Five Questions With Manny Navarro

Once again Canespace is pleased to bring you Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald.  The Mandingo took some time out of his busy schedule to answer your questions here on the blog.  He will also post the answers to another five questions on his blog soon. 

 

The Miami Herald blog "Eye On The U" can be found here:

 

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/

 

Here is Manny Navarro commenting on your Miami Hurricanes:

 

Q: After the spring game, and with a relatively healthy team (assuming J12 is back healthy), what are your expectations for this team this upcoming year?  Posted by: UMike

 

A: There is no reason, unless Jacory Harris isn't fully healthy, that this team can't win an ACC title this coming season and be the best it has been in a few years. There is no doubt in my mind the defensive line is going to be much improved. I felt a lack of a pass rush last season was a big reason the pass defense looked bad at times. But now with two legit monsters in the middle in Curtis Porter and Micanor Regis, guys like Allen Bailey, Adewale Ojomo, Marcus Robinson, should have an easier time getting in the backfield and making big plays.

 

That being said, I'm still very nervous about the offensive line. I thought the Canes were lucky to have Jacory "healthy" for all 13 games. The truth is, he took a beating last year. The fact Orlando Franklin missed the spring wasn't good. I wanted to see him take a full spring at left tackle. I think Jermaine Johnson and Ben Jones are talented and a upgrade over Matt Pipho at right tackle. I'm confident Harland Gunn and Brandon Washington will be solid players at guard. From all accounts, Tyler Horn has done what he's supposed to at center. But there are a lot of question marks. Who provides depth?

 

Let's not forget how lucky this team was last year battling injuries -- especially on the offensive line. Jason Fox didn't go down until the final regular season game. What happens if Orlando Franklin goes down for the season in September? Is this team still going to be able to be as good offensively?  Doubtful. I want to see real depth established this fall on the o-line. Then, and only then, do I think this team can win it all.

 

Q: Manny how is Jacory recovering from his surgery?  When is he gonna start throwing the football?  What is the extent of the injury on Lamar Miller's shoulder?  Is it his right or left? Any surgery required?  Posted by: Montreal-Cane

 

A: Both very good questions I do not have a clear answer to because we haven't really gotten on from the program. From what I've heard, Jacory should begin throwing again in the summer time (it was a minor surgery). I was told Miller had a separated right shoulder. If it is separated, he'll probably need surgery. I'm not sure how long he would be out. But it is a long time from now until August. He might be ready to return to camp a few weeks in.  

 

Q: Streeter is a phenomenal talent. How is it on a day when just about everyone has multiple catches he has none? Do you think he'll be able to break into the line up this year? Posted by: usagainstheworld 

 

A: I wouldn't take the fact he didn't have a catch in the spring game as a big deal. He certainly had his chances (I think he had two drops). I think he has to get in the rotation this year based on his ability as a big deep threat alone. You saw the 50-yard catch he made in the Champs Sports Bowl. UM honestly doesn't have as many home run threats at receiver as you might think. Travis Benjamin and Leonard Hankerson are really the only guys you see get behind guys in the secondary. LaRon Byrd and Aldarius Johnson are more physical, 20-yards in receivers. Streeter (6-5) is the only big receiver who really has the ability to go deeper because of his long strides and speed. The Canes will find a way to use that this year. 

 

Q: Manny Brandon Harris didn't practice in the last week because of an injury he sustained while doing track and field. Is this a serious injury?  Did Bosher practice last week?  Who will play at center in 2010? Posted by: Montreal-Cane

 

A: I don't believe Harris' injury is very serious, if he really was hurt at all. Randy didn't need see any more of Brandon this spring, so I think him sitting out the spring game was more precautionary for a small tweak. Bosher has not practiced all spring. He's been around. But I haven't seen him kick any balls. He didn't last spring. It shouldn't be a big deal. As for center, it looks like Tyler Horn has done what he's supposed to and will be the starting guy this year. Shane McDermott is probably a year away. He's probably Plan C. I'd expect to see Brandon Washington as the backup at center before they burn McDermott's redshirt. 

