The Miami Norland Vikings won the 5A State Football Championship by the score of 38-0 over Wakulla at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Friday behind another dominating performance by running back Randy "Duke" Johnson.
Johnson rushed for four TDs and returned a punt for another score as he racked up 266 all-purpose yards on what was just another ho-hum day for the talented high school star and soon to be Miami Hurricane.
After all Johnson (seen throwing up The U above and lined up at running back below) averaged over 10 yards per carry on the season playing against arguably the toughest competition in the entire State down in the 305.
We had the chance to chat for a while with our good friend Manny Navarro, who now officially wears Canespace (note shirt on shoulder), and who wrote this article about "The Duke" over at The Miami Herald blog that U can check out in it's entirety at the link provided below:
Johnson's final senior season rushing stats -- 208 carries, 2,087 yards, 29 TDs -- rank ninth all-time in Dade history. His career rushing numbers -- 504 carries, 5,109 yards, 70 TDs -- rank third all-time. But when you consider he averaged 10.0 yards per carry and had 103 rushing attempts fewer than the great Frank Gore (2,953 yards in 2000) this season, Johnson's performance stands out even more.
"To me, I once thought Duke was the most exciting player I'd ever seen," said Norland athletic director Ira Fluitt, a basketball star during his old playing days at Miami Springs. "But after what he did last week in running for 375 yards I think he's the best player I've ever seen. I'd put him right up there with the greats like Frank Gore, Elvis Peacock and Troy Davis."
The game was never in doubt as Norland surged out to a big halftime lead against the severely over-matched team from Wakullla High School.
It will certainly be a long drive back to the Tallahassee area for the Eagles who never threatened to score and were eventually shutout by a talented, tough and swarming Viking defense that is stocked with D-1 players at several positions.
If you blinked, you would have sworn that former UM players Michael Barrow and Baraka Short were playing for the Norland defense on this cloudy, overcast day in Orlando.
Canespace rules were in full effect on this Championship Day in Orlando as Canespace blogger Hassan and I had the incredible opportunity to sit in the stands with a Miami Hurricane legend, former player and current offensive line coach Art Kehoe.
Kehoe was on hand along with several other UM coaches at the game including the previously mentioned special teams coach Barrow, running backs coach Terry Richardson (seen standing) and wide receivers coach George McDonald (sitting with his back to camera).
Kehoe was feeling comfortable and confident while he chatted candidly with us for the entire second half about Miami Hurricane football past, present and future.
Coach Kehoe was sitting in the stands with the proud parents of UM verbal commit OL Ereck Flowers, who is the BIG guy seen below wearing #75 and standing next to Manny, in front of Duke #3 and near #8 getting seriously coached up on the sidelines.
As a long time Hurricane fan it was a little surreal sitting next to and chatting openly and honestly with Kehoe like we were old buddies. It was like Art took off his coaches hat and just decided he would talk to us and tell us things like we were good friends and not just some crazy fans.
He was an encyclopedia of knowledge and stats and quoted UM player and specific game histories like he was reading from some sort of Hurricane history book.
Now because he agreed to talk to us in such a real and revealing way we promised not to share the information on the blog. So, unfortunately, most of the best stuff we have to leave out.
But trust me when I tell you that with Hassan as my witness we were there in person to hear the Good News according to Kehoe that goes something like this:
- He has an absolute and unshakeable belief that Al Golden is THE MAN and he will get it done at Miami.
- The team underwent an incredible positive change in the 10 months since he came back to Coral Gables.
- The team will be talented, tough and win more games than anybody expects them to in 2012.
- While he would not talk about specific recruits or any "silent" commits he did say that this recruiting class will be the mother load. That's right he actually said "The Mother Load!"
Oh yeah, we were speaking of The Duke, right? Well we met him and his wonderful family at the game.
They had a group of about 50 people all wearing shirts that read "WWDD" on the front and had UM #3 in orange and green on the back.
If you can't figure it out and must ask, then WWDD stands for:
"What Would Duke Do".
So go ahead and ask: What Would Duke Do at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando?
Why he would score five touchdowns in the State Championship game.
What else would you expect from this future Miami Hurricane?
1st
Posted by: tjl3909 | December 17, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Damn i needed a new Canespace T-Shirt. I posted last or first on the last blog...Lol.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | December 17, 2011 at 12:38 AM
I have two Space T-Shirts so if MGMT allows it I'll be happy to give mine to you MC
Posted by: tjl3909 | December 17, 2011 at 12:40 AM
Monty...I gotchU! U know what to do, right?
