Kicking Off A New Era

There have been many areas of concern on the field for the University of Miami football team over the last couple of years.

Yet one area where there wasn’t any concern was on special teams where the dependable and reliable Matt Bosher handled the punting and kicking chores for the Hurricanes.  With Bosher manning both of these positions there was no fear for the Hurricanes.

 
And let's be clear, not only did Bosher hold down these spots, he dominated them.  It was a fact that he was known as much for his big hits on coverage as he was for his clutch kicking.

After winning numerous awards, Bosher's time at the U came to an end after the 2010 season. It was no surprise that his departure has left a huge hole in the kicking game for Miami. 

Enter Dalton Botts. 

Coming out of High school Botts committed to Bakersfield College as a QB. After transferring to Moorpark College, Dalton took over the punting role on the team.  It was there that he excelled.

At the top 12 elite kicking camp in California, Dalton had the longest punt and the best hang time, an accomplishment that earned him a No. 1 national ranking by kicking guru Chris Sailer.  Sailer runs the top rated instructional camps for punters and kickers and has a highly respected rating/recruiting service.

Here is our interviews with Botts:

Q: Explain your decision to attend the University of Miami?

A: “There is no better place than Miami. I loved the place, coaches and I felt welcome here.”

Q. What was your first impression of Coach Golden?

A: “Confidence.  He knew what he was talking about, and seemed like he was talking to ME as a person
    and not just a recruit to play ball.”

Q: Matt Bosher left some big shoes to fill. What makes you think you are the person to do it?

A: “There is no other person in my eyes that can fill the shoes of Bosher other than me! I say that out of confidence not cockiness.  I have been training my butt off getting to be the best I can be.”

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

A: “I want to be one of the best punters in the nation, and whenever I go on the field, do my job right and help the team in the best way possible I can.”

Q: What’s going through your head as camp starts?

A: “I’m just excited! I’m ready to get this thing going and get better!” 

Q: Is there anything you would like to tell the Miami Hurricane fans?

A: “Keep supporting! The U is coming back, it’s going to be a great season!

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Comments

[ftmcane]

test

[ftmcane]

failed

[ftmcane]

ok, how do i get an avatar on my posts

[solarcane]

sign into your typepad acount
go to edit your profile
go to choose an image
click browes
select your pic

[solarcane]

browse

[solarcane]

will scrimmage Sunday and then Aug. 22, coach Al Golden said

[solarcane]

Coach Golden vid from today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf7qiR1QzT0&feature=share

[eYeofthestorm]

The eYe doesn't see FSU getting revenge like we did against Okie-doke. Landry Jones has a bit of a field day against those over-hyped hillbillies from up North to the tune of 34-20.

Since recruiting has calmed down a bit, any news on WR James Louis transfer and some linemen we have a remote chance at. Hey anybody got any news!

[solarcane]

for the Hurricane gamer that has everything ... except this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2a5vFFY-I4

[canechic]

ftmcane sign into typepad and then post, the avatar should then show up.

[ftmcane]

thanks solar and CC.

[canechic]

:)

[solarcane]

We play 4 of SI's top 25 teams

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/08/10/preseason-top-25/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

[dj moonbat]

Coach Golden vid from today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf7qiR1QzT0&feature=share

Posted by: solarcane | August 10, 2011 at 01:52 PM

He's looking a little worn out. And he's telling me the team is properly conditioned (physically) now. Good.

[canechic]

This is so sad:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Washington-Redskins-Stephen-Bowen-mourns-infant-sons-death-as-twin-fights-for-life-081011?GT1=39002

[VA Cane]

I got a call from a buddy who grew up in Hollywood FL, lived behind my aunt and uncle, played at Villanova in the 70s. He knows a couple people close to the program....said Morris looks good, feet are quick, arm looks stronger....has a little edge on J12. Doesn't mean Morris will be named starter, but interesting....said people are seeing some separation in the competition. I am just glad their is some competition; Onionhead played his favs no matter how bad they were....thats a program killer.

[VA Cane]

Al could use a shave for sure huh?

[solarcane]

dj,
when you look at that clip the resemblence of Coach Golden to Fred Flintstone is eerie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf7qiR1QzT0&feature=share

[solarcane]

Good to hear Morris is improving it's good for both of them.

[solarcane]

canechic thats just awful

[solarcane]

A slip of the lip could cost a ship

UM fans hoping 2 hear from Anthony Chickillo and others: Coach Al Golden is not allowing freshmen 2 speak 2 media during camp

steve g

[solarcane]

Kellen Winslow having superb camp

Tight end Kellen Winslow is having one of the better training camps of his career. It’s no coincidence that it’s coming in the wake of one of the few offseasons in which Winslow did not have surgery on his knees.

Winslow has shown very good speed, hands and, best of all, mobility. He’s not skipping any workouts right now either, but that will certainly change once the regular season begins.

The Bucs know Winslow needs to be ready for Sundays, so he’ll get a day off once a week when the season gets under way. For now, though, there’s little reason to believe he won’t be quarterback Josh Freeman’s top target once again this year.

[raizecane]

WTF is this world coming too? I have heard it all now….

