Manny Navarro Is Keeping His Eye On The U

Yesterday I had a chance to catch up with our old friend Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald.  He happened to drop by Canespace late last night (as he is known to do from time to time) and I managed to corner him for one of our most popular features: "Five Questions With Manny Navarro".

Affectionately known here as "The Mandingo" (part man, part dogged reporter), Manny has been generous of his time and shared his knowledge of all things related to your University of Miami Hurricanes here on The Space over the last three years. 

With the 2010 college football season just around the corner and Fall practice set to start soon, Navarro is now back on the Hurricane beat after covering the Florida Marlins for most of the Summer. 

After getting his fill of baseball and the struggling (below .500) Marlins, The Mandingo recently posted a flurry of feature articles on the Herald's UM blog, "Eye On The U", to prove he (much like UM) is coming back with a vengance! 

Those articles can be found here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/

Here are Manny's responses to my five questions:

Q: The Offensive Line is the primary concern for UM this year.  Who will start, who will play and who will dominate?

A: Just a preseason prediction, but here is my two deep for September 2: 

LT Orlando Franklin | Seantrel Henderson

LG Brandon Washington | Malcolm Bunche

C Tyler Horn | Brandon Linder

RG Harland Gunn | Jared Wheeler

RT Joel Figueroa | Jermaine Johnson

I know you might be surprised to see Joel Figueroa at right tackle. But I've been hearing for awhile this is a real possibility. I was told Jermaine Johnson came out ahead of Ben Jones in the spring. If he proves he's ready, he'll start at right tackle and Figueroa will slide over to right guard. But if Johnson isn't, UM will go with their best five. Eventually, I expect Henderson and Linder to make a strong push to play. Both are too talented to at least not get into the rotation.

 

Q: The Linebacker position has Hurricane fans guessing.  Will Kylan Robinson really start at MLB?  Will Colin McCarthy move to the middle?  Will Sean Spence rebound?  Will others show up?

A: All great questions without clear cut answers and a serious area for concern for Canes fan. I've been told the ball is ultimately in Kylan Robinson's court. If he can stay healthy and continue to improve, he'll win the job in the fall and keep McCarthy and Spence on the outside. Word is defensive coordinator John Lovett wants McCarthy to play the middle, but Randy Shannon would prefer to keep him outside. The biggest thing UM needs this season is for both McCarthy and Spence to remain healthy. Ramon Buchanon did a nice job last season. But it wasn't amazing. Jordan Futch is coming back from injury. Outside of that those five, UM is counting on C.J. Holton to take the next step and a bunch of freshmen to grow up fast. Obviously, the Canes can't suffer any major injuries here or we could see some guys make a position switch. Marcus Robinson, in my mind, would be the first called on to move back to linebacker.

 

Q: The WR position is locked and loaded.  Which WR excels this year for the Hurricanes?

A: It's more like who doesn't excel. Leonard Hankerson should once again be the go-to guy in the offense with Travis Benjamin the big play threat and Aldarius Johnson the guy you go to on third down. LaRon Byrd finished second on the team last year with 33 catches. But somehow, he doesn't feel like he did enough. I think if anybody breaks out with more TD catches and big plays it is him. I think we'll also see a lot more of Kendal Thompkins and Tommy Streeter than we have the first two seasons. 

 

Q: Opposite Brandon Harris who starts?  Who gets P/T?  Who should we look for as a PTP?

 

A: After Brandon Harris, the starting job is Demarcus Van Dyke's to lose. I've been hearing about how much he's improved. We'll see. After that, the nickelback job will likely go to either Brandon McGee or Ryan Hill. The way the Canes have used the nickelback spot in the past is to give it to a veteran. I could see Hill being typecast for that and McGee being pushed to be more of the deep corner like Van Dyke and Sam Shields were used last year because of their natural speed. I think the biggest development could turn out to be what happens with Jamal Reid. We know he was pushing Ray Ray Armstrong hard at safety in the spring. But Vaughn Telemaque told us Wednesday Reid has been doing great things at corner during 7 on 7 work. With Jared Campbell and Jojo Nicolas back as serviceable backups at safety, it almost makes sense to try Reid out at corner since it is a bigger need. UM could ultimately decide to just put the best guys on the field like they do on the offensive line. 

