Recently I had a chance to catch up with our old friend Justin Antweil the Sports Director of the WVUM radio station at the University of Miami. Here is his bio from www.WVUM.org:
Justin is a senior at the University of Miami double majoring in broadcast journalism and economics. He has been working for WVUM the past four years and has had an opportunity to broadcast baseball, volleyball, football, men's basketball and women's basketball games for the University of Miami.
WVUM is not only known for it's underground music, but the sports department is one of the best in the nation. For more information on WVUM Sports please email sports@wvum.org.
Justin has always offered us the unique, on-campus perspective of what is really going on inside the Hecht Athletic Center in lovely Coral Gables.
Here is our most recent Q&A with campus insider Justin Antweil:
Q: Tell me what U think about the new coaching staff at UM?
A: I like the young, energetic and enthusiastic assistants Golden has brought to his staff. They seem committed to selling the U and cherishing the great history of the University of Miami football program.
Q: Do U think the new coaching staff will have time to put together a solid recruiting class this year given their extremely late start in getting in the game?
A: While everyone wants to focus on recruiting, to me I want to see what Golden and crew do with guys already on this team that have been in Shannon's dog house or just been dormant for three years. I'm talking guys like Kendal Thompkins, Tommy Streeter, Brandon McGee, Storm Johnson, Jamal Reid, Vaughn Telemaque, Ray Ray Armstrong, Ramon Buchanon, Jordan Futch, ect.
Q: Do U think Miami has enough talent on their roster to compete with the the current top football programs in the NCAA in 2011?
A: There is a lot of talent on this team that has not been maximized. In fact, there are 23 players on the roster that were in the ESPNU 150 their senior year of high school.
Q: Where does Miami need to improve for the Hurricanes to be successful next season?
A: Obviously Golden and Fisch need to figure out the QB position. That's the most integral position on the gridiron. To me there should not be an open competition, it should be Stephen Morris's job to lose.
Q: From your personal perspective what has been the root cause of Miami's struggles over the past couple of seasons?
A: The underlying problem with UM the past four years has been the team has athletes, not football players. It's terrific the players have great 40 yard dash times, can bench press triple digits and dominate in practices but they cannot get it done on game days.
Q: What other factors must be addressed for the Hurricanes to be successful in 2011 and beyond?
A: Team unity needs to improve and communication needs to be better. The football IQ of these players is not very good. And let's face it, Miami was the only team from the state of Florida this year not to win their bowl game. USF, UCF, UF, FSU and FIU all won in the postseason. UM lost. I think we all realize Randy Shannon left a lot more questions than answers.
Q: What should Hurricane fans hopes and expectations be for next season and going forward?
A: I think it's time for Miami fans to stop living in the past. Realize every recruit that is a safety isn't going to be Sean Taylor. Realize every recruit that is a linebacker will not be Jon Vilma or Ray Lewis. Realize every recruit that is a tight end won't be Jeremy Shockey. Realize every good recruit that is a wide receiver won't be an Andre Johnson. It's time for players at the U to set their own identity instead of become someone from the past.
Q: Point blank, can Miami win the ACC in 2011?
A: The ACC was a weak conference in 2010 and may be even weaker in 2011 so Miami should be able to win it this coming year. The Hurricanes also get a break playing OSU without its five best players in the third game of the season. So if Miami can do well in the ACC as they should they have a decent chance to finish as a highly ranked BCS team at the end of next season.
Q: What's the bottom line for you going into the 2011 season?
A: I'm sick of Green Tree Practice Player All Americans. Time to get it done when it counts.
Thanks for stopping by Justin. We couldn't agree more.
I like what I am hearing out of the AG's staff. They are young, energetic and smart.
I like the interview that Solar posted of the new OC, Jedd Fisch. In discussing his offensive philosphy, JF did not end his discussion at play-calling and formations (i.e., Marky Mark and RS). JF also emphasized the need to know your personnel (recognizing your players' talents, knowing your players' strengths and weaknesses, and designing a game plan accordingly).
One of the biggest complaints I read here was why throw jump balls to TB3? why have a weak-to-avg. arm JH throw deep floaters into 2 deep coverages? Why not run the ball 40+ times behind that big OL and great stable of RBs? Why not run more screens or quick hitches to give it to playmakers in space? Why not throw more deep passes to Streeter? Why was your freshman QB not playing early after JH's terrible OSU game? Why not simplify your offense for your freshman QB?
