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Is There A Draft In Here?

On Thursday night the National Football League held the first round of their annual ritual of sometimes confusing and often times embarrassing infatuation with young college aged men also known as the NFL draft. 

This is the time of year when grown men with many, many years of playing, coaching and managerial experience swoon over a few chosen college players to resurrect their team and possibly their own careers.  They are all in search of the "Next Big Thing", a college player who will turn into an NFL Pro-Bowler and lead their team to a Super Bowl.

The NFL draft is the silliness that is college football's National Signing Day, except times ten that is exploited, I mean covered, on National TV.

There was a time not too long ago when the University of Miami dominated the NFLU draft.  Between 1986 and 2006 Miami players were so often selected that the league became known as the NFLU.

This information is from the UM web site at www.hurricanesports.com :

 
Over the last 30 years, few programs can rival the success Miami players have had in the NFL Draft and no program can claim the number of NFL stars that came from the Coral Gables campus.

As the numbers below show, no other program boasts 20-plus NFL Draft first round picks since 2000.

And UM has 26... next closest is Ohio State with 16.

The Canes come in third in total draft picks since 2000 with 67 (second table below), but could jump up those rankings during the 2011 NFL Draft when anywhere between seven to 10 Canes are expected to be drafted.

Below, HurricaneSports.com offers a history, including the complete NFL Draft history for UM players, and this weekend will cover every aspect of the NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday evening.

Most NFL Draft First Round Picks Since 2000
Miami	26
Ohio State	16
USC	15
Florida State	14
Texas	14
Florida	12
Oklahoma	12
Tennessee	12
Georgia	11
Penn State	10

 

The Most NFL Draft Picks Since 2000
Ohio State	73
USC	69
Miami	67
Georgia	61
Tennessee	60
Florida	59
Florida State	59
LSU	55
Virginia Tech	52
Oklahoma	49
Michigan	49

So what happened this year for the many talented players from the University of Miami like CB Brandon Harris, WR Leonard Hankerson, DE Allen Bailey and OT Orlando Franklin? 

Well, not so much.  Miami did not have a player drafted in the first round in 2011.  Look for Harris and Hankerson to go in the second round and Bailey and Franklin to go in round three.  Colin McCarthy and Demarcus VanDyke should also be selected later in the draft.

For Hurricane fans, if you are waiting and wondering about when Miami will return to their consistent National Championship contention status, then U have to look no further than the NFL draft.

When the Hurricanes have several first round picks (Alabama had five first rounders this year) then U know we will have had a winning team that is contending for BCS Championships again.

And as for your South Florida home town team the Miami Dolphins selected Mike Pouncey, a center from the University of Florida.

Canes Get Some Payback Against The Bulls

Earlier this season your University of Miami baseball team took a trip over to Tampa to play the University of South Florida at George Steinbrenner Stadium, a facility that many of you know serves as the Spring training home of the New York Yankees. 

That night we were on hand to watch as the Hurricanes looked lost, confused, unmotivated and at times even incompetent as they lost 4-2 to the Bulls in very humbling fashion on March 1.

 
My oh my, what a difference a few weeks and a few games make!

On Wednesday night the Hurricanes rode, spanked and then castrated the Bulls 14-5 at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

 
Miami tallied 15 hits against the USF pitching staff that threw seven pitchers at the 'Canes.  The Bulls looked flustered and intimidated as they accounted for four errors on the night, a few wild pitches and a few other mental and physical miscues that led to a nine run sixth inning for the Hurricanes. 

 
After that it was all over but the shouting as the fat lady was singing rather loudly along with the crowd as the PA system at ARP played the fan favorite "Sweet Caroline" (bah, bah, bah) at the end of the sixth and the traditional "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch.

 
Michael "I Ain't No" Broad came in as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning with the bases juiced with Hurricanes.  He proceeded to crush the the first pitch high and far and well over the left field score board. Broad's grand slam staked Miami to a 6-2 lead from which they would never look back.

Steve "Dallas" Ewing (7-1) tossed 6 2/3 innings for the Canes, striking out seven to notch his seventh consecutive win of the season.  Miami's bullpen (no pun intended) was strong in relief as Sargent "Schultz" closed out the game on three consecutive strikes to get the final out and end the game.

