Last Year, Around This Time...

This blog is a re-post from LAST Spring just to see how some predictions turned out...

No partnership has meant more to Canespace or been more productive to date as the one we established early on with Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald.  Manny is the ultimate professional who also just so happens to be a hard core Hurricane fan who bleeds orange and green.  Once again Manny took time out of his busy schedule to answer your questions.  Here is the news according to Navarro... 

Cat5 Cane asks: My Question, although possibly premature...Does Manny think Jacory is ready to be let loose and what is his assessment of him as compared to other past great UM QB's?  I think we all know the answer as to ability and having the coconuts, but what about the intangibles?

> I've said this from the day I first saw Jacory Harris start throwing footballs -- he's the second coming of Ken Dorsey. He's such a cerebral quarterback who knows exactly where to place to the ball and how to be a great leader. This spring you can see how much he's matured in one year. Physically, he finally doesn't look like a beanpole anymore. He's got meat on him. His arm is stronger too. He's not going to throw firecrackers all over the field, but he's not Chad Pennington either. What impressed the most in the first spring scrimmage was how patient and cool he was scrambling in and out of the pocket, the way he waited for his receivers to get open or make adjustments. And when he was pressured, he made the right decisions. He stepped up to avoid the rush or flushed himself out wide and didn't look rushed at all. He also hit just about everyone he threw to between the numbers. He looks like a different quarterback this spring. And I thought he already looked good last year. I think with the set of receivers he has, the new playbook, he's going to thrive. I think this Miami offense might end up being the best in a defensive minded ACC. If his offensive line stays healthy, I believe he'll lead the ACC in passing yards and touchdowns this coming season.

86Cane asks: What should we look for in the first public scrimmage this Thursday at Traz Powell Stadium?  What positions are the ones to watch?

> You should be watching all of them. Seriously, no jobs are going to be won and lost this spring. Randy Shannon doesn't work like that. He's going to need something to hold over the guys' heads this summer and fall. So, don't look for guys to be winning any battles. What I would like to watch (even though I won't be there because I'll be with the basketball team in Atlanta for the ACC Tournament) is how the offensive line, linebackers and defensive backs and backup quarterbacks are doing. Those are the real weaknesses of this team.

Taylor Cook is better than Cannon Smith. But that's not saying much. He needs to make tremendous strides in the next several months and look like a quarterback who if needed can at least get the ball in the hands of UM's talented receivers. Right now, he looks like Jacory did his senior year of high school. Cannon Smith looks like a JV quarterback.

The offensive line -- outside of Jason Fox, Orlando Franklin and A.J. Trump -- is loaded with question marks. I thought the defensive line outperformed them Saturday and got a lot of pressure on the quarterback in simple one-on-situations. Jermaine Johnson looked out of place. Brandon Washington looked slow. The other veterans weren't that much better. I want to see guys like Matt Pipho and Harland Gunn start moving guys off the line.

At linebacker, Sean Spence looks just as good, if not better than last year already. But I want to see some consistency from the guys around him. I want to Darryl Sharpton, Jordan Futch, Ramon Buchanon, Arthur Brown and Kylan Robinson actually win a one-on-one battle with a running back in the flat or off tackle. Lee Chambers and Mike James danced around them in the last scrimmage. We all remember what Georgia Tech did to Miami in November.

And in the secondary, I want to see who is going to emerge at cornerback. Chavez Grant has to show me he can do more than play nickel. DeMarcus Van Dyke needs to take that step up this spring. Brandon Harris has to show me he's not going to get dominated by Laron Byrd and Aldarius Johnson. I thought Vaughn Telemaque, Jojo Nicholas and Randy Phillips did a good job at safety on Saturday against the run and with a few big hits. But when are we going to see them deflecting passes away?

SolarCane asks: I have been impressed with Authur Brown and his maturity and perspective in answering reporters questions.  Will his move to MLB be the key to him seeing the field in 2009 and displaying the type of talent that made him the #1 high school LB recruit in 2008?

