Canespace

Canesfest Back On Campus

BankUnited CanesFest is back again, which means exactly what you all have been waiting for: The 2011 college football season is right around the corner.  

This year's BankUnited CanesFest will be bigger and better than ever and is going back to its roots on campus at the University of Miami from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, August 27. 

You will not want to miss this exciting event.  One lucky fan will be selected to drive home in the completely customized CaneMobile pictured below:

 
Uh, OK...minor correction: nobody is going to win the awesome Canemobile but most fans will go home with some other really cool stuff like mini-footballs, pom-poms, posters and all kind of other orange and green goodies.

Miami Hurricane fans will enjoy the 2011 fan fest with an afternoon full of family fun.  Oh and I almost forgot to mention that there will be FREE BEER for everybody who attends!

 
What's that?   No free beer?  I should have known that it was too good to be true!  Oh well, we recommend that you go anyway in spite of the absence of adult beverages.

Seriously though, family fun activities will include several interactive games with student-athletes, the ever popular inflatables, tours of UM athletic facilities and a Q&A session with the Hurricane coaches.

A a special incentive to get fans to attend this year's event the first 10 fans that show up will also get to take home a Miami Hurricanes cheerleader! 

 
OK, I admit we were just kidding about that last little part there about the cheerleaders.  We just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.  The rest of the information is 100% la verdad.

Except for winning the CaneMobile.  Yeah, that and the free beer of course.

And the most loyal Canes fans - season ticket holders - will receive EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to a football autograph and photograph session from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Knight Center. 

 

UM Alumni and current Hurricane Club members are all encouraged to attend.  As a special incentive they will have first shot at sinking UM President Donna Shalala in the popular "dunk tank" activity.

 
We keed, we keed! 

But I bet that activity would be a big hit at an event like this, don't U?

Now for the real facts on the event on the UM campus on August 27, 2011:

General Information:

Date: Saturday, August 27

Time: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Admission: Open to the public free of charge

Location: Hecht Athletic Center, Knight Center, Greentree Field and more 

Featured Events:

3 p.m. – Doors open

3 -6 p.m. – Interactive sports experiences with Canes teams

4- 6 p.m. - Season Ticket Holder Autograph & Photo Session

Former Hurricanes Still Bleed Orange And Green

There have been several former players at the University of Miami that have either failed to live up to expectations or who have transferred to other schools to try to accomplish their career goals.

 
Quarterbacks Robert Marve and Taylor Cook, five-star linebacker Arthur Brown, and more recently running back Storm Johnson are examples of some of these seemingly talented yet lost and wandering players who never made their mark at "The U". 

Another one of those players is wide receiver and Bradenton, FL native Jermaine McKenzie.  Back in 2007 Jermaine had scholarship offers from some of the most prominent NCAA schools, including Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, and West Virginia just to name a few. 

Here is McKenzie's impressive high school bio:

As a senior in 2006, played mostly wingback in his school's Wing-T offense and had 33 rushes for 345 yards and four touchdowns, adding 17 receptions for 380 yards and four more TDs...Also had seven punt returns for touchdowns (four others called back due to penalty)...Averaged 20 yards every time he touched the ball as a senior, whether it was run, catch or punt return...Attended St. Peter Catholic High School his first three years...Also is an excellent basketball player, averaging more than 20 points per game...Rated the No. 16 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 17 player on the Florida Top 100 by Rivals.com...Ranked the No. 32 wide receiver and the No. 22 player on the Florida Hot 100 by Scout.com...Rated the No. 16 player in Florida and the No. 18 wide receiver in the nation by SuperPrep...Rated the No. 20 player in Florida by the St. Petersburg Times...Chose Miami over Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, West Virginia and Kansas...Coached by Brad Johnson.

In the end, Jermaine turned down all of the other offers and chose to attend the University of Miami and play for new head coach Randy Shannon. 

 
After being involved in a serious car crash while returning from the west coast of the State with teammates Marve and Colin McCarthy, Jermaine was forced to redshirt his freshman year at Miami.

After playing in just three games as a Red-Shirt freshman, Jermaine decided to transfer and play for the Memphis Tigers.

Recently we had a chance to catch up with Jermaine and talk to him about his time at Miami. 

