Spring Forward

On Saturday at Sun Life Stadium your Miami Hurricanes ended their second Spring practice session under second year UM head Coach Al Golden.

Depending on who you ask the progress the team has made from year one to year two can vary greatly. We will try to give you one perspective about the transition between coaches at Miami and the prospects and potential for the upcoming season later this week.

But not now, that will come tomorrow when I am rested and focused. Tonight we are just going to give you a brief glimpse into the events and activities of the day. And oh what a day it was!

First of all the tailgate was well, relatively average and subdued but not quite regular season strength. Sure we found CutlerRidgeLaz and his party hardy crew at West 13 and shared some time and drinks and quality time together.

But the mood was somewhat subdued and the early crowd on hand appeared dampened by the clouds, rain and wind from the passing morning storms. Some places in South Florida received as much as three inches of rain, in the early morning hours of April 14th.

When I approached Laz about the inclement weather and what impact it may have on the offense during the Spring Game he just said: "What did you come to watch a ballet or a football game?"

Then we had a beer and I walked away quietly to the comfort of my friends. Like some guys I know named Cat5, Tracy Howard and 3G.

Well to be honest Cat5 has been a friend for many years, 3G we met about a year ago and Mr. Howard we met this day. But still they look good together, like a winning team.

We also met our friend and recent Canespace LIVE chat participant Jesse Marks from the UM Hurricane Club and went all in on the 40 for 40 fundraising effort that we hope ALL Canes fans jump in on!

Anyway about the game itself, well it is true that they had one. It was mostly boring with the defense showing the offense the business end of the BIG stick especially in the early going.

While many people who allegedly attended the scrimmage stated that they felt the QBs and the offensive execution in general were poor at best I tend to disagree.

Without a doubt the Hurricane defense is certainly ahead of the offense at this point but then isn't that what you would expect in Spring?

Tomorrow night we will break down the Spring session and tell you what to expect in the Fall when the real bullets start to fly.  Stay tuned and stay in touch with Canespace!

Comments

[Montreal-Cane]

Uno

[Montreal-Cane]

Love the title spring forward

[The Dude]

Canes!

[CGNC]

Well done Soup.

Monte-eeesh the Pens are a hot mess. Was like 90's hockey out there today. Paul Martin doesn't fit in on D with them, I would take Scuderi back any day. Too many turnovers. Seems like there are bad habits that maybe developed during the regular season that are really getting exposed now. Lavvy is outcoaching Bylsma

[j.w.]

Nice work, Soup!

[The Dude]

The Raising Canes episode on twitter had me thinking. I truly thought that the biggest reason that Larry Coker failed was because he didnt know how to develop top end talent. He was a good OC, play calling wise, but really couldnt get the most out of his players effort wise, and let alot of super talented guys get fat... see Ryan Moore and Tyrone Moss etc. When The U hired Randy, I just knew that that would be the first thing that was corrected. Boy was I wrong. I am so excited to see the direction of this team under Golden. From recruiting and his player analysis, to his S&C program and how he motivates players. I dont think its gonna be too far away now, maybe a year or 2 more and I think we can be really good again. I cant wait to see us doinating in the Miami heat again. Remember that? When teams came to Miami to die? When we OWNED the 4th Qtr? Lets go Canes!

Posted by: The Dude | April 15, 2012 at 10:19 PM

[SOUP]

The tailgate was average, the game was good, the ride home was LONG...

[TheWhat]

So before the spring game I was thinking although not stating it, that the canes would win 8 games this year. Now I'm feeling like it may be another 6 maybe 7 wins. Am I being over dramatic in terms lowering expectations. I just want us to win but at the same time i don't want to set unrealistic expectations. So my question is what are people's expectations after watching the spring game. Is it still on par with expectations before the spring game or has it gone up or down? Honestly I'm nervous about the offensive line.

Randy got very lazy in recruiting. I don't think Coker or shannon had an overall plan. The difference between golden and Coker and Shannon is like night and day.

[TheWhat]

Oh one more thing. Soup thank you for all you do. This is the best canes site. Love the continuous dialog and everyone (other than the clown trolls of the past couple days) is great. Thanks to soup and all that provide info on all things canes.

Much love to soup and all contributors to this site.

[SOUP]

TheWhat...I have been a 9-3 guy for the last 4 seasons. Obviously that was an EPIC fail.So then I went to 8-4 this year.

I am officially upping my call to 10-2 in 2012 because I know something that U don't.

I can't tell U what it is but is is GOOD!

[TonyCane]

The Dude, the problems with the previous regimes were:

Coker - Recruited top talent, but did not push fully (as you said). And failed tremendously at two key positions - wide receiver and quarterback. Two WRs and no quarterbacks in three recruiting seasons destroyed the Hurricanes offense and created tremendous imbalances that are still being felt today (i.e. Shannon recruiting 6 wideouts in 2008 to restore depth, making it hard to recruit the position for the next two seasons, with Golden having to now sign 6 more in 2012).

