To Al Golden the solution is simple really: "Conditioning and Unity."
If you listened to the first-year Hurricane head coach describe his priorities for ensuring the success of the 2011 University of Miami football team at his pre-camp press conference on Friday, it really seemed that the cure to what is wrong with this team is that clear and that simple.
Golden spoke at length during the presser with the media about how he has spent his first six months in Coral Gables focused primarily on two things: team conditioning and team unity.
He talked about "staying on message" and made it clear that the message about prioritizing the rebuilding of the once wildly successful and at times even dominant program at "The U" hinges on those two specific principles.
Only time will tell if Golden is able to hit his target with what many have labeled an under-achieving group of highly recruited but only moderately productive bunch of football players. But for now calling them a "bunch of players" seems to fit this group so much more accurately than "team of players".
It appears that the talent is there but what remains to be seen is IF these Hurricanes can take their individual talents and find a way to collectively work together to produce a solid team effort in 2011. If so, and that is a really big IF, then the sky may be the only limit for this 2011 squad.
Golden made several key comments during his approximately 30 minute Q & A session with reporters in the Edgerrin James media room at UM:
- The highly anticipated QB battle between Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris "Is a dead heat. It really is." Golden said that he has not only said it publicly to the media but even to his coaches and closest confidants at UM. Golden said the QB battle "Will be decided in the next 14-15 days."
- Golden said that three players still have clearinghouse issues: LB Antonio Kinard, RB Kevin Grooms and DT Corey King. Grooms was projected to see time at running back, however due to his delay in getting cleared by the NCAA to play this year at UM, Safety Eduardo Clements (who played running back in high school) has moved back to RB to add depth there at least for now.
- Golden emphasized that "It is the coaches job to get the best 22 players on the field" and that several players could still be moved around during camp or even later this Fall.
- The UM head coach said that several leaders have emerged on the team. He singled out: Spence, Forston, Gunn, Byrd, and both QBs engaged in the starting role battle royal as players that have surfaced as real leaders on this team.
- He reiterated what many UM fans already knew: That the team has to get better at the following positions to be competitive this season: at QB where completion %, limiting turnovers and leadership will be critical; at MLB where Jimmy Gaines, Jordan Futch and even Freshmen Gionni Paul and Eddie Robinson will all compete for playing time; and at DB where several players must still be replaced from last years team and several players are still in the mix.
- Golden also said he is excited about the players at the WR position at Miami this season. He also stated that Freshmen WRs Phillip Dorsett and Rashawn Scott "have thrown a wrench into the mix" at the position as both have show the talent and maturity to play this season in spite of the depth here with Byrd, Benjamin, Hurns, Thompkins and the Johnsons squared (Davon and Aldarius).
- And if you MUST know, Golden confirmed once and for all that he will wear a shirt and tie on the sidelines this season. It was rumored that NIKE officials immediately holed up in their luxurious offices and threw a temper tantrum and are right now seriously pouting.
Thanks to Chris Freet, LaTonya Sadler and all of the good folks over at the UM Sports Information Department for their coverage of the Hurricanes and access to the video of the press conference.
To watch the entire 30 minute video of the Golden presser click here:
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/allaccess/index.html?media=184717
U!
Posted by: fmcane | August 05, 2011 at 05:17 PM
I got my room booked at the Hampton Inn for three nights for the OSU game. GREAT DEAL! With the Canespace code saved about $70. When splitting it, it only costs each of us $75.
Posted by: UMike | August 05, 2011 at 04:39 PM
That's they way, uh huh-uh huh, I like it!
A FREE Canespace shirt for U!
Posted by: 86Cane | August 05, 2011 at 05:19 PM
So close......
Posted by: raizecane | August 05, 2011 at 05:20 PM
cant believe i got in for a first! gota say i love to here about how golden is taking steps to build the team unity. its a powerful thing to look to your left and right and feel that you are surrounded by your brothers rather than just a bunch of guys when the chips are down and the game is tight!