 

Q: Please give updates on two players: Forston: what's his status and as well as the other DT's seem to be playing what's your forecast for his role in 2010.  Same question about Thearon Collier? Does he have an injury? Will he get in the rotation next year. Return punts? Why hasn't he been heard from?

Posted by: CanesCanesCanes

 

A: I'll start with Thearon. It's my belief he's been kept out so he could fully heal from the ankle injury he suffered at the end of last season. He is clearly the team's best punt return man and I fully expect him to continue in that role. With the emergence of Kendal Thompkins, he might not see as many passes thrown his way. But he'll be given every opportunity to shine on special teams.

 

As for Marcus Forston, he is still recovering from his shoulder injury and trying to build up more upper body strength. He'll be back in the fall. At this point, I think he's been passed up by Curtis Porter and Micanor Regis and will be a rotation player with Josh Holmes, Jeremy Lewis and others in the middle. 

Comments

[SOUP]

SAD NEWS FROM NOTRE DAME:

On Friday night, Matt James' family gathered in Ohio to celebrate an uncle's 50th birthday party. The revelry came to an incomprehensibly tragic end with news delivered by one phone call.

James, a hulking offensive lineman and Notre Dame's top recruit, died in a fall from a hotel balcony in Panama City, Fla., while on a spring break trip with dozens of classmates from Cincinnati's St. Xavier High School.

Panama City Beach police told the Tribune were not releasing any information late Friday night, but television station WHJG cited police as saying a teenager fell over the balcony railing of his motel room at 6:26 p.m. Friday and apparently died instantly.

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

I see way to many ex football players around the Tampa area that suffer from serious knee, back, shoulder, head I mean you name it and they have a problem with it. I feel horrible that these guys gave everything they had to a game they loved and they get tossed aside to live everyday life with pain none of us could imagine. All of them that I have went up and shook hands with and asked to have a picture taken with have never said no. Those players still have a love and a passion for the game and light up when they discuss the past and present of the game. Its a damn shame the game(union)cant show them the same love in return

[UMike]

fellas...and ladies...I need some help..

Im trying to write a little football handbool type thing for my son..mainly unwritten rules..and I need to advice as to what I should add, this is what I got so far...

There Is No “I” In Team
Football is a team sport, and no matter how good you are or may become, you are not more important that the team. Team comes first. This means doing whatever you have to do to help your team. If coach wants you to play linebacker, you do it without question, even if you’re a good wide receiver. You ALWAYS do what is best for the team, even if it means sacrificing playing time.

Your Teammates Are Your Brothers
You treat your teammates like family. If they ever need help you help them. If their down, you help them up. You always encourage your teammate, even after a bad play. If a teammate doesn’t know a play and you do, teach him. Never let a teammate down. All teammates count on each other to do their jobs, so always do you job 100% so you don’t let them down.

Coach Is Your “Football God”
This means you obey him at all times, even if you do not like what he says because he knows best. Coaches are coaches for a reason, because they know more about football than you. Always answer with a “Yes Sir” or “Yes Coach”, and never back talk. If you listen to your coach and work hard for him, you will see the field.

Any help would be appreciated

[UMike]

Florida just doesn't know how their world is going to come tumbling down, starting this year

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

What the heck was that all about?

Dont tell me that Shandys lil elf comes over here now?

[IraqiCane]

UMike, I would tell him to always give 110% no matter what drill is, and never quit. Oh and football is 90% mental. Learn your plays and reads etc.

GO CANES!!!

[CaneRock]

UMike, how about these:

Character is higher than intellect.
Discipline starts with ALWAYS being on time.

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

Know the fundamentals of the game.

Never get down after a mistake or even a loss because those will happen. Learn from them

It will make you a better person as well as a player.

Dont be afraid to ask a question if you dont fully understand something. Its better to be sure during practice.

Never ever call out a fellow player in front of anyone else.

[Canez1]

Mike,

You are sweating this too much.

I coached pee wee football for 5 years.

One thing I noticed is football is either in your blood or it's not.

It is not for everyone and you will be able to tell that right away.