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 12:40 AM
Very nice! Thank you!
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | December 17, 2011 at 12:44 AM
Argggggggh! Thought I could be first when I saw this on twitter
Posted by: j.w. | December 17, 2011 at 12:46 AM
OK, Canes fans I have to tell U that the Canespace rules were in FULL effect today in Orlando.
1. U have to show up.
2. U have to stay until the end.
3. Good things will happen.
When U get to sit and chat 1:1 with Art Kehoe off the record for over an hour about UM football then that is a REALLY GOOD DAY!
Hassan and I were treated to an incredible moment in time that only happens maybe once in a lifetime of a Hurricane fan.
To sit down and shoot the sh&% with Art Kehoe where he asked as many questions to us as we did to him was un-friggin-believable.
I had so much R E S P E C T for that man before today.
After today it is off the charts.
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 12:56 AM
SOUP, you're not on the let Kehoe go bandwagon that's being driven by some of the more lunatic fringe fans are you? I mean, look at the man with five rings, embracing the two of you like family up there, and why? Because you are his family of course! Great coach, great Hurricane, great guy, very glad he was repatriated after being sent out to wander in the wilderness.
Awesome blog.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | December 17, 2011 at 01:13 AM
Kehoe is Awesome, Jethro Franklin was there too. met him later on. I was hittin Kehoe with all the normal ish we diss on the team, crappy o line play, strength program. Terry Porter lol
Posted by: Hassan | December 17, 2011 at 01:34 AM
Kehoe is awesome?
I'd like to hear his awesome take on the subpar OLine play this season.
Regardless, ain't no doubt about it, the man CAN recruit!
Posted by: 2002nemo | December 17, 2011 at 05:58 AM
C'mon boys, (Hassan & Soup)... spill the beans!
There's GOT to be more you can say than the little tease you've put out so far...
Make this blog light up! There's got to be LOTS more you can say without "compromising" your conversation with Art...
Give up the good stuff!
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 17, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Any "sanction" talk?
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 17, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Great article Soup, I love this place!!!
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: Native | December 17, 2011 at 08:17 AM
MH
The University of Miami underclassmen caravan has picked up speed — and two more players along the way.
UM confirmed Friday that another two Hurricanes are leaving college early to enter the 2012 NFL Draft, making this the biggest underclassmen exodus in school history.
This time, it’s 6-4, 320-pound junior offensive tackle Brandon Washington and 6-4, 265-pound junior defensive end Olivier Vernon who have chosen to forgo their senior seasons.
They join, in order of departure, receiver Tommy Streeter, defensive tackle Marcus Forston and running back Lamar Miller. All were juniors except for Miller, a redshirt sophomore. And all will be represented by Miami-based agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/16/2550100/canes-exodus-to-nfl-grows.html#ixzz1gnYtlf2Q
Manny repost
Duke
"Today it was totally his show. Whether it was a run, a catch, a straight on return, you don't get any better than that. He's by the far best we've seen in the state this year," said Dwight Thomas, who coached a guy you might have heard of -- Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith at Pensacola Escambia High.
"That stuff he does where he's here one second and then over there the next, you can't emulate it. He's special."
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2011/12/duke-johnson-turns-in-mvp-performance-in-5a-title-game-final-game-for-norland-vikings.html#ixzz1gnZSuvcb
Posted by: Native | December 17, 2011 at 08:32 AM
CaneSport CaneSport
Holifield changed visit date 2 Jan. 21 - only a few on campus ths wknd so looks lk that will B nxt big visit wknd. bit.ly/vQWvFn
Posted by: UMike | December 17, 2011 at 08:41 AM
SS
BBall
When Miami and Florida Atlantic square off at noon Saturday at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, it is a game between two teams that both feel their records are deceiving and that a turnaround is right around the corner.
FAU (4-6) and Miami (5-4) play in the first game of the Orange Bowl Classic, with Florida taking on Texas A&M in the second game at 2:30 p.m., with both games broadcast on Sun Sports.
"It's early. No one's having any doubts. We still feel we can be an NCAA [Tournament] team," said Hurricanes guard Durand Scott.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-fau-orange-bowl-classic-1217-20111216,0,5439006.story
Repost-
Reggie Johnson
Miami's men's basketball team is on the verge of getting a big boost.