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/08/10/petition-calls-for-sesame-streets-bert-and-ernie-to-be-married/?iid=moreonnf&hpt=hp_c2

[solarcane]

raize that is about as stupid as it gets.

one thing for sure Elmo is a straight up playa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thDIBsX2j2U

[solarcane]

"They don't call me the Shag Carpet for nothing!"

lmao!

[solarcane]

O Franklin
Who would have thought the first NFL game I ever went to I would be playing in... blessed

[raizecane]

Solar - that is some funny AZZ SHITZ......

If I ever meet Katy, I will be doing the same thing..... :-)

[solarcane]

raize,
the first time I saw that Elmo clip I started crying!
Its a classic

wait till six, alph, skool, roach OGV and the rest of the space cadets watch it

[canechic]

Solar that story is just heartbreaking :(

[solarcane]

Ray Lewis latest commercial work

http://www.procanes.com/files/2b8b9cc5b5e977a566a8535ea4b045f8-9538.html

[Hassan]

Guys when is the swasey interview going to be posted? i am excited to see it and wonder if any of my questions made the cut

[VA Cane]

Raize you are right.

Ernie and Bert married? six states with same sex marriage? required teaching of gay/lesbian/transgender contributions to society in CA? Acceptance of different people is one thing, Govt intrusion, intervention and destruction of real moral values is another!! The Barney Frank era begins (said with his lisp). Very sad and disturbing

[solarcane]

canechic yes
I couldn't imagine losing one of my children. That has to be the worst experience you would ever endure.

[solarcane]

This guy is an azzclown

Former UM great Warren Sapp, who had criticized Al Golden's hiring, told WQAM's Sid Rosenberg that he's now cool with Golden and will go to lunch with him.

[solarcane]

Brandon McGee

CORAL GABLES, Fla.--They are stories of perseverance. Stories about growing up, becoming men and being a part of a family. One-by-one, we hear from them. These are the Miami Hurricanes...

Brandon McGee | Defensive Back | Junior | Plantation, Fla.

The U is about legacy and tradition. It’s about all the past players that came through the university and made it what it is today. From Michael Irvin to Ray Lewis and people like that, that’s what it’s all about.

Competition is something that this program is built on. It’s about going out and competing every day, whether it’s just having fun or with intensity. Practice field, workouts, or in the weight room, we just compete every day.

Playing football has given me an outlet as a way to clear my mind. Not necessarily escape reality, but when I’m on the field, it’s the only thing that’s on my mind.

I secretly wish that I could sing (laughs). I always hear myself trying to sing in the shower and it never goes well.

When I was six years old, I remember scoring a 98-yard touchdown. That was back in 1997, when I was still playing running back as a kid.

The Golden Era is about excitement. I’m anxious to see what this future holds and see what this season holds. I’m ready to get it all under way.

I’ll never forget when my mom told me, before she passed, that God was going to bless me. That has stuck with me my entire life.

The hardest part of life is understanding that adversity comes in a lot of different forms. It’s not there to break us, but rather to make us into the people we’re supposed to become. That’s the hardest part. Once you understand that, you’re better off.

South Florida is my home. Growing up in my hometown, seeing the people before me go on and play college football and play professional sports, it’s given me a motivation to know that I can do the same. I see the work that they put in and the neighborhoods they grew up in, it’s just made me want to do it too.

Family is the most important thing in my life. Going through college and going through high school with everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned that I need them. I rely on them a lot.

We are all one. I know it sounds cliché, but at the end of the day, when we’re out there working together as a team, you feel the togetherness. When we ran our conditioning tests, the way we got everyone over the hump was coming together and becoming one.

I was raised to respect everyone around me, to be mindful of my surroundings, and to know that nothing will be given to me. My dad and mom did a great job of instilling that in me at a very early age. I was really independent, whether it was in elementary school making my own breakfast and washing dishes and clothes, I learned that nothing comes easy and you have to earn everything.

I didn’t think I was going to run the fastest 40-yard dash during conditioning. I thought Travis Benjamin was going to edge me out. I’ll take that and say it with pride.

My favorite song right now is “I’m a Boss” by Rick Ross and Meek Millz. My favorite R&B song right now is “Sure Thing” by Miguel. I’ll roll with those two.

Other than football, one thing I’m talented at is guitar. I’ve been teaching myself, but you could say I’m talented on the strings. I was bored one day and wanted to learn how to play. The song “How to Love” by Lil Wayne kind of inspired me to learn. I’ve been watching a lot of videos on YouTube to learn how to do it.

If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be my mom. I would trade anything to spend a day with her again.

The most influential person in my life is my father. Seeing him step up to the plate the way he did when my mom passed, the sacrifices that he made, just to provide for me and my siblings, he has a big heart. He took on so many responsibilities that he didn’t really have to, from my nieces and nephews to everything, he definitely inspires me to keep going. He gets all my jerseys too and he gives them out to my family members.

