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

[canezilla]

Sapp refused to be part of ESPN's UM documentary because he wanted to be paid

REALLY WARREN??????

[elliott]

Next... Spring game... broken down in clips... Check out the right side of the page for other clips. I'm assuming that all are "all" of the same spring game... not having seen all of the clips yet, but the first one is definitely of the game...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmJxaFIRv4A&feature=related

Anybody happen to have the actual FULL copy of the spring game? I would love to sit back on the big screen with a Rolling Rock and check the game out. Just curious if anyone has a copy and if so is there a way to download it? Other than that I actually would be willing to buy it online. Any info would be great...

[SlingBlade]

Posted by: elliott | April 04, 2010 at 09:15 AM

it would be really easy to download the whole game from someone, if they had it on their computer and put it in their sharing folder with limewire....then they would just have to tell us what the title is and thats it....but of course you have to have limewire to do it...

[canezilla]

SOUP, I AGREE PLAYING IN THE N.E WOULD REALLY HELP.MAYBE WE COULD GET ONE BIG UGLY A YEAR FOR THE O-LINE

[canezilla]

UM STARBUCKS GOT ROBBED.THE NAME OF THE ROBBER IS Sebastian .LOL, EVEN OUR MASCOT IS IN ON IT.WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE STORY I WAS LIKE PLEASE DONT LET IT BE COACH RANDY.THE CONTRACT EXTENSION IS COMING DONT WORRY

[SOUP]

SOUP, I AGREE PLAYING IN THE N.E WOULD REALLY HELP.MAYBE WE COULD GET ONE BIG UGLY A YEAR FOR THE O-LINE

Posted by: canezilla | April 04, 2010 at 09:48 AM

That's what we are after. That and the occaisional QB or kicker/punter.

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

I just wanted to thank the W.F. defense for the victory last night

It doesnt matter how the number goes under the W column as long as it gets there.

[Old Skool]

Bad headline of the day if the Canes sweep Wake Forest: "Deacons Demonolished"

[conch salad]

my LOF:

Aravius Armstrong and Damien Berry

[windy1]

as for freshmen, I think that (like last year) only a few freshmen will see the field and make an impact due to talent and depth on the current roster. This is a championship year for the Canes, as they have the talent to really make a serious run. Even the so-called pundits and Canes-haters, must admit that talent-wise, UM is comparable to any team in th country, and certainly more talented and deep than any team in the ACC. Now the Canes retain the same OC and DC for the first time in a while, and the two position coach replacements are solid, and in one case (Petri) a possible improvement.

There is too much talent and depth at too many positions. I agree Nelson can make an impact, but the adjustment to the physicality of the college game might limit his snaps. I also see Davis (as KR), Storm (as DR & RB), Linder, Bunche and Glenn have a chance to play.

Again, talentwise, this team should be loaded with ACC players and a few All-Americans if UM wins a championship and makes a BCS bowl, which they should. Bailey will also start a new streak of NFL first round picks.

[SlingBlade]

Bailey will also start a new streak of NFL first round picks.

Posted by: windy1 | April 04, 2010 at 12:28 PM

yes he will

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

After 4

W.F.-0
Miami-7

Lawson 1-2 2 RBIs
Pelaez 1-2 3 RBIs triple

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

Martinez and Villasuso both with solo blasts

End of 5

W.F.-0
Miami-9

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

Pelaez gets RBI number 4

Santana dominating thru 6

W.F.-0
Miami-10

[SOUP]

University of Florida running back Jeff Demps has the fastest 100-meter time in the world this year.

Demps, running in the Florida Relays at Gainesville on Friday, covered the distance in 10.11 seconds. Nesta Carter of Jamaica had the previous fast time of 2010. He ran 10.15 in late January.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/more/04/02/florida.demps.ap/index.html?utm_source=bleacherreport.com#ixzz0k9wDP1SL

Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription

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

Santana

6 IP 2 H 2 BB 5 K 0 Runs

End of 7 and still

W.F.-0
Miami-10

[SOUP]

Sebeastian for score update MVP!

Nice work there brother.

[SOUP]

Again, talentwise, this team should be loaded with ACC players and a few All-Americans if UM wins a championship and makes a BCS bowl, which they should. Bailey will also start a new streak of NFL first round picks.

Posted by: windy1 | April 04, 2010 at 12:28 PM

Here's to hoping U are right.

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

`Canes didnt get the shutout

Final

W.F.-1
Miami-10

Lawson 1-2 2 RBIs
Palaez 1-4 4 RBIs triple
Martinez 1-3 1 RBI HR

Great start by Santana

[SOUP]

Canes win, Canes win!

UM 10, WF 1

Canes sweep the series from the Demon Deacons.

[SOUP]

Santana goes 6 innings, 5 SO, 2 walks, no earned runs. UM pitching is solid. Canes are looking good on the Diamond!

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

Dont forget to add Orlando to the list of 1st rounders for next year.

Bailey is top 10 easily. Thats a given

A standout year from Berry and he could sneak in the late 1st round

[coldcane]

And in this corner...the reigning and defending LOF champion...back on U S soil and ready to declare the upcoming year's LOF to be VT and the Blur...i really wanna choose the offense and defensive lines to be my LOF but I don't know if 86 will let that slide

[CanesCanesCanes]

Soup always keeps us up to date

But as faar as any stinking Gator, you can have Demps and his 10.11 time this year. By the end of the year they'll be dozens of times below 10 in the 100. That's guaranteed. In fact, by the time Demps is getting his fragile little self pummeled on inside runs in the "new and improved" 'turd offense, there'll be at least a dozen 9.8's or better.

Can you imagine Ray Ray with a clear shot at Demps? Ouch.

[SlingBlade]

Dont forget to add Orlando to the list of 1st rounders for next year.

Bailey is top 10 easily. Thats a given

A standout year from Berry and he could sneak in the late 1st round

Posted by: Sebastian(2001U G.O.A.T.) | April 04, 2010 at 03:47 PM

lets not jump the gun on orlando and damien just yet...but it would be nice having 4 in the first round if you include brandon harris....

[SlingBlade]

let me know when Demps gets within a half a second of 9.58...

[SlingBlade]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nbjhpcZ9_g

the guy that finished last beat 10.11......

[SOUP]

NEW BLOG IS UP!

[SOUP]

ColdCane: I got U! Well done last year. Can U make it two in a row with TBen and VT???? Time will tell...

[SOUP]

LAST

[PhillyCane]

nah im last

[usagainstheworld]

DAVIS?

[Ungar]

LASTER

(or is that more last)

[HawaiiCane]

My 2010 LOF are

O - LaRon Byrd
D - Vaughn Telemaque