Here is what this former Hurricane wide receiver had to say: 

1.      How is everything going at Memphis and what does the future hold for you?

“I'm actually about to graduate on August 12th and then I'm going to Murray State. My goals for the future are to help Murray State win a conference/national championship, put up 1000 yards, 20 TDs and kill the combine.”

2.      What is the difference between playing for the Miami Hurricanes and the Memphis Tigers?

“The difference is the overall experience, I mean it’s the U, there isn't place I’d rather be then Miami. Memphis doesn’t win so it’s hard to support and stand behind an organization that doesn't care about winning or losing. I miss it so much. I should have stayed. That's the difference between the two schools.”

3.      I heard U where killing it at Miami, What made you want to transfer?

“To be honest man, I thought Shannon would not have given me a chance to show what I can do. I made play after play in practice but he just wouldn't play me for some reason. I wish I knew.”

4. When U where at Miami what where your impressions of Jacory Harris? Do you have any    
    advice for him?

“I love Jacory, he knows what he has to do. Jacory will definitely get it done. He's a perfectionist and he’s very critical of himself. My advice for him is to just take it one play and one game at a time, just have fun. It's ok to mess up.”

5. What where your impressions of Robert Marve and did he get a chance at Miami?

“Robert was a competitor. He didn't get a chance to show what he could do because he had to share time and could never get in a rhythm.”

6. Who was the best offensive player U played with at Miami?

“Probably Graig Cooper and Travis Benjamin. There are a lot of talented players that I played with at that place. I still brag on them wherever I go. I’m a cane for LIFE.

7. I know a lot of Canes fans are huge fans of yours. Do U have anything U would like to tell them?

“THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT AND THE LOVE YOU GUYS SHOWED ME THROUGH MY TENURE AT THE U."

I AM A CANE4LIFE!

This is the second article that was written exclusively for Canespace by blogger "Caned".

The Hampton Inn: Stay Here, Play Here

If you or other people that you know are traveling to sunny South Florida for a University of Miami football game this year then we highly recommend that you stay at the designated Canespace hotel for these events:

The Hampton Inn - Plantation, Florida.

This award-winning, luxury hotel is situated in an ideal location for college (and professional) football fans and can be found just West of University Drive and just a few blocks North of I-595.

The Hampton Inn is located near numerous restaurants and popular sports bars, is within walking distance of the Broward Mall (for those who like to shop) and is only 20 minutes from Sun Life Stadium via the Florida Turnpike.

Hurricane fans come from near and far and literally take over the hotel lobby and patio before and after UM home games.  Rival fans can also be found there for some good-natured trash talking as well.

There are always opportunities for car pooling to the game with other Hurricane for tailgating parties, purchasing tickets and snatching up one of the prized Canespace T-shirts.

Canespace usually throws a "Party On The Patio" after every home game with food, beverages and prizes for UM trivia contests. With a lush, tropical setting and a large pool and jacuzzi, the Hampton Inn patio is THE place to celebrate each Hurricane victory in 2011!

The special "Canespace Rate" is $89 and is valid for all Hurricane fans and also available for any visiting team fans.

For reservations please contact the hotel front desk or speak to: Susan Stern, Director of Sales, Hampton Inn - Plantation: 954-382-4500

Or reserve your room on line with Canespace Corporate Code 0002702804 at:

www.ftlauderdaleplantation.hamptoninn.com

For the hotel's street adress, directions and map please click here:

http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/maps_directions.jhtml?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX

We look forward to meeting U at the Hampton Inn - Plantation this season!

No Pity In Hurricane City

Since arriving on the campus of the University of Miami earlier this Summer, Gionni Paul has been one of the most talked about recruits of the 2011 class.

Paul, who attended Lakeland Kathleen High School, has been described by UM Head Coach Al Golden and many others as a speedy, athletic, aggressive and fiercely competitive player with a non-stop motor. 

According to those who have seeen some of the off-season drills and attended a few of the player-only workouts and practices at UM's Greentree Field this Summer, Gionni has consistently led his teammates in various running drills.

Paul initially was going to attend Arizona State University.  That is until new Hurricane head coach Al Golden arrived at Miami and began an all out recruiting press on this talented Central Florida prospect. 

Here is a brief history of the recruiting battle between the UM and ASU that led to Paul becoming a Miami Hurricane: 

December 9, 2010 – Commits to Arizona State and former University of Miami Coach Dennis Erickson.

January 28, 2011 – De-commits from ASU and commits to The University of Miami and Hurricane Head Coach Al Golden.