The Hurricanes can now turn their undivided attention to the rivalry weekend series against the Florida State Seminoles.  The ACC showdown in Coral Gables will match two top 15 ranked teams and likely will set the stage for the rest of the season for one of the two teams.

 
Miami (28-13) is the hot team right now having won 14 of their last 16 games behind consistent, quality pitching and more recently timely and more productive hitting with runners in scoring position.

With the win, the Hurricanes improved to...

• 28-13 overall
• 18-6 at Alex Rodriguez Park
• 13-8 in non-conference play
• 83-30 all-time against USF
• 16-6 in night games
• 13-2 in April
• 5-2 on Wednesday
• 14-1 when hitting a home run
• 12-2 when wearing green "M" hats   

Sanchez's HR Helps Marlins Make Dodgers Blue

Former University of Miami baseball star Gabby Sanchez is one of many former Hurricanes that are doing big things in the Big Leagues this year. 

Sanchez, who plays first base for the Marlins, is unique in that he is a home town boy who stayed home and has turned into a hero for fans of both the Hurricanes and the Marlins.

 
Ryan Braun has set the league on fire this season leading the batting race in several categories.  He was recently justly rewarded by signing a $105 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.  That will buy a lot of hot dogs and beer!

Last year the Tampa Bay Rays dumped Pat "The Bat" Burrell who glad traveled across Country to the City by the Bay (San Francisco) and proceeded to win his second world series ring with his second team (his first was with the Phillies).

On Tuesday night I had the opportunity to attend the Marlins game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sun Life Stadium.  The typical crowd on hand was small yet very vocal and invested in The Fish. 

 
The Marlins went down 1-2-3 in the first and batting fourth in the lineup for the Marlins Sanchez came to bat to leadoff the second inning.  He proceeded to crush the ball deep over the left field fence to tie the game a 1-1 after the Dodgers had taken the early lead in the first inning.

The Marlins tied the game again at 2-2 just two innings later with Sanchez once again at the plate.  After a single by SS Hanley Ramirez the Marlins' first baseman came to bat.  The former Hurricane hit a slow roller to third base as Hanley quickly advanced to second. 

Except Ramirez had no intention of stopping there. 

Hanley rounded second and turned towards third at full tilt and slid in under a high throw that eluded the Dodger third baseman.  With the entire Dodger infield looking on in disbelief and the stadium erupting in excitement Ramirez scored easily and without even a throw to the plate.

 
The Marlins then took the lead for good later in the game on a two-run single by RF Mike Stanton and eventually won the game 4-2.

Sanchez, a former Hurricane star and now a hometown hero, and his Marlins teammates had earned another victory for the good guys.

Michael Irvin: The U

When U think about Miami Hurricane football which former UM players come to mind? 

Jim Kelly?  Bernie Kosar?  Vinny Testaverde?  Steve Walsh?  Gino Toretta?  Ken Dorsey?  Ted Hendricks?  Bennie Blades?  Warren Sapp?  Ray Lewis?  Ed Reed?  Sean Taylor?  Otis Anderson?  Edgerrin James?  Clinton Portis?  Willis McGahee?  Frank Gore? Lamar Thomas?  Randall Hill?  Reggie Wayne?  Sanatana Moss?  Andre Johnson?  Dan Morgan?  Russell Maryland?  Vince Wilfork?  Jonathan Vilma?  Cortez Kennedy?

How about WR Michael Irvin?  The "Play Maker" certainly left his mark on Miami football. 

New Hurricanes Head Coach Al Golden asked #47 to speak to the team about the Hurricane tradition and lergacy.  Irvin had a chance to address the team before the recent Spring game at Lockhart Stadium. 

Here is what he had to say:

The "Play Maker" is definitely something special and a big part of Miami Hurricane football history. 

Michael Irvin is "The U".

Good Things Come In Twos

First there were none.  Now there are two.

Two weeks ago the University of Miami did not have an Athletic Director or a Men's Basketball Coach.  Suddenly, and to the delight of UM fans, the Hurricanes now have both positions filled.

Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst and Men's Basketball Coach Jim Larranaga have joined the UM team.

Eichorst has served as Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his responsibilities under Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez have included serving as the Department's COO, overseeing daily operations, legal affairs, trademark and licensing, and merchandising. 

Under his leadership, the Badgers Athletic Department operated under a $90 million budget, which consists of 23 intercollegiate athletics programs, 850 student-athletes, and 320 full-time employees. Eichorst was involved in the construction of a new $100 million ice hockey/swim facility that broke ground last winter and an athletic performance center for football which gets underway this fall.

From 2004-2006, Eichorst served as the University of South Carolina's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, and Interim Director of Athletics in June 2005. The football team was bowl-eligible each year during Eichorst's tenure and the baseball program competed in the 2004 College World Series. Working with the Gamecocks, he had direct oversight of football (Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier) and baseball (Ray Tanner) programs.

Here are some quotes from those that know, worked with or hired Shawn:

Donna E. Shalala, University of Miami President
"Shawn Eichorst has the skills, experience, and philosophy to elevate UM athletics and exceed our highest expectations."

Barry Alavarez, Wisconsin Football Coach & Director of Athletics
"Shawn made a great contribution to our athletic program. He is very bright and he is a hard worker. Like Donna Shalala, Shawn's concern is always for the welfare of the student-athletes. I'm very confident that the coaching staffs at Miami will enjoy his leadership. He will make a tremendous contribution. His wife, Kristin, and their family will be an asset to the Miami community." 

Albert Golden, University of Miami football coach
"I commend President Shalala and Paul DiMare on the hiring of Shawn Eichorst. During my interactions with Shawn, his innate leadership skills shined and his track record at major BCS schools will benefit all of our teams at the University of Miami.  I join our entire athletics family in welcoming Shawn to the U and look forward to a prosperous partnership in the years to come."

Wisconsin Men's Basketball Coach Bo Ryan
"Shawn is a pleasure to work with. What I really like and appreciated about him is that he gave me and my staff the intellectual and professional freedom to be ourselves. He does a great job of deferring to the abilities of those who work for him."

Wisconsin Football Coach Bret Bielema
"Speaking from a football standpoint, I called Al (Golden) and told him how highly I think of Shawn. He knows the business side of things, but he's also great with the people side. I think it will be a great partnership between Shawn and the Miami football staff."

The Hurricanes new basketball coach replaces Frank Haith to lead Miami.  Here is a brief summary of his skills and experience: 

From the moment new Miami head men’s basketball coach Jim Larranaga walked into the team conference room in the BankUnited Center on Friday evening, the Hurricanes players were put at ease with his big smile and effusive energy.

 
And although some of the players may have been unsure how to properly pronounce his name and couldn’t necessary rattle off all the accomplishments of the 27-year head coach, they were certainly aware of the success he brought to George Mason and that 2006 Final Four run.

After all, the hire of Larranaga (LARE-uh-NAY-guh) by new UM Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst, marked just the third head coach to bring a Final Four appearance on his resume to an ACC school – and just the second by a current league institution.

That 2006 season was no fluke for the former Providence basketball player. In 14 years at George Mason, Larranaga guided the Patriots to the postseason nine times – including five NCAA Tournament appearances, which is just one shy of what the Hurricanes have accomplished in 64 seasons on the hardwood.

The UM baseball team took 2 of 3 games from North Carolina:

The 10th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels used five runs in the first two innings to seal an 8-1 win in the series finale Sunday afternoon over No. 20 Miami at Boshamer Stadium.

However, Miami took the three game series on Saturday with a doubleheader sweep, 13-6 and 5-3.

The game was decided early on Sunday, with North Carolina (32-10, 13-8 Atlantic Coast Conference) putting runners in scoring position in each of the first six innings and taking advantage in four of those frames. Miami (27-13, 15-5 ACC) tried to claw back in the sixth, but UNC had an answer.

Miami cut into the lead, 6-1, with its first run of the game coming off a Rony Rodriguez single to left that crossed Zeke "Beep Beep" DeVoss.  However, North Carolina abruptly answered back with two runs in the home-half of the inning.