> Sadly, I think we all kind of know now Arthur was a little overrated coming out of high school. While some of his raw skills may be very good (and that hit Saturday on Lee Chambers was impressive) there are just too many times when this guy looks lost on the field. His reaction in pass coverage is extremely slow. Now we know why he was moved inside. He has to be a middle linebacker because there is no way he can defend the pass. While he did a good job making some plays last Saturday, he's got to wrap up more consistently. I think if we leave expectations aside, Brown could end up being a very good middle linebacker by the time he leaves Miami. But folks have to be patient with him. Right now, he's still very raw.

MattinNY asks:  Hey Manny, don't go to sleep on the Canes baseball team!  Even after losing a ton of major league talent after last year, the Canes just swept the Gators in Gainesville.  Are you going to give the team some much deserved coverage and how about an interview with Coach Morris sometime soon?

> Once basketball season and spring football ends, I'm going to have a lot more time for baseball. I actually was hoping to catch up with Coach Morris after the Gators sweep for a feature story I'm planning to right on left fielder Jonathan Weislow. Unfortunately, we played phone tag a couple times and weren't able to hook up for an interview. Be patient. We'll get to them soon. By the way, David Gutierrez gets my early vote for team MVP. He's been outstanding in his first few starts and a big reason UM is 10-2 right now.

Esteban and bg1906 ask: Mike James, Mike James, Mike James!  We have been following him since the first grade.  OK, we know that's not a question but this is:  What are his chances of seeing playing time this year?  

> Honestly, I think he's got a great shot. I know some people are going to think Graig Cooper and Javarris James are going to get the majority of the carries, but there's something very special about this kid. Physically, he's already built to take a pounding. Without question he's been the most exciting newcomer on the team so far. If Javarris James goes down again with an injury (I'm certainly not trying to jinx him), Mike James (seen here playing for Ridge HS in 2008) is the next best pound-for-pound between the tackles running back UM has. Randy Shannon won't be afraid to play him either.

Comments

[Old Skool]

Morning crew reporting in

[TJL]

2nd

[nemo2002]

Hola!

[DATcane]

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sports/umweblog/~3/6WLyi4jU9Xg/will-contract-extension-be-finalized-by-spring.html

ss

[DATcane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-spring-football-0310-20100309,0,7490485.story

U

[DATcane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-latwan-anderson-miami-0310,0,4999356.story

U

[DATcane]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/09/1521532/injuries-give-other-linemen-extra.html

U

[DATcane]

http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.wqam.com/index.php%3Fpage%3D347&rct=j&ei=spiXS-a1Lqimtge1h-XkAQ&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=2&ved=0CAoQqwMoATAA&q=560+wqam&usg=AFQjCNH9Sh5MzRJ8tnmQ6y1n60UfjG_5aQ

D. Berry interview this AM

[A Friend]

Latwan commits to Miami- Presser cancelled Reply

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latwan just texted me to say he has committed to Miami, and will not have his press conference.

I asked him if he has signed his LOI yet, and I have not gotten a response.

Greg Ladky

Rivals.com AMP/Midwest analyst

[email protected]

[DATcane]

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/163950-miami-o-line-healthy-hungry-for-redemption?eref=fromSI

U

[SuperCooper]

Anderson is a great pickup. No we just have to find a football scholly for him :)

[SuperCooper]

lol

"Top recruit Latwan Anderson, a defensive back from Glenville, Ohio, will commit to Miami at a press conference at his high school this morning. Anderson, a U.S. Army All-American, was ranked as the No. 15 player in the nation by Rivals.com. He had originally committed to West Virginia during an in-game announcement at the bowl but re-opened his search following a mid-January offer from USC. Anderson had planned a visit to the Trojans but it never materialized. Instead, he made an official visit to Miami last weekend.

"I felt that all things were equal between West Virginia and Miami," said Anderson about the two schools. "The only difference was the football. In my opinion, Miami is far and away closer to winning conference and national championships than West Virginia."

Along with having family in Florida, Anderson said one other major factor figured into his decision.

