Camp Shannon: Day 5

Your Miami Hurricanes returned to the practice field on Monday morning for Day 5 of Camp Shannon 2010.  After practicing in a light but steady rain on Sunday, the Hurricanes were back out in the brutal August sun and practicing in full pads for the first time this Fall.

According to the UM Athletic Department web site at www.hurricanesports.com it was the defense that dominated the day on Monday.  After being out-played by the potent UM offense during the first few days of practice, the defense showed up BIG during Day 5 of Camp Shannon.

Here are some of the highlights of Monday morning's practice:

Offensive Highlights

• RBs Lee Chambers, Lamar Miller and Eduardo Clements each broke off long runs.
• WR Kendall Thompkins led the team in receptions for the second time in three days.
• QB Jacory Harris connected with Leonard Hankerson on a 70-yard touchdown in 11-on-11 drills.
• TE Asante Cleveland caught another long bomb over the top in 7-on-7 drills.
• TE Richard Gordon had a big catch and run down the right sideline for a 35-40 yard gain.
• The right side of the line (RT Figueroa and RG Brandon Washington) played well again Monday. 

Defensive Highlights

• CB Cory Nelms and S Jared Campbell each recorded an interception in 7-on-7 action.
• LBs Sean Spence and Kelvin Cain each recovered a fumble in goal line work.
• S Vaugh Telemaque stood out again, breaking up a few passes and stepping up to stop the run game on several occasions while LB CJ Holton and DE Marcus Robinson each recorded a sack.
• DT Josh Holmes and DE Adawale Ojomo each had a tackle for a loss.

Here are some additional updates with other UM news from around the Internet:

Susan Miller Degnan from the Miami Herald wrote a feature about Jordan Futch's (seen below) return from a knee injury in 2009.  She reported that UM coach Randy Shannon has been easing Futch back into practice, as he has the other players returning from injury.

"He's doing things just to strengthen it,'' Shannon said Sunday. "Him and [tailback Graig] Cooper are in the same boat. We're excited about the way he's progressing. We figure if we take him slow and we have him for the season instead of [just] for practice we're going to be OK." 

"Jordan was a real key guy last year. His big hits got a lot of things going. Big hits on kickoff returns, big hits on kickoffs. We really missed that. Now Jordan is going to take that next step. We need him to play linebacker also this season.''

Futch said he has been practicing at all three linebacker positions and has no preference. He just wants to play.  "It's a humbling experience,'' Futch said of the injury. "But now I'm coming back and ready to work harder. Camp is going awesome. Coach Shannon really has these guys enthused.''

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/09/1767305/futchs-return-a-big-hit-for-canes.html#ixzz0w8Ch7BfA

The hardest working sports journalist in South Florida, the Herald's Manny Navarro, was also out at practice covering the 'Canes on Monday and posted several player interview videos on his blog as well.  OL Tyler Horn, OL Jared Wheeler, DE Marcus Robinson and DE Dyron Dye took time to chat with The Mandingo about practice and their positions on the team.

Many fans have forgotten about Dye who was just as heavily recruited out of Seminole High School as his teammate S Ray Ray Armstrong (seen above with 86Cane).  This what the Um web site had to say about Dye when he was recruited out of high school:

Ranked No. 4 by Rivals.com in the "Quickest First Step" category, and he is rated the nation's No. 6 weakside defensive end prospect ... Ranked No. 145 in ESPN's top 150 prospects ... Very good pass rusher, who had 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and 65 tackles as a junior and 65 tackles and three catches for 46 yards as a senior ... Helped lead Seminole High School to the 2008 FHSAA Class 6A state championship ... Played in the Under Armour All-American game ... Class 6A All-State First Team.

Dye red-shirted last year and returns for the 2010 season bigger, stronger and hungrier after a year of working with UM Strength and Conditioning Coach Andrew Swasey. 

Here is Manny's interview with Dye after Monday's practice on Greentree Field:

To see all of Manny's video interviews on the Miami Herald Blog "Eye On The U" click here:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/08/video-um-linemen-talk-after-mondays-practice.html

The Hurricanes will return to practice Tuesday morning at 10 AM. 

The team is scheduled to have their first scrimmage on Wednesday.

Comments

[JCane]

1st?

[JCane]

just happened to check in after having been doing a required family visit in, ahem, OH, and here it is.

