Straight From The Source

Recently we had the chance to chat with University of Miami student Justin Antweil about the upcoming football season for the Hurricanes.

 

Justin is the sports editor for The Miami Hurricane, the student newspaper at UM.  He is also the sports director for WVUM, the student radio station.

 

 

You can read his articles at themiamihurricane.com and listen to him and his staff broadcast all Hurricane home football games at wvum.org. 

 

1.  We hear from the UM ticket office that sales are WAY up this year.  UM AD Kirby Hocutt and the newly hired Chris Freet as SID is changing the way UM communicates with their fans for the better. What's the general consensus on how students at UM feel about the players, coaches and direction of the team?

Students at UM are extremely excited and optimistic about the season. I think every student will put his or her name in the lottery to try and get the right to buy tickets to the Ohio State game. But I think students are ready to see this team win on a consistent basis. From a public relations standpoint, the school is happy to report high Academic Progress Reports and a great Graduation Rates but the bottom line is fans just want to win. The current seniors at UM have not seen UM win a bowl game in their four year tenure. Miami is a football school first and foremost and it’s time Miami gets back to its winning ways.

 

2. Many Canes fans feel that the 2010 team may go 10-2 and compete for an ACC title.  We have a group of hard core fans known as the 12%ers that believe (like every year) that the Hurricanes will be undefeated and compete for a BCS Championship.  Still other's have their doubts about the experience, talent and depth on this team and see another 9-3 season ahead with 2011 as the year the Canes once again grasp the Holy Grail.  Where do you fall along this continuum?

 

I would define a successful season as making the BCS National Title game. January 8, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona is the only date and place UM fans should have on their minds. Once you make it to the big game, you have no control what happens (cough cough pass interference call against OSU). Miami has improved every year under Randy Shannon going from five to seven to nine wins, now it’s time to make the next step. There is really no excuse. Players are not young, the same pairing of coordinators return and there is finally depth on the roster excluding tight ends and linebackers. It’s hard to believe Miami has yet to even make the ACC Title game since they switched conferences. The ACC is not a premiere conference in football, it’s known for its basketball prowess. This team has all the tools, the big question is can these athletes become football players and make plays on the gridiron. We hear a lot about All-Americans on Green Tree Practice Field, now let’s see it when it counts.

 

3. We know the offense is loaded with talent at the skill positions but some fans are still concerned about the UM offensive line.  Do you have any clear evidence that the OL will be able to keep QB Jacory Harris standing upright and most importantly staying healthy all season long?

 

I have an extreme amount of confidence in the offensive line. While they allowed 35 sacks last year and were abysmal in the bowl game against Wisconsin, this year they have depth and talent. Orlando Franklin will be solid on the offensive line and Joel Figueroa will make the seamless transition from guard to tackle. Tyler Horn can do a serviceable job at center like AJ Trump did last year. And there is plenty of depth. Players like Brandon Linder, Shane McDermott and Malcolm Bunche won’t even start and they could be starting at a lot of other BCS schools. The big wild card is what does Randy Shannon and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland do with Seantrel Henderson, the top offensive line prospect in the country. He’s too good to redshirt. I think he starts by the Florida State game. He’s just too talented to be watching from the sideline.

 

4. Now about the linebacker situation, what do your sources and senses tell you that Randy Shannon is going to do at MLB?  Kylan Robinson?  Surely U must be kidding?

 

Randy Shannon, a former linebacker himself, just loves veteran linebackers. We’ve seen him play Tavares Gooden, Romeo Davis, Glenn Cook, Darryl Sharpton and now he’s hyping up Kylan Robinson. There’s a reason why Robinson has not seen meaningful action during his tenure. I don’t trust K-Rob at all. I think Colin McCarthy will slide over to MLB and Jordan Futch, once healthy as he recovers from ACL surgery, will start at OLB.

 

5. The schedule, especially early on, is brutal.  What games do you see as Miami's toughest challenges or match-ups along the way?

