Five Questions With Canespace: Chris Freet

Tonight Canespace welcomes the busiest man in Coral Gables at this time of the year, apart from UM head coach Al Golden, our good friend Chris Freet. In case you don't know Freet is the dedicated and dynamic leader of the UM Athletic Department''s Sports Information Department. 

Chris' actual job title recently changed when he was promoted and he is now the Associate Athletic Director of Communications and Marketing.  To many this may sound like a job where you wear a nice suit, shake some hands, smile a lot and most importantly style your hair properly. 

But to those of us who know how hard he works nothing could be further from the truth. Well except for the hair. Chris looks like a South Beach surfer and has really nice hair. But we digress.

Let's get right to our Five Questions with UM AD for Communications and Marketing Chris Freet:

Canespace:UM head coach Al Golden is going into his second year at Miami. Can you talk about how the culture in and around the program and the Hecht Athletic Center has changed under Golden's leadership?  After a 6-6 season in 2011 and at a time when there is a major youth movement going on with the team in general what are the realistic expectations for this season?

Freet: What you see, hear and read about Coach Golden through media outlets or Raising Canes videos is the same man we work with every day. He never misses an opportunity to make a lasting impression, whether that means recruiting, teaching or developing a relationship.

The biggest change I have seen in the culture is through the players. When I watch and listen to players talk about the team and their goals/expectations, I hear the philosophy of this coaching staff. That is the best sign of ‘buy-in’ to me and cultural change.  Listen to Nick Saban (sorry Dolphins fans) during his weekly press conference and then listen to his players, they are reiterating the goals of the week, season and program. Obviously it has paid dividends at Alabama and I am excited to see that process at UM.    

As for the expectations, mine are pretty simple. I expect to see this team grow every week. If they are growing as a team and as individuals heading into games 9-12, it will be a very good sign. 

Canespace: Can you tell us about or update us on any of the changes planned for Sun Life Stadium over the next few years?  How will the stadium be modified or different and how will that make for a more fan friendly experience to watch UM home games?  If we can't have a Clevelander Hotel party section like the new Marlins Park can we at least get some shade at Sun Life? 

Freet: I believe fans can expect to see changes at Sun Life Stadium and I believe the Dolphins leadership has shared some of those plans.  Everyone in Miami wants to keep this town in the rotation for Super Bowls and National Championship games and that will likely require some enhancements to SLS.  As for specifics, I’m not the man with those details.

As for the fan experience, we talk about it daily with our new leaders in the ticket office, marketing  and game operations. We want to make gamedays more fan friendly and more family oriented. We want to make the process of buying, sharing and reselling tickets easier. We want to refine the gameday parking experience, the tailgate experience and the hospitality once you are in the venue.  There is a lot of work to do be done and plenty of items that are not listed. I can tell you we are working on all of the above.

One area I believe we are already making significant changes is in the student experience.  We spent 5 months researching our students and ways to make their experience better.  I think I am realistic in that, I truly believe it will take the full college life cycle (4-5 years) of the 2012 freshmen class before we can see a major change in student support of all our teams.  I think we started at the right time. We hit the freshmen with an exclusive video from Ray Lewis their third day on campus and we resent it to them right before their first ever college class. It gave me goosebumps, so I can only hope it had the same impact on the Class of 2016.

We have a lot of work to do, but we have a team inside the department that is focused on the fan first and foremost.  It’s the strongest team I have been around and I am excited for all the new additions to roll up their sleeves and make an impact.

Canespace: The most recent "Raising Canes" video featuring QB Stephen Morris was one of the best yet from Three Penny Films.  How many Raising Canes videos are planned for this season and are there any hints at the subject matter for any of the future videos soon to be released?  Have you considered doing one on the fans Game Day experience?

Freet: Fans will see at least one full length (around 12 minutes) Raising Canes for every game week.  The 3 Penny Films crew will also hit us with extra content like Jimmy Johnson talking to the team, Tracy Howard’s first team meeting and other great behind the scenes footage from time to time. 

The planner in me wishes that I could tell you the upcoming story lines, but that is what makes 3 Penny Films unique and fantastic story tellers.  They follow the team and let the story lines come to life. 

There are three features that we have been working on and that are separate from the 2012 team.  By Monday of Bethune-Cookman week we will launch a Traditions webpage and corresponding videos on HurricaneSports.com that will tell the stories of our gameday traditions through the eyes of long time season ticket holders.  Graphically, the page will look like our 2012 poster, which features traditions that are unique to UM football: The Ibis, the smoke, Band of the Hour, Al Golden’s Tie, The U hand sign, pregame music and more.

During FSU week, I have asked 3 Penny Films to do a time-lapse video like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCm5iAZ0og4&feature=share&list=PL5E991DDADF7C5320  

BUT OF COURSE EVEN BETTER.  They are excited about the challenge.

Last but not least, 3 Penny is already working on a video for the 25th Anniversary celebration of the 1987 National Championship Team at the FSU game.  There will be gameday video board elements and online elements…and Jimmy Johnson.  I’m already fired up!