Here's a link to an article from their paper today regarding our old Miami high school player, E. Sabino:

http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2010/08/juniors_etienne_sabino_andrew.html

There was an article a day or two ago referring to their 17 returning starters, loss of special teamers, need for a new punter and likely rotating kickers for FGs shorter or longer than 42 yards, etc. The Canes seem to be kind of an aftersight to the press up there, which is just fine by me. Same goes for a few of the family members on the wife's side, which is also just fine with me.

[DallasTX Cane]

So close but yet so far. And I've been stealth all summer

[JCane]

BTW, I'm still doing great with the old shirts from a while ago, so feel free to pass them to someone else in need, Soup. Great articles you're getting up here.

[SOUP]

So close but yet so far. And I've been stealth all summer

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | August 09, 2010 at 10:38 PM

Don't be a stranger.

[SOUP]

JCane...nice work on the FIRST. Good to hear that your Canespace gear is still holding up.

Canes appear to be on sneak attack mode going to The 'Shoe.

Captain says: "We got this!"

What do you think?

[JCane]

The CaneSpace gear holds up well,but anything with UM on it seems to be taken better care of by me than other clothing items (who needs to work after all?!).

I think we have an improved team going into this season in terms of depth, with a few positions still being in question (ie LB) and quality or at least experience (OL). We appear loaded at the skill positions, although with trouble if Jacory gets hurt (and hopefully his thumb is truly better by season's start). If guys like Petri really teach like a good coach can, player fundamentals should be improved (or at least on the DL...which should be quite strong with further depth and the return of Ojomo). I think this team will be tough, and OSU is clearly beatable. If the U can stay focused and not let the environment get to them (ie don't make early mistakes or dig an early deep hole), I'd give us better than even odds with a solid shot of a 7 plus point win. That being said, we have to truly take them seriously, as they are a good team that could take us down if we don't make significant strides from last year.

Your thoughts?

[DallasTX Cane]

86 - I've gotta say awesome work this summer. I may not have been posting but I've been reading and the quality of blog articles has never been better! And I say that as an active reader since The Old Days, BC - Before Canespace

My hat's off to Solar & Six for the Top 50 series. very interesting and very enlightening. I didn't realize a lot of those people (and horses) listed were Floridians. Great work!

I'm sure I've read every artice; I just haven't been posting. Now that the season is upon us, I figure I'll have something to say. It's nice to see that some things haven't changed...Cav or Capt O. I like us in the underdog role though and we have a great shot at catching osu a little overconfident.

[DallasTX Cane]

27-23 Canes

[SlingBlade]

did anyone see sam shields int return in the packers scrimmage.....????? no well here you go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2smsXYW90R0

[SlingBlade]

and while youre at it check out NFL networks #1 return man of all time....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mx70v4kiSY

[JCane]

I'll give a UM 31-26 outcome over OSU. I don't think we'll know much about the character of this team until after this game.

[SOUP]

STRAIGHT TO THE VAULT U GO!

27-23 Canes

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | August 09, 2010 at 11:11 PM

I'll give a UM 31-26 outcome over OSU.

Posted by: JCane | August 09, 2010 at 11:32 PM

[SOUP]

Sling...nice find there.

U GO SAMMY, U GO!

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

Im still saying this will be a 10-2 season. Of course I'd love 12-0, but the progress Im looking for this year is Winning the Acc.

[SOUP]

Of course I'd love 12-0, but the progress Im looking for this year is Winning the Acc.

Posted by: Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad | August 09, 2010 at 11:55 PM

There it is right there.

Agree 100%

[1miamifan]

UM 31-14, This team is focus and determine to finish, better than last year.

[IbisFan33]

http://www.collegehumor.com/picture:1796417

Took me a while to figure it out...

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Strange, not many people agree with U on OSU which is #1 in the poll while Pitt is last. However some do agree with U that VT (#2) will also be a tough game.

>>>>>

Soup, that's because they're predicting based on what they read and not what they saw last year from them, nor based on what we lost and how we actually IMPROVE from the graduations and other departures.

Also, they're worried about "the Shoe", the place Navy dropped 27 in and USC actually beat them. Yeah, the magical Shoe.

The Shoe might be worth 10 points, maybe.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Heart: UM 34, OSU 20

Head: OSU 27, UM 24

The difference is a S/T or defensive TD (MUST HAVE) and another Bosher FG on winning the field position battle.