Reggie Johnson, who has been rehabbing from knee surgery this summer, might make his season debut as early as Saturday against Florida Atlantic, coach Jim Larranaga said Thursday.
He has been practicing for two weeks and had fluid drained from his knee Wednesday. He still lacks some flexibility, and his surgically repaired leg isn't nearly as strong as the other, Larranaga noted, but it'll be nice to have a big man who rebounds at both ends of the court and is an effective passer out of the low post.
The 6-foot-10 center, a bruising force at 300 pounds last season who's now listed at a svelte 284, will provide the size the Hurricanes desperately need in the post.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-news-1216-20111215,0,2453504.story
Posted by: Native | December 17, 2011 at 08:41 AM
SaveUMFootball Papa Cane
UM Early Enrollees: QB Gray Crow, QB Preston Dewey, OL Ereck Flowers, OL Taylor Gadbois. More...
Posted by: UMike | December 17, 2011 at 09:11 AM
OGV and Native...it was truly one of those "U had to be there" moments in time that will never be repeated or duplicated.
Native...it was like the walk to the Stadium at FSU. Perfect timing, perfect place, perfect everything. U just had to be there.
I just thank God we were!
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 09:55 AM
Now today I am going back to the Miami Central game at 1 PM and see if I can get Art Kehoe to wear Canespace. Wish me luck!
Hassan....are U ALL in?
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 09:56 AM
Soup - glad you guys got to talk with Kehoe. Any chance he will be doing a live QA on blog sometime? Offseason perhaps?
Posted by: Brevardcane | December 17, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Miami -vs- FAU High Noon Sunshine Network
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: Native | December 17, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Give up the good stuff!
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 17, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Maybe later, but right now I gotta go get ready to head back to the Citrus Bowl.
I'll post some stuff here later tonight and send U an email for what I can't share publicly.
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Awesome blog.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | December 17, 2011 at 01:13 AM
agreed, you put in the time, put out a good product. Thanks and keep it up.
Posted by: USAFCane | December 17, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Wow fantastic! Good for you and Hassan. Those shirts of #3 with the U on them are priceless.
Posted by: CGNC | December 17, 2011 at 10:12 AM
shocked by the early depatures. I understand some but is it a reflecti
on of their talent or their character? i don't blame any for leaving for the money.
Miller - could be big time
Streeter - potentially great
Bwash - will be solid
Vernon - stud or bust
Forston - i just don't get it
4 0f 5 definate;y get drafted, but another year and maybe more cash, tough decision.
i'd like to think they decised if they have to work as hard as they do under AG they may as well do it but get paid.
we will be young and thin next year.
Posted by: USAFCane | December 17, 2011 at 10:12 AM
I love Kehoe's confidence in Golden. You gotta believe someone with five rings knows a champion caliber coach when he sees one
Posted by: Brevardcane | December 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Soup - glad you guys got to talk with Kehoe. Any chance he will be doing a live QA on blog sometime? Offseason perhaps?
Posted by: Brevardcane | December 17, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Not sure Golden would let him do a LIVE Q&A but we might be able to arrange for the fans to email me a few questions for him to answer and I can post here once they get through the editing filters at UM.
Yesterday was unfiltered and unplugged. I mean really, REALLY good stuff. Here's just an exapmple:
Hassan was asking Kehoe about Seantrel Henderson big #77 and about his back, his weight and where he wants him at. Hassan made the comaprison to former UM OT Mount McKinney and who was bigger, heavier, better, etc.
Kehoe said: "Weight is the most over-rated factor for an OL." He rattled off like 5 former players from UM that are playing in the NFLU right now that were in the 260-280 range and dominated.
He mentioned that the Houston Texans have three starting UM OL and that it was the first time in NFL history that any one team had three starters from the same school. He said that Texan's tackle Eric Winston told him the former UM C Chris Myers was the BEST center in the entire league.
He mentioned former UM center KC Jones, his favorite OL of all time, and said he played at around 265 at UM and dominated.
Kehoe said: "I would put him up against any human being on the planet. Not just any football player but any human being on the planet!"
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 10:15 AM
I love Kehoe's confidence in Golden. You gotta believe someone with five rings knows a champion caliber coach when he sees one
Posted by: Brevardcane | December 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM
It is more than just confidence.
It is respect and admiration and said with such sincerity and total conviction that it is undeniable.
We are going to be fine boys and girls, just fine.