Canespace: We do something called Legends of the Fall each year. Bloggers at Canespace select one player on offense and one on defense that they feel will have a "legendary" or "break out" season each year. Apart from the obvious choices of Stephen Morris and Denzel Perryman which two players do you think are going to really burst onto the scene in 2012? In addition, also select one Freshman and one assistant coach that U feel will make an impact this year? 

Freet:On offense, I really like Rashawn Scott to make an impact.  I can see him emerging early in the year like Allen Hurns did last season.  Defensively, I have a feeling that Olsen Pierre is going to become a consistent player for the defense.  On the freshmen, a lot will contribute.  An off the radar guy that I am excited to see play is Rashawn Jenkins.  Our coaches absolutely loved Rashawn during the recruiting process and I’ve been sold since.  As for the coach, I think George McDonald has an incredible mind for the game and is a fantastic teacher.  If any receiver makes the gains that Tommy Streeter did under McDonald last year, we will be a lucky fan base. If two players from the group of Dorsett, Scott, Hurns and Thompkins make a gain like that, WATCH OUT! 

Canespace: What new changes or features can Miami Hurricane fans expect from the UM web site and the SID in general this season? Will there be any in-depth player profiles, weekly player personal diaries or changes in the game day experience for fans attending games in 2012?

Freet:Lots of new things coming down the pipe.  For the first time ever this Saturday night, Canes All-Access premium ($) subscribers will be able to a watch a condensed version of our BC game and a full version of the entire game on HurricaneSports.com.  We will do a behind enemy linesfeature each week that will stir a ton of engagement. Apps for the  iPhone and iPad are  already in the approval process with Apple and will feature all the on-demand video our fans crave.  And a new rewards system for the students will be launched through an online platform that works seamlessly with mobile.  

But the biggest change is the people. Our new leaders in marketing (Andrew Goodrich), communications (Chris Yandle), digital media (Brian Bowsher), ticket office (Brent Crank) and alumni relation (Rick Remmert) were all dying to work at The U.  They believe in this place, they are humbled to work with our passionate fan base and they are all problem solvers.  

Comments

[Panamacitycane]

First

[LB]

See front page here, re: Bain.

Read between the lines, and smile.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/index

[CEO]

Thanks to Chris Freet for agreeing to come on the Canespace blog during his busiest time of the year. We appreciate that!

[CEO]

Sure bro. U ain't scared to hang in the hood are you? Lol

Posted by: CoCane | August 28, 2012 at 07:02 PM

This hood rat from the 305? Not a chance...

[Tsully76]

Great stuff CEO and Chris. 4 days till Gameday. Go Canes

[Jack]

Good read! Build those seats closer and put on a dome!!!!!!!!!

[CEO]

If only every one of the 2000-3000 people who read Canespace each day would PLEASE COMMENT that would be great!

GO CANES, BEAT BC!!!

[canezilla]

COMMENT!!

[Anthonyjmanis]

Go Canes. Happy CEO but for real Stephen Morris will be talked about on all the cfb shows ESPN and ESPNU have after we are 6-0. I am not a kool aid drinker either. Just someone who goes to games and spring games. when I saw them this spring I called my cousin and strated snapping pictures at the size of the players compared to the last 4 years. They look like the team I saw play in 03' we shouldplayed for NC had coker decided to let Brock take 65% of his snaps in the gun. I could go on and on. Thats why I don't post CEO

[BigWIndyCane-Forecast1]

High praise from former UM king:

Schnellenberger: "That's the best-looking squad I've ever seen in my life physically...expect them to be damn good". http://t.co/1usawEQE

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 27, 2012 at 09:41 PM

I never heard Schnelly say that before. I agree. I have actually seen the upper classmen and freshmen Canes physically develop and grow over the last year. Golden will have us all believing after that Canes trip Boston. The Canes may be favored, but I still see it as a challenge because they are a young team on the road without much experience. If the Canes play well, it will be a great season for Golden.

[Laquinton]

Look at the size of Perryman, look how slim Seantrel is... utough is something else. Also Miami isnt favored. But that's how they skills want it., i'm saying 8-4, 9-3

[Anthonyjmanis]

Who Stephn Morris jr Mike jame sr etc etc its not like every postion will be frosh and thier back ups too. Whats R.Kelly say age ain't nothing but a number. Now that I know were you guys kick it at (the hampton inn). I can quit driving back to the 352 after games and kick some butt in triva. I'm an 80's baby but I know my CANES.

[BigWIndyCane-Forecast1]

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

http://www.docsports.com/football-odds.html

http://www.thespread.com/ncaa-college-football-betting-odds

Miami favored by 2.5

[Hassan]

BC is starting a Converted S at CB, he has almost no experience there and has not practiced there much. Sean Sylvia is his name and I look for Morris to test him early.

[WWIN]

We could always start an Eddie George divorce pool. Maybe add an over/under and give OSU memorabilia or replica of a Heisman cut in half to the winner. Call it the Eddie award.