Posted by: SOUP | August 09, 2010 at 08:05 PM

>>>>>

That's fair.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

From the horse's mouth...Jim Tressel on OSU fans and people who criticize his conservative play-calling.....

>>>>>>>>>>>

Tressel dismisses criticism of his conservatism

For the second time in less than two years, coach Jim Tressel reacted a bit on the edgy side when discussing fans' criticism.

Who could forget the aftermath of the 2009 Southern California loss, when Tressel was asked about angry fans e-mailing him:

"The thing when I read some of them is I feel terrible for them because there's no way they're happy," Tressel said. "They've got to be some of the most unhappy people in the world, and I feel bad because we just made them less happy, and I hate to be part of making someone less happy. I mean, they're already miserable, and to make them less happy, I'd feel bad."

There was some truth to that, but it came off sounding very condescending.

On Tuesday at the Big Ten meetings, a reporter asked Tressel about his reputation for being too conservative at times.

First, he gave a long-winded explanation that basically was unapologetic for his play-calling. He said he considers his job is to protect Ohio State's ball, and if someone had something of his, he would want them to be very conservative with it.

He said there is always a "risk versus reward" in every call.

Fair enough. But then he added this:

"I also know some people aren’t using the word as a compliment, and they think we're overly conservative," Tressel said. "Most of the people that have that type of comment have no investment in the situation. So whether we're conservative or risky or whatever, it's really not going to affect them the next day, other than how they feel about us."

Personally, I don't think that was necessary.

For one thing, many fans do have something tangible invested in the team -- money, lots of it. Tressel is taking a shot at people who he and his bosses are asking to shell out more and more dollars for tickets, not to mention all the merchandise people buy, concessions, etc.

Secondly, even if it's just, as Tressel put it, "how they feel about us," fans have a huge emotional investment in the team. Tressel makes it sound as if you're not employed by the OSU football program, you have no right to criticize his play-calling.

This statement, coupled with the "miserable" comments from last year, reveal to me a different side of Tressel we rarely see. It's a side of him that believes so strongly in what he does and how he does it, that he is downright dismissive of anyone who disagrees.

>>>>>>>

Now it becomes clear why they haven't changed anything even after having their azzes embarrassed by non-conference teams for three consecutive years.

It works well enough in the Big Ten, so why change it?? Haha Good old SweaterVest.

God, I hope we beat the snot out of them just to see his face. hahahaha

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 10, 2010 at 12:56 AM

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

There was an article a day or two ago referring to their 17 returning starters, loss of special teamers, need for a new punter and likely rotating kickers for FGs shorter or longer than 42 yards, etc. The Canes seem to be kind of an aftersight to the press up there, which is just fine by me. Same goes for a few of the family members on the wife's side, which is also just fine with me.

Posted by: JCane | August 09, 2010 at 10:37 PM

>>>>>>

We're a total after thought. It's comical. I honestly think they'll watch the Wisky game, forget how average their performance was in that game, and think, "We're OSU and we're seniors and juniors and we want to go out with a bang. We're not worried about little old has been Miami."

Go to this site www.dispatch.com and read some of the articles. It becomes clear the mentality they have up there. For example their #12 guy seriously says, "It's never been a question of talent for us," and they don't even have a 3rd WR, much less competition for the starters.

And they're so deep on Pryor's sac it almost makes Gaytors look normal.

It's very interesting....from the HC on down.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

The difference is a S/T or defensive TD (MUST HAVE) and another Bosher FG on winning the field position battle.

Posted by: SOUP | August 09, 2010 at 08:05 PM

>>>>>>

Although I'd say ST or D scores will be total gravy, not the entree. If we run the ball for 100+ we'll drop 30+ on them.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"The Shoe might be worth 10 points, maybe.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 10, 2010 at 01:47 AM"

5 or 6 at the most. Especially how conservatively they call plays at home.