Q: We all know that Mike James will be the starting RB for the Hurricanes this year.  After James which RB do you see as making a difference in 2010? 

 

A: Good one 86! Well, ahead of Mike James, Damien Berry will probably get between 20-25 touches a game and be asked to carry the brunt of the load. Since he and James are such similar backs in terms of their running styles, I actually see redshirt freshman Lamar Miller getting more touches than James because he's a change of pace. Berry told me Wednesday Miller has looked really good being shifty and hitting holes hard with his breakaway speed. Either way, all three are pretty much entrenched to handle the bulk of the carries. Depending on what happens with Graig Cooper, I think Storm Johnson or Lee Chambers are next on the depth chart. We'll see them play sort of a Shawnbrey McNeal type role -- 5-6 carries in games that are decided before the fourth quarter. Eduardo Clements and Darion Hall probably won't get off the scout team all year. And that's a good thing. Let those guys develop and stay healthy for when Berry and Cooper are gone. 

 

That's all for this installment of "Five Questions With Navarro".  We thank Manny for his time and insights into your Miami Hurricanes. 

 

Stay tuned as Fall practice starts on August 5 and the news coming out of Coral Gables picks up over the next couple of weeks leading up to the season opener against FAMU at newly re-named Sun Life Stadium on September 2. 

Comments

[Caniak]

• UM people said these June freshmen arrivals have impressed in on-field work: Brandon Linder (will push junior center Tyler Horn); cornerback Devont'a Davis (Vaughn Telemaque expects him to play in 2010); tight ends Clive Walford, 6-4, and Asante Cleveland, 6-5 (``they know how to use height to their advantage'' as receivers, Telemaque said); and running back Eduardo Clements (``shifty, quick dude,'' Damien Berry said).

• One competition UM people are eager to see is Thearon Collier against Kendal Thompkins for playing time as the primary slot receiver. ``Thompkins has a knack [to get to] the end zone,'' Telemaque said.

LaRon Byrd said UM players ``have been there to support'' Collier, who disclosed on Facebook in May that his son passed away. Collier's family has endured incredible pain -- his father was murdered before Collier was born. ``It's a tragedy losing a newborn, and it shows how strong he is that he's been out here'' practicing, Byrd said.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/25/1745618_p2/fins-davis-smith-say-they-have.html#ixzz0uh8E3JFe

[Cat 5 Cane]

On Returns... This years first game should be very interesting to watch special teams and how they set up the return. Watching Hester (Chicago) on film and how the team sets up blocking patterns was eye opening. Found on KO's, that 4/5 guys kind of let the players pass them bye and then turn around and block the player coming back for Hester, as he finds the slot hole and goes up field. If he finds the 40, he's history and start pounding the drum boyz... He's gone!!!

[Cat 5 Cane]

I guess the key to returns is finding the slot hole between the hashes at about the 18 to 23 yard line useing the lead blocker (First wave) and looking for key return blocker on second wave at about the 30 to 35 YDL to break it open.

[Cat 5 Cane]

But nothing but nothing replaces the after burner speed from point A to B to C not slowing down to find the slot.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Aight...I'm out

Later

[usagainsttheworkd]

paging dr. streeter. paging dr. streeter.

[SOU{P]

You overestimate the turkeys and scar-face.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | July 24, 2010 at 11:36 PM

As long as it doesn't rain or isn't cold we should do fine. LOL

VT is consistent, well coached and tough. UM? Well we'll see...

[SOU{P]

I guess the key to returns is finding the slot hole between the hashes at about the 18 to 23 yard line useing the lead blocker (First wave) and looking for key return blocker on second wave at about the 30 to 35 YDL to break it open.

Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | July 25, 2010 at 08:28 AM

U have to attack the middle third of the field with pure straight-line speed. Hesitation and dancing KILLED the returner. Better to run right AT the tackler and then break off at the last second with open field to either side of the tackler. Do not let them use the sideline as another defender.

[SOU{P]

WHO AM I?