The final score was 8-1 as Miami was unable to get anything else going offensively as UNC freshman left-hander Kent Emanuel went the entire way for the Tar Heels in picking up the win on the mound.

The Hurricanes were led offensively on the day by freshman first baseman Fieger who finished 2-for-4 at the dish, as well as third baseman H-Mart who extending his hitting streak to nine games with a single. Meanwhile Rony Rodriguez had the only RBI for the Canes - his third game in the last four where he has collected at least one RBI.

The loss went to Ecinosa of the Canes, evening his record at 3-3 on the year. He went 3 2/3 innings with five runs on five hits and five walks. Miami relief pitchers Salcines and Salas went the rest of the way on the mound.

Miami will get back on the diamond Wednesday, April 27, as the Canes host the USF Bulls to Alex Rodriguez Park at 6 p.m

So it appears that if good things come in twos, then your Miami Hurricanes are good to go!

Kings Of Spring

With the 2011 Spring practice period now history after last Saturday's scrimmage at Lockhart Stadium it is time to take a look at which UM football players grew into potential stars that Hurricane fans should look for this Fall. 

If you have been around here for a few years then you are well aware of the fact that each year there are certain University of Miami football players that stand out during Spring practice and in the final test of the early season practice session known as the Spring Game. 

Sometimes these players continue their development and progress over the long, hot South Florida Summer and eventually become top performers and team leaders.  A few may even reach true "Legend of the Fall" status when the games actually matter and Atlantic Coast Conference play starts.

Other times these players whose stars shown so brightly in April fade quickly in the intense August sun or under the bright lights of the regular season and flicker out as failures on the field when the games being to count in September.

This Spring was no different than another and just as predictable as the rain and the heat returning to the South Florida landscape several UM players, and maybe some coaches, stood out above the rest.  Some may even have distanced themselves from the competition at their position heading into the Fall. 

Here are some players that we have designated as 2011 Kings of Spring:

RB Lamar "Speedy" Miller: As many of you know Miller attended Miami Killian High School which alone tells you that he is the best player on the team (Go Cougars!).  All kidding aside, Miller may actually be the best running back at UM since Clinton Portis or Willis McGahee.  The speedy Miller was nothing short of spectacular in the Spring game with TD runs of 71 and 64 yards and a third TD just for good measure.  His performance at Lockhart last Saturday vaulted him into the starting role on the final depth chart of the Spring.  It is going to be fun and exciting for Hurricane fans to hear the shouts of "Miller Time!" ring through Sun Life Stadium this season.  For opposing teams...not so much.

RB Mike "Smiley" James: Before Miller exploded in the Spring Game, James was all but penciled in as the starter going into the Fall.  James is the Hurricanes most complete back in terms of the requirements of his position: toting the rock, picking up blitzes and catching the ball out of the backfield.  In spite of losing his mother in a tragic car accident last year, James has totally dedicated himself to being the best player he can be under new head coach Al Golden's regime.  It is going to be a tough decision for UM coaches as to who the starter will be but either way the Canes can't lose with either Miller or James lined up in the backfield.  Oh, and don't go to sleep on Storm "Magic" Johnson who also showed flashes of the spectacular during the Spring.

WR Tommy "Stretch The Field" Streeter: Streeter's name was mentioned more this Spring than almost any other player and certainly more than it was at any time under former head coach Randy Shannon.  At times Al Golden seemed completely infatuated with Streeter's size, speed and ability to (U guessed it) stretch the field.  Streeter had a great Spring but faded in the Spring game where he failed to show the fans what he apparently had been showing his coaches and teammates during practice.  The Hurricanes need Streeter to come up big (pun intended) in 2011 to keep opposing defenses honest and off the line of scrimmage in their attempt to stop what should be the strength of this year's team: the UM running game.