JF also spoke of the need to make explosive plays and limit mistakes. Every good coach seems to say that is the key. These Canes did not do a very good job of that. The 2010 Canes led the ACC BY FAR in mistakes (turnovers, interceptions, penalties), and although they led the ACC in offense and plays greater than 10+ yds, they were near the bottem in 30+ and 50+ plays. Its amazing that these Canes didn't loose more games, and frankly, these kind of mistakes are not tolerable. There is no way these Canes should not have won 10+ games this season with their talent, and I hate to say it, but it falls squarely on the shoulders of the coaches who failed to teach these young kids how to win football games.
Seems like JF knows a lot about these Canes and what needs to be corrected for these Canes to be successful. I am excited about the 2011 season.
Posted by: WindyCane1 | January 15, 2011 at 11:02 AM
JF also spoke of the need to make explosive plays and limit mistakes.
Posted by: WindyCane1 | January 15, 2011 at 11:02 AM
But he spoke of making explosive plays "when the opportunity presents itself." Which is why limiting mistakes is so important. If you HAVE to push the tempo, because you've given away a couple cheap touchdowns, your explosive plays are harder to come by. If you're just grinding down the defense four or five yards per play, however, and you see a coverage adjustment, you can get the big play on your own schedule.
Posted by: dj moonbat | January 15, 2011 at 11:07 AM
WindyCane1 & dj moonbat with the very early, posts of the day.
I agree exactly and forget which blogger is worried that the 2011 Canes will look like the offensively boring Miami Dolphins. They will NOT. Our skill position players have too much athleticism to not break a big one every now and then.
JMO, of course :)
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Finally Byrdman can be freed up from his doghouse and become the bigtime WR this team needs
#47 couldnt be covered 1on1 but yet couldnt get on the field on a consistent basis
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 11:35 AM
I thought he was on the field a decent amount but wasn't targeted enough.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM
DZ8 - it is of my opinion that I agree with your opinion.
Posted by: raizecane | January 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
You're a wise man raizecane.
The mind set of our coaches dovetails nicely with the current strengths of our offensive team. Running the ball, limiting turnovers and stupid penalties should allow us to control the clock and keep our defense off the field.
Then when the D steps on the field, hopefully they'll have a lead and soon make the opponent one dimensional. Improved coaching at all positions will hopefully allow us to hide our inexperienced cornerbacks.
It is hard to be a realistic Canes fan.
Every time I think I get out... they PULL me back in.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Q: What should Hurricane fans hopes and expectations be for next season and going forward?
A: " I think it's time for Miami fans to stop living in the past. " JUSTIN
Bloody V-O-I-L-A!!
I believe, with absolUte certainty, that my man Justin was addressing the above-mentioned notion to HERBERTibis and ORANGE-N-GREEN and similar like-minded Cane horde. Howdy.
So, wake the fUc! up. Because it's the dawning of a new GOLDEN EPOCH in Miami, F-L-A Hurricane football.
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 11:54 AM
DZ8
It was surprising the amount of time he wasnt in the game
For a #1 WR like Byrdman he should of been on the field alot more then he was
On many occasions it was #4,#3 and #85(belongs)
He is also a good run blocker both at the line and down the field
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Of course, it's one thing to say you want to limit mistakes, and another thing to get the athletes to implement.
I mean, I'm even those of you that really, really hated Whipple's playcalling have to recognize that Jacory's instructions on the passing plays never involved "then throw into double/triple coverage for the INT." The only way to avoid that particular mistake, it often seemed, was just never to pass. (Teams that only run the ball get predictable pretty fast.)
So: can Harris and Morris learn to be careful? Can Fisch somehow teach them that? Really, that's far, far more important than the system, or even the playcalling. Explosiveness will always be there, as long as the QBs aren't taking us out of situations where we're taking advantage of opportunities, and putting us in situations where we're pressing our luck.
Posted by: dj moonbat | January 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Finally Byrdman can be freed up from his doghouse and become the bigtime WR this team needs
#47 couldnt be covered 1on1 but yet couldnt get on the field on a consistent basis
Posted by: Sebastian57 | January 15, 2011 at 11:35 AM
That's because your good ol' boy Marky Mark put Byrd in the Cane BIRD CAGE. LOL Bloody capice! And it wasn't Randy who took this action.
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
a U football fan after the last few years....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rDgE9d3GXE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
john
Posted by: doc in pv | January 14, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Doc: yes, that's it exactly! Very funny.