Posted by: fmcane | August 05, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Jon Beason
Posted by: UMike | August 05, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Dam..Andre Johnson lol
Posted by: UMike | August 05, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Damn! Thought I'd be #1!
Posted by: j.w. | August 05, 2011 at 05:21 PM
cant believe i got in for a first! gota say i love to here about how golden is taking steps to build the team unity. its a powerful thing to look to your left and right and feel that you are surrounded by your brothers rather than just a bunch of guys when the chips are down and the game is tight!
Posted by: fmcane | August 05, 2011 at 05:20 PM
The trick to being first is to stay awake all day, and refresh the page every 5 seconds. That's how I got MY T-shirt. Oh, wait: I've still got no T-shirt.
Anyway, eternal vigilance.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 05, 2011 at 05:36 PM
It's almost 6:00 PM and STILL to damn hot to mow my yard......
Posted by: raizecane | August 05, 2011 at 05:43 PM
dj, this is my second one and i have been following the blog daily since before the space on the sentinel during the omar days of the legion. this is certainly the best spot on the net for hurricane coverage, lively discussion and comradery. the space is a special place!
Posted by: fmcane | August 05, 2011 at 05:54 PM
OGV I don't care if they pick on him but be consistent.....he is not the only guy on this team stinking it up!
And if Golden has the Golden touch with every other player, why not with Jacory?
I am not impressed with Jacory or Morris! Not impressed with a lot of these guys!
Posted by: canechic | August 05, 2011 at 06:02 PM
raise..here in Chattanooga...we mow around 8:30 or 9 lol..were very close to the time zone change, so it gets dark late
Posted by: UMike | August 05, 2011 at 06:09 PM
What is the deal with these NCAA Clearing House issues? Does that prevent a player from playing at a certain school, or getting in school etc?
Posted by: UMike | August 05, 2011 at 06:23 PM
dj, this is my second one and i have been following the blog daily since before the space on the sentinel during the omar days of the legion. this is certainly the best spot on the net for hurricane coverage, lively discussion and comradery. the space is a special place!
Posted by: fmcane | August 05, 2011 at 05:54 PM
OK, SOUP, you're just embarrassing yourself now.
Oh, wait: there really IS an "fmcane." My bad.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 05, 2011 at 06:28 PM
UMike, the clearing house basically examines all the credits a student athlete has on his or her transcript from high school or their JC and then certifies that they meet the requirements for the NCAA to consider them to be valid. If Johnny 5* takes a BS course in high school to keep his grade point average up and the Clearinghouse calls him on it he can be demoted to partial qualifier status and be declared academically ineligible for competition. If you're waiting on the Clearinghouse to decide it means they saw something on your transcript they want double checked for academic validity basically.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 05, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Golden said QB Ryan Williams, a transfer from Memphis who attended Miramar High, has applied for a family hardship waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to play this season instead of sitting out a year. Golden wouldn’t say more about the matter except that right now Williams is “not eligible until further notice.”
If he is granted the waiver my win/loss estimation will significantly change.
10-2 if Ryan Williams plays this year!
Posted by: elliott | August 05, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Do not ask my why just go to Youtube and check out the highlights dude is lightyears ahead of stick man and the boy with the green thumb.
Posted by: elliott | August 05, 2011 at 08:19 PM
The trick to being first is to stay awake all day, and refresh the page every 5 seconds. That's how I got MY T-shirt. Oh, wait: I've still got no T-shirt.
Anyway, eternal vigilance.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 05, 2011 at 05:36 PM
Moonbat...you have been on Canespace too long without a FIRST. Just go ahead and break down, send me your mailing addy and shirt size to:
[email protected]
And I will hook U up!
Posted by: 86Cane | August 05, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Thanks ogv
Posted by: UMike | August 05, 2011 at 09:34 PM
anyone watch the Temple vs. Army game last night???