OL Malcolm "In The Middle" Bunche: Bunche is a big, bad man.  And we mean that in the nicest way.  Bunche was in the middle of a Spring controversy of sorts as his weight room workouts and his work ethic benched last season's starter and consensus pre-season all-ACC OL Seantrell Henderson.  Apparently, neither coach Golden nor coach Kehoe were not willing to wait around for Henderson while he was getting his hair done while at the same time Bunche was busting his rear end trying to earn the starting spot at LT for the Hurricanes in 2011.  To be fair Henderson ended the Spring with a "lower extremity injury" (sprained ankle) and was seen hobbling around Lockhart Stadium during the Spring Game.  Still the highly regarded Henderson will have his work cut out for him come Fall as he tries to wrestle the starting job from the big, bad man known who goes by the name of Maclolm Bunche.

DE Adawale "Gimme Back My Mojo" Ojomo: Here is another Hurricane that appears to have gotten his mojo (read: swagger) and his groove back under the new coaching regime at Miami.  Ojomo was dominant during Spring ball and by all reports also became a vocal leader on and off the field (in team meetings) for UM this year.  Number 97, who has struggled with injuries, motivation and conditioning since his arrival in Coral Gables a few years ago, finally seems to "get it" under Golden and D'Onofrio.  He was a standout in the weight room, the film room and on the field at defensive end throughout Spring practice.  Stella, who also got her groove back, would be so proud.  I expect big, I mean REALLY big things from Ojomo this season.  So should U. 

S RayRay Armstrong: Hurricane fans have been waiting for RayRay to channel his inner Sean Taylor (RIP) since he signed with UM out of Seminole HS along with teammate DL Dyron Dye.   Number 26 has not lived up to his high school hype - well at least not yet.  But if you saw him knock heads and knock helmets completely off of Hurricane offensive players during the Spring game then you may be pleasantly surprised to see that the light may have finally come on for Armstrong under new defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio.  Armstrong, along with fellow starting safety Vaughn Telemaque (who seen looking very uncomfortable while wearing a full neck brace at the Spring Game) must have a solid if not spectacular season in 2011 if the Hurricanes secondary is going to hold opponents offenses in check.  We think he can and that he will.

CB JoJo "The Big Show" Nicholas: Nicholas switched from Safety to CB at the urging and pleading (read: desperation) of head coach Al Golden and defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio when projected starter Brandon McGee struggled early during Spring practice.  Nicholas appears to love his new home at corner as did the coaches who heaped praise on JoJo all throughout the Spring.  If Nicholas can become the lock-down corner for Miami in 2011 after being a merely average safety at UM he may just make it to "The Big Show" after all.  That is assuming the NFLU gets its act together and actually ends the current lockout and plays football in 2011 and beyond.  But wait, that means we have to suffer through watching the Miami Dolphins play another season, right?   Hmmmm...maybe that isn't such a good idea after all?

CB Andrew "Walk On Water" Swasey: By far the biggest surprise of the Spring.  Swasey literally came out of nowhere to walk on with the Hurricanes this Spring.  Before it was over he had walked into being a Special Teams standout and even walked himself right into seeing some serious playing time at CB and Safety by the end of the Spring.  Listening to the UM defensive coaches talk about him you would have thought that Swasey The Younger could have walked on water if he had tried!  Hurricane fans and Jesus fans alike should look for the surprising Swasey to see the field and see it often in 2011.

Honorable Mention: Strength Coach Andreu "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Daddy" Swasey and Defensive Backs Coach Paul "No Relation To Ricky" Williams: 

UM Strength and Conditioning coach Andreu Swasey got his new marching orders from Golden on the new boss's first day on the job.  He has never looked back and in fact has brought the team forward on their march to get tougher, bigger, stronger and faster for 2011.   Were not quite sure what Swasey was doing under coach Shannon but we sure do like what he is currently up to behind the closed doors of the Hecht Athletic Center under Golden. 

Miami defensive backs coach Paul Williams may have the toughest job in the ACC: finding enough quality players to field a starting defensive backfield for the 2011 Hurricanes.  It's a tough job but somebody has to do it and that somebody is Williams, who followed Golden and D'Onofrio from Temple to Miami.  Somehow, Williams has managed to duct tape together enough bodies to not only field a unit but to actually find enough play makers to stay on the field and play respectably against the speedy, talented and high flying UM wide receivers.  There is no doubt that Williams will have his hands full when the bullets start to fly for real come this Fall.

