The University of Miami football team has been called many names over the last three decades, some of them true some not so true. One thing that IS true is that Miami is accurately known as "Tight End U".
Don't believe me? Then just read this partial list of former Hurricane TEs that have gone on to do great things at the highest level of competition in the NFLU:
Glenn Dennison: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 1984 NFL Draft as the 39th pick, and played for the New York Jets (1984) and the Washington Redskins (1987).
Alfredo Roberts: Drafted in the 8th round of 1988 NFL Draft as the 197th pick, and played for the Kansas City Chiefs (1988–1990), and the Dallas Cowboys (1991–1993).
Bubba Franks: Drafted in the 1st round of the 2000 NFL Draft as the 14th pick and played for the Green Bay Packers (2000–2007) and the New York Jets (2008).
Mondriel Fulcher: Drafted in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft as the 227th pick and played for the Oakland Raiders (2000–2002).
Jeremy Shockey:Drafted in the 1st round of the 2002 NFL Draft as the 14th pick and played for the New York Giants (2002–2007), and the New Orleans Saints (2008–2010). Shockey currently plays for the Carolina Panthers (2011-present).
Kellen Winslow: Drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft as the 6th pick and played for the Cleveland Browns (2004–2008), and currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009–present).
Kevin Everett: Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL Draft as the 86th pick, and played for the Buffalo Bills (2005–2007), suffered a career ending cervical spine injury in 2007, was not removed from the active roster by the Bills until 2008 so he could qualify for full pension.
Buck Ortega: Played for the Washington Redskins (2006), Cleveland Browns (2007), Miami Dolphins (2007), and currently playing for the New Orleans Saints (2008–present).
Greg Olsen: Drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft as the 31st pick and currently playing for the Chicago Bears (2007–present).
Jimmy Graham: Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft as the 95th pick, by the New Orleans Saints. Played four years of college basketball at Miami and only one year of football at The U. Currently plays for the New Orleans Saints (2010–present).
Dedrick Epps: Drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft as the 235th pick by the San Diego Chargers (2010). Currently plays for the Miami Dolphins (2010–present).
This year there are so many players battling for time at tight end that no clear front-runner stands out. The final depth chart at the end of Spring practice was actually pretty interesting considering that the players competing for the position were simply listed alphabetically.
The little talked about and seemingly unheralded Clive Walford may have been the most promising of the group in the Spring. He played extremely well in the scrimmages and in the Spring Game. Walford showed great ability to catch passes in traffic and the willingness to battle for the ball in the air. Many Hurricane insiders have already warned us that Walford is the man to beat at TE for Miami in 2011.
Asante Cleveland was not able to play this Spring due to injury although if he had he certainly would have been able to show his many skills. Cleveland showed big time ability late last season, but missing the Spring could hurt him a lot, especially with a new coaching staff in place.
Blake Ayles, John Calhoun, Corey White and Chase Ford are also in the mix.
Ayles is a tall, lanky pass catcher mutch like Greg Olsen. He transferred from USC under the NCAA rule allowing Trojans to transfer without the usual one year requirement to sit out a season. Ayles impressed some with his excellent route running this Spring.
Calhoun is a converted fullback and White is a converted OL trying to find playing time at TE in 2011. Both are devastating run blockers.
Ford is entering his Senior season in his second year at Miami after transferring from a JUCO. At the beginning of last season Ford was seen as the answer to the TE position at Miami but had a disappointing year that included several drops along the way.
With continued questions at QB this year Miami is expected to keep the ball on the ground a lot in 2011 so it will be especially important to have tight ends that can block effectively in the running game.
In fact we expect the Hurricanes to play two tight ends at the same time in certain situations early in games and with the lead late in games making the TE position critical to this season's success.
Still the question remains: Who will be the next great tight end at TE U?
Stanford just hit 3 run double to come within 1 of UNC. 6-5 UNC, Stanford at bat, 1 on 1 out
Posted by: OhioCane | June 13, 2011 at 09:27 PM
old Skool, Soup,
received your checks today you guys are gold thanks for getting them in so quickly.
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Real players don't play, we pay.
I'm ALL in!