"Even if I don't make the NFL, I could see myself living in Miami after I get my degree," Anderson said. "I don't know if I can say the same if I went to West Virginia. I don't know if I can see myself living there after school."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/highschool/03/10/anderson/#ixzz0hmY3hy4l

[Aquaman]

How does Anderson compare to Joyner?

[drtycane]

he's more physical and not a egotistical crybaby like joyner is....he is true to his game and he is ready to go brantley hunting

[Aquaman]

Lol, so we did the right thing. Big time get Randy and co.

[drtycane]

...now is seantrel's turn to jump on this titanic ship....

[Old Skool]

Corey Haim RIP - OD

[Lou of M]

Wow... Way to pull this kid Randy. If he pull Seantrel people will have to eat their words.

[Old Skool]

Wherever Latwan commits and I hope it's us. He's definitely put himself on West Virginia's radar.

[Ungar]

...now is seantrel's turn to jump on this titanic ship....

Posted by: drtycane | March 10, 2010 at 09:32 AM

Umm, could you rephrase that? 8-)

[Ungar]

Corey Haim RIP - OD

Posted by: Old Skool | March 10, 2010 at 09:53 AM

I thought both Corey's were dead years ago. I learned something today.

[DATcane]

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/03/canes-could-still-add-two-highend-recruits.html

Manny

[DATcane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-latwan-anderson-0311-20100310,0,2322331.story

U

[Jersey_Cane]

I said it on signing day. Where a recruit commits doesn't matter on signing day, what matters is August. This is because nearly 15% of a team's commits may not quality or may ask for a release. August is looking better and better for us my friends! Nice grab Randy.

[nemo2002]

I hope the news about LA is correct. This is a great pick up, if true. (Yeah, I do think that multi-STAR recruits are potential difference makers. I'd take one over a PROJECT any day of the week.)

Here's what I DON'T understand . . .
Why would anyone NOT want to commit to da U??

[DZ8]

...now is seantrel's turn to jump on this titanic ship....

Posted by: drtycane | March 10, 2010 at 09:32 AM

Umm, could you rephrase that? 8-)

Posted by: Ungar | March 10, 2010 at 10:02 AM

LOL

[DZ8]

Great stuff DATCane!

[CGNC]

Posted by: Zakkee | March 09, 2010 at 05:21 PM

Zakkee, where you been?

[DATcane]

back from the dead DZ8...LOL

[Cat 5 Cane]

Jason Fox interview... Upper left, CBS channel 4, discussing ...Getting ready!

[Seoul Cane]

LA looks like Tracey Morgan. Has that been said yet? Hope he signs with us today!

[pb(CSROH10)]

Big pickup at a position of great need.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Well hell yeah! Welcome Latwan Anderson!!!!!!

P.S. Nice Damien Barry audio with The Big Dog.

http://wqam.com/index.php?page=347

Go 'canes!

[CaneSniper]

I don't see how we can get Seantrel scholly-wise. The Latwan Anderson articles say there were no remaining football scholarships, and he can only use a track one because he was not recruited by the football program. Since Seantrel was recruited, he will not be able to pull a scholarship switcheroo.

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

Great Pickup.. Welcome to the Fam L.A! Go Canes!!!

[Ungar]

Seantrel can slip into the first slot left open by any grade casualties.

He can still sign, and then we can worry about the numbers later, right? It isn't an infraction if he signs the offer, only if we pay his scholarship.

[drtycane]

seantrel is still deciding either OSU or U....why can't we depart ways with wieclaw and hardin?

[UMike]

hardin? I wouldnt part ways with a kid who bleeds orange and green and has been injured just for a kid that choose USC over us....just my opinion...now wieclaw on the the other hand lol...according to rivals, we added a kicker..who was that Hopfinger or hoever you say his name?

[CaneSawMassacre]

LOL get ready.....

Its going to be a good spring for the CANES... Heading into the summer with a BCS title run (though I don't think we get to the game.. 1 slip up or 2 max) but your boys will be in a BCS game come January and be in the hunt after they dog stomp OSU and PITT

[solarcane]

The best thing that is ever going to happen, will be after next year's recruiting class, you won't see the anticipation and urgency that we HAVE to have this or that kid.