I was a football kid and would have huge bruises up and down my arms from blasting kids. Never thought twice about it. Back in the day we were taught to block with our forearms to avoid holding and that is what I did. I was a born animal on the field.

People would be like WTF is wrong with that little freak.

Other kids were more worried about what flavor gatorade they had.

Also you are a great parent and it will show immediately.

The few little pecker heads I had to deal with every year were a direct reflection of their parents.

I could match the kids up with them sight unseen. They just wanted a babysitter for their kids 4 times a week.

Homey don't play that!

I would tell the kids that didn't want to be there that I am not a babysitter so get the F outta here.

Bottom line of my rant is you will know right away if the kid is a football player. He either has it or he doesn't.

Respect for coaches and teammates should always be #1 on the list.

Unless they lock him in a tool shed that is... ;)LOL

Everything else will come naturally if it is meant to be.

All the best my brotha!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

Never ever call out a fellow player in front of anyone else.

Posted by: Sebastian(2001U G.O.A.T.) | April 03, 2010 at 10:51 AM

I don't agree with this at all.

Be a born leader and if someone is dicking around and not giving their all you definitely call their ass out wherever that may be.

Also lift a player up if they have failed.

It works both ways.

This happens all the time and keeps things in line.

Never let ANYONE bring down what you are putting your heart and soul in to.

Code red that azz if need be lol.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[UMike]

Canez...I agree..and he obviously has the same love for football in his blood I did as a kid..problem is, he is new to it..partically my fault..but he LOVES it..he will be trying out for the middle school team in 4 months..just want him to understand some things you know..ahead of time

[SOUP]

What the heck was that all about?

Dont tell me that Shandys lil elf comes over here now?

Posted by: Sebastian(2001U G.O.A.T.) | April 03, 2010 at 10:30 AM

YUP, but he has been removed and comments deleted. Blog on!

[SOUP]

Never let ANYONE bring down what you are putting your heart and soul in to.

Code red that azz if need be lol.

Posted by: Canez1 | April 03, 2010 at 11:06 AM

Does this rule apply to blogs also?

[Canez1]

Mike that is awesome!!

I think the first thing you should do is get him used to contact.

Go buy a blocking pad and get him running into that thing on the regular.

I think that is one of the major things kids need to get accustomed to. Usually they get in trouble for blasting other kids so you have to get them out of that mind frame on the field.

Then work on the basics. Three point stance, blocking and tackling basics and things like that. This way he will be ahead of the class when practice starts and he won't be thinking too much.

100% of the kids I coached had no prior knowledge of anything football related and that slows their progress. We had to start from step 1 every year....

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[SOUP]

READ MORE AT WWW.HURRICANESPORTS.COM:

The 15th-ranked University of Miami baseball team saw every player reach base, including five different players who recorded an RBI, as the Hurricanes took game one over Wake Forest, 7-4, Friday night at Alex Rodriguez Park.

Miami (18-7, 8-2 ACC) ran out to a 5-1 lead and eventually held on for its eighth win in its last nine conference games. The win was also the Hurricanes' seventh straight over the Demon Deacons, dating back to 2007.

Chris Hernandez improved to 4-2 with the win, going seven innings while giving up just one earned run and striking out seven. Michael Dimock dropped to 1-5 with the loss for Wake Forest, who dropped their fourth straight ACC series opener. Eric Whaley and David Gutierrez each tossed an inning in relief of Hernandez.

Stephen Perez led the `Canes with two RBI on 2-for-4 hitting. Yasmani Grandal who was fifth in the ACC with a .411 batting average coming in, went 2-for-5 on the night to notch his fifth straight game with multiple hits. Grandal has now hit safely in 14 of his last 23 at-bats. Chris Peleaz also had another big night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a homer and his first triple as a `Cane.

[Canez1]

Does this rule apply to blogs also?

Posted by: SOUP | April 03, 2010 at 11:11 AM

LOL

Sometimes....

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[SOUP]

CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami women’s basketball team will face the Cal Golden Bears in the WNIT Championship Game, Saturday at Cal’s Haas Pavilion. The first ever meeting between the two teams is set to tip at 2 p.m. and will be televised live on CBS College Sports.