Posted by: SOUP | June 13, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Solar,
thanks for the compliment; I one day just may write an article...I do write a lot in my work...I sure enjoy the many fine articles I read on here....all informative and well written...and great subjects!! The tight ends article we are in now is great...and recently even with Olsen and JG (who I really like)
we did not use them nearly enough. Both are really good pros. I love the TE position...Shockey and KII were also great at the U all these guys were and they made a huge difference in our Attack...you attack with athletic TEs....they have to respect the run,you get the TE in the middle, in seams, on slants....then you have them spread out and totally confused. Damn, I hope one of these guys steps up...Cleveland looks good...can we get them the ball? Protection should be good....J12 or Morris.....step up and deliver!!
Solar, I am dying to go on the trip....just to see Big 86 paddling away....my work is so bad, money so tight, we are hanging in there but I just do not have the funds. I know it will be great....and next year, when I will have new job....I am coming!!!Promise!!
On a positive note, my Fathers Day present arrived today. It is a 2 record set by Keith Richards and the Expensive Winos (his band outside the Stones), greatest hits....on Red vinyl...with 3 lithographs of the 3 albums he has released...only 5000 made...but I got very lucky....25 or 30 of them had the lithos signed by the man.....and I got a set!!! WOW!!! I do have an 8x10 color signed I got in DC via an attorney friend who knows them...and got us backstage in 98-99....but talk about pure luck...maybe I will get so lucky with a job!!! Hope so!!
Posted by: VA Cane | June 13, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Six they have been doing that for awhile now at the baseball games. Those baseball fans are as annoying as all get out!!!! You can hear them screaming absurd chants and drivel....just completely annoying.
Posted by: canechic | June 13, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Are we gonna be a mostly shotgun team this season?
Because every time I see Fisch in one of those Canes All Access videos on YT, all I see is diagrams of shotgun formations...
Posted by: CaneRock | June 13, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Ohio I am not sure if they could get him but these fans in Orlando really are annoying and I just love messing with them. When I say that they give me this panic stricken look and then vehemently deny that he will ever leave....blah, blah his comments today speaks volumes and he is not signing a thing.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-dwight-howard-free-agent-0614-20110613,0,2849988.story
Posted by: canechic | June 13, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Is it the uniforms, or are TAMU's baseball players that skinny...
Posted by: CaneRock | June 13, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Ohio I thought UNC already made it to the CWS?
Posted by: canechic | June 13, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Canerock I don't know but the FSU ones are just horrible....what is that color? A darker shade of vomit? Ugly!
Posted by: canechic | June 13, 2011 at 09:44 PM
CC - Ya, sorry everyone. Apparently the UNC game on ESPN is old lmao. Waste of my time. They went on a delay, and immediately came back from break and it was dark out. Sigh
Posted by: OhioCane | June 13, 2011 at 09:47 PM
The summer is the perfect time for Canespacers to give hacking out an article a try. There is no pressure, no deadline, nobody looking over your shoulder.
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 08:36 PM
I agree 100%.
Posted by: SOUP | June 13, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Stupid comcast menu says "Live". Ya right...
Posted by: OhioCane | June 13, 2011 at 09:48 PM
I just cannot stand the Sedin twins.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | June 13, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Well, Boston/Vancouver is a blow out and there's nothing else on tv, so I'm gonna go lay in bed with preggo fiancé and watch FRIENDS DVDs. ;-)
Posted by: OhioCane | June 13, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Cant stand the Canucks dirty players.
Posted by: canechic | June 13, 2011 at 09:51 PM
and for 100 years in a row the Noles WILL NOT be going to the CWS....ha, ha!
Posted by: canechic | June 13, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Sean Spence about to be Uncle Sean. Sent a congrats to him on twitter
Posted by: OhioCane | June 13, 2011 at 09:58 PM
Solar, I am dying to go on the trip....just to see Big 86 paddling away.
Posted by: VA Cane | June 13, 2011 at 09:31 PM
I can paddle wit da best of dem.
My Motto? "Paddle Or Die!"
If U ain't paddlin U are cargo, and this raft ain't no cargo ship. We throw cargo overboard.
Although, come to think of it, we do occasionally land "The Big Tuna". But U have to ask Solar, Ocala or Old Skool about that story.
Posted by: SOUP | June 13, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Six
Yea old Skool is not only going again but this trip it is skool and my turn to sit in the bow seats while soup and rafters to be named later sit right behind us and offer navigational suggestions and encouragement.
Seeing skool flop over the bow, into the river, and be run over by his own raft and crew is probably more than I could hope for but you never know.