The Canes will be deep at every position and you won't be seeing freshmen forced into action before they are physically or mentally ready.
Most of the next recruits won't be on the field regularly til their junior years.

Seeing guys beating up 17 year old boys in high school doesn't always equal 17 year old guys beating up 21 year old men in college.

[CaneSawMassacre]

It makes me laugh that people think we are going to struggle since we lost to WISKY....

If we have a healthy QB we win by one TD easy, even with the line playing OLE'...

Jacory missed so many open TD's passes and third down conversions because of his hand. I've never seen him play a game like that. With that said we still were in the game until the end, that says a lot about this team, though they def. have to TOUGHEN UP.. Year 3 of a strength and training program should take care of that.

[solarcane]

I think Jacory leads the ACC in TDs and interceptions next year because he isn't going to sweat throwing it deep.

I think he cuts his ints back a ton and increases his tds.
I don't mind a few picks here and there because that happens when you have a qb with nads.
Be nice having Jacory leading games going into the fourth quarter instead of bragging we have a qb that can always bring us back.

[CaneSawMassacre]

Be nice having Jacory leading games going into the fourth quarter instead of bragging we have a qb that can always bring us back.

Very true... I think he brought us into the 4th quarter leading in more games then he won us game..

Can't remember specifics like FSU, I know he drove us to a td in the 4th to go ahead, but I don't remember the score going into the 4th, and he didn't have the ball in his hands at the end of the game.

GT - Leading big by the 4th

VT - Not close in the 4th

Oklahoma - He led us back in the game, and sustained a long 4th quarter drive to seal the deal but who was leading heading into the 4th? (by the way some of the best and gutsy play calling by whip all year on that drive)

FAMU - Whoopin'
Virginia -Whoopin
Wake - 4th quarter comeback
Clemson- back and forth, with a late drive I believe in a loss altogether
UNC- late drive to attempt to come back (Jacory's worst game)
Duke - 2nd half comeback?? Does that count
USF - No comeback

[solarcane]

"Anderson finished his senior season with 66 tackles, four forced fumbles and 14 interceptions."

geezus a Cane db that can catch an airborne football yippeee!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

The best thing that is ever going to happen, will be after next year's recruiting class, you won't see the anticipation and urgency that we HAVE to have this or that kid.

The Canes will be deep at every position and you won't be seeing freshmen forced into action before they are physically or mentally ready.
Most of the next recruits won't be on the field regularly til their junior years.

Seeing guys beating up 17 year old boys in high school doesn't always equal 17 year old guys beating up 21 year old men in college.

Posted by: solarcane | March 10, 2010 at 11:44 AM

>>>

There it is.

And Manny's preview of Jacory and the OL was spot on, for better and worse.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

"Even if I don't make the NFL, I could see myself living in Miami after I get my degree," Anderson said. "I don't know if I can say the same if I went to West Virginia. I don't know if I can see myself living there after school."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/highschool/03/10/anderson/#ixzz0hmY3hy4l

Posted by: SuperCooper | March 10, 2010 at 08:58 AM

>>>

He's an astute kid. I've never heard a kid say something with that much foresight.

Welcome to the Fam!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Solar LA is a beast.. We are really really lucky he waned to be a CANE Bad...

Most primadonna 5 stars would never have gone through what he went through..

Kind of a double edged sword, people say Randy is a genius for this but word was this kid always wanted to be a CANE and coaches didn't recruit him because they assumed he was an OSU lock being from Glenville. I don't know specifics but Randy at least got A LITTLE LUCKY that this kid didn't sign with WVU on signing day.

And I'm a big Randy supporter so U all can start blasting me if U like.

[DATcane]

Kevin Nelson FB- I Cant Wait To Run Through That Smoke!! With Sebash n my Squad

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

CSM, you're right about Shannon not recruiting the kid but if you recall he puts a premium on targeting kids most likely to come, so LA being from Glenville was definitely NOT on that list.

Mentally though, he's all Boss U, definitely not a Suckeye.

Anyone know the story of how he the staff got a hold of him?

[solarcane]

CSM
I'm hype!
( thanks calvin)