Posted by: DrewZ2 | August 05, 2011 at 09:36 PM
86, I forgot to send my shirt size. Large, baby.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 05, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Soup check email
article and photos are enclosed
Posted by: solarcane | August 05, 2011 at 09:52 PM
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina chancellor Holden Thorp says he regrets breaking NCAA rules by discussing a scholarship offer from fired football coach Butch Davis to Davis' son.
Thorp told The News & Observer of Raleigh and The Charlotte Observer he was disappointed the coach offered Drew Davis a scholarship without consulting Thorp or athletic director Dick Baddour. Drew Davis is a senior quarterback at East Chapel Hill High School.
North Carolina chancellor Holden Thorp says he regrets breaking NCAA rules by discussing a scholarship offer from fired football coach Butch Davis to Davis' son.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 05, 2011 at 10:24 PM
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina chancellor Holden Thorp says he regrets breaking NCAA rules by discussing a scholarship offer from fired football coach Butch Davis to Davis' son.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 05, 2011 at 10:24 PM
I regret lots of things. None of those regrets come with NCAA violations. Just sayin, is all.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 05, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Marshall Faulk & Deion Saners agree WR Andre Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL. Also best pure athlete.
Posted by: solarcane | August 05, 2011 at 10:38 PM
try some of this
madden12 ray lewis entrance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCO5u27pgVg&feature=youtube_gdata_player...The
Posted by: solarcane | August 05, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Jim Morris
Great seeing former CANES Gaby Sanchez and Jon Jay play at Dolfin Stadium tonight. We need some more guys like them.
Posted by: solarcane | August 05, 2011 at 11:01 PM
DE visiting Miami this weekend
juniore hi lites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YXFaWwt71s
(papa cane)
Posted by: solarcane | August 05, 2011 at 11:06 PM
might have been posted
pre camp presser vid clip
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/index.html
Posted by: solarcane | August 05, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Jimbo Fischer knelt on the cold stone floor within the catacombs that served as the athletic department of the Florida State Seminoles. He had been waiting for several minutes for the transmission he had been informed was to come, a message from his master. As he waited, he reflected on the sudden turn of events in recents months. What should have been a victory lap for the Collective had become a rout, with ally after ally meeting unexpected and unfair fates. Key pillars like Jim Tressel, ousted from Ohio State after gripping much of the Midwest in a state of fear and terror. Or Urban Meyer, who had fled the land of noodling and jorts for the sterile confines of ESPN.
Finally the holographic projector came to life. A spectral image loomed before him. Yellow eyes glared at him, seeming to burn through him. He kneeled even further, avoiding the sinister gaze.
"What is thy bidding, my master?" asked Fischer. Of course, this was not his former master. But having turned his back o n his mentor Coach Bowden, he had embarked on a new path and embraced the teachings of the figure before him.
"There is a grave disturbance in the BCS," replied the holographic image. "The young coach who restored the Temple football program, I believe this to be the one who has inherited the Jimmy Johnson Matrix of Leadership and will restore the Miami Hurricanes."
Fischer gulped. He had hoped that the reports and rumors coming out of the Miami Herald and Canespace could be dampened, somehow withheld. But there was no denying it. Still, he had to try.
"He's just a boy," tried Jimbo, "Art Kehoe can't help him that much!"
"He could destroy us," said the holograph. "Al Golden must not be allowed to become a BCS caliber coach."
Jimbo shivered. By all accounts the Canes were well on their way. Team unity had been stressed, and a talented roster was in the best shape of their careers. Still, there was one chance....
"If he could be turned, he could become a powerful ally. Coach Paterno is due to retire soon. We must use our powers to push him to replace Joe."
"Yes," grinned the figure with sharpened teeth. "Yes...he could be a great asset. Can it be done?"
"He will join us or...."
"Spare me. If you fail, I'll use my powers personally at the next BCS Title Game. Leave my presence."
"As you wish, Lord Porter," gasped Fischer.
Posted by: TonyCane | August 06, 2011 at 12:42 AM
LMAO!!!
Posted by: CoCane | August 06, 2011 at 02:20 AM
Started my new job today guys as a legal assistant for an immigration law firm.