 

While it is brutal, that’s why you come to Miami. To play in big time games. But the schedule is not as tough as it seems. Miami’s toughest ACC games are at home at Sun Life Stadium. They play Florida State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina all in Miami Gardens. That’s a big advantage. I think the biggest game will be October 2^nd against Clemson in Death Valley. That will set the tone for ACC Play. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker is expected to return and not sign a pro deal with the Colorado Rockies.

 

6. Now for the REALLY important stuff: How are the cheerleaders looking in tryouts and early practice this year and do you have any video or photos of the 2010 squad?

Unfortunately I have no inside nuggets about any five star recruits the cheerleading squad brought in. Personally, I prefer the Sunsations over UM’s cheerleaders.

Comments

[SOUP]

We ned Byrd big time IMO. Out of all our receivers, with the exception of Hank, he is the biggest loss.

Posted by: pb | August 18, 2010 at 11:10 PM

Agree 100%

[SOUP]

pb...hope to catch you at a game this year sometime soon. U know what to do.

[pb]

Sounds good. Right now it's looking like the GT game away, and of course every one of the home games.

[SJMPARMAN]

I have been watching the interviews with Randy this year and there is a remarkable difference in him. He is much calmer, more comfortable, and you can sense the confidence he has in the talent and work ethic of this team. He seems happier, more at ease.

When he was asked about Smith's big night, he said something to the effect, we got ten guys on the D line competing for our 8 man rotation. Smith knew he had to step up if he wants to earn one of those spots. Of his 10 tackles, 3 came on successive offensive plays, meaning he was dominating someone out there.

I would also note from the stats that both Lamar Miller (10 carries - 90 yards) and Storm (12 carries - 132 yards) had the big numbers running, (which is an average of 9 and 10 yards per carry for each) and Jacory was 8-12 102 yards and Spencer Whip was 7-8 for 96 yards.

I guess the end of the scrimmage was defense. Shannon said Spence got a good jam on the receiver when McCarthy had his pick in 2 minute drill, and then Buchannon got the other pick on a tipped ball. Of course, when was the last time we tipped a ball? Thank you Mr Petri. Also, there were at least two blocked punts tonight, one by Bailey, which also happened last scrimmage. That is a disturbing trend because that just should never happen with Bosher's experience. Special teams apparently still need some work.

I am getting excited about this team. Canes 56, OSU 0. Well maybe not that excited but it certainly seems like this team will be our best in many, many years.

[SOUP]

"I have been watching the interviews with Randy this year and there is a remarkable difference in him. He is much calmer, more comfortable, and you can sense the confidence he has in the talent and work ethic of this team. He seems happier, more at ease."

Could it be in his contract? Just curious?

[SOUP]

I am getting excited about this team. Canes 56, OSU 0. Well maybe not that excited but it certainly seems like this team will be our best in many, many years.

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | August 18, 2010 at 11:48 PM

U have been vaulted!

[SJMPARMAN]

I am sure the contract helps for sure. That was definitely much needed for many reasons. But, I don't think it is only the contract. I think he sees these guys compete and it reminds him of when he played in ways that none of his teams before this year have done. These guys are different than years before even last year.

Also, do not vault the 56-0, LOL. I'll still with my 21-20 vault, for now. I drink cool aid now and then but not 56-0 proof, lol.

[Brownsub]

........I forgot how nice J Jackson was too.

We haven't even had a back of his caliber as of late, let alone Willie-Mac, Portis, or Gore.
Berry has been the best runner since any of those guys, as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Hurri' | August 18, 2010 at 04:18 PM

Disagree before the injuries Tyrone Moss was the real deal!!! Many people don't give him the credit he deserves imo.

[SOUP]

Marlins are playing in Miami all around the FAMU game.

Rays have a few more games at home that I might get tickets to.

Anyone interested?