An opportunity will surly come at this nifty little hay maker called Bull Sluice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ-pRqbhItY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZh9qca4Xf4&feature=related
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:03 PM
VaCane
These first two WYPTs are just the shakedown runs for what is to come.
The first one was a blast, I couldn't have asked for a better blend of crew, trip, and guide.
This one looks to be even more fun.
I'd love to get enough folks to fill two rafts for next year.
I've met so many friends on Canespace and now on The Solar Zone that I'd love to get you guys and gals together for a weekend of no stress and pure fun.
I know how hard it is to scrape together some fun dollars these days.
Cheryl and I try as hard as we can to make the weekend affordable and fun, and available to anyone that wants to spend a time here. I realize just getting here and back home sucks a bunch of time and money out a part time pirate's bounty.
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:20 PM
That is really neat...we used to tube some rapids in Merrimac near Blacksburg....I love that outdoor world dont you? Heck, I am just crazy about mountains, rivers, lakes, water, fishing, canoes and kayaks...
My parents home, and where I grew up in the mountains is near the New River...2nd oldest river in the world supposedly...only 1 of 2 that flow north...other is the Nile...when you get to WVA on the New River, it has some serious rapids...I have been on some, but some are really big wild and dangerous...thats why WVA licensce plate says "Wild and Wonderful" indeed!!
Anybody got plans for the VT game in B-burg this year?
Posted by: VA Cane | June 13, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Yea last trip getting the chance to rescue Florida Gators out of a Class 4 rapid while they screamed like little girls, well actually one was a girl...that was like THE biggest sacrifice a true U crew could ever make.
Soup with a little help from EverReady Ocalcane used his patented "Tuna Scoop" on the girl while Skool and I yanked the bull Gator back into the raft.
They both had the look of, "Hey a Cane just saved my life, what the hell?" on their trembling faces.
The fact the same girl fell overboard less than a mile farther down river only added to the sweetness of the day.
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:31 PM
The fact the same girl fell overboard less than a mile farther down river only added to the sweetness of the day.
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:31 PM
And her eyes were as big a dinner plates!
Ho-hum, another day, another life saved...
Posted by: SOUP | June 13, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Chattooga Sec IV WYPT1 fun
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/chat4-1.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/chat1-1.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/chat2.jpg
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:43 PM
"thats why WVA licensce plate says "Wild and Wonderful" indeed!!"
It certainly reads better than "I ain't got but half my teeth."
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 13, 2011 at 10:47 PM
This one illustrates the relaxed atmosphere the Chattooga River casts over you.
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/chat5.jpg
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:49 PM
This one illustrates the relaxed atmosphere the Chattooga River casts over you.
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:49 PM
OK, I think I wet my pants in that last photo. No wait, I'm sure I did...
Posted by: SOUP | June 13, 2011 at 10:57 PM
That was some kinda fun, I can't wait to get out there and do it again!!
catch you guys tomorrow
Posted by: solarcane | June 13, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Hey with those mean looks, I am gonna call Kehoe and tell him all I need is a center...I got 4 bad dudes for the guard and tackle slots!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | June 13, 2011 at 10:59 PM
This 5* kid sounds like a Cane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME5dbEou94c
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | June 13, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Vero Beach High defensive end Dwayne Hoilett became the 15th recruit to commit to UM's 2012 signing class on Sunday, two days after receiving a scholarship offer from UM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39G4Iqb-nnk&feature=player_embedded
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | June 13, 2011 at 11:34 PM
In my opinion John Calhoun should be moved back to fullback. Here are three reasons why:
1. He's too far down the TE depth chart to be a difference maker at that position. He will hardly ever play.
2. Certainly, there will be lots of situations where Harris and/or Morris may need more backfield protection - especially on passing downs. And JC has the necessary size and toughness to get the job done.
3. He would be our best option for a tough FB who can also catch an occasional pass out of the backfield.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think?
Posted by: 2002nemo | June 14, 2011 at 07:38 AM
"I remember seeing those pics of him in the back of the raft with that smirk on his face, waiting for the perfect moment to dump someone out of the boat."
Yeah Six. I figured I'd introduce the body check into whitewater rafting
Posted by: Old Skool | June 14, 2011 at 08:21 AM
What do you guys think?
