This article was written for Canespace by blogger DZ8...
National Signing Day has come and gone and most of "The Legion" is happy with the results. Given the circumstances Al Golden and his coaching staff did a good job landing and signing their first recruiting class.
Yet as most of you already know talent acquisition is only half of the equation to a successful program. Talent development is the key ingredient that has been missing from the Miami program for much too long.
New Head Coach Al Golden has stressed player development in many of his comments. But many of us in the Cane Nation have grown tired of talk however. We want results.
If the past is prologue, then it appears that good times are ahead in player development for Miami football.
While at UVA and in charge of the linebackers (as well as Defensive Coordinator), Golden took some good prospects in Kai Parham and Ahmad Brooks (which he helped recruit) and turned them into the nations best linebacking unit. But now he is the Head Coach, you might say, and it is the position coaches who are most influential in developing players. And you would be right, the position coaches teach the technique and assignments required of each position. They spend the most time with the players and are mostly responsible for player progress.
But it is the Head Coach who has the vision and sets the goals. He is the one who holds the coaches accountable if the players do not meet those goals. And if nothing else Golden has clearly established goals for this Miami team and lots of them.
Player reactions to Strength & Conditioning Coach Andrew Swaseys' new workouts confirm that a new plan is in place. Moving back the start of spring practice allows the players a better chance to build bulk and get healthier. Taking a respected coach (NFL players still come back to work out with him) from the previous staff and giving him new goals and guidelines, gives the players tools with which to develop their technique.
Tactics along the defensive line will be taught by Jethro Franklin. After previous stops in the NFL, Franklin left USC for Temple. While with Temple he took an unheralded (ranked a 40 on ESPNs' scale where 5 star prospects normally get an 80) recruit and helped him develop into a potential 1st round draft pick.
Muhammed Wilkerson arrived at Temple weighing 255lbs and will leave for the NFL weighing 305lbs. It isn't just the weight gain that has scouts drooling. Wilkerson displays a penetrating style (9 sacks, 13 tackles for loss ) and scheme versatility that have some predicting a top 15 pick future if he would've returned for another year. Now Jethro Franklin has the Miami defensive line to work with.
New running backs coach Terry Richardson has consistently produced great running backs at the University of Connecticut. Donald Brown (1st round pick of the Indianapolis Colts) was replaced by the 118th rated running back in ESPN's 2008 rankings. Jordan Todman also followed Brown in that he left school with eligibility remaining, which I think is a good thing at that position.
Because of the risk of injury it is important to have a stable of young, talented backs. The NFL encourages them as well by giving lower draft grades to those with too much, "wear on them", from four full years of college use. Recruits seeing the pattern won't hesitate to sign knowing they won't get stuck behind an entrenched starter. The fact that Richardson is from the South Florida area is a bonus, as he now has a different caliber of back to sculpt and mold.
Even when Miami was getting 5 star recruits at every other position, Art Kehoe was producing good lines with lesser prospects. This is probably the most talented (recruiting star wise) offensive line that Kehoe has ever had to work with. Brennan Carroll consistently produced All-American tight ends while at USC. Together Kehoe and Carroll will have to work to solidify the Hurricanes offensive line to open running lanes and most importantly protect the UM QB.
Paul Williams, who was with Al Golden from the start at Temple, will take over the secondary for the Hurricanes. Williams took a recruit with one Division 1 offer (from Temple!) and had him win numerous All MAC awards. Jaiquawn Jarrett is a projected 3rd round pick in this years NFL draft. Williams might be a little excited to work with Vaughn Telemaque, RayRay Armstrong, and some inexperienced, but talented, cornerbacks.
Defensive Coordinator Mark D'Onofrio (Coach D) has followed Golden just about every step of way. Coach D turned down the head coaching opportunity at Temple to follow Golden, and other coaches on the staff have shown the same loyalty. Art Kehoe was so excited to get in on this that he had everyone he knew call Coach Golden to get him an interview.
Players often say something along the lines of, 'Good knows good.' Meaning one good player recognizes another good player on the field. Coaches are much the same way. From the loyal coaches following Golden, to coaches petitioning for a job, to coaches jumping at a chance from just a phone call, leads me to believe that they know something special is happening in Coral Gables and they want in on it.
In the end it comes down to the players making plays. We now have coaches who realize their job is simply to make the players better. On Tuesday night Manny Navarro quoted Al Golden as saying, "It's all about player development."
So forget about the number of stars these new recruits come in with.
It is Al Golden and his staff that will turn them into stars.