[Six]

If anyone else ordered The "U" Documentary - tell me if this happens to you

First - they cut out the FSU Rap part where the players talk about Jimmy Johnson putting in the VHS tape and walking out of the room ... when Lamar Thomas says that he just remembers Deion Sanders jerry curl juice shaking all over the place

Second - the deleted scenes are good, but after a few of them, my DVD player stopped and went back to the beginning of the movie

Bernie Kosar has a deleted scene where he talks about him and Vinny - it's freakin hilarious the way he tells it

The Lamar Thomas and Playmaker deleted scene is great as well - esp. the way it is shot, with Lamar telling you about how Irvin used to call him up and Lamar thought it would be about Irvin telling him he had a good game .. but .. it would be Irvin asking Lamar if he had watched him play that Sunday against the Redskins or whoever, and then he'd go on about how he beat Darrell Green or some other DB

All those deleted scenes that you can see on You Tube - none of those are on The "U" DVD .... I dunno what's going on with that - why wouldn't they put them all on there?

They also have a section you can watch called "Coach and Player Introductions" - and it has a lot of the Coaches and Players from the documentary introducing themselves, telling the years they were at Miami ....... they actually have Larry Coker in that segment - but they never even mentioned him at all in the entire documentary

[SOUP]

Also, do not vault the 56-0, LOL. I'll still with my 21-20 vault, for now. I drink cool aid now and then but not 56-0 proof, lol.

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | August 19, 2010 at 12:08 AM

Too Late! But don't worry. I will not use it asgainst U.

But if U are right...I'll break it out like a SHOUT!

[Brownsub]

We ned Byrd big time IMO. Out of all our receivers, with the exception of Hank, he is the biggest loss.

Posted by: pb | August 18, 2010 at 11:10 PM

Agree 100%

Posted by: SOUP | August 18, 2010 at 11:32 PM

Don't Agree

[SOUP]

The first episode of the 2010 Hurricane Hotline will air live on 560 WQAM (Listen Live) on Thursday night. The show kicks off with head coach Randy Shannon from 7-8 p.m. Eastern.

The second hour will be filled with weekly guests that bring national and ACC perspectives, as well as Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt.

We are going big on the first show with Heisman trophy winner and ESPN Gameday host Desmond Howard. Howard lives in the Miami area and is expected to be in attendance at the live set from Monty's in Coconut Grove (View Large Map). And as an alum of Michigan, he will certainly bring a unique perspective to the Canes' highly anticipated match-up with No. 2 Ohio State on Sept. 11.

Howard will join hosts Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey at approximately 8:15 p.m. He will be followed on the show by ESPN's ACC Blogger Heather Dinich.

Come out and join the live show at Monty's or listen live on WQAM, the official home of the Miami Hurricanes.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

We ned Byrd big time IMO. Out of all our receivers, with the exception of Hank, he is the biggest loss.

Posted by: pb | August 18, 2010 at 11:10 PM

>>>>>

Hopefully he's a quick healer, although you have to look at Canes tradition and expect someone else to step up and step in.

[SOUP]

Don't Agree

Posted by: Brownsub | August 19, 2010 at 12:49 AM

Accepted...but explain?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Solar, before I head back into the shadows, just want to go on the record and welcome the vitriol by saying:
- Think Shannon is good recruiter, DC. Head coach? Not so much.
- Actually thought Marve had a decent future; hope he does well.
- Wonder how / why Pannunzio has survived.
- Love Bosher.
- Hated to lose Wesley, regarless of depth on D-line.
- Miss Quatrine Hill at FB.
- Think DVD is terrible and couldn't tackle his own shadow.
- Think we're still a couple of years away - want to see a division crown first, then conference, then we'll see about the big bowls.
- Hate how coy Shannon is with media, particularly about injuries.
- Pray our o-line stays healthy.
- Still have nightmares about Virginia TEs running unimpeded around the Orange Bowl.
- Loved FSU, GT, OU results last year, but haven't jumped out of my chair since Canes took it to Hokies in Blacksburg in what, 2007? 2008?

Posted by: AlpharettaCane | August 18, 2010 at 10:17 PM

>>>>>>>

Not as groundless as your usual chatter but still groundless nonetheless, not surprising coming from man who says RR can really coach.

You'll be jumping out of your chair this year and you'll be watching Shannon teach these fools what Hurricane Football really looks like and what real HCing looks like.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Read nothing of what you FOOLS wrote.
Thomas Sowell is NOT a BS artist. What do you know Cav?