 
I recently had the chance talk to Paul who is listed at 6’0 and 230 pounds on the UM roster and who told me that he plans to play at one of the outside linebacker positions at Miami. 

Here are five questions with UM Freshman LB Gionni Paul:

Q: What made you change your decision from Arizona State to The University of Miami?

A: “Well the fact that coach golden is a wonderful coach, I did my research and love what he did at temple. He has a lot of energy, love for the game and I would love to have a coach like that. Coach D (D’Onofrio) and Coach Barrow made a big impact along with the greatest trainer in the world (coach) Swasey.”

Q: What was your first impression of Coach Golden?

A: “My first impression was that he’s a sharp guy that is organized and love’s the game of football.” 

Q: What was different about Coach Golden compared to other college coaches?

A: “He is truthful and he’s not going to hand you nothing. He’s going to push you to be a student athlete and be young men that are going to be well conditioned and know the meaning of family.”  

Q: What are your freshman season goals at the University of Miami?

A: “My freshman goals are to help the team out every way possible on and off the field.  I want to be a leader, compete for a starting job, get ACC freshman of the year, lead the conference in tackles, tackles for loss, and in sacks.”

Q: I know a lot of hurricane fans are excited about your potential and excitement you bring to the game. Is there anything you would like to tell the Miami Hurricane fans?

A: “Yes, that #36 is going to find any way to get on the field and that there’s no pity in Hurricane city. We’re going to bring a new swagger to the game. We’re going to bounce around and teach people the true meaning of the Golden Age.”

As Brennan Carroll says, “Welcome to the U!”

This article was written by blogger "Caned" exclusively for Canespace.

Get Caned @Canes_Central

The NFL Works Out At The U

For as long as anyone can remember the same scenario has repeated itself again and again at this time of the year much like the predictable migration of a species.

The sweltering heat and suffocating humidity that mark the arrival of Summer in South Florida combine to create the regular afternoon thunderstorms that rumble in like clockwork from the Everglades.

The famed River of Grass located just West of Miami fuels the storms that produce the thunder and lightning and drenching rains that cool the tropical landscape if only just for a while.

 
The brutal conditions make even most the seasoned residents and the more sensible people seek the cool, dry, air conditioned shelter of their homes or businesses especially in the late afternoon.

Still you can always find a few brave, bronzed tourists, all covered in oil, slowly sipping their Mojitos and bathing in the warm, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean off of South Beach.

 
But this time of year and these harsh conditions also bring a familiar annual ritual of sorts. 

It is precisely the heat and humidity that brings some of the very best National Football League players to a small private school in Coral Gables affectionately known as "The U". 

 
During the Summer months, the University of Miami becomes home to many NFL stars, most of whom are former UM players who now play for riches and glory on Sundays.

Occasionally there are a few other NFL players who come at the invitation of the former Hurricanes to work out under the guidance of famed UM Strength and Conditioning coach Andreu Swasey.  

This off-season NFL players were not even sure there would be a 2011 NFL season.  The players were locked out of their teams' facilities due to the on-going labor dispute between the league, the owners and the players that has yet to be resolved. 

Still these players left their homes and came for the lure of South Beach, but not the location, or the kind of night life, that you might have imagined.

 
The NFL lockout didn't stop many of the NFL stars and former Hurricanes from showing up at the University of Miami for some serious workouts at UM's own version of South Beach at Camp Swasey.

Here is a list of some of the NFL/U players who worked out at UM with Coach Swasey this year:

DB Antrel Rolle / NY Giants
WR Andre Johnson / Houston Texans
WR Reggie Wayne / Indianapolis Colts
RB Willis McGahee / Baltimore Ravens
DB Philip Buchanon / Washington Redskins
LB Jonathan Vilma / New Orleans Saints
WR Roscoe Parrish / Buffalo Bills
TE Jimmy Graham / New Orleans Saints

In addition to this list of current NFL players, all of the former Hurricanes who were selected in the 2011 NFL Draft worked out at "The U" as well:

 
Orlando Franklin (2nd/Broncos), Brandon Harris (2nd/Texans), Leonard Hankerson (3rd/Redskins), Allen Bailey (3rd/Chiefs), DeMarcus Van Dyke (4th/Raiders), Colin McCarthy (4th/Titans), Richard Gordon (6th/Raiders) and Matt Bosher (6th/Falcons).