1st?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2011 at 03:02 PM
Yesssssss!! Think that's my 2nd or 3rd one this year!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2011 at 03:03 PM
good timing OC
Posted by: Rich Cane | February 03, 2011 at 03:13 PM
3rd
Posted by: canesteeler | February 03, 2011 at 03:18 PM
love the class. hope jacoby comes. not sure what i think about having a jacory and a jacoby at the same time, but will take it. curious to see who gets medical hardship or leaves
Posted by: WestCoastIbis | February 03, 2011 at 03:42 PM
last????
Posted by: raizecane | February 03, 2011 at 03:43 PM
http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank/2011/all/de;_ylt=Ag6N7JBWHyHzsShvWvNTJoFJPZB4
For those that want to see a positive ranking.
We came in THIRD for DEs this year.
Alabama #1, Notre Dame #2.
Posted by: Ungar | February 03, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Manny - Looks like #UM spring football will start March 7 and wrap up April 16. Spring game date may be finalized later today
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2011 at 03:56 PM
DZ8, You make a good job mang!
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | February 03, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Leaving the 954 and off to The Titanic for some suds and grub.
Basketball: UM vs GT at 7 PM.
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Blessedly good and accurate read, DZ8!
Posted by: Ungar | February 03, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Its 4:00 somewhere!
Posted by: NativeCane | February 03, 2011 at 04:06 PM
I'm pretty happy with the job the staff was able to do given the circumstances
Sounds like we have a pretty athletic and speedy class...also sounds like Perryman, Paul, and Chickillo are workhorses in the weight room so that will be a positive also
Posted by: DrewZ2 | February 03, 2011 at 04:06 PM
also sounds like Perryman, Paul, and Chickillo are workhorses in the weight room so that will be a positive also
Posted by: DrewZ2 | February 03, 2011 at 04:06 PM
------------------------------------------
Absolutely!
Picture if you were an upper-classman on this team and a Freshman is outworking you in the weight room. What are you gonna do? Sit there and take it? Nope, you're gonna go work harder than him!
Love it!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Golden on Rose said they had guys who were big time recruits who were committed to other big programs who were turned down... 4 star guys ... because they did not fit our system... this was the first weekend that they brought recruits in... i did not know we had our pick.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 04:21 PM
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 04:21 PM
-------------------------------------------
What do stars matter if they aren't right for our scheme?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2011 at 04:21 PM
i dont know if you guys can see the canesport news about golden starting to recruit for next year...The fax's started coming into local high schools last week.
"Join coach Golden for a social hour and ACC basketball," it read in big print. "Watch the Canes take on Georgia Tech on 2/3 at 6:30 p.m."
Below that: "Don't forget to bring your top 2012 prospects transcripts and film."
Yes, coach Al Golden and his staff officially are kicking off the start of 2012 recruiting tonight with a one-hour meet and greet for local coaches that will be followed by the Hurricanes' basketball game.
when he has his interview with CBS about recruiting at the end he says "its all about the U"...come on. i love this hire...
cant wait til spring camp!
in other news. the Bengals hired Jay Gruden as their Offensive Coordinator...lets see how he works
Posted by: Zaro | February 03, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Golden on Rose also said that Carroll was interested in Fisch ... Carrol told Golden that he was in a dog fight for Fisch ...just a few tibits i havent read about on any of the sites.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 04:42 PM
Great article DZ8
Posted by: Sebastian | February 03, 2011 at 04:43 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAWAOF9Ogt4&feature=player_embedded#
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 04:51 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KPjbfJsHxk&feature=related
They're going to half to move the Pro Football hall of fame from Canton to the Hecht center pretty soon.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 04:55 PM
when he has his interview with CBS about recruiting at the end he says "its all about the U"...come on. i love this hire...
cant wait til spring camp!
in other news. the Bengals hired Jay Gruden as their Offensive Coordinator...lets see how he works
Posted by: Zaro | February 03, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Does anyone have a shot of Golden holding up the U?
I mean, if he is saying "It's All About The U", AND can throw up the U correctly, +5 skeptic points for him.