Posted by: DZ8 | August 18, 2010 at 10:07 PM

>>>>>>

I've been familiar with him since undergrad. He's decent I guess, compared to the other lame-o's running around posing as "intellects."

His corn-ball British sounding drivel about "civilization" and "barbarians", ideology and similar words tells me he's at bottom a corn-ball "intellectual" fond of pretty words. He talks about civilization then talks about political theory without understanding the muscular, war origins of the words democracy and republic. That's cowardly.

His droning about "liberals" tells me he doesn't understand that the very polarizing of "liberal" and "conservative" is nothing more than a facade, smoke and mirrors, all designed to force people to choose one or the other, a fence for people to hide behind (political parties). The concept of a liberal or conservative or a political party makes no sense in a real democracy or republic.

And you already know what I think of anyone who takes the word "race" seriously, especially anyone who's studied history and knows the shyt was invented. That's like a child realizing Santa Claus is in fact a myth but still waiting up every Christmas looking for the reindeer.

Sowell gets it about bureaucracies and spending and such but that's so superficial, so peripheral to the real problems and solutions, that it's not really worth mentioning.

I have NO respect for ANY of these trends of thought much less anyone who spends their entire life writing and talking about such silly shyt. It became clear, crystal clear to my by the end of my sophomore year that so-called "intellectuals", scholars et al were not even vaguely interested in solutions and deathly frightened of DEEDS.

Thus, I have no regard for any of them. They're borderline worthless. If they didn't have a monopoly on the system of money-making approval, i.e. college, they would be exposed for the worthless drivel they are.

And I went to a liberal arts college. One of Sowell's friends, the punk-azz Skip Gates received and honorary degree from my college the year I graduated.

I studied it all and was thoroughly unimpressed, other than the skills you learn about absorbing, analyzing and discussing large amounts of information in a fairly short amount of time, and a couple of classes in the hard sciences.

Otherwise I went hungry and left hungry, like eating at Taco Bell.

The only occasional benefit to them is when they uncover some useful piece of information about something because MEN were too busy DOING SOMETHING.

Emerson and Thoreau said the same things I'm saying 170 years ago. Thomas Edison said it. Louis Sullivan, the inventor of the skyscraper said it. And so did Frank Lloyd Wright, among others.

It's not new. It's a combination of British and German thought that is radically opposed to the American spirit. That's why the greatest Americans have denounced it the same way and for the same reasons I denounce it.

"Truth" or "Veritas" as Harvard's crest reads, isn't even vaguely the goal in these places. The idea is comical.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

DZ8, here's the proof of exactly what I mean about your boy, a quote of his that made literally made me LOL.

>>>>>

"The big divide in this country is not between Democrats and Republicans, or women and men, but between talkers and doers."
Thomas Sowell

>>>>>>>

This from a man who when give a chance to wage war with the USMC became a photographer for them. A PHOTGRAPHER with the USMC? GTFOH!!

Deeds?? Doers?? lol

I'm sure he used the dictionary to spell it correctly. haha

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Hate how coy Shannon is with media, particularly about injuries.

Amen
Posted by: DZ8 | August 18, 2010 at 10:20 PM

>>>>>>

In case y'all haven't noticed EVERY college HC is coy with the media, esp. before a game or season.

And what does it matter to us whether or not we know the extent of an injury two days after it happened?

[Brownsub]

I do Agree Byrd would be missed if he can't play this season however I disagree that he is the biggest loss after Hank. How could 1 say that he is the biggest loss after Hank and place him above Benjamin. Other than the Georgia Tech game last year what did Byrd do?? As we Hurricane fans know that this receiving corps has the potential to be the best group ever at the U but they must stay consistent every game. Consistency is something all of them have lacked with the exception of Hankerson. Byrd only had 1 break out game (Georgia Tech) and if I am mistaken please feel free to correct me. Although Benjamin does disappear at times I can name games off the top of my head that he had more of an impact than Byrd: FSU game - TD and a Couple of BIG receptions including the grab just before going out of bounds towards the end of the game. Okla: an early td after he abused the defender Franks. Clemson: Redemption td for Jacory Harris after throwing a int, Benjamin torched the secondary., Wake Forest: Game winning td.