 
The eight players selected (DVD, Hank, Harris and Bailey seen below) in the 2011 NFL Draft solidifies the continued presence of former Hurricanes in the National Football League.

It also ensures that the Summer ritual of NFL talent flocking to Miami and coach Swasey will remain alive and well at the small, private school in Coral Gables simply known as "The U".

 
So next year around this time when you hear the first rumble of thunder, try to remember what it really signifies. 

It is not just another typical South Florida thunderstorm rolling in off of the Everglades but the ever present sound of football players working hard at The University of Miami.

A simple yet beautiful place where Miami Hurricanes and NFL players are made.

The NFLU Starting Lineup

In the four year period between 2001 and 2004 the University of Miami produced an amazing total of thirty-five (35) NFL draft picks.  

As incredible as that may sound, it is even more astonishing that nineteen (19) of those players were selected in the first round of the NFL draft, including an all-time NFL record six (6) first round picks in 2004. 

 
Think about this for a minute: That impressive number of first round selections (19) in just four years is almost as many players as you would need to have an entire NFL starting team (22).  Now that's impressive!

Here is a list of those first round picks during that remarkable four year span:

2004 (Total Picks: 9 / First Round: 6)
Taylor, Sean-S	1 (5)
Winslow, Kellen-TE	1 (6)
Vilma, Jonathan-LB	1 (12)
Williams, D.J.-LB	1 (17)
Carey, Vernon-OL	1 (19)
Wilfork, Vince-DT	1 (21)
2003 (Total picks: 8 / First round: 4)
Johnson, Andre-WR	1 (3)
McDougle, Jerome-DE	1 (15)
McGahee, Willis-RB	1 (23)
Joseph, William-DT	1 (25)
2002 (Total picks: 11 / First round: 5)
McKinnie, Bryant-T	1 (7)
Shockey, Jeremy-TE	1 (14)
Buchanon, Phillip-CB	1 (17)
Reed, Edward-S	1 (24)
Rumph, Mike-CB	1 (26)
2001 (Total picks: 7 / First round: 4)
Morgan, Dan-LB	1 (11)
Lewis, Damione-DT	1 (12)
Moss, Santana-WR/PR	1 (16)
Wayne, Reggie-WR	1 (30)

So we thought that during the slow days of Summer we would have some fun and take those first round picks from that four year span (with some later round selections during the same period) and create the All-UM NFL team. 

So here are the players that would be on our Miami Hurricane NFLU team:

Quarterback: Ken Dorsey (7th round)

Running Back: Willis McGahee (1st) and Clinton Portis (2nd)

Fullback: Najeh Davenport (4th) and James Jackson (3rd)

Wide Recievers: Andre Johnson (1st), Reggie Wayne (1st), Santana Moss (1st)

Tight Ends: Jeremy Shockey (1st) and Kellen Winslow (1st)

Offensive Line: Bryant Mickinnie (1st), Vernon Carey (1st), Martin Bibla (4th), Joaquin Gonzalez (7th), Carlos Joseph (7th)

Defensive Line: Vince Wilfork (1st), Damione Lewis (1st), Jerome McDougle (1st), William Joseph (1st)

Linebacker: Dan Morgan (1st), Jonathan Vilma (1st) and D.J. Williams (1st).

Safety: Ed Reed (1st) and Sean Taylor (1st).

Cornerback: Phillip Buchannon (1st) and Mike Rumph (1st).

Not too shabby if I do say so myself! 

 
If I am not mistaken that team would have somewhere between 12 to 15 NFL Pro-Bowlers on that squad not to mention a few Super Bowl winners mixed in as well.

 
I think you could make a pretty strong argument for that team to beat almost any other NFL team on any given Sunday. 

Wouldn't U agree?

Several Hurricanes Nominated For National Awards

With a rich history of over twenty (20) National award winners including two Heisman Trophy Recipients, University of Miami football players are no strangers to hearing their name called to the podium when the award winners are selected after each college football season.

Still it has been eight years since the last Miami Hurricane won a major award: UM Tight End Kellen Winslow won the Mackey Award back in 2003. 

 
Since that time there has been a serious drought of either supremely talented players or coaches smart enough to take advantage of that talent (or both?) at "The U".

However, it appears very possible that the 2011 season could bring and end to that drought. 