Miami (22-13) at Cal (23-13)

Saturday, April 3, 2010 / Haas Pavilion / Berkeley, Calif. / 2 p.m.

TV: CBS College Sports

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Web/Live Stats: www.hurricanesports.com

[SlingBlade]

Sling...U out there? Can U make the Wednesday game? Or Tuesday at FAU?

Canezilla...U still in for Tuesday @ FAU? Email me at:

canespace86@aol.com

Posted by: SOUP | April 02, 2010 at 11:21 PM

dont think im gonna be able to make it..i think im gonna have a long day at work both days...but i will bring extra clothes on tuesday just incase...

[canezilla]

<<<< Going to watch the lady canes for the 1st time this season.Not even going to lie!!!
U MIKE, TELL YOUR SON IF IT LOOKS LIKE A LIAR AND ALWAYS A CRYER..ITS URBAN MYER

[Sarasota 'cane]

Soup did you get my email?

Go 'canes!

[SlingBlade]

what theyre saying about OSU...

No one is making fun of Ohio State and its inability to win a BCS bowl now.

The Buckeyes looked impressive in knocking off Oregon 26-17 in the Rose Bowl to cap an 11-2 season. Ohio State had lost its three previous BCS bowls, including drubbings in the BCS title game following the 2006 and '07 seasons. Non-conference losses to USC in each of the past two seasons further sullied the Buckeyes' big-game reputation. But the Rose Bowl victory has vanquished some of those bad feelings.

More than anything, the victory over the Ducks clears a psychological hurdle. Now, Ohio State looks poised to challenge for the national championship.

It all will hinge on how well the defense replaces six starters. Offensively, it will be vital for quarterback Terrelle Pryor to continue his evolution as a passer. Following a confounding 26-18 loss at Purdue that had Pryor's critics shouting from Columbus rooftops, Pryor settled down and impressed in leading the Buckeyes to six consecutive victories to close the 2009 season.

Here's a look at the Buckeyes as they enter spring drills.

OHIO STATE AT-A-GLANCE
QB Terrelle Pryor will look to continue his improvement as a passer this spring.
THE BASICS
Coach: Jim Tressel
Last season: 11-2 overall, 7-1 in the Big Ten. Beat Oregon 26-17 in the Rose Bowl.
Spring dates: April 1-April 24.
RETURNING STARTERS
(minimum of six starts)
Offense (8): G Justin Boren, C Michael Brewster, G Bryant Browning, WR DeVier Posey, QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Brandon Saine, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, T J.B. Shugarts.
Defense (6): CB Chimdi Chekwa, E Cameron Heyward, FS Jermale Hines, LB Ross Homan, LB Brian Rolle, CB Devon Torrence.
Special teams: None.
POSITIONS OF STRENGTH

Pryor looks primed for great things after passing for a career-high 266 yards and two touchdowns and running for 72 more yards in the Rose Bowl win. Pryor is coming off knee surgery and should be ready to go this spring. How much will coaches push him? Pryor will have a bevy of options behind him (Saine, Dan Herron, Jaamal Berry) and on the outside (Posey, Sanzenbacher). Despite the early departure to the NFL by end Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State still has the potential to have one of the best defensive lines in the nation. Heyward will be one of the country's best ends. Sophomore tackle John Simon must take the next step, and junior Nathan Williams will get a chance to replace Gibson at the LEO (standup end/rush end) spot.

HELP IS NEEDED

The Buckeyes lost two standout safeties in Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell, though Hines started 11 times when Russell was hurt or as a nickel back. While Pryor showed flashes of becoming a complete quarterback late last season, the jury remains out on his passing skills. Pryor was just the No. 8-rated passer in the Big Ten, and Ohio State's aerial attack ranked last in the conference (173.6 ypg). The Buckeyes lost three key defensive linemen in Gibson and tackles Todd Denlinger and Doug Worthington. On offense, a starting tackle and a tight end need to be found.

THREE GUYS TO WATCH

SS Orhian Johnson: With the loss of Coleman and Russell, Johnson is a favorite to claim a starting slot. Johnson, a sophomore, impressed last season when he filled in for a suspended Coleman against Indiana.

