that shes gonna give a shout out to the space and throw up the U during her interview...

[DATcane]

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sports/umweblog/~3/i5r0TA9_pgk/james-dews-adapting-to-leadership-role.html

ss

[PhillyCane]

thanks slingblade def dont get that here in philly. Ill have to turn toward the internet

[86Cane]

theres a rumor that shes gonna give a shout out to the space and throw up the U during her interview...

Posted by: SlingBlade | February 13, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Who told U that DP is on the Canespace payroll? Love those "Go Daddy" commercials but wait until U see the "Go Canespace" commercials. Gonna blow doors!

[SlingBlade]

thanks slingblade def dont get that here in philly. Ill have to turn toward the internet

Posted by: PhillyCane | February 13, 2010 at 11:26 AM

sry philly it is on fox sports florida not sunshine...

[DATcane]

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wqam.com/index.php%3Fpage%3D347&ei=cdN2S6vVFM6ztgexjsSiCg&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=2&ved=0CAwQqwMoATAA&usg=AFQjCNEW4KHvTmmE0QKL1B6GnrkjTg9xew

JJ and JF interviewed yesterday

[86Cane]

CLEMSON, S.C. – The University of Miami men’s basketball team returns to the road for its seventh ACC road game, traveling into wintry weather to face Clemson on Sat., Feb. 13, at Noon. FS Florida will carry the game in South Florida.

Game 25: Miami (17-7, 3-7 ACC) vs. Clemson (17-7, 5-5 ACC)

Date: Sat., Feb. 13, 2010 | Time: Noon (EST) | Site: Littlejohn Coliseum

TV: RSN; FS Florida | Radio: 560 WQAM

Websites: Miami (www.hurricanesports.com) | Clemson (www.clemsontigers.com)

Tickets: 1-800-CLEMSON

Projected Miami Starters

No. Name (Pos/Ht/Wt/Cl) Pts Reb Ast

01 Durand Scott (G, 6-3, 195, Fr.) 8.3 3.8 3.7

23 James Dews (G, 6-4, 213, Sr.) 12.3 2.7 1.5

25 Garrius Adams (G, 6-6, 193, Fr.) 4.3 2.4 0.8*

21 Dwayne Collins (F, 6-8, 241, Sr.) 11.8 8.F3 1.1^

45 Julian Gamble (F, 6-9, 255, So.) 2.6 1.9 0.7^

Projected Clemson Starters

No. Name (Pos/Ht/Wt/Cl) Pts Reb Ast

02 Demontez Stitt (G, 6-2, 175, Jr.) 10.6 2.8 3.2

05 Tanner Smith (G, 6-5, 220, So.) 9.7 4.3 2.3

15 David Potter (F, 6-6, 215, Sr.) 7.2 2.8 1.3*

35 Trevor Booker (F, 6-7, 240, Sr.) 15.3 8.2 1.4^

45 Jerai Grant (F/C, 6-8, 220, Jr.) 6.7 4.7 1.9^

* steals per game | ^ blocks per game

The Hurricanes are looking to put together back-to-back ACC wins for the first time this season, following Wednesday’s 64-62 victory over No. 20/20 Georgia Tech. Miami is 3-1 at home in the BankUnited Center versus conference opponents, but has not fared well on the road in league play and looks to earn its first conference road win versus a tough Tiger team on Saturday.

Following Saturday’s matinee, the Hurricanes have just one conference road contest remaining, a March 2 date at North Carolina.

[solarcane]

canechic,
sorry to hear that.

Why are we worried about Randy getting an extension?

A couple things

1. He loves it here

2. No top 10 school or better opportunity has ever been offered to him that I ever read about

3 I don't think he would leave Miami for more money at a less competitive program.

4. He hasn't won the Coastal Division or Bowl game.

jmo

[86Cane]

For more on the Canes, the game and the series go here:

www.hurricanesports.com

THE SERIES

Clemson leads the all-time series with Miami, 8-6, and has won two straight over the Hurricanes, including a 79-69 decision in the program’s last meeting in Littlejohn Coliseum on Feb. 27, 2008. UM last defeated Clemson, 75-72, on Jan. 27, 2008, in Coral Gables.

In the team’s lone meeting last season, the then-No. 25 Tigers overcame an early 12-point deficit to defeat the Hurricanes, 91-72, in the conference opener for both teams in Coral Gables. K.C. Rivers scored a game-high 28 points for Clemson, while Trevor Booker grabbed 16 rebounds. Miami struggled with a season-high 22 turnovers and missed 12 of its first 17 free throws, despite a fast start for an early 21-9 lead. Four Hurricanes finished in double figures, including 20 points from Jack McClinton, 11 points and three blocks from Cyrus McGowan and 10 points from Dwayne Collins.

Clemson’s pressure defense leads the ACC and ranks seventh in the nation with 10.2 steals per game, while ranking third in the ACC and ninth in the nation with a stifling three-point defense, limiting opponents to 28.4 percent shooting from long range.

[86Cane]

From one of the Raycom blogs:

My games this weekend- Miami @ Clemson- Saturday @ Noon- This is another must win for the Tigers. They must start climbing over .500 and building some momentum toward March. A healthy Demontez Stitt will be a key for them and some support from the perimeter would certainly take some pressure off of Trevor Booker. Look for them to crank up the press against the Canes, who have not played well on the road and have a young backcourt. Dwayne Collins has to be dominant in the paint if the U can pull of the upset.

[86Cane]

Clemson alma mater or fight song, not sure which one:

Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness;
Where the Tigers play;
Here the sons of dear Old Clemson,
Reign supreme always.

Dear Old Clemson, we will triumph
And with all our might
That the Tiger’s roar may echo
O’er the mountain height

[PhillyCane]

ne one know what radio station the game is on?

[PhillyCane]

nevermind got in on wqam website

[SlingBlade]

well they just interviewed danica and during the interview she said that her car is neon orange and green in honor of the U...and she said log onto canespace.com to follow the U....commercials to come...?

[86Cane]

Hurricane offense:

9 possesions, 4 turnovers, two three point baskets. Fortunately, Clemson is shooting poorly also.

Tigers 8, Miami 7 at 12:32.

[86Cane]

This game is FUGLY!

[usagainsttheworld]

Why are we worried about Randy getting an extension?

A couple things

1. He loves it here

2. No top 10 school or better opportunity has ever been offered to him that I ever read about

3 I don't think he would leave Miami for more money at a less competitive program.

4. He hasn't won the Coastal Division or Bowl game.

jmo

Posted by: solarcane | February 13, 2010 at 11:34 AM

hey solar,

its not so much that i am worried about randy leaving the program. its just curious to me that this thing hasn't already been done. its time for sure. it just seems strange to me. . .

i agree with you that randy ain't really going anywhere. i wonder if the administration feels the same way? if then we have a cum-by-ya moment here then this deal shoulda been done a long time ago.

[86Cane]

Canes 11, Tigers 10. TV time out.

[86Cane]

i agree with you that randy ain't really going anywhere. i wonder if the administration feels the same way? if then we have a cum-by-ya moment here then this deal shoulda been done a long time ago.

Posted by: usagainsttheworld formerly 1caneinatl | February 13, 2010 at 12:25 PM

I told U yesterday that the the word on the skreet is that the sticking point is the buyout clause. As usual the coach wants it high, the University wants it low.

Truth, J, care to weigh in????

[AfriCane]

LOL! Cat5, thanks. I enjoy your posts and captain optimist's too.
My avatar got screwed up all of a sudden. What gives?