The recently released pre-season watch lists or nomination lists have several Hurricanes included among the players identified as potential winners of each of the prominent national awards.

Now we realize that the season hasn't even started and that it is way to early to begin projecting which UM players may have a serious shot at actually winning any of these awards but it is at least nice to see some of the national media and other selection committees paying attention to the potential talent on this year's UM team.

Here is a list of current Hurricanes that have been nominated for national awards in 2011 so far:

 
Thorpe Award: Ray Ray Armstrong

Nagurski Award: Sean Spence, Marcus Forston and Ray Ray Armstrong

Bednarik Aaward: Sean Spence and Ray Ray Armstrong

Biletnikoff Award: Travis Benjamin

Outland Award: Brandon Washington and Marcus Forston

Rimington Award: Tyler Horn

CFPA Special Teams Award: Travis Benjamin and Lamar Miller

Ten UM players made Phill Steel's All-ACC list: Lamar Miller, Brandon Washington, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston and Ray Ray Armstrong all made the first team while Travis Benjamin, Seantrelle Hendersen, Tyler Horn, Olivier Vernon and Vaughn Telemaque were also selected.

 
Six Hurricanes made Lindy's All-ACC team: Vaughn Telemaque, Ray Ray Armstrong, Marcus Forston, Sean Spence, Travis Benjamin and Brandon Washington.

Two UM players made the Rivals Top 100 Players List: Sean Spence at #57 and Brandon Washington at #85.

 
Now, let us all hope that these players live up to their pre-season accolades during the 2011 season and walk away with some serious hardware when it's all over.  Oh, and an ACC title would also look kind of nice on the shelf if that isn't too much too ask?

And The Award Goes To...

In addition to winning five national championships over a thirty year span between 1983 and 2003, the University of Miami has had its share of national college football award winners over the past three decades. 

 
In fact, the Hurricanes have had a total of 20 national award winners, with all of those awards coming in a 16 year period between 1986 and 2002. 

Here is a list of those national awards and the UM player and year they were honored:

Heisman Trophy: The most prestigious award in college football, the Heisman Trophy is presented annually to the nation's top player. Over the years Hurricane players have made a habit of being invited to the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City as finalists. A Miami player has finished among the top 10 thirteen times, including two winners. 

UM Heisman Trophy winners: Vinny Testaverde 1986 and Gino Torretta 1992

Lombardi Award: The Rotary Lombardi Award goes annually to the college football lineman -- offense or defense -- who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those defenders who line up within five yards of the football. 

UM Lombardi Award winners: Warren Sapp 1995

Outland Trophy: First presented in 1946 and named for John Outland, an All-American tackle at the University of Pennsylvania in 1897, the Outland Trophy is presented by the Football Writers' Association of America to the nation's outstanding collegiate interior lineman. 

UM Outland Trophy winners: Russell Maryland 1990 and Bryant McKinnie 2001

Rimington Trophy: The Dave Rimington Trophy is one of college football's newest annual awards, given each year since 1999 to college football's outstanding center. The trophy is named for former Nebraska center Dave Rimington, who was a first-team All-America center in 1981 and 1982 and was the only player to win the Outland Trophy in both seasons as college football's outstanding interior lineman. The winner of the Rimington Trophy is determined by voting for the Associated Press All-America Team.

UM Rimington Trophy Winners: Brett Romberg 2002 

Butkus Award: Named after the Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, the Butkus Award is the most prestigious award a linebacker in collegiate football can receive. The award was established in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando. 

UM Butkus Award winners: Dan Morgan 2000

Jim Thorpe Award: The Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football was created in 1986. The award was immediately accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors. Winners are judged on their performance on the field, athletic ability and character. 

UM Thorpe Award winners: Bennie Blades 1987

Davey O'Brien Award: Founded in 1977 by members of the Fort Worth Club, the Davey O'Brien Memorial Award honored annually the outstanding college football player in the five Southwest states of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico. In 1981, the area was expanded from the five Southwestern states to the entire nation. The Trustees further agreed to restrict the selection to a quarterback, the primary position of the award's namesake.

UM O'Brien Award winners: Vinny Testaverde 1986 and Gino Toretta 1992 

Johnny Unitas Award: Established in 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation presents the award to the best senior college quarterback in the country.  An 18-year veteran of the NFL, Unitas played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville (1951-54), passing for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns. 