LB Tyler Moeller: Moeller, a senior, was projected to be a key contributor before being assaulted while on vacation during the summer and missing the season. It isn't known if he'll see contact this spring, and there also is talk that he could be moved to safety.

WR Taurian Washington: He began last season as the No. 3 wide receiver, but his lack of concentration saw him quickly fall down the depth chart. It's now-or-never for the senior, who will battle sophomore Duron Carter for the No. 3 spot.

THE PRESSURE IS ON

OT Mike Adams: Rated the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com in the Class of 2008, Adams has failed to live up to the hype. He was hampered by an injury as a true freshman and an off-field issue ruined the start of the 2009 season. Word is that Adams, a junior, is dialed in and ready to blossom. If not, sophomore Marcus Hall could pass him.

THE BUZZ

Winning a league-record-tying sixth Big Ten championship in a row seems like a given. Ohio State has its sights set on a bigger prize: the BCS title. And that may be a reality if the defense develops as expected and Pryor continues to blossom as a passer.

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

Posted by: Canez1 | April 03, 2010 at 11:06 AM

I was meaning at a young age I wouldnt want my child doing that

As they grow up then yes its time to set the player rules and call those out that arent giving it their all.

By HS everything said in the locker room is fair game.

Above that level just do the best to keep the medias prying backside out of it.

[SOUP]

Sling...hope to see you there!

Zilla...check email. See U Tuesday.

Sarasota...check email. I just replied.

GO LADY CANES, WIN THE WNIT!!!

[Old Skool]

Don't know if any one else posted this. Auburn commit Shon Coleman who teased the U before signing with the War Eagles/Tigers/Plainsman has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy.

[Randall McDade]

TBA Defense....Bailey

[Texascane]

Amazing...from the short article above about Ohio State...

"Johnson, a sophomore, impressed last season when he filled in for a suspended Coleman against Indiana."

"LB Tyler Moeller: Moeller, a senior, was projected to be a key contributor before being assaulted while on vacation during the summer and missing the season."

"He was hampered by an injury as a true freshman and an off-field issue ruined the start of the 2009 season."

The place is a zoo...

[Old Skool]

And now for something completely different ...

A 600-pound Florida man with a long record of scamming restaurants and convenience stores pleaded no contest this week to five charges that he sought refunds by making false claims, including one that a $50 order of beef jerky from a 7-Eleven was moldy.

The no-contest plea was the best prosecutors in Seminole County could hope for. If they had brought him to trial, the state would have had to pay to transport him to the courthouse from the nursing home where he's been bed-ridden for months. It would have also been obliged to pay for any medical care he might have needed.

So they struck a deal with lawyers for the accused man, George Jolicoeur, 38. If he pleaded no contest to five counts of petty theft, he wouldn't go to jail or serve probation.

I wonder FSU fan or Gator? My bet, Gator ... He obviously likes doing the chomp.

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

Damione Lewis signs on with the Pats

Joining Vince-Tiny-Wilfork

[RBLCane]

At Cal dressed from head to toe in Canes gear!

LET'S GO LADY CANES!!!

[woobirdsatsunlife]

Unless they lock him in a tool shed that is... ;)LOL

Everything else will come naturally if it is meant to be.

All the best my brotha!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | April 03, 2010 at 11:01 AM

Some naturals never got the chance to play growing up - I.e., Antonio Gates - but growing up in Detroit has a way of instilling a toughness even pee wee football can't do.

[UMike]

Check out the new aviator pic

[CaneRock]

UMike,is this your son's first year playing football? If so, start with the proper fundamentals of stance, alignment,assigment, etc.,etc.. FUNDAMENTALS,FUNDAMENTALS,FUNDAMENTALS, I can't stress it enough, it starts,goes back, and ends, with the FUNDAMENTALS! But the one thing that I learned with introducing a kid to tackling is you have to teach it up close first, don't have those kids like 20 yards apart and have them going gung-ho on each other, ease em' into contact. Bring him up to have a love and passion for the game, so don't believe the hype, nobody's BORN TO PLAY FOOTBALL. All the years I coached football, besides the kids who received the proper parent coaching, there weren't too many kids who I coached that were football ready. And think about this stat for a minute, less than 25 percent of the kids who play youth football, will go on to play highschool football...