Posted by: 2002nemo | June 14, 2011 at 07:38 AM
#2 and #3 above? See: Mike James.
Posted by: SOUP | June 14, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Guys,
I'm off to San Francisco tomorrow for some meetings. Figured I'd try some Asian foods I'm not liable to get here in FL.
The possibilities: Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean, Cambodian, Nepalese, Mongolian, or Korean. Any recommendations?
Posted by: Old Skool | June 14, 2011 at 08:31 AM
I love, love, love, San Fran! :) Try the one you have never had before. Nick and I are going to Oregon in 2 weeks, I am so excited to be on the West Coast again :)
Posted by: canechic | June 14, 2011 at 08:41 AM
Canechic,
I don't know what Oregon's weather's gonna be like, but SF is not supposed to break 70 for next three days.
Posted by: Old Skool | June 14, 2011 at 08:48 AM
I figured I'd introduce the body check into whitewater rafting
Posted by: Old Skool | June 14, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Sure he looks fairly innocent enough in photos but somewhere deep down in places people don't talk about at parties, the man is a cold blooded, ninja, Vatican assassin killer.
I'm jus sayin'..
Posted by: SOUP | June 14, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Vatican assassin I like it. Reminds me of Blazing Saddles when Hedley is signing up the bad guys...
Lamarr: Qualifications?
Bart: Stampeding cattle.
Lamarr: That's not much of a crime.
Bart: Through the Vatican?
Lamarr: Kinky. Sign here
Posted by: Old Skool | June 14, 2011 at 08:59 AM
What do you guys think?
Posted by: 2002nemo | June 14, 2011 at 07:38 AM
#2 and #3 above? See: Mike James.
Posted by: SOUP | June 14, 2011 at 08:27 AM
>>>>>>Not only that, AG has said repeatedly that the FB position will not be used anymore.
Posted by: Big Daddy Cane | June 14, 2011 at 09:02 AM
Old Skool-I was in Thailand a few months ago and had the best Vietnamese & Korean food! I would try those
Posted by: TJL | June 14, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Miami 2011
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/Offensivewizard.jpg
Posted by: solarcane | June 14, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Solar I like it...so much that I copied it to take and show my players!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | June 14, 2011 at 10:09 AM
I lived in the Outer Richmond district of San Francisco for a while, and I can make some recommendations: find a Korean BBQ place where you can get a load of prepared meats and cook them on a grill that's set into the table. There's a few of those places on Geary, and it's both fun to do, and tasty as hell.
There's a big Dim Sum place, on Geary in the Inner Richmond (somewhere between 15th Ave and 28th), but I forget the name unfortunately. Absolutely fantastic. If you haven't had Dim Sum, it's a real treat.
I know it sounds boring, but BURRITOS. San Francisco style burritos are unusually good. The best in town is probably Taqueria Cancun, in the Mission district, and if you go there, I recommend that you get one with one of the meats you won't find just anywhere, like lengua or brain; my local taqueria was also fantastic, and was Taqueria de Leon at Geary and 20th.
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 14, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Oh, wait: if you're just in town for meetings, you won't have time to go around hunting for food experiences. Go vietnamese. Great vietnamese food is really easy to find in San Fran near the Financial District.
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 14, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Behind the Facemask: AJ Highsmith
"25 Things That You Don’t Know About A.J. Highsmith…
I like being called A.J., Alonzo sounds weird to me, I’ve never been called that by anyone who knows me (laughs).
I play a lot of video games. Madden, NCAA, Call of Duty: Black Ops, NBA2K series, all the sports stuff. And anything you can play against someone else, we play all the time.
I listen to Lil Wayne, I’ve actually tried to start listening to country music. I like Blake Sheldon a lot. I like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, I don’t know why, but I like them.
I’m a home-body, I don’t like moving around much. I don’t like moving out of my house, I hate moving. On the weekends, if I can just have fun in my area, I’ll be just fine. I go out sometimes, but I like to be home.
I love being around family and friends all the time. I don’t need a whole lot to impress me. I’m not into flashy stuff; I just like to hang out with people I know and people that are close to me.
I’m not a fan of superstitions. I learned when I was in little league when I had good luck socks. It worked for the first five weeks, and then we got beat by 40 or 50 points one week, and that was the end of it. I’m not superstitious, but I do things that are comfortable for me.