I’m a Hurricane because I want to be the best. From watching the way the group of high school players I knew that were here, guys like Brandon Harris, Jacory Harris, DeMarcus Van Dyke, I wanted to be a part of that. The coaching staff embraced me and I felt comfortable here. I’m close to home, which is important. My grandparents didn’t want me to be far away, and I didn’t want to leave my dad, because he wanted to be at every game. It worked out well.

My favorite thing about being part of the U Family is the feeling itself. There are never awkward moments amongst us, moments when you might feel like an outsider or an outcast. We make jokes, but that’s what family does. We may argue at times, but that’s what family does too.

At the U, I’ve learned so much from Brandon Harris. My freshman year, coaches would ride me a lot, and I would think, “Why are they riding me like this?” He told me to relax, and explained how it’s part of the process. Watching his work ethic, and how he breaks down game film on his own, I took note of that and watched it and try to mimic that myself.

When I played football as a kid, I pretended to be Michael Vick. I played quarterback sixth grade through senior year of high school. I had a glove on my left hand just like him. They gave #7 to a senior one year, so I just stuck with #4. Mike Vick was my idol.

The song no one would believe I have on my iPod is “Like a G6” by Far East Movement.

No one can believe I used to be in drama. I used to be an actor. I did performing arts through elementary school and middle school. The reason I started was because they went on a lot of field trips (laughs). It was a fun experience.

Becoming a man is learning about yourself. You go through so many phases and challenges through this process, I think if you’re not strong-minded, or don’t have a strong mindset it’s easy for you to lose your way. You’re going to stumble. That’s not a question. It’s your ability to pick yourself up after you stumble that defines the true character of a man.

[solarcane]

Brandon McGee is a mature well spoken young man, very impressive.

[solarcane]

Impact indicator in chinstrap newest technology against concussion

Battle Sports Science

very interesting video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1fbs6uoWuE

[VA Cane]

Yes I like BM as well, good kid. God I hope ths staff sees what an idiot and cancer Warren FatAss BigMouth Sapp is and keeps him away from the program. QB Killa? Um Killa if he talks to our players they will be influenced in a bad way.I never liked him as a player, ever. Too much talk, not enough action....except cheap shots. Cancer=Sapp

[86Cane]

WURD ON DA SKREET IZ...WAIT, THIS TIME IT IS DIRECT FROM THE HOOD WITH NO SAUCE:

1. Ill start your day out bruh by saying that friggen RayRay is laying anybody coming near him with the ball and talking trash while doin it.

2. Fisch is about to blow up because they have dropped a few bruh. There is some intense ass chewin going on behind the scenes bruh. Even Truth caught some for switching arms with the ball right before a hit and had a bit of a bobble.

3. Even I didnt expect it to be this violent 1st day live. This sh?# blowin up bruh

[86Cane]

WURD UP!

1. Al and this staff werent friggen around about how live was going to go bruh. As a player if you have 1oz. of soft in your ass this aint the place for ya.

2. No hidin that weak sh#¿ with this staff bruh. eeewwwws and aaawwwwws all up in this suckah!

[canesteeler]

I work with BM's uncle and he is a straight old school shooter. BM comes from a great family.

[canesteeler]

VA Cane I agree with you about Sapp. He is a straight up ass!

[86Cane]

Guys when is the swasey interview going to be posted? i am excited to see it and wonder if any of my questions made the cut

Posted by: Hassan | August 10, 2011 at 04:32 PM

THIS WEEKEND OR MONDAY.

Work and family issues interfering with blogging. Sucks, I know.

Hassan please resend any questions U had, I still have a chance to get them in.

[86Cane]

VA Cane I agree with you about Sapp. He is a straight up ass!

Posted by: canesteeler | August 10, 2011 at 06:07 PM

FINALLY! Something we ALL can agree on.

[Old Skool]

Elmo is classic, Great ending line.

I've been watching some incredibly graphic footage from the UK riots

http://tinyurl.com/3lykvo9

Wanton destruction. I'm amazed anyone could videotape something like that and not intervene.

[86Cane]

BREAKING NEWS...TONIGHT LIVE ON CANESPACE GET THE NEWS U CAN USE!

PLEASE BEGIN POSTING YOUR QUESTIONS FOR MANNY NAVARRO AND SUSAN DEGNAN FROM THE MIAMI HERALD AT 7:30 PM.

MANNY WILL BE ON AT 7:30 UNTIL 8 PM.

SUSAN WILL BE ON FROM 8 UNTIL 8:30 PM.

FREE BEER AND WINGS FOR EVERYBODY!!!

[canechic]

Sapp has done a whole lot for the football team at Apopka High....so maybe you guys call him an ass but he at least gives back. You know who is a bigger @ss Brandon Merriweather....whereas nice words come out of Apopka for Sapp not many for Brandon!

[VA Cane]

He ought to give back with the money he made, he got there with a loty of help. No he does not have to give, so pat him on the back for that; thats great. He is just an irrepressible ass as a human being; though maybe a good one in some aspects. He is aloof, loud, conceited and not a good role model for the UM kids to see. JMO

[canechic]

Well I don't know him or Brandon personally, so I can just go by words from people who have had day to day interaction with them....Tiger came off as a very nice guy who had a nice dad....turns out both were cheaters so you just never know!

[86Cane]

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