2009 (SOPHOMORE): Had 28 total tackles (20 solo, eight assists) ... Saw increased action at the outside linebacker position when Sean Spence missed time with an injury in late October, early November ... After recording just seven tackles in UM's first six games, tallied 19 over the last six contests ... Tallied a career-high six total tackles and had a quarterback hurry and a pass break-up in his only start of the season at North Carolina ... Also recorded five tackles versus Florida A&M and at USF in the regular season finale ... Averaged 4.6 tackles per contest over UM's last three road games (at Wake Forest, at UNC, at USF) ... Had 3.5 tackles for a loss and two pass break-ups on the year.

2008 (FRESHMAN): Played in nine games, mostly on special teams, but saw some action at safety against Duke ... Had six tackles in nine games ... Started out as a defensive back before making switch to linebacker towards the end of the season.

HIGH SCHOOL: As a senior in 2007, he made over 100 tackles with three interceptions this season while playing linebacker and safety ... As a junior in 2006, made more than 100 tackles and 10 sacks ... Coached by Dan Burke ... Ranked the No. 2 safety in the country, as well as No. 10 in Florida and No. 61 over all by Rivals.com ... Rated No. 64 in the country by Scout.com ... Ranked the No. 3 outside linebacker by ESPN.

[SOU{P]

DIFFERENT PEREPCETIVE FROM THE COLLEGE BASEBALL BLOG:

Kyle Parker Spurns Rockies Offer; Will Quarterback Tigers in 2010

Posted by Mark Rafferty, on July 21st, 2010

Baseball America reported this morning that Kyle Parker turned down a $2.4 million offer from the Colorado Rockies to return to the Clemson Tiger football program. With about 3 1/2 weeks left before the signing deadline, the Rockies could still try and up the offer as negotiations are still ongoing. Parker, the 26th pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, threw for 2,526 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2009 as a Redshirt Freshman. Last season on the baseball field, Parker helped bring the Tigers to the 2010 College World Series by hitting .344 with 20 homers and 64 RBI.

I have a few questions in this scenario:

1) He’s passing up a signing bonus that is not much less than Royals #4 pick Christian Colon ($2.75 Million)

2) Is the challenge of leading a team without C.J. Spiller really so enticing that you’d turn down that type of dough?

3) Maybe he just likes football that much more and the experience of playing in a big time program is worth all the risk (money, injury)

4) Does not signing before the August 16th deadline make him lose all previous leverage?

5) Would the Rockies actually offer more than $2.4 Million to pry him from Clemson?

[SOU{P]

FROM MANNY AT THE MH:

47. Kylan Robinson, LB, Sr.: When Robinson signed with UM out of Tampa Chamberlain in 2005, he was tabbed as consensus Top 20 running back in the country. But he's never received a carry at UM and has been learning how to play linebacker for the past two seasons, playing mostly on special teams. But he could be destined for much more in 2010. At the end of the spring, UM coach Randy Shannon had Robinson (6-1, 235) working with the first team at middle linebacker, saying it was his job to lose come the fall. With Sean Spence and Colin McCarthy penciled in as starters at outside linebacker, Shannon has said he doesn't want to have to move either to the middle. But he has also said he will ultimately start the three best players available. Considering redshirt sophomore Jordan Futch and junior Ramon Buchanon are improving, Robinson is likely more the underdog than the front runner to be that third guy.

Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/07/several-um-seniors-hoping-to-make-one-last-splash.html#ixzz0uhWH47UN

[UMike]

SOUP..Who am I...Futch?

[UMike]

Wait...maybe Cj Holton?..Crap..idk lol

[Nashvillecane]

That guy is cookie buchanon

[CGNC]

Nice article! Thanks to Manny for spending the time

[UMike]

Nash....i think your right

[SOU{P]

POLL UPDATE:

Leading rusher for UM in 2010 is:

Damien Berry 78%

Miller, James and Cooper with 6.3%

[SOU{P]

That guy is cookie buchanon

Posted by: Nashvillecane | July 25, 2010 at 09:49 AM

CORRECT!

[SOU{P]

By Jorge Milian
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

CORAL GABLES — After years of struggling to score points, the University of Miami put the pop back into its offense last season.