UM Unitas Award winners: Craig Erickson 1990 and Gino Toretta 1992

Maxwell Award: Each year the Maxwell Football Club presents the Maxwell Award for the College Player of the Year. This award is presented in honor of Robert W. (Tiny) Maxwell, legendary college player, official and sports columnist. 

UM Maxwell Award winners: Vinny Testaverde 1986, Gino Toretta 1992 and Ken Dorsey 2001

Bronko Nagurski Award: The Bronko Nagurski trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in college football and is presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The award was established to compliment the Heisman Trophy Award which is rarely presented to a defensive player.  Created in 1993 by the Football Writers Association of America, the award honors the memory of former University of Minnesota All-American Bronko Nagurski. 

UM Nagurski Award winners: Warren Sapp 1994 and Dan Morgan 2000

Bednarik Award: The College Defensive Player of the Year Award is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

UM Bednarik Award winners: Dan Morgan 2000

Walter Camp Award: The Walter Camp Award goes to the nation's most outstanding college football player. While no single person can claim credit for the innovation of football, no one contributed more to the game's development than Walter Camp. Through Camp's many innovations, football changed from a rugby-like game into a unique sport. Camp was one of the first football coaches and was considered the game's authority.

UM Camp Award winners: Vinny Testaverde 1986 and Gino Toretta 1992

John Mackey Award:The John Mackey Award, established in 2001, is awarded annually to the most outstanding tight end in FBS college football. In addition to demonstrating outstanding athletic prowess on the field, the award also stands for positive sportsmanship-like behavior, good academic standing and exceptional leadership abilities.

UM Mackey Award winners: Kellen Winslow 2003

Surprisingly, a University of Miami player has never won the Ted Hendricks Award (defensive ends) named after the great former UM player and All-American. 

In addition, no Miami Hurricane has won the Fred Biletnikoff Award (wide receivers), the Lou Groza Award (kickers) or the Ray Guy Award (punters).

Miami Hurricanes Dominate NFL Top 100 List

The NFL recently released a list of the top 100 professional football players currently playing in the league as selected by their peers.  And, It should come as no shock to anyone who follows college football that players from the University of Miami completely dominated the NFLU Top 100 list.

"The U" has set so many records in relation to the NFL draft over the last three decades that it is no surprise to see so many former Hurricanes on the total list (10), near the top of the list (#4, #5, #7) and at the top of their position rankings league-wide (LB, S, and WR).

 
Miami easily led all NCAA schools with 10 representatives in the top 100 players in the NFLU.  The colleges with the next highest number of players on the list were Tennessee with 6, Michigan and California with 4, and Boston College, NC State and Kansas with 3. 

The 10 former Miami Hurricanes that proudly wore The U on their helmet and now play on Sunday for the big bucks that made the NFLU Top 100 list are as follows:

• #4 Ray Lewis
• #5 Ed Reed
• #7 Andre Johnson
• #31 Reggie Wayne
• #32 Devin Hester
• #35 Vince Wilfork
• #37 Jonathan Vilma
• #68 Antrel Rolle
• #94 Frank Gore
• #95 Jon Beason

 
Miami had three players rated in the top 10 in the league and also at the top of their positions in the entire NFLU: Ray Lewis at Linebacker and Ed Reed at Safety (both seen above celebrating another pick six by #20), and Andre Johnson at Wide Receiver (seen below with Reggie Wayne).

 
However, what you may not have known is that ALL of these former Hurricanes were NFLU first round draft picks except for WR Devin Hester (seen below celebrating with former Hurricane and current Bears TE Greg Olsen), who was selected in the second round, and RB Frank Gore who was selected in the third round (due to knee injuries he suffered while at Miami).

 
Here are two more facts that you might not know: All ten former UM players made the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl team and of the ten Hurricanes on the list eight played high school football in Florida with seven being from the South Florida area (Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties). 

Andre Johnson (Miami High), Jonathan Vilma (Coral Gables), Antrel Rolle (South Dade), Frank Gore (Coral Gables) are all from Dade County, while Jon Beason (Chaminade) and Devin Hester (Suncoast) are from Broward County and Vince Wilfork (Santaluces) is from Palm Beach County. 

 
All of these talented players (like Rolle seen above with former Hurricane and current Giant teamate Bruce Johnson) are from either the 305, 954 or 561 area codes, an area of Florida known to many Hurricane fans as "The Bottom". 