[NativeCane]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/10/1768707/hits-back-at-greentree.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/10/1768637/miami-hurricanes-offensive-linemen.html

[NativeCane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-football-news-0810-20100809,0,6001543.story

[NativeCane]

http://collegesports.blogs.theledger.com/11383/espn-to-televise-miami-ohio-state-game-in-3-d/

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/08/09/heisman-winner-andre-ware-miami-ready-to-make-the-turn-with-jacory-harris/

[411CANE formerly 404]

Randy just gave a little insight to this team on his QAM interview. He mentioned the main difference between his team the last few years and his team this year. A big drop off from 1st team to 2nd team... In fact he said that his 2nd team was not ready to play... He said coaches were taking Jrs and Srs and trying to teach effort! He just said something that really got me excited and tells me where this team might be. He said "no more teaching effort at the University of Miami". You see, he has finally built a team where he is not forced into taking a sub par Jr or Sr and trying to coach up effort. He now has 3-4 guys in most positions that are ballers that have that right attitude. I think this is the reason for the confidence you see coming from this team. No more putting lipstick on a pig and calling it pretty (I could go on to name those pigs from past few years but you already know who these guys were, the best we could play but not the best players)
Is this team that different from last years team that lost to Wisc in the bowl game???
YES!
Go Canes!

[DallasTX Cane]

Posted by: SlingBlade | August 09, 2010 at 11:29 PM

awesome play - good for SS. even if it was nothing more than a scrimmage, he got to Lambeau Leap. LOL from the looks of it, I sure wish we'd moved him to CB earlier.

[usagainsttheworld]

did anyone see sam shields int return in the packers scrimmage.....????? no well here you go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2smsXYW90R0

Posted by: SlingBlade | August 09, 2010 at 11:29 PM

wow! who knew! look at the moves on the run back.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

What others think of INT record-breaker Jacory...

>>>>>>>>

Heisman winner Andre Ware: ‘Miami ready to make the turn’ with Jacory Harris

by Jorge Milian
I spoke to ESPN college football analysts Todd Blackledge and Andre Ware last week about Jacory Harris. If Harris has a fan club, count Blackledge and Ware among the members.

“I love him as a player, I really do,” said Ware, who won a Heisman Trophy at Houston in 1989 while setting 26 NCAA passing records. “And you talk about cool under fire – everybody else is emotional and he seems like he’s sitting back there having an ice cream cone. I think that’s what you need at that position.”

Jacory Harris has some big fans in Andre Ware and Todd Blackledge. (Miami Herald)
Blackledge was in the television booth for UM’s season opener last year against Florida State and remembers thinking “the accuracy and poise that Jacory showed in that game was remarkable.”

Of course, Harris wasn’t always accurate. He completed 59.6 percent of his passes last season, but also threw 17 interceptions – the third-most by a UM quarterback in a single season.

Blackledge expects that number to drop this season.

“Any time a quarterback has a great arm, you start thinking you can fit the ball in anywhere,” said Blackledge, who led Penn State to a nationall championship in 1982. “I think some of his interceptions were the result of just making a decision that he could probably make a throw because of his arm skill and it probably wasn’t a great decision. I would fully expect that interception number to go down this year. As you grow as a quarterback and as a decision-maker, one of the most telling statistics is that touchdown-to-interception ratio and how it changes for the better the more a guy plays and the more a guy develops.

“I’m very anxious to see him this year.”

Blackledge will get that chance on Sept. 11 when he works the Hurricanes’ showdown with Ohio State in Columbus. The game, Blackledge said will be a “real stage” for Harris and Buckeyes’ quarterback Terrelle Pryor to show they are prepared to “take that next step to the next level as a player.”

Ware predicts that “Miami is ready to take the turn” to national championship contention with Harris in charge.

“You talk about faces of a program – he’s the face of the Miami program and I don’t know that they can find a better one than Jacory Harris,” Ware said.

[autumn]

I saw that someone claimed to be valuted.

Is that the opposite on convaluted?

Posted by: Ungar | August 08, 2010 at 08:17 PM

just getting caught up on a few past blogs after being away . . . found this gem by ungar;
brought back memories, since my father used to always say "convaluted" (and "disengarengumpengated"). is it actually a word?

411cane - good post; soup, good article

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530765740]

I am so looking forward to this season....I am feeling more and more optimistic about the chances of an ACC and even possible National Championship berth the closer we get......There are five games I want to see the Canes win so bad I can hardly control myself. The Canes win these five games and I will be jubilant!

Ohio State - Revenge, need I say more

Clemson - Also, revenge for last year's debacle

Florida State - Gotta have it

Virginia Tech - More sweet sweet revenge

North Carolina Be nice to beat these guys like we ought too!!

I will be on the lookout for other canespacers at the Clemson game...taking my daughter (who is a Clemson fan)....