I think now is the best time for me, with spring under my belt, I’m a lot more comfortable and I’m learning a lot more. I’ve been telling my dad I’m not the one that’s getting picked on, I have the edge over other people now. The things I knew from playing offense are starting to kick in now.
I thought hitting was going to be hard, but that wasn’t the hardest part for me switching from offense to defense. It’s more of an attitude.
Green Bay’s my team by default because my dad works for them. I watch certain guys though. I like to see the Texans do well because they’re from the hometown, but I watch for certain guys more.
I loved the nutrition class I took last year. The way my professor taught it, the information that was there, I think everyone should take it because it teaches you how to live your life, how to eat, how to prepare yourself for now and later. Classes used to fly by cause I was so into it.
It means a lot to have the former Canes/current NFL guys around here all the time. It happens so much, that it’s become normal. They’re always there for us. They help out a lot more than people think; they don’t just seclude themselves from the group. They’ll tell you things about how they became successful and things they’ve done.
Most of them (former Canes/current NFL guys) preach about the work ethic you have to have. You have to wanna compete, you have to know how to beat someone in front of you. You have to get the attitude where you think, “I’m going to beat you no matter what you do.”
I talk to Andre Johnson a lot, because he’s from Houston and he knows my dad and everything. I talk to Antrel Rolle also because he played corner and switched to safety like me. I like to talk to the DB’s cause they can offer the most advice for me right now.
Safety is the last line of defense. It’s a bad feeling, but you kind of look forward to it when it’s just you and him, you know you have to get him down or else it’ll be a touchdown. They won’t remember how he got there, how it happened, if he made 10 guys miss, they’ll only remember you. You have to be ready for it.
I love junk food. It’s bad, but if I can keep my mind right and skip it I’ll be just fine. Ice cream, french fries from McDonald’s. I don’t want to eat three Big Macs, just a little something. I don’t need a big candy bar, two Starburst and I’ll sit right back down.
I’m kind of getting away from facebook, I’m on Twitter now a lot more. I think it’s even faster than facebook to connect to everybody, so I’m on that.
I try to be one of the greatest people I can be, not just in football, but on and off the field. I try to reach out to other people and help out. A lot of times when I was younger they would say it was a bad thing because I was more worried about other people than I was about myself.
I think I played quarterback originally because I was such a team-oriented guy and wanted to help everyone else out. I like helping other people out and taking the time to reach out to other people to make sure they’re okay.
I admire my dad. I heard how he played football, but the way he carries himself and the way he lives life, the relationships he has with other people and the way other people respect him, I know he did something right to get there. I just try to listen to what he tells me and take his advice because he’s right where he needs to be.
I’m afraid of lizards. Once when I was walking to the bookstore in the U.C and there were two of them on the ground, instead of walking by I walked all the way around to avoid them. I don’t know what it is (laughs). (Editor's note: There are a lot of lizards in South Florida)
Texas is the greatest place in the world.
I think I’m kind of funny. I like to imitate people (He went on to do a few impressions of his teammates and coaches).
Mike James is my roommate. He gives me headaches, because he’s the most indecisive person when it comes to decision-making (laughs).
Me, Mike, Lamar Miller, the three of us are always together. Everyone makes fun of us because of that, but we think we need our own reality television show for some of the stuff we do.
I have a new love for cooking. I can do chicken pretty well. The vegetables are easy, I just buy them frozen. Sometimes I cheat, I’ll buy the frozen pasta and throw it on the skillet and say that I made it. I learned how to cook watching my mom though."
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061311aac.html
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | June 14, 2011 at 10:39 AM
and if you need some great music, go to Amoeba Music at 1855 haight Street.....great great shop...unreal music....
Posted by: VA Cane | June 14, 2011 at 10:45 AM
and if you need some great music, go to Amoeba Music at 1855 haight Street.....great great shop...unreal music....
Posted by: VA Cane | June 14, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Yeah, Amoeba is as good as record stores get. And while you're on Haight, go to the Toronado (if it's still there). They have (I swear) at least 50 microbrews ON TAP, and another couple hundred in bottles. It's off the hook. You won't be much good for your meeting in the morning, but a man's gotta live.
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Thanks Guys.
Just added Tornado and Amoeba for sure.
Posted by: Old Skool | June 14, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Ah, yes. The Toronado still exists. Just knowing that makes me happy:
http://www.toronado.com/
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 14, 2011 at 11:47 AM