For more information on Williams, click here:

http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/williams_paul00.html

Hurricanes Run On Miller Time

At the University of Miami's annual Spring Game held yesterday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale there were three things were clearly on display: fun, family and the freakish talent and speed of Lamar Miller.

 
Fun is always part of the equation for fans attending a intra-squad game that doesn't count in the win-loss column.  Of course tailgating at 9 AM is always a little awkward for some fans yet others still find a way to offer up their best rendition of "kegs and eggs" and get their groove on before the game. 

 
Family was the welcome return of over 200 former UM football players and several members of the 2001 National Championship team. Kenny Dorsey, Andre Johnson and many many other ring bearers were on hand for the game and were honored by a standing ovation from fans during the halftime ceremonies. 

As soon as the gates opened at 9:30 AM the long lines started to form for those interested in collecting the much coveted autographs from their favorite players. 

 
Fans waited in one line to see the defensive players like:

LB Sean Spence who has definitely bulked up and had a pick six during the game.

 
LB Jordan Futch who looked good and managed to throw up "The U" for us.

 
CB Brandon McGee who had an INT and many think will be starter come Fall.

 
Olivier Vernon who looked lean, mean and bulked up since last year.

 
RayRay Armstrong who was a star of the game with several bone-crushing hits.

 
The line for those in search of the offensive players was even longer.  We talked to and took photos of the following UM student-athletes:

QB Stephen Morris who continues to battle Senior Jacory Harris for the starting spot.

 
RB Mike James who has had a terrific Spring and has shown he has the skills to start.

 
TE Chase Ford who promised to "ball out" this year and also threw up The U for us.

 
RB Lamar Miller who was the star of the game with 10 carries for 166 yards and 3 TDs.

 
QB Jacory Harris who is battling Morris and still remains a fan favorite at these events. 

 
Beyond the players there was coach Art "Five Rings" Kehoe who attracted a crowd of Hurricane fans who were all glad and grateful to see him back in the Orange and Green.  I had the chance to talk to coach Kehoe, shake his hand and tell him "welcome back".   Kehoe worked the crowd and took photos with the fans like the father/son combo seen below.

 
Recruiting Coordinator/TE Coach Brennan Carroll took advantage of the opportunity to look cool and mingle with high school recruits who were at the game.  Carroll was seen working his magic with several players among whom we saw DB AJ Leggett and RB Duke Johnson.

 
Head Coach Al Golden ran out of the smoke for the very first time and lead the Hurricanes onto the field. 

 
Golden was everywhere as his watchful eye kept players focused and in check as he wandered from drill to drill before the game.  Golden was on the field behind the offensive line during the entire scrimmage.

 
Oh yeah, I almost forgot: The Green team beat the Orange team 30-17.  Former Killian Cougar and current UM Sophomore Lamar Miller was simply magic with two incredible TD runs over 65 yards and he added another just for fun.

 
Other stars of the game included Sean Spence (pick six), RayRay Armstrong (several major hits) and Kendal Thompkins who took advantage of an injury to WR Travis Benjamin (pulled groin) to make several nice catches including one for a TD in the corner of the end zone from Morris. 

So when I think back to the 2011 UM Spring Game I will think about these three things: Fun, Family and the freakish talent and speed of Lamar Miller.

Spring Fling

On Saturday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale your MIami Hurricanes will conclude their Spring practice period with the annual Spring Game.  

The game is schedule for noon with a player autograph session from 10 to 11:30 AM.  Parking lot gates open at 8:30 AM for you hard core "kegs and eggs" tailgaters out there.

The constantly changing depth chart will likely be turned upside down once again as a result of players' performances during the mock, game-like conditions at Lockhart. 

New "Kings of Spring" are likely to be anointed by new head coach Al Golden and Hurricane fans rabid for new heroes and regular and post-season wins that actually mean something in 2011.

According to the UM web site at www.hurricanes.com Thursday's practice was quite different heading into this weekend's scrimmage:

Towards the end of the practice, players split up into their Orange and Green squads and ran several different situational drills in anticipation of Saturday. The players were certainly embracing their new teams as there was constant cheering, friendly jarring and exaggerated celebrations after every big play.