[orange 'n green in the vein]

86, get ready to go all SOUP on CFSIC ala the bowl that shall no longer be in the ACC rotation. The commies there need a nice big quake to break them off into the bay anyway.

[NIT Canes]

03:38 left in 2nd 1 2 T

Miami (Fla.) 23 34 57
California 35 31 66

Girls down 9 with 3 to go

[SlingBlade]

at least they made it to the final game.....great season for the lady canes...

[SlingBlade]

lady canes lose to Cal. in the championship game....

canes led by the scoring duo of Shenise Johnson(21pts) and Riquna Williams(20pts)...this team has a bright future looking onto next year....

[SlingBlade]

the two canes seniors on the team, Diane Barnes and Charmaine Clark, combine for a total of 4-14 shooting for 8pts...two freshmen and two sophomores combined for 52 of the teams 61pts....

[NIT Lady Canes]

Final .........1 ....2 ...T

Miami (Fla.) 23 ..38 ..61
California « .35 ..38 ..73

Nice run and experience for the Road Weary Lady Canes.

[SOUP]

lady canes lose to Cal. in the championship game....

canes led by the scoring duo of Shenise Johnson(21pts) and Riquna Williams(20pts)...this team has a bright future looking onto next year....

Posted by: SlingBlade | April 03, 2010 at 03:58 PM

Thanks for the updates. Sounds like the UM Men's team: the Lady Canes best players are their youngest players?

[SOUP]

86, get ready to go all SOUP on CFSIC ala the bowl that shall no longer be in the ACC rotation. The commies there need a nice big quake to break them off into the bay anyway.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | April 03, 2010 at 03:25 PM

READY, SET, GO...WE READY, WE READY!

[usagainstheworld]

thanks mandingo for answering my question. i'm really hopeful for streeter. however with so many talented receivers its more and more appearing that he's losing ground. is he a sophomore this year? i guess he has time. just looking forward to seeing 6'-5" 4.4 forty streaking down the side line or to the post for the td.

[usagainstheworld]

hey on the lof-- can we nominate freshmen who are coming in the fall? what about jeremy davis?????? kid's got afterburners.

[canezilla]

STINKS LIKE GATOR IN HERE

[canezilla]

BABY,GO GET MY GLOCK NO WAIT!!!LETS USE THE A-K THIS TIME

[SOUP]

Yeah, but the smell never lasts too long! LMAO

[SOUP]

againstthe world...yes U can pick incoimng freshmen also for your LOF.

[SOUP]

Although an NCAA Tournament appearance is always the goal, Meier said this may have been more beneficial.

UM, which returns most of its key players next season, has gained valuable experience. It will better prepare Johnson, Williams and freshman Morgan Stroman for a potential run at the NCAAs. With consecutive road games, it's given them a taste of what it's like to travel for tournament games.

"To be honest with you, a deep postseason run is exactly what we needed," Meier said. "We need them in a position to take the game-winning shot or being in the situation where we need a huge defensive stop. If you make the NCAAs, you get so excited. But if you're not ready, you celebrate that you're in, you make it and lose [in the first round] and you're done. This is helping us with a blueprint for next season."

Shandel Richardson can be reached at srichardson@SunSentinel.com

[SlingBlade]

Shandel Richardson can be reached at srichardson@SunSentinel.com

Posted by: SOUP | April 03, 2010 at 05:10 PM

why would you want to reach shandel?

[j.w.]

Ouch, OGV, not a fan of San Francisco I see! Say what you want about the Emerald Bowl, but I'll take a bowl game in SF over one in Shreveport any day.

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

Seems like according to witnesses and friends that Matt James might of been on the tipsy side when the accident occured.

Hate to hear alcohol was involved. Im not a parent so I cant comment if I would have allowed my 17 year old child on a spring break trip like that.

If those reports are true I hope the heck they get to the bottom of who sold them the booze and bust their sorry azzez