Shannon - Started out strongly but seemed to lose recruiting focus after 2008. Player development called into question by NFL scouts. Had only 6 commitments at the start of the 2010 season, and 2 when he was fired.

I think that Golden has the recruiting drive of a Butch Davis but will have to overcome the negative stigma built up in the last six seasons, plus the Shapiro-related issues. Talent development appears to be working, using Jacory Harris as a case study.

Bottom line, we're in good shape and Miami needs to take additional steps to lock Golden in as securely as Mack Brown and Bob Stoops are ensconsed at their university.

[TheWhat]

Soup - that is exciting to hear. If the canes get 10 wins this season I will go streaking like will Farrell in the movie old school. lol

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"I am officially upping my call to 10-2 in 2012 because I know something that U don't.

I can't tell U what it is but is is GOOD!

Posted by: SOUP | April 15, 2012 at 11:33 PM"

Whaaa . . .? I thought you knocked that down by two wins to .500% again after the first half of the spring game?

[IraqiCane]

Another great Blog, and pic's thanks Soup.

GO CANES!!!

[CanesFanStuckInCali]

Given what I've seen I'd say we're a 7-8 win team. It looks like we are turning things around on our D, by far our biggest weakness last year, but the O has been decimated by the exits of Streeter and Lamar, and to some degree Benjamin (big play potential each time he got the ball in his hands) and J12 (other than the BC game he was solid last year).

That being said, there is still MUCH to be determined after the summer, on both sides of the ball.

Our current RBs lack homerun potential, so hopefully Duke will help us fill the gap that Lamar left behind (at least 10 carries per game given his age and size).

Our WRs are undersized, so hopefully Jontavious Carter and D'Mauri Jones (both 6'3+) give us some of that size advantage that Streeter took with him. Malcolm Lewis should also see some action, as should Herb Waters and Rob Lockhart (AJL supposedly is heading to prep school).

Our TEs are supposed to be getting a lot more touches next year, though I haven't seen it yet, so hopefully Fisch makes this happen after the summer.

Our D looks solid now but we have several studs coming in, including Tracy Howard, Tyriq McCord, Deon Bush, Jelani Hamilton, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Antonio Crawford. All these guys should see some action in 2012, especially Tracy Howard, practically everyone's favorite to become a starter by year's end.

Our QB situation is unresolved; who wins this battle will determine our success in 2012. I ain't making any predictions at this time. We've seen Williams do good and bad but he could turn things around by summer's end. That being said, we haven't seen Morris in ages, so who knows where he's at.

The answers to all of the questions will determine how many more wins we get in 2012. Until then we'll have to remember what Soup's been saying all along: IT'S JUST SPRING!

GO CANES!!!

[CanesFanStuckInCali]

One more thing: Coker SUCKED at recruiting AND player development! Let's not rewrite history guys; the program Randy took over was completely and absolutely devoid of talent!

Randy was a MUCH better recruiter than Coker, though he totally missed the ball on player development and in-game coaching (and overall team management, which Coker sucked at as well).

Golden looks like he can recruit well (especially in a crazy-hostile environment); his player development philosophies are light years ahead of Coker and Shannon; there's no doubt that he knows what it takes to be the CEO of a major football program; jury is still out on his in-game coaching abilities, at least at this level of competition. I feel like his player development, recruiting, and team management capabilities carried him at Temple, though that won't be enough to dominate in this league, and so far he hasn't shown us that he has what it takes (though, knowing him, I'm sure he will do what it takes during the offseason to improve in this area).

GO CANES!!!

[CaneAddict]

I am officially upping my call to 10-2 in 2012 because I know something that U don't.

I can't tell U what it is but is is GOOD!

Posted by: SOUP | April 15, 2012 at 11:33 PM

Whatever it is that you think you know isn't going to change the roster between now and the fall, and we all know who's coming in during the summer. We do have some very exciting freshmen, who can have an impact, but they're still freshmen who are in high school right now. Freshmen are freshmen. Most have at least a one year transition. Sammy Watkins types are the exception, not the rule.

No offense, there is no single one thing you would know that could drastically alter our record. Maybe you think you know something, but that sounds unrealistic. Maybe you're just kidding us for fun, because it sounds a little delusional, call me a healthy skeptic.

Also I mean no disrespect, but that is two very big and very bold things you put out there. 1. You know something nobody else knows, and 2. This thing you know will result in at least 10 wins

To me this defies logic but I mean no disrespect, I'm just a realist and show me type of person. We'll see.

[WindyCane-Forecast1]

Oh one more thing. Soup thank you for all you do. This is the best canes site. Love the continuous dialog and everyone (other than the clown trolls of the past couple days) is great. Thanks to soup and all that provide info on all things canes.