LB Ray Lewis, who is seen below trying to tackle KR/WR Devin Hester in the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl (also known as the UM Alumni Reunion), was the only player from Florida who was was not from The Bottom.  Lewis played his high school ball in Central Florida at Kathleen HS in Lakeland. 

 
The two players on the list who were not from Florida were S Ed Reed and WR Reggie Wayne who both played their high school football in Louisiana.

 
So, as all Miami Hurricane fans can tell you: "It's All About The U." 

And as any NFL fans should now know: "It's All About The NFLU."

If you just can't get enough and want to see this NFLU dominance displayed visually in a graphic format then clink on this link:

http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/mifl/graphics/infographic/nfl100.pdf

Smash and Dash: Part II

Last Thursday we introduced the term "Smash and Dash" to characterize the dynamic duo that will be the primary contributors at running back for the University of Miami this season.

Our first feature was focused on RB Mike "Smash" James who is the designated half of the talented backfield tandem for the Hurricanes that is expected to do most of the smashing this season. 

Smash is a tough, powerful between the tackles with deceptive speed and can be a very elusive runner in the open field.  He is also recognized as an excellent blocker and dependable pass catcher out of the backfield (he led all running backs with 11 catches in 2010).

Today we will turn our attention to Lamar "Dash" Miller, the other half of the two-headed running back combination expected to play for the Hurricanes in 2011.

 
While James is from Central Florida, Lamar Miller is a local product from Dade County who attended the high school that is widely accepted to be the very best in all of the 305: Miami Killian Senior High School. 

And trust me, I'm not just saying that because I graduated from Killian also.  

Well, OK maybe (Go Cougars, Go Canes!), but I digress.

 
Wearing the green and gold uniform on the practice field at Killian Miller put in the hard work necessary to become the highest rated running back in Dade County in 2008. Heading into the 2009 college football recruiting class he was among the top 10 running backs in the nation and among the top 100 rated players overall.

He became a standout football player and track star who competed in the 60M dash and relay events for the Cougars. Here is his high school summary from www.hurricanesports.com:

Ranked the No. 80 prospect in the nation, regardless of position, by Rivals.com, No. 10 ranked running back by Rivals.com, No. 12 running back by ESPN.com and No. 7 RB by Scout.com ... Parade All-American ... No. 119 best player among the ESPNU Top 150 ... Named first team all-state by the Florida Sportswriters Association ... Led Dade County in rushing as senior rushing 217 times for 1,749 yards and 22 touchdowns ... As a junior, rushed 154 times for 1,126 yards with 12 scores ... Named Orlando Sentinel All-Southern (Fla.) and Mobile Press Register Super Southeast 120 ... Coached by Steve Smith.

 
Miller (seen above second from R) regularly competed in State track meets against not just some of the fastest football players in Florida but against the fastest athletes in The Sunshine State, including the speedy and highly acclaimed WR Andre Dubose.

Although both players were heavily recruited by every major college in the Country, Miller's signing with the Hurricanes was never in doubt.  As most of you know, Dubose would choose to attend the University of Florida even though two of his Seminole High School teammates, Ray Ray Armstrong and Dyron Dye, decided to join Miller at Miami.

 
As a Hurricane, Miller has spent his first season getting accustomed to the college game as a redshirt.

In his second season at UM the results were impressive.  Lamar "Dash" Miller played in 11 games and led the team with six rushing touchdowns.  He rushed 108 times for 646 yards, second most on the team.  His 6.0 yards per carry average was the highest among RBs. He ran for 163 yards against Virginia Tech, a season-high for the team and also ran for over 100 yards against Maryland.

Miller was twice named the ACC Rookie of the Week (FAMU and VT). After rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown against Maryland, he was named the Rivals.com national rookie of the week.

And what Hurricane fan can forget Miller's coming out party and celebrated arrival on the scene last year against Ohio State when he returned a kickoff for a quick six?

 
To set the tone for this season, Miller went out and completely dominated the 2011 Spring Game at Lockhart Stadium just a few months ago.  He dashed for 166 yards and a couple of TDs, both scores coming on long, impressive runs leaving defenders in the dust.

So, it all comes down to Smash and Dash.

With running backs Mike "Smash" James and Lamar "Dash" Miller expected to be a big part of the Hurricane offense this season, it appears that Miami fans have to look forward to in 2011.