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Hey you guys are still here. After all the fussing, I kind of believed in all the shutdown rumors...kind of like our US government!!!! Hell I bust my COUNTRY AZZ all season to keep my guys going, I win CS their first tile ever in the modern era sinces its inception, and I gotta here fussing about a shutdown....LOL Hey how about a big UM CS Thank You to VA COUNTRY AZZ CANE for winning the Spaca a Super Bowl? LOL
Glad to see you all still here. I am somewhat disappointed in the Miami Five, who have shown some potential....some....but none of these guys are ready for the league....yet. I can see Street developing in time into a rteally good one...Miller...little skidish, not tough but a guy like Sprawls or Bush...he can be good. B Wash is slow of foot and weighs a bit much...but if he works....and he will have to....he can make it. Vernon needs another year....and honestly I never have cared for Forstons ways....his ass gets blown off the line sideways alot....but I wish them all well. I hope they all become stars and prove that we still are the pipeline...Good luck young men...it will take a lot of work so maker us proud. I think the big "winner" here is Drew R.....he is a pompous ass....do not care for his type or methods...but he makes them cats the $.....got to give hit that...its his job.
Duke had a big day, thats good to see. In a lot of ways, maybe its better that a lot of these old regime guys are going....many of them are entitlement guys...I guys....me me me...and I know from experience that is not how you win...greed kills and we got the greed at UM. I think it will be interesting to se AG start building his own core of guys, and see how he develops players and attitudes. We are playing in The Hopewell Bowl this weekend. The 8 best teams, the champs of Henrico, Chesterfield, Prince George, Hopewell, Richmond, Hanover, Dinwiddie, Petersburg...most of the Comp will be 8th grade and freshmen teams....we are a little younger....but I think hungrier..the games are a little shorter...single elimination...title game tomorrow......will keep ya briefed....but know one thing...it is cold and damp here. We had our dress up meeting at 8...where we go over the gear that is critical to cold weather FB....thermal clothes, warm socks, neck warmers, face masks, freezer bags in between layers of socks in the shoes....I know all the tricks....cause if you are warm and dry in the cold and bitter....you are more mentally prepped!!!! We are gonna run it at them, and throw some TE stuff we have worked on...we are going to try our best to win...our 57-2 4 SBs in five years is the real thing...we win by execution of the FUNDAMENTALS baby, and it is we we we ....not me me me.
Hey Big 86, have you sent the shirts out? I want to give my shirt to my MVP at our banquet....its a Cane Thing!!!! Please advise!!! Hope you all are doing great....gonna try to win the Hopewell Bowl for the Space...its kinda like the Pro Bowl...but its coveted here in our area....no half speed shit....we are gonna head hunt and be Rhythm Killas Baby!!
Posted by: VA Cane | December 17, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I think Al and the boys are going to surprise us this year. This year was a bad hangover from the scandal, old dogs who never learned new tricks......cause they were too pretty, too lazy, too entitled and way too soft....its time to turn the page and move on to brighter days. Agreed Soup, we will be ok just keep looking forward....Bob Bylan one said Dont Look Back....lets move on baby!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | December 17, 2011 at 10:36 AM
I wonder if weight is overated on the DL too. I'm guessing it comes down to strength
Posted by: Brevardcane | December 17, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Hey Big 86, have you sent the shirts out? I want to give my shirt to my MVP at our banquet....its a Cane Thing!!!! Please advise!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | December 17, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Negative. My bad, but they will go out Monday AM FOR SURE!
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 11:22 AM
No problem my friend, that was a great article....boy wish I could have been there at the game, much less sit next to The Big Man.....keep writing keep blogging....do not let others negativity get you down my good friend!!! I am so crazed to still be playing football today....we have to focus on a tough Henrico team...they good, but slow off the ball...I do not think they can block us....we will use a lot of 46 and 4/4 to stymie their run....and thewy cannot pass. Another flaw is ther LBs are not quick....so I have gone to that NE Patriot set...you know TEs and my wing slot guy should kill them...then they will back off and my TEs are there....plus we run some quick hitters and tosses just off my tacks but....we should be good to go. Later all, Merry Christmas to all of you grat people!!!! Country Azz VA Cane!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | December 17, 2011 at 11:28 AM
I'm guessing it comes down to strength
Posted by: Brevardcane | December 17, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Strength, footwork, leverage, attitude and technique (hand placment, pad level, etc.).