Posted by: Ungar | February 03, 2011 at 05:01 PM
kehoe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO4BdOlgG0Q&feature=related
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 05:04 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkkS70IICA4
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 05:08 PM
MIAMI HURRICANES PUMP UP - AL GOLDEN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq0yP78NOLM&feature=related
I believe Golden is the real deal.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2011 at 05:14 PM
G.Tech has 2 tall guards in Shumpart and Rice Jr. and if Haith doesnt gameplan to shut them down(like he ever game plans) then this will once again be another down night for the `Canes basketball team
Stop those 2 and the `Canes win this game
Tech is a poor shooting team and rebounding is about even
`Canes lose this game and no way Haith should be the HC tommorrow
Posted by: Sebastian | February 03, 2011 at 05:28 PM
SOUP...have you ever thought of selling Canes apparel and items? If you have any contacts to get that stuff whole sale I would be more than happy to create a fully secure shopping website for you that connects to Canespace. I would be happy to buy all my Cane stuff from you/Da Space than anywhere else. Just a thought to help raise funds for the blog. Let me know..
Posted by: UMike | February 03, 2011 at 05:30 PM
`Canes lose this game and no way Haith should be the HC tommorrow
Posted by: Sebastian57 | February 03, 2011 at 05:28 PM
I already think that Haith should be fired no matter the outcome tonight but I think they might wait till after the season...If they fire him now then you pretty much end the season right there
We need to get another up and comer like Al Golden IMO
Like one of the Kentucky assistants or one of Coach K's assistants at Duke....gotta get a new hard working guy def
Posted by: DrewZ2 | February 03, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Haith has ruined what should have been an NCAA berth season this year
Tech is 0-6 on the road this year losing to 5-17 Kennesaw St. by 17, Northwestern by 20, 9-12 Siena by 5, BC by 11, Clemson by 15 and Virginia by 8
`Canes lose at home to this team and he needs to leave the BUC tonight as the ex coach of the Miami Hurricanes
A 4 seed or higher is where this team needed to be, not a team thats tied for dead last in a weak ACC
Orlando Antigua(asst. at KY.) could very well be the next in line for a HC job
Posted by: Sebastian | February 03, 2011 at 06:14 PM
From The Titanic in lovely WARM Col Gables FL we bring U...Canespace LIVE!
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 06:29 PM
In the house along with the usuals like Ricky and Jerry are Rob Dunning and Timothy Volthang. Now someone tell me who they are?
UM Trivia for a T-shirt!
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Now off to the BUC for a Canes WIN!
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 06:32 PM
that boy al golden is the truth!!!!! he hasn't coached a game yet but this program hasn't had this much excitement in the last decade put together
and kirby is the man for bringing him in. i'm glad he didn't get gruden
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | February 03, 2011 at 06:54 PM
ROB DUNNING is the Assistant Sports Media Relations Director, Feature Writer for Football (Secondary) and Women's Tennis
TIMOTHY VOTHANG is the official Web Designer of hurricanesports.com.
Posted by: Chris | February 03, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Chris...We have a WINNER! Email me at:
canespace86@aol.com
Canes 11, GT 7 Mens BB score early
Duke 10,UM 7 Womens BB score early
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 07:15 PM
ROB DUNNING and TIMOTHY VOTHANG
Friends of Canespace!
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 07:18 PM
UM 19, GT 9 Mens BB
Duke 12, UM 12 Womens BB
BTW...U should see the entirely brand NEW field at A-Rod Park/Mark Light Stadium.
They dug up the entire old field and re-did the underlaying surface and out in all new turf.
SMOOTH
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM
UM 31, GT 21 half
Duke 43,UM 32 half
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 07:49 PM
UM 48, GT 29 12 minutes to go
Duke 61, UM 42 8 minutes to go
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Jack "Attack" McClinton is in da house!
Vernon "Cane/Fin" Carey is in da house!
Donna Shalala is in da house eating popcorn and giving Frank Haith the stank eye...
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 08:36 PM
Here we go again
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | February 03, 2011 at 08:43 PM
UM 50, GT 37 with 7 minutes to go.
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 08:44 PM
dz nice article!
Posted by: solarcane | February 03, 2011 at 08:46 PM
Since I am bloggin by myself ova heya I am shutting it down until after the game and I get back to the 954 and my hotel.
UPDATES LATER...
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: SOUP | February 03, 2011 at 08:47 PM
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Posted by: solarcane | February 03, 2011 at 08:51 PM
boys working out at he NFL combine practices
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgwsZMtdHD0&feature=youtu.be&a
Posted by: solarcane | February 03, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Solar - u have mail
Posted by: raizecane | February 03, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Lucky win for Haith & the boys... we looked "confused" most of the time in the second half.
No plan apparent.
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 03, 2011 at 09:18 PM
Miami men bb win 59 57 against GT after blowing a 21 point lead.
Posted by: solarcane | February 03, 2011 at 09:19 PM
raize I replied
Posted by: solarcane | February 03, 2011 at 09:29 PM