[BEERicane]

I will be on the lookout for other canespacers at the Clemson game...taking my daughter (who is a Clemson fan)....

Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530765740 | August 10, 2010 at 09:08 AM

Has to be one of the toughest crowds in which to spot canes fans.

[Ungar]

Hint: Wear green, they have orange wrapped up already...

[SOUP]

POLL RESULTS:

63.2%

Ohio State
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17.6%

Virginia Tech
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.9%

Clemson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.8%

Florida State
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.9%

North Carolina
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.4%

Pittsburgh

[SOUP]

I will be on the lookout for other canespacers at the Clemson game...taking my daughter (who is a Clemson fan)....

Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530765740 | August 10, 2010 at 09:08 AM

We will be there! Clemson list:

SolarCane
UMike
OcalaCane
Old Skool
86Cane

We are going white water rafting the day after the game on the Chattooga River in the same area as the game. If U wanna go email me at:

[email protected]

[SOUP]

Soup, that's because they're predicting based on what they read and not what they saw last year from them, nor based on what we lost and how we actually IMPROVE from the graduations and other departures.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 10, 2010 at 01:47 AM

When 63% of people disagree with you, you should start reconsidering your position.

When you posted that OSU may be our "4th or 5th toughest game" U may have been wrong.

Maybe?

I'm just sayin...

[BEERicane]

When 63% of people disagree with you, you should start reconsidering your position.

Posted by: SOUP | August 10, 2010 at 09:47 AM

Please see Argumentum ad populum.

I'm just sayin... : )

[canezilla]

21-17 miami over osu

[DallasTX Cane]

The poll asked which game (of those listed) will be the "most difficult to win".

The question isn't "do U think the CANES will win?" or "which team would U most like to see the CANES beat?" or "which is a probable gotcha game the CANES should win byut won't?", etc.

This is an easy question to answer for all the reasons others have already stated in great detail.

[Caneslegend]

Glad to be back on the space. Since football season is right around the corner. I see lots of improvement and I also need to see it on the field. This team is deeper than they have been in some time. The schedule is going to be tough but I think they can pull through it if they stay together and get help from all three (Defense, Offense, and Special Teams.) I know people are excited about the Ohio St. game as am I but win or lose that game still doesn't win us the ACC. Something we have not done yet. I can see us beating Ohio St. and still not winning the ACC. But losing to Ohio St. just means a little national recogonition lost. Winning the ACC is the main priority this year for this team. I feel the Offensive line will struggle to start the year but will Gel after about 3 games. This team has the talent to beat Ohio St. but I want to win the ACC. I am sick and tired of not winning this conference. Peace out

[DallasTX Cane]

good point Caneslegend. Ohio St is a statement game that can possibly provide a lot of momentum for the rest of the season along with some long-lost national recognition. however, all of that isnt worth a dam if we trip up in conference again.

[PhillyCane]

Anyone know where to get that shirt shannons wearing in the first pic?

[Ungar]

When 63% of people disagree with you, you should start reconsidering your position.

Posted by: SOUP | August 10, 2010 at 09:47 AM

Please see Argumentum ad populum.

I'm just sayin... : )

Posted by: BEERicane | August 10, 2010 at 09:57 AM

I agree. I bet more than 63% of the planet thought the earth was flat when Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. Before last season, most folks thought that GT or OU was going to be the toughest game, that didn't turn out to be the case.

I agree that fourth toughest is far from true, but using a poll as proof is weak sauce, IMO. (no offense, SOUP).

[Ungar]

PS: Captain, nice response to my comment. Sorry if I misinterpreted your comment about the TE, and you did excellent at breaking down the matchups. I have nothing to disagree with on that one, so I will just say....

GO CANES!

[francis w]

It looks like the Canes are practicing AGAIN IN THE RAIN. Weather channel map shows over-all rain in Dade County. Some positives some negatives.
Fran

[francis w]

Phillycane... That may be a coaches only shirt, it looks similar to the breathable "Reel Legends" shirts my sons get me for birthdays and Christnas.
Fran

[PhillyCane]

Thanks fran.. ive been looking and am unable to find one

[PhillyCane]

its like this minus the collar

http://allcanes.com/shop/Miami-Hurricanes/p/football/10039/c/23/Nike_Checkdown_Coaches_Sideline_Polo_2010.html