Much love to soup and all contributors to this site.

Posted by: TheWhat | April 15, 2012 at 11:32 PM

Well said. This is the best Canes site around.

I am interested in why SOUP predicts 10-2. Ten wins season is good enough to win the ACC, or at least the Coastal Div. That would be a first for the Canes, and after nearly a decade in the ACC, a championship is long overdue. The offense did not score much on Saturday, but I liked what I saw on D and I saw improvement in a number o of areas. CamesFamsticlomCali is right about Golden versus Coker/Shannon - Golden knows how to develop talent, but he also knows how to identify and recruit it. I love the talent in this freshmen class, even better than the 2008 class.

[TonyCane]

CanesFanStuckInCali, I suppose if you go by how many Canes were drafted in 2005, 2006, 2007, ect you can definitely make the case that recruiting as a whole went into a tailspin under Coker. I still think however that the biggest issue was the fact that we succesfully recruited only 2 wide receivers and one quarterback in a three year span. That was absurd. That sticks out more than anything else.

[CGNC]

Posted by: SOUP | April 15, 2012 at 11:33 PM

LOL if you stick with 9-3 eventually it will happen

[SOUP]

LOL if you stick with 9-3 eventually it will happen

Posted by: CGNC | April 16, 2012 at 09:10 AM

U are right, so that will be my last, final and OFFICIAL prediction for 2012: 9-3.

I was really just having some fun with calling for 10-2 although I do believe we could be anywhere between 8-4 and 10-2. It really all depends on the QB play. I am not lowering my expectattions based on what I saw this Spring although it did have me questioning things from time to time.

When I write the new article later today I will explain what I know that everybody knows and what I know that MOST prolly everybody does not know.

[Ohio_Cane]

I am officially upping my call to 10-2 in 2012 because I know something that U don't.

I can't tell U what it is but is is GOOD!

Posted by: SOUP | April 15, 2012 at 11:33 PM
-----------------------------------------

OGV and I are VERY intrigued.

[SOUP]

CaneAddict...I tried emailing you at the email address you provided when you posted your comment but it got returned as undeliverable.

Please email me at [email protected].

Thank U!

[Nick]

I went to the UCF spring game this weekend in Orlando. Storm looked pretty good, he had the only offensive TD for the Knights. But he has 2 or 3 guys in front of him, so unless somebody gets hurt he went from a #2 running back here to #3 back at UCF. Good move Storm. The best part is the PA announcer kept calling him STORM JACKSON. Welcome to mediocrity!

[SOUP]

Ohio...sometimes you people take me too literally or too seriously. I will share some things later today or tomorrow when I write article #2 that may enlighten the situation some.

But really sometimes I am just having fun and trying to generate some conversation on here. "Kicking the ant pile" as we call it.

Could the Canes go 6-6 or 10-2 this season? YES to both. I am just more inclined to believe the positive rather than the negative and have some reasons to support that position that I will share later today or tomorrow.

[Ohio_Cane]

Ohio...sometimes you people take me too literally or too seriously.

Posted by: SOUP | April 16, 2012 at 10:32 AM
-------------------------------------

Gotcha. I wish I could denote tone of voice over the internet. Would be much easier to decipher lol

It's all good, and can't wait for the article!

[TheWhat]

My potential emotional roller coaster ride for 2012:

1 win = What the #@!%
2 wins = How do the Miami %^&#@ Hurricanes only win 2 games thats unacceptable
3 wins = This cant be happening
4 wins = WHY GOD WHY
5 wins = I knew this would happen, too many players left
6 wins = Next year will be significantly better, this was techincally Al Golden's first year
7 wins = We are on the right track. Steady improvement, next year 9+ wins
8 wins = This is the greatest coaching staff in the history of coaching staffs.
9 wins = My Al Golden man crush is now an obsession
10 or more wins = Self Combustion

[Hassan]

Did you guys see the results of the NFTC. Wow some of our recruits are really ballin. McDermotts brother is better then him, Traylor is lookin good. Anyone see the new Dion Bush wow his name is Robinson he is 6'2.5 and runs a 4.3 40 plays CB for Ely Patrick Peterson's old school, wow what a talent. long and has good feet.

[calGary Cane]

I find it amusing that you guys are lamenting about how bad the O is. This is like the story of the mother with 2 sons. The potter sons asks the mother to pray for sun, while the farmer son asks the mother to pray for rain.

After watching one year of Jint, I am welcoming a season where we have several QBs to battle for the starting spot.

Lamar may be gone, but if MJ can consistently produce 5 yards per carry against a stout defense, then it'll open up possibilities for our passing game. If one TE steps up, we'll be having a pretty decent O... I assume that we should also be able to get one of our WR's to step up too! Not too much to ask I believe.