[The "U" is America's team]

One thing about the old sugar bowl footage vs Florida. Did anybody notice how fast the receivers were? Did anyone see how fast Ken Dorsey was getting that ball out? Even if Dorsey had a weak arm like the so-called experts said he still was quick with his decisions. It just makes u appreciate Dorsey even more nowadays.

[Brownsub]

As an alum of Northwestern I have always been a little biased in regards to who should play at Receiver. But I do not ignore the facts or the truth and if someone has outplayed any of my favorites I can absolutely accept it and put my pride to the side. Going into the 2008 season( when all the young guys were Freshmen) I wanted all of the Northwestern guys to play as well as Benjamin because I had seen what he was able to do against a Northwestern team in the Jamboree kickoff. Byrd wasn't even on my radar before the season started however as the season progressed I definitely knew he should be in the rotation. Byrd had become our best receiver by the end of the receiver or at least he seemed like the hungriest! He was fighting for jump balls and was the most aggressive receiver we had during those last 2 or 3 games of the 2008 season. He truly has lots of potential but he hasn't lived up to his potential yet whether it is because of injuries or because he hasn't gotten many opportunities to make plays. I don't know what it is but I cannot say that his lost at this stage would be greater than Benjamin's.

[Brownsub]

^ It should be (end of the receiver) ===> end of the season

[CaneRock]

I don't know, but I think the addition of Ford in the passing game neutralizes the temporary loss of Byrd. If Ford proves to be as dynamic as RS says He is, then look out, because there's nothing like a TE who who can stretch the field vertically and horizontally. And if JH has stepped up His blitz pick-up game, the other teams probably won't pressure with more than 5...

[NativeCane]

Herald-
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/19/1782442/um-quarterback-progress-report.html

``I'm 6-7,'' said Franklin, 22. ``I can't walk around with a smile on my face. I'll look like Barney or something.''

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/18/1780712/miami-hurricanes-orlando-franklin.html#ixzz0x2hQz2kn

Manny-
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/08/storm-johnson-andrew-smith-shine-in-scrimamge.html

[mi@mic@ne]

The lack of success in our passing game in the second part of the season had a lot to do with JHs injury. That is because it took the college coaches that much time to figure out the weakness in our O line. Plus Whipples first yr in this and the lack of familiarity made up for the o line weaknesses at the beginning. But this yr we got a lot of older guys in the trenches... strength and a better rotation is going to make a big difference.

[NativeCane]

SS- Bossman
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-position-changes-0819-20100818,0,7485894.story

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-football-news-0819-20100818,0,3965335.story

Streeter: "I remember one night praying to God telling myself, 'Lord, I'd like to play behind a guy who makes it to the NFL, who's successful here, so I know what it takes. Now I see Hank emerging as that guy. So it's fulfilling for me."
Read more:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-hankerson-0818-20100817,0,3299761.story

B-ball-
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-adrian-thomas-basketball-0819-20100818,0,5570167.story

Steve- GretzkyCane?
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2010/08/hurricanes-interested-in-gretzkys-son.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sports%2Fumweblog+%28UM+Hurricanes+%7C+Sun-Sentinel+Blogs%29

[NativeCane]

PBP-
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/08/18/storm-johnson-enjoys-a-big-night-at-miami-hurricanes-scrimmage/

[NativeCane]

U
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/08/18/storm-johnson-enjoys-a-big-night-at-miami-hurricanes-scrimmage/

[NativeCane]

Heather and Allen Bailey
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/13504/video-accs-hardest-hitters

[usagainstheworld]

"that kid is going to be a problem."

i forget who said that here on the blog-- but more than a few kids on this team are going to be a "problem"-- in a very good way!

[SOUP]

Good morning Canespace!

[Zakkee]

Storm is literally brewing.

[DZ8]

NativeCane with my Early Bird!

Thank you very much!