The Hurricanes scored 394 points during 2010, the 10th-highest total in school history and the most since 2002 when UM rang up a record 527 points.

With the bulk of the team's playmakers returning, the excitement building up to the Sept. 2 season opener against Florida A&M revolves around the possibilities of Miami's offense.

There's plenty to be excited about.

Jacory Harris, named this week to the Manning Award watch list, is back after throwing 24 touchdown passes, the sixth-highest total ever at Quarterback U.
Harris has his pick of receiving targets, starting with senior Leonard Hankerson who leads a deep group of pass catchers considered among the nation's best.
Harris can also hand it off to Damien Berry, the Glades Central product who rushed for 628 yards last season despite not carrying the ball until UM's fifth game and serving thereafter as the No. 3 running back.
Blocking for Berry is Orlando Franklin, an Outland Trophy contender ranked by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper as one of college football's top prospects.
"I think we can be great," said LaRon Byrd, the chatty 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior receiver by way of Hahnville, La. "The only thing that can stop us is us."

Read more here:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/hurricanes/university-of-miami-offense-has-no-excuses-for-816028.html

[SOU{P]

by Jorge Milian

I’m headed to the 2010 ACC Football Kickoff in Greensboro, N.C. on Sunday where reporters will meet with players (Sunday) and coaches (Monday) from each of the 12 conference teams. On Sunday, the media will be asked to predict the order of finish in the Coastal and Atlantic Divisions and name the conference champion.

This is how I intend to fill out my ballot (with comment):

COASTAL DIVISION

1. Miami – Concerns on the offensive line and middle linebacker, but the Hurricanes are finally experienced and deep enough to overcome some holes. UM gets North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Florida State at home, but must survive at Clemson and Georgia Tech.

Can Jacory Harris lead Miami to its first ACC title game? (Getty Images)

2. Virginia Tech – The Hokies’ season comes down to a three-week stretch in November when they face Georgia Tech at home followed by road trips to North Carolina and Miami. Only reason not to pick Frank Beamer’s team over the Hurricanes is because the Hokies’ defense may not be as stellar as usual.

3. North Carolina – Not a good sign that controversy surrounding players and agents has struck in Chapel Hill just before fall practice. The defense could be the best in the country, but I’m not convinced about Butch Davis’ offense.

4. Georgia Tech – After two seasons in Atlanta, Paul Johnson has proven without question that the triple option can thrive in the ACC. I’m picking the Yellow Jackets fourth, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they repeated at ACC champs. The key will be whether former Virginia coach Al Groh can reshape G-Tech’s defense.

5. Duke – David Cutcliffe has the Blue Devils headed in the right direction, but there’s still a ways to go before they’re playing for a division title.

6. Virginia – Mike London is in for a tough first season as the Cavaliers’ coach.

Read more here:

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/07/23/miami-hurricanes-will-win-accs-coastal-division-fall-in-title-game/

[SOUP]

Season Prediction:

ACC Champions

With most fans focusing on the Ohio State and Pitt matchups to begin the year, and who could blame them, many are forgetting about the conference-opening road game against Clemson, champions of the Atlantic Division last season. Miami will also have to contend with defending Coastal Division, and ACC, champs Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Sure, the 'Canes get Florida State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech at home, but road games against last seasons' ACC Championship participants will be important in deciding Miami's fate in 2010.

That said, the 'Canes return a much more experienced team this season with members of their top ranked 2008 recruiting class now entering their junior seasons and with a number of seniors returning as key members of this team. With their deepest team in years and experience across the board, Miami is in prime position to claim an ACC Championship and a trip to the Orange Bowl.

The past two seasons, analysts, fans and just about anybody you spoke to gave the Hurricanes the 'youth excuse'. That stops this season.

- Danny Hobrock: Danny is a sports journalist primarily covering college football and professional baseball. His work for Xtra Point Football has garnered national attention and is critically acclaimed. Danny is the former editor of a political and current events website and the editor of our college football content.

[Zakkee]

solar, you do a great job expressing yourself, on your own.