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | January 15, 2011 at 12:08 PM
That's because your good ol' boy Marky Mark put Byrd in the Cane BIRD CAGE. LOL Bloody capice! And it wasn't Randy who took this action.
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Are you kidding? Whipple kept Byrd off the field? Why on Earth would he do that? He knows he's judged on how his offenses perform -- why would he bench his best (or at worst second-best) WR? Unless, that is, Randy wouldn't let him put Byrd on the field.
Posted by: dj moonbat | January 15, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Are you kidding? Whipple kept Byrd off the field? Why on Earth would he do that? He knows he's judged on how his offenses perform -- why would he bench his best (or at worst second-best) WR? Unless, that is, Randy wouldn't let him put Byrd on the field.
Posted by: dj moonbat | January 15, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Shannon made mUcho CRITICAL decisions which cost him his title.
However, Byrd ending up in the Miami BIRD CAGE wasn't one of them. Just saying for what it's worth.
Nonetheless, Miami doesn't have the Whipple Factor to deal with anymore, as wel as being a Green and Orange TABULA RASA for all the Miami roster players. That includes the incoming freshmen and or junior college transfers.
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Posted by: Sebastian57 | January 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM
He'll get more on of an opportunity now. Run blocking wide receivers will be stressed. I remember that was why Hurns was getting some PT over other receivers.
I won't be surprised if we have some transfers just a couple of days or weeks before the season opener. Reality sets in and some of these wide outs know their time is running out. This will probably be the last year for that "great" 2008 receiver class. Kendall Thompkins, Davon Johnson and Tommy Streeter will all have eligibility for 2012, but will they be here to use it? We'll see.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 12:19 PM
The only bird cage Byrd was put in was by JaPicky. He never even looked Byrds way. When Morris entered the games he was hit for multiple receptions. That was all on JaBenchy.
Posted by: BEERicane | January 15, 2011 at 12:21 PM
We here at Canespace have to remember 1 thing:
If we post something that goes against what Mac has to say then we are 100% wrong
A few of us have some good things to say about a guy that plays on the O and we should know that he going to go against what we have to say because that adds to his fuel of not liking Coach Whipple
Everyone was in RS doghouse except for #47...that coming from a Gator fan and Nebraska hater
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 12:24 PM
"JaBenchy".....Best nickname ive heard for him yet
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 12:29 PM
to say because that adds to his fuel of not liking Coach Whipple
Posted by: Sebastian57 | January 15, 2011 at 12:24 PM
It, also, seems UCONN's A.D. didn't think highly of Marky Mark either.
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Yeah, yeah the Huskies A.D. offered that Whipple Factor the head coaching position.
But after due consideration, Hathaway realized he made a hasty decision and shrewdly went after THE PAISANO. lol
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Im also expecting Dorsett to come in and get some early P.T. as well
A true freshmen coming in and getting a shot at early p.t. will open alot of the other WR eyes
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Nebraska hater
Posted by: Sebastian57 | January 15, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Einstein, don't confuse my discontent for approximately 75.666% of the Herbie Cornhusker horde and my relative respect for the Nebraska football PROGRAM.
In other words Einstein, yous need to WORK on the CRAFT of INVERTING my notions and or statements. LMAO
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:47 PM
To hell with the fact the Steelers don't have any Canes, kick that Raven ass!
Posted by: canesteeler | January 15, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Its going to be one of those nervous, never comfortable games for the Steeler and Ravens fans
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 01:10 PM
off topic but living in the Northeast cant find Canes gear, whats the best site to buy canes sweatshirts, hoodies and T's
Posted by: wartown canes | January 15, 2011 at 01:20 PM
U'all need to quit taking ole mac so serious... YA DIG?!
And canesteeler it might get a little lonely on here with all those Canes playing for the Ravens today... just sayin'! :)
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 01:31 PM
footballfanatic.com
allcanes.com
Type in miami hurricane apparel and BLAM there it is.
Posted by: Ucane | January 15, 2011 at 01:31 PM
I use football fanatics quite a bit
Im sure others have sites as well
http://www.footballfanatics.com/COLLEGE_Miami_Hurricanes
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 01:31 PM
I hope we redshirt all our freshmen wide outs and Allen Hurns gets a redshirt this year. Obviously I hope that means that all the returning wide outs are getting the job done. We need to build that depth for the future so we don't find ourselves having to take 8 wide outs every four years or so.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 01:32 PM
miami bookstore is a good one too
Posted by: Ucane | January 15, 2011 at 01:34 PM
Travis Benjamin, Sr
LaRon Byrd, Sr
Aldarius Johnson, Sr
Kendal Thompkins, Jr
Davon Johnson, Jr
Tommy Streeter, Jr
Allen Hurns, So (hopefully redshirts)
Then the freshmen. At least one maybe two or more.