[DZ8]

Cav

Thomas Sowell IS actually an economist. Not a pretend-intellectual with a bunch of diplomas that mean nothing. U and him are on the same side on many issues but your anarchist mentality occasionally causes you to throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Yes he was a photographer with the Marines. He didn't join the Marines and they didn't ask him what he wanted to do.
Every step of the way he was true to his independent beliefs.
You know how much ridicule a "conservative" teacher faces? You know how much ridicule a "conservative" black man faces?
Ask Clarence Thomas.

Thomas Sowell is one of my heroes.

[DZ8]

is that a 3-4 aroma I'm smelling...

Posted by: CaneRock | August 18, 2010 at 11:14 PM

I can't wait to see it game time! Not sure Lovett is a 3-4 phanatic but we'll see. All our DE except for Bailey are prototypical 3-4 OLBs. At some point we MUST run the 3-4 because the NFL is running it so much. We made our claim with a pro-style offense... I'm waiting for some variations of the 3-4 to help our kids in the draft, which will help us recruiting, which will help us with NC #8,9, etc...

[Zakkee]

Chamber's position switch is more a indication of how good our RB stable is than a need or worry about our DB depth IMO. Its probably a combination of both factors.

It indicates that Storm (especially), Clements, and Hall are ready (or almost).

Vernon will be an All-American going in to next season...I really like this kid's game.

I wonder if Colin McCarthy has any friends on the team? He's so stoic, hard-nosed, unfazed, and aggressive. Interviewers keep asking him, "who's been impressing you out there?" Colin, "no one in particular"...lol! No props...lol! I love that kid. My girlfriend couldn't care less about football, but she watches the Canes just to see Colin McCarthy play. She even notices his intensity: how he gets into little quick fights with opposing players after each play, his reactions to other teams scoring on us (he absolutely flips..watch him) and how he's always tugging on his own facemask and flexing his hands in his gloves..lol!

[mi@mic@ne]

Actually the philosophy that everyone must compete for a position is what Sowell preaches.

[DZ8]

I became a Hurricane fan when I was born in Miami. I didn't realize it at the time but I had no choice.

I always love it when chicks dig a certain team because they have a "cute" player. Don't kid yourself Zakkee, "cute" players on any team, because your a Canes fan you've brought another into the fold.

[DZ8]

Thats what I don't understand about Cavs comments. Sowell is, straight-up, you get what you earn. No favoritism allowed.

[DZ8]

from before May 28, 2009.

Andrew Smith- Very encouraging that he got playing time last year as a true freshman. Loco says look away.

[solarcane]

U is America's,

I thought exactly the same thing watching Dorsey in the Florida game

He got rid of the ball almost instantly quite a few times.

some of those passes had nice velocity if you watch how low the tragectory was.

Jacory will read defenses a lot quicker this year, he admitted that was a major thing he worked on while he was healing.

He is about the only one that didn't blame all his picks on a sore thumb.

He gets the ball out as fast as Dorsey his picks will come way down.

[Zakkee]

That could definitely be a part of her interests. She always checks the players out and makes comments about their butts, but if she had a crush on Colin, she would have absolutely no qualms about saying it. I don't have an ego for her to have to protect.

Are you insinuating that CMac is hot?

[solarcane]

pb,
it's great to see you around, lets hang for awile before the GT game if we can hook up there.

[DZ8]

I'm not insinuating it... she IS!

[solarcane]

That was some good blogging from last night right on through today.
Good to see so many folks back on the space.

soup,
I'm stoked to see the WYPT shirts!

[solarcane]

zak
If you get a chance and Colin or a Cane makes a play on special teams check out how CMac circles over toward the opposing sideline to get a few quick verbal jabs in before he runs back to the defense or off on our sideline.

When CMac squeezes the sides of his helmet and tries to pull it down even tighter, I know he is about to explode.

Nobody on the current roster deserves an ACC championship more than Colin does, imo.

[DZ8]

I like your opinion.

[Zakkee]

She doesn't insinuate, thats not a part of her personality, she's very direct...but ok..lol!

[Canez1]

Solar no doubt about Cmac.

Dude has been a badazz through a sea of puzzies.

Love the kid.

GO CANEZ!!!!!