Art about OL/DL play in general and not any specific player: "If you just stand there, don't move your feet, are too upright and have bad technique you'll get run right over or around and I don't care how big or fat you are."
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Big ups to 86 and Hassan for the Cane fix
Posted by: Keoki | December 17, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Keoki...the weather is beautiful, wish U were here!
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Ojomo denied 6th year of eligibility.
Now I'm sad
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 17, 2011 at 11:33 AM
SOUP, let us know how Tracy Howard looks live, in person, and against great competition
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 17, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Ohio,
I'm gonna miss Wale, but believe me. we that scholarship
Posted by: Q | December 17, 2011 at 12:53 PM
I'll post some stuff here later tonight and send U an email for what I can't share publicly.
Posted by: SOUP | December 17, 2011 at 10:04 AM
I'll hold you TO that! I'm dying for some GOOD STUFF!
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 17, 2011 at 01:37 PM
That's an absurd number of non-seniors declaring for the NFL. Out here in Texas, I think Mack Brown has had around 4 players leave early for the NFL...since 2005 (Vince was the first, I believe). Al Golden and staff will hopefully instill some desire to stay the full term (like Moss and Wayne did). Otherwise we will be in a perpetual rebuilding mode.
Imagine if the 2003 team had Andre Johnson and Willis Mcghaee (if he had not been injured). Or 2004, if Kellen Winslow, Vince Wilfork, and Sean Taylor had stayed. Or how Frank Gore might have helped us in 2005 against Florida State? Or if Devin hester and Sinorice Moss might have provided life to a moribund offense in 2006?
There is a long, long list of Miami Hurricanes leaving early and it is a detriment to the program. Here's a partial list of players from recent years:
2002: Clinton Portis
2003: Willis McGahee, Andre Johnson
2004: Kellen Winslow II, Vince Wilfork, Sean Taylor
2005: Frank Gore, Roscoe Parish
2006: Sinorice Moss, Devin Hester
2008: Calais Campbell
2011: Brandon Harris
2012: Lamar Miller, Tommy Streeter, Brandon Washington, Marcus Forston, Vernon Olivier
Posted by: TonyCane | December 17, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Temple lookin good in this bowl game. Granted its against Wyoming, but still
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 17, 2011 at 02:33 PM
Phew! Double OT win for Canes BBall over FAU 93-90.
Nice to have Big Reggie back... but we still have a long way to go...
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 17, 2011 at 02:40 PM
Basketball update
Reggie returns. (That's the GOOD news). Miami (barely) beats FAU in 2OT, despite the Burrowing Owls' best player not playin'. (That's the not-so-good news). It was an exciting game . . . too exciting!
Unfortunately, U're going to get hammered in ACC.
Posted by: 2002nemo | December 17, 2011 at 02:49 PM
The `Canes will not get hammered in the ACC this season
The ACC is about as weak as ive ever seen it in basketball
This `Canes team will get better as this season goes along
Our `Canes just had no answer for Ray2. That kid has a sick game to him
Posted by: Sebastian | December 17, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I was way off on Kenny Kadji early in the season
I figured him to be a role player at best. Man has he proved me wrong
What Big Reg did today was nothing short of amazing
15 points 9 rebounds 5 assists and 5 blocks coming off the bench. All that after no game action in quite awhile
Posted by: Sebastian | December 17, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Soup,
Email me some goods too!!
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | December 17, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Grear article.
Posted by: canesteeler | December 17, 2011 at 03:41 PM
Question?
Is my memory faulty but I thought that Fortson and Streeter would have enough credits to graduate by the summer? If that's so then just wish them well and congratulate them on graduating.
If somebody has contrary info I would be curious to know it. I thought I remembered hearing that but I am not sure; and that was part of the reason they knew from before the season that they wanted to leave after this year.
Posted by: HillViewCane | December 17, 2011 at 04:15 PM
Look, I wish all the "early exits" would stay for another year. But they aren't. So, I wish them ALL best of luck in the NFL - especially those who are still on track to graduate from the U.
That having been said, I now have a nagging feeling that NEXT year U'r football team will look, play and perform too much like the team that opened the season THIS year against the terrible MD terrapins.
OK, enough said . . . I'll pop another Prozac and await some good recruiting news on Canespace. With all these guys leaving early for the NFL, the U really needs a top rated recruiting class - now more than ever!
Posted by: 2002nemo | December 17, 2011 at 05:56 PM