I admit that I sleep on Mike James. You guys are right though...I really shouldn't. I hope he has a great year and hope he shines..these are good problemsarguments to have!

Streeter and Thompkins are our secret weapons. OSU will take away the middle of the field, zone run blitz us, and pray that Jacory doesn't care and throws into traffic over the middle any way (same gameplan they used against Dorsey in 2002). Dorsey couldn't connect with Andre Johnson that day, and it wasn't because of Chris Gamble either. It was OSU early hits on him and pressure that got to his nerves and made him rush those passes...AJ was open.

Byrd, Hank, Blur, Streeter down the sidelines in the first half (they're gonna be too stubborn to adjust before halftime) all day, opens up Berry & James between the tackles all second half. Bring Miller in and its game over. Keys are our O-line in the 1st half and their new safeties in the 2nd half (we must make them commit to something)...choose their poison..because they must die that day. Its inevitable.

From a coaching standpoint this game is clear cut. All the moves are known, its all about desire, mental & physical toughness, and most of all execution. If we execute, they can't play football with us...period.

[DZ8]

I knew it was Cookie! You forgot this part in his bio...'caused Urban Meyer to break his cell phone by throwing it at a wall when he decomited from Florida and recomited to Miami!

Tell that part over and over again!

[DZ8]

Thompkins might see the field but I don't think Streeter will the 2nd game of the season.
Thompkins just has to beat out Pimp for the slot spot... Streeter has to beat out Hank, AJ, LaRon, Elvis, etc...

[SOUP]

Key Matchups

September 11 @ Ohio State: The last time these two met was in the 2002 National Championship Game in Phoenix. The Miami faithful has been stewing on a controversial call at the end of the game for quite a while, and will be eager to put a damper on the Buckeyes 2010 title bid. This will be an enormous test for Jacory Harris, who was prone to interceptions last season, taking on a stiff defense team that forced 35 turnovers (24 interceptions) in 2009.

October 9 vs. Florida State: Remember last season's opening night matchup between the 'Canes and Seminoles? Ever see a Miami/FSU game? Then you know this is a big one. Miami/FSU matchups are among the most watched college football games in ESPN history.

October 23 vs. North Carolina:Both the Tar Heels and 'Canes are looking to shift the balance of power in the Coastal Division away from Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. The winner of this matchup will be in the better position down the stretch. North Carolina will field one of the better defenses in the nation in 2010, but their offense is a bit suspect. If the 'Canes can avoid mistakes on offense and keep the Tar Heels offense out of the end zone, they'll be in good shape.

November 20 vs. Virginia Tech:Miami starts the season with rough road games in Columbus and Pittsburgh, and then must head to Clemson to start their conference schedule. But they'll finish up their conference matchups with the Hokies at home. Miami is looking to erase last season's 31-7 loss in Blacksburg, and will likely have to grab this one to close their conference schedule with the Hokies, Tar Heels and Yellow Jackets vying for the division title.

[SOUP]

From a coaching standpoint this game is clear cut. All the moves are known, its all about desire, mental & physical toughness, and most of all execution. If we execute, they can't play football with us...period.

Posted by: Zakkee | July 25, 2010 at 12:34 PM

Funny, OSU fans are saying the EXACT same thing.

[SOUP]

Thompkins just has to beat out Pimp for the slot spot... Streeter has to beat out Hank, AJ, LaRon, Elvis, etc...

Posted by: DZ8 | July 25, 2010 at 01:06 PM

Agree 100%.

[DZ8]

That Elvis is real good outside, on the side,burns his opponents frequently... take that Ungar!

[DZ8]

... and I think Kyle Parker will be playing baseball, NOT football, next year... he's just negotiating.

[DZ8]

On The Art of the Return; I don't think Travis Benjamin has looked the same back there since he hurt his ankle the end of his freshman year. He's tentative now... thinking and not just playing.

Even Devin Hester after his success is now starting to think about how to get the big return instead of just doing it. Need your natural instincts to take over at that spot.

[Zakkee]

I think we'll Streeter early in that game and the season. Out of the slot or off the line TE position. He'll be a surprise weapon and that will have to adjust to his speed and size out of those formations. I think Whipple has his mind on Streeter.