Earlier in practice, the offense seemed to dominate the defense by getting big plays out of guys like T-Ben, Smiley and J12 who also turned in a great session in the accuracy department.  J12 repeatedly hit his receivers in full stride throughout the afternoon.

NOTABLE: Three of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play at Miami were in attendance at Thursday's practice. Gino Torretta, Bernie Kosar and Ken Dorsey were all on hand to watch UM's last practice of the spring.

In their collegiate playing days, the three combined for 23,226 passing yards and 173 touchdowns. Dorsey and Torretta rank 1-and-2 in most career passing categories at UM, while Kosar holds the single season record for passing yards having thrown for 3,642 yards in 1984.

Directionally Challenged

The University of Miami announced today that Shawn M. Eichorst has been hired as the new Director of Athletics.  “Shawn Eichorst has the skills, experience, and philosophy to elevate UM athletics and exceed our highest expectations,” said University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala.

Translation: I am in total control and can manage the UM AD alI I want.

Since 2009, Eichorst has served as Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his responsibilities under Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez have included serving as the Department’s COO, overseeing daily operations, legal affairs, trademark and licensing, and merchandising. 

Translation: "Barry Alvarez has always been a God to me."

Under his leadership, the Department operates from a $90 million budget, which consists of 23 intercollegiate athletics programs, 850 student-athletes, and 320 full-time employees. He has been involved in the construction of a new $100 million ice hockey/swim facility and athletic performance center for football.

Translation: The dude is a CASH cow!

From 2004-2006, Eichorst served as the University of South Carolina’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, and Interim Director of Athletics from June 2005 to July 2006.  The football team was bowl-eligible each year during Eichorst’s tenure and the baseball program competed in the 2004 College World Series. 

Translation: He hasn't done any thing really BIG.

“I am truly humbled and honored to have the tremendous opportunity to lead and build upon the University of Miami’s rich tradition of excellence in athletics.  Under President Donna Shalala’s great vision, passion and leadership, the University of Miami has quickly developed into not only the best institution in the state of Florida, but one of the top research universities in the United States, said Eichorst. 

Translation: "I have am excited to see the beach and Donna tells me I am really qualified."

A native of Lone Rock, Wisconsin, Eichorst earned his J.D. at Marquette University Law School in 1995, and his bachelor’s degree magnum cum laude in business from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he played football (all-conference defensive back), was team captain in 1990, and a three-year letter winner. He returned to Marquette as an adjunct law professor, teaching courses in sports law.

Translation: I am a total nerd and have no way of relating to Miami's South Beach crowd.

The bottom line is that the University of Miami Athletic Department is directionally challenged.

Hurricanes Sweep Wolf Pack Out To Sea

Earlier this season many long-time, knowledgeable and dedicated University of Miami baseball fans had all but written off the 2011 Hurricane baseball team. 

 
Some said that the Canes were way too sloppy in the field and committed too many costly, and at times even ugly errors.

Others complained about the Hurricanes paltry batting average against at best merely average competition.

A few even argued that UM head coach Jim Morris might be too old or too tired to keep pace with the other teams in the ACC.

 
Well, not so fast my friend!

Miami is now 11-3 in the ACC and 21-11overall after sweeping NCST this weekend at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field in Coral Gables.

Jimmy "Youngblood" Morris has the Canes playing sharp and at a very high level since his return from gall bladder surgery.  He has made good decisions and has the team on the right track.

We had the opportunity to meet Jim The Younger in Fort Myers before the game against FGCU (see below) and even asked him a few quick questions. 

To us and many others who have been around UM baseball for many years, Morris seemed as dedicated and motivated as ever. 

 
J-Mo was bold enough to move Harold Martinez from third to first and Brad Fieger from first to third.  This season Morris has changed the lineup order several times, has dealt with injuries to key players and has had the UM pitching staff operating at peak performance since opening day.

If the Canes can continue their current winning course then Jimmy The Younger may just give you something to cheer about come May or June. 

 
So don't give up the ship yet Hurricane fans, there may be something special about this 2011 Hurricane baseball season.

Only time will tell...