[3G Cane]

2012 SPRING GAME VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGUU3-2we0M&feature=channel&list=UL

[]_[] GO CANES []_[]

[SOUP]

READ THIS:

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1354588

[3G Cane]

You cant look too deep into what happens in a Spring Game. I remember watching one at the OB in which the only first down gained was on a questionable pass interference call...

With all the players we lost or that are missing from the offense right now if the defense didnt dominate the game, THEN there would be some cause for concern.

[SOUP]

3G...THE LINK DOES NOT WORK, IT SHOWS A SOCCER GAME?

[calGary Cane]

2012 SPRING GAME VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGUU3-2we0M&feature=channel&list=UL

[]_[] GO CANES []_[]

Posted by: 3G Cane | April 16, 2012 at 11:29 AM

Just saw the spring game video. The offense doesn't look too bad. Lots of running. If they can run against a defense that is anticipating the, then we have a solid run game to build on a passing attack. Starting to think that 9-3 or 10-2 is possible.

[3G Cane]

Soup- Uh... it works for me

[calGary Cane]

^^^ anticipating the run,

[Ohio_Cane]

I find it very impressive on Perryman's part that he was at 210 last year and will be playing at 230 this year.

[SOUP]

Check out my Twitter comments on D'Onofrio's interview on WQAM with the Playmaker.

[CaneAddict]

CaneAddict...I tried emailing you at the email address you provided when you posted your comment but it got returned as undeliverable.

Please email me at [email protected].

Thank U!

Posted by: SOUP | April 16, 2012 at 10:26 AM

Well ok. I don't know why the email didn't work. I also don't know what it is you need to say on email that can't be said here.

[Ohio_Cane]

If U haven't seen the new Raising Canes, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIHdnJ0XfXg&list=PL21EE3E59D0CDFC5D&feature=plcp

[raizecane]

I knew Soup was kidding when he predicted 10-2. That or he had gotten a hold of some bad mushrooms, lol. I however, having a clear mind (at the moment) will go with a 8 - 4 record. I don't think they are where they need to be to finish 9 - 3.

I hope I am wrong but that is what i am sticking with (for now).

How many were on hand for the spring game? I saw Alabama had 80K. There really must be nothing to do in that state.

[raizecane]

Ohio - thanks for the link.

BTW - how about them FLYERS??? Nuttin like seeing a team go from potential cup winners to goons.....

[orange 'n green in the vein]

raize, generous estimate puts the attendance in the stands at about 15000 give or take a few thousand either way. Too much to do in South Florida than watch a .500 scrimage.

I saw Damien Berry pimping the orange and green Nike's at the table next to me at News Cafe around 8 pm after the scrimmage. His car got more pictures taken of it than the Ferrari parked right behind it. Never underestimate the appeal of the pimp interior I guess is the lesson there.

[raizecane]

If U haven't seen the new Raising Canes, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIHdnJ0XfXg&list=PL21EE3E59D0CDFC5D&feature=plcp

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 16, 2012 at 12:38 PM

******************************************

Clements gets "lit up" at the 7:36 mark....

[CanesFanStuckInCali]

Posted by: TheWhat | April 16, 2012 at 10:47 AM

Great post. GO CANES!!!

[LB]

"I am officially upping my call to 10-2 in 2012 because I know something that U don't."

All right, my eyebrows are officially raised.

[SOUP]

7 wins = We are on the right track. Steady improvement, next year 9+ wins
8 wins = This is the greatest coaching staff in the history of coaching staffs.
9 wins = My Al Golden man crush is now an obsession
10 or more wins = Self Combustion

Posted by: TheWhat | April 16, 2012 at 10:47 AM

Very funny! Seems like anything more than 6 wins is the ticket.

[SOUP]

Raize...I agree with OGV about 15K fans at the game. And hey, there's nothing wrong with a few shrooms after a Spring Game every now and then. LOL

[LB]

0-4: Massive bong hits, perhaps?
5: Fails expectations.
6: The floor. Slightly meets expectations.
7: Meets expectations.
8: Exceeds expectations.
9: Excellent year. AG and crew deserve some national recognition.
10: The ceiling. AG and crew deserve another fat raise and 2013 is a killer year.
11-14: Try again.

[SOUP]

Make your UMAA Pregame and Game Celebration reservation today!

University of Miami vs. University of Notre Dame

Pregame Time
(2 and a half hours before kickoff)

Pregame Location
Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
www.soldierfield.net

Game Day Package
General Admission Package - $280.00
UM Students and children (5-12 years old) - $270.00

This exciting game day experience will include your pregame celebration ticket, your game ticket and membership in the Hurricane Club for 2012.

Membership level will be determined by the number of packages purchased.

For more information on the Hurricane Club and the benefits provided, please visit www.Uhurricaneclub.com.

All reservations for game packages must be made no later than May 31, 2012.