OSU do believe the same, we'll just have to see which team wants it. Their best players (standouts in college and the NFL) during this last decade have been from Florida...our whole team is from Florida. It comes down to toughness, desire and coaching. We're always more talented than any BIg Ten team we've ever faced.

[Zakkee]

Its the Mike Tyson syndrome: nobody is scared of us anymore. Coaches tell their teams to take our first punch (we always come out strong..then relax) and then give us a bigger one back. The one that they give back is unexpected by our teams. The one that the opposing team took was expected. That the difference. We have to channel our expectations. Shannon has to make sure these kids haven't won the game before they touch the field. This is true in any sport (boxing, basketball, soccer etc..) Once a team who has mentally convinced its self that the games "in the bag" feels any kind of fight back, resistance or adversity it can't believe it and starts to panic. The finger pointing starts, trust is broken, and players starts trying to win it by themselves. I saw this in the 2002 NC game, Brazil in the World Cup, the Cavs vs. Celtic this past playoffs and the end of Tyson's career...etc.. etc.. Towards the end of Tyson's career, opponents would just withstand his best punch and then give him some right back. Early in his career, opponents would LITERALLY start falling before the punch even connected. Tyson would be like, "WTF!?!?". Then he was conditioned to believe everybody feared him until he met Douglas & Holyfield, who stood their ground and he panicked. Biting ears with Holyfield and trying to break Buster's arm several times during clinches. We know how to throw a punch, but do we know how to take one or even expect one back...thats the problem I've been seeing with our Hurricanes for years now. Byrd spoke towards it a little the other day. Shannon must control their (this generations) need for instant gratification. ESPN's coverage killed the Cavs and it killed our Canes after that Gtech game.

Lets get our expectations correct in 2010, so that when adversity hits (and it will), our knees don't buckle under the pressure THAT WE'VE MENTALLY PUT ON OURSELVES.

[JUST CANE]

I never heard about this!!!

Reggie Bush promising scholarships and not honoring his promise.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/05/reggie-bush-accused-of-failing-to-make-good-on-scholarship-promise/

Reggie Bush is a scumbag

[CaneRock]

"Coaches tell our teams to take our first punch (we always come out strong..then relax) and then give us a bigger one back. The one that they give back is unexpected by our teams. The one that the opposing team took was expected. That the difference. We have to channel our expectations. Shannon has to make sure these kids haven't won the game before they touch the field."
Posted by Zakee July 25,2010 at 2:08 PM

While I agree with you that complacency is not good, I beg to differ on NOT coming out and punching teams in the mouth. VT came out and punched Miami in the mouth...and they won. NC came out and punched Miami in the mouth...and they won. Wisconsin came out and punched Miami in the mouth...and they won. Now the Clemson game, neither team really punched each other in the mouth, which is the reason it ended the way it did. It's like the post game speech of Shannon's that Six posted the other day, I can't recall the exact words, but Shannon was basically praising His team for repeatedly punching the other team in the mouth, and I wouldn't want Him to deviate from that mentality...

[SOUP]

I think Whipple has his mind on Streeter.

Posted by: Zakkee | July 25, 2010 at 01:43 PM

The REAL question is what does Streeter have HIS mind on?

[SOUP]

Reggie Bush is a scumbag

Posted by: JUST CANE | July 25, 2010 at 02:11 PM

SHOCKER!

[SOUP]

Smack 'em silly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv9JLhsi0aw&feature=related

[DZ8]

I think Whipple has his mind on Streeter.

Posted by: Zakkee | July 25, 2010 at 01:43 PM

The REAL question is what does Streeter have HIS mind on?

Posted by: SOUP | July 25, 2010 at 03:54 PM

I think Zakkee has Streeter on his mind.

Seriously though what has given you an indication that Streeter is going to be used more this year? I think he was the only receiver who played, who didn't have a catch in the Spring Game. He was targeted twice? and dropped what would've been a good catch.

I am a big Streeter fan. On NSD 2008 we had a boat load of receivers and because his dad was the only one of the big three (Highsmith, Bratton the others) who went elsewhere way back when I was pretty sure we weren't going to get him. When I found out the next day that he had signed with us for some reason he instantly became one of my favorites (Brandon Harris was my favorite "get" on that day).