Posted by: UpNorthCane | August 05, 2011 at 09:36 AM
******
Congrats UpNorthCane
Posted by: Six | August 06, 2011 at 02:38 AM
I'd like to know who these "experts" are that canechic referred to who said that the Canes will win a NChamp this year under Golden
Again, everything is going completely right in this off-season. Team unity, team bonding - even if it means puking in unity after the conditioning. Head Coach sending motivational texts ... Head Coach sending practical joke emails to all the players ... bringing in past Canes to speak to the players (past Cane players and coaches) ... bringing in past Canes to help coach camps (still love seeing my #2 favorite Cane LB of all-time, Rohan Marley out there) ... it's all good
The one thing that needs to take place? How it translates onto the field
We'll see what happens
Would you bet against this team doing better than 7-6 like last year? That is without all the players they had that left from last year either to the NFL or that graduated?
I think they do better, at least 2 wins better
Posted by: Six | August 06, 2011 at 02:45 AM
It is show me time! Golden Rules!
Posted by: canesteeler | August 06, 2011 at 08:05 AM
TRAINING CAMP STARTS NOW!
Posted by: SOUP | August 06, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Not impressed with a lot of these guys!
Posted by: canechic | August 05, 2011 at 06:02 PM
SHOCKER!
Posted by: SOUP | August 06, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Canechic...U are smart enough to know that on ANY football team at ANY level, the head coach and the QB ALWAYS get the spotlight, good or bad.
IF the team wins everyone heaps PRAISE on them.
IF the team loses everyone heaps BLAME on them.
That's just the way it is in football, the way it always has been, and the way it always will be. Get used to it and get over it!
Posted by: SOUP | August 06, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Like I tell my kids just cuz everyone does and always have, does not make it right! :)
At the beach and nothing can ruin my mood!!!!!
Have a great day spacers!
Six I think most of these "experts" are full of crap hence the quotes.
I like Golden, love the canes but this will take time and quite frankly I don't think either of the qbs on this team are all that!
Posted by: canechic | August 06, 2011 at 09:20 AM
I think everyone should pick their Legends Of the Fall pretty quick.
If you wait till the third or fourth game of the season to "predict" which player will show the most surprising amount of talent this year, whats the challenge?
Picking Sean Spence Ray Ray Lamar or three year starters is also lame.
solarcane LOF
D Gionni Paul,
alternate if GP injured, Anthony Chickillo
O Phillip Dorset
alternate if PD injured, Stephen Morris
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:26 AM
S Morris this morning
http://ufootball.tumblr.com/post/8555364373/stephen-morris-fields-some-questions-from-the
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Mean Streets this morning
http://ufootball.tumblr.com/post/8555378129/tommy-streeter-talks-to-the-media-before-training
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Clements this morning
http://ufootball.tumblr.com/post/8555397618/eduardo-clements-talks-about-his-move-back-to
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Shane Mac this morning
http://ufootball.tumblr.com/post/8555411867/we-have-video-of-shane-mcdermott-talking-to-the
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Jake this morning
http://ufootball.tumblr.com/post/8555430687/jake-wieclaw-speaks-to-the-media-before-training
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Futch this morning
http://ufootball.tumblr.com/post/8555442501/jordan-futch-spends-some-time-with-the-media
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Tim Reynolds
Golden roams everywhere, always correcting, always teaching, quick points, moves on. Total control of the operation.
.
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Tim Reynolds
Fisch: High energy. Kehoe: O-lineman energy. D'Onofrio: Calming sort. And on and on ... everyone on staff brings different perspective.
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Tim Reynolds
Now for the QBs: Jacory Harris seems to have more zip than last year, sign he's healthier and stronger. Stephen Morris also looks refined.
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:50 AM
105 players in camp right now
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Black jerseys so far this AM
Golden's coveted black jerseys are on Forston, Spence, Buchanan & Gaines(!)
Posted by: solarcane | August 06, 2011 at 09:56 AM