Did I miss anyone?
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Thats about it
The only 1 that could possibly see some time over there would be Reid but I seriously doubt that with the `Canes being thin at CB
But #15 has the skills to easily become a WR
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 01:44 PM
thanks
Posted by: wartown canes | January 15, 2011 at 01:53 PM
I was thinking about that recently. If we are going to move him let's do it now. Reid is at safety though right? Not that thin there but now that Nicolas/Campbell have used their eligibility maybe he'll see the field more.
Can't wait to see what Coach D comes up with as far as using our players properly. We have a lot of players that can offer versatility (Olivier Vernon) or can excel in one area RayRay Armstrong (blitzing/run support) that I don't think have been used properly in the past.
Exciting times ahead :)
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Remember in the all star game it was Reid from Barkely burning that other DB recruit of ours (Prince something) that never made it to campus. If he can't/isn't seeing the field on defense, (not to mention the return game), then give him a chance on offense, soon.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 01:58 PM
According to sources we picked up a big time silent commitment
Posted by: DrewZ2 | January 15, 2011 at 01:59 PM
According to sources we picked up a big time silent commitment
Posted by: DrewZ2 | January 15, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Im hearing the same thing Drew.
Posted by: Carol City Cane | January 15, 2011 at 02:10 PM
That's because your good ol' boy Marky Mark put Byrd in the Cane BIRD CAGE. LOL Bloody capice! And it wasn't Randy who took this action.
Posted by: macjones | January 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
And U know this as a FACT because?
Posted by: SOUP | January 15, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Reid was a do everything player in HS
It was a smaller HS but he still was able to play on both sides of the ball
Yes, that was him toasting Prince Kent in that all-star game
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Maybe this will be the season that Dye and Reid get some good run
And no to Dye moving to TE
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Yes, that was him toasting Prince Kent in that all-star game
Posted by: Sebastian57 | January 15, 2011 at 02:14 PM
That is correct! I was there.
Posted by: SOUP | January 15, 2011 at 02:18 PM
LADIES AND GENTELMEN:
I have just confirmed a LIVE chat here on Canespace with Justin Antweil Sports Director at WVUM for:
MONDAY 8-9 PM.
Have your questions ready and start posting them at 8 PM for Justin to answer. We are working on trying to get a special guest also. More to follow...
Posted by: SOUP | January 15, 2011 at 02:28 PM
According to sources we picked up a big time silent commitment
Posted by: DrewZ2 | January 15, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Im hearing the same thing Drew.
Posted by: Carol City Cane
Guess it isnt that silent lol
Posted by: UMike | January 15, 2011 at 02:30 PM
Good job Soup
Ill be looking forward to that
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 02:34 PM
The `Canes mens basketball team better be ready this evening
They have had 1 week to prepare for the 1st place Eagles so there shouldnt be any excuses
The Eagles are very weak on the boards so I hope Haith has a plan to let the guys attack the glass
Oh and please have someone stop Reggie Jackson 19.5 points 4.5 reb. 4.7 assists
29 points and 25 points in both league games this week
Posted by: Sebastian | January 15, 2011 at 02:58 PM
www.allCanes.com is where i get mine...and they are all fine folks...
May as well buy it from real 'Canes fans...
Posted by: Texascane | January 15, 2011 at 03:00 PM
If B.J Dubose is athletic enuff 2 play te then why not try him at olb? Can u imagine Dubose and Ricardo at olb?
Posted by: 4-Real | January 15, 2011 at 03:03 PM
DZ, the Steelers are my hometown team and no matter how tough it gets I got to stand tall my brother!
Posted by: canesteeler | January 15, 2011 at 03:14 PM
I understand, true fans support thru thick and thin. Once my Dolphins got eliminated I'd like to see the Ravens and the Packers do well. But I respect your loyalty canesteeler!
Posted by: DZ8 | January 15, 2011 at 03:24 PM
I like the loyalty canesteeler....same way you are about the Canes...I am a Raider fan, so I am glad you still have your team to pull for!!
Posted by: VA Cane | January 15, 2011 at 03:41 PM