So as a Streeter fan I hope you're right. I'm just curious why you think he'll get more PT, especially early in the year when he didn't really do anything in Spring. (Or did he?, maybe just not in the Spring game that I have access to. Maybe he did flash in practices that you can watch or talk to people who see them. Like I said, just curious, and if its just a hunch, nothing wrong with that either:)

[Canez1]

"SHOCKER!"

Thats what she said.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[DZ8]

^^^good one

[87' canes]

The reason for more playing time for Steeter is due to past performances in the bowl game and various other things that equate. As a reciever Streeter plays the ball better which is why he scored in the bowl game. Of course this is all just my opinion.

[DZ8]

He didn't score in the bowl game. He caught one pass at the begining of the 2nd half for a long gain, which had everyone pumped up and gave us some momentum.

When looking at the replay of that one pass he waited for it to come down to him and it was almost deflected by the defensive back.

Once again, I hope he tears it up but I havent seen it yet and there are proven commodoties (plural) ahead of him.

[DZ8]

Out for awhile... have a good one.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I really think that the only game we lose this year is OSU sadly because of the refs. Just like in 2000 on the road to Washington, go watch that game again, you'll see a lot of guys drafted from UM's secondary into the NFL making a lot of plays on deep passes that once they're broken up get a flag (unfounded IMO) thrown for PI on them. Second half is a furious rally that just runs out of time in the only game Dorsey ever looked shaken up in. Now Mr. Football II has been in a shaken up situation and lead comebacks and pulled them off against lesser opposition, maybe he can pull this one off to but I see a close game swing by the zebras. Unless the first offensive series stars off like the turd championship game and both ends are already in the backfield at the start of the snap all night long, then we romp, but I can't just assume that's how it's going to be until I see it happen once.

[WindyCane1]

Once again, I hope he tears it up but I havent seen it yet and there are proven commodoties (plural) ahead of him.

Posted by: DZ8 | July 25, 2010 at 04:47 PM

Agreed.

At WR, I have something controversial to say. I believe at this time, certain Canes WRs have separated themselves into tiers.

Tier 1: I believe that Hankerson and Travis Benjamin are the two best WRs, with Byrd and Aldarius being the next tier. I say this because when I have seen the WRs play live during the last two springs and during the seasons, Hank and Travis are the receivers that consistently get open and give their QB an easy target to throw to. I know we love to compare current WRs to past WRs, but Hank and Travis are unique and both have future NFL potential.

Tier 2: I like Byrd and AJ, but they have to a little more to prove before they move into tier 1. Byrd has all the talent in the world but he drifts at times and gets lost. There have been times when he does not get open or runs the wrong route, and he does not always attack the ball. AJ has the best hands on the team (if the ball touches his hands, its his), but he does not get open consistently and often runs poor routes. They both are good, but not as good as Hank and Travis at this time.

Tier 3: This tier is Collier and Thompkins, and their battle for the slot will certainly be worth watching when fall camp opens. They both are the shiftiest on the team, but not as fast as Travis or even Davon Johnson in terms of straight-line speed.

4th tier: Streeter has the most talent of all the WRs (size and speed), but he has not shown the consistent work habits and its catching up to him. If he does not step forward soon, he will see Hurns and others pass him up on the depth Chart.

I was fortunate enough to have had a long talk with Duper after the Champs bowl. 1 1/2 years ago, Hank had the dropsies, and he fixed it by putting in the extra work during the offseason and after practice. Now, Hank has transformed himself from an under-the-radar 3-star prospect and possibly passed up on the depth chart, to an elite NFL prospect going into his senior year. Due to NCAA rules, coaches can only put in so much work with their players, the rest is up to them. Its up to Streeter to decide how bad he wants it and to put in the work.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Streeter is like a super-sized version of Hankerson, so I think a lot of the expectation are coming down now that's he's had a redshirt and freshman year to develop the frame for this level and familiarity with the QB and system converging to up his production. That's my LOF pick rationalization for picking him this year on offense at least.

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