Posted by: Old Skool | August 28, 2012 at 05:47 PM

I don't think that'll do it, it might help him, cuz "Fall Down Eddie " as we call him in Titans land is known for being wit men

[orange 'n green in the vein]

/\/\/\

So, that's 'Fall Down(low) Eddie' around Nashville is what you're saying Willie Will?

[CEO]

QUESTIONS FROM FANS:

TSULLY76: 86 can you ask Chris and others could they get the pricing of the tickets, parking, etc out earlier than they do normally. I know some of it is predicated on the ACC and scheduling, but for us Canes fans that live outside of South Florida or even out of state the more time we have the better to get things together. Like Hotel stays etc. Our Canes have a national following.

CF: SUGGESTION IS NOTED AND I WILL ADDRESS WITH OUR TEAM. WE HAVE LOTS OF NEW FACES THAT ARE READY TO EXECUTE AT A HIGHER LEVEL.

86CANE: How about a 10% discount or maybe a free upgrade NEXT year for people who live outside of the State of Florida IF they purchase season tickets? Kind of like what U did for the Fort Myers crowd this year? The out-of-State folks have to spend travel money and hotels, etc. so 10% off would be a nice gesture even if it is not a huge savings.

CF: THAT'S AN IDEA WORTH EXPLORING, AND ESPECIALLY IF THAT ENSURES THAT THAT AN OUT-OF-STATE-FAN IS AT EVERY GAME. WE WERE WORKING OUT A DEAL FOR FANS FROM SW FL THAT INCLUDED A FREE GAS CARD WITH SEASON TICKET PURCHASES BUT COULD NOT GET IT DONE. MAYBE NEXT SEASON.

[Montreal-Cane]

Golden said the injured players list was published. Anyone has seen it?

Please post it here.

[Anthonyjmanis]

O yes Herbstriet their will be mayhem if I win the allstate contest

[WWIN]

OGV,

Yeah lol. "Fall Down Eddie" on the field and "Lay Down Low Eddie" off the field. I think that's why he just started falling down with nobody around him, he wanted the defense to pile up on him

[LB]

"Its not called being realistic, it's call telling the future. Tell us the weather for those games we'll be losing also??"

Which do you want, Willie Will? Do you want me to comment on how I didn't predict losses, but exposed opponents' strengths (after I previously defined their weaknesses)? Or do you want me to comment on silly connotations?

Since when is criticism and free thinking a bad thing? I want UM to win as badly as anyone...

...but grow up, people. Sheesh.

[LB]

Eddie George:

"“The thing about Miami is, the kids there, they’re kinda caught in the culture of ‘We are The U.’ They kinda just feel like they can just go out there and they’ll bow down to what they used to do.

" ... Al Golden is trying to change the culture by holding guys accountable and keeping them there and working with them to say hey, the days of The U are done. Now it’s time for you to create your own image. That’s part of the issue there."

If Miami isn't "the U," then I propose changing the school's logo and giving it to someone else.

Looks like the silliness infected all kinds today. Night, night.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I just want Willie Will to pay me $3.99/minute next year for my predictions or 'telling the future' after what I'm telling him comes to pass in 2012.

[HawaiiCane]

Well then I guess after thier 7-6 season, Ohio State should no longer be able to refer to themselves as...

"THE Ohio State University".

That title can be give to the 10-4 Bobcats of...

"THE Ohio University"!

[j.w.]

Thanks as always, CEO

[WWIN]

...12-0? Please don't be that guy. Why are 7 to 9 wins so terrible? Can someone explain that to me? Al Golden is a great coach and I absolutely believe that his teams are destined for GREATNESS by philosophy alone. But we've got some ways to get there.Rome wasn't constructed in a day, nor are the Golden Canes. Please remember that.

Sincerely,
Realistic Optimist

Posted by: LB | August 28, 2012 at 03:03 PM

That's what you posted, so if you saying 12-0 is crazy then that means you are saying we are going to lose.

Before the season started last year people thought the ohio state game would be tough and we would lose but who knew they would be without their head coach, starting qb and rb??? By game time they didn't look so tough. So nobody knows how hard a game will be until game time. For all we know fsu could lose their whole first team defense to injuries or suspensions by the time we play em. Nobody thought clemson would do anything last year cuz they were young but they almost went undefeated and could have went undefeated, and I think their best wr was a freshman (no way a freshman wr could be one of the best in the nation as a freshman, that could never happen right). Al golden knows the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents too but I but he doesn't think 12-0 is crazy and you wouldn't want him to think that but it's OK for you to think that? As a fan you should never predict your team to lose no matter what. You got to BELIEVE and have FAITH cuz anything can happen on any given Saturday, your team has a 50/50 chance just like the other team, so I say believe in wins until proven other wise.

[WWIN]

I just want Willie Will to pay me $3.99/minute next year for my predictions or 'telling the future' after what I'm telling him comes to pass in 2012.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 29, 2012 at 12:00 AM

I see Ms Cleo got you working late tonight!! LOL

[WWIN]

^^^^
Plus you don't even believe in yo own predictions that's why you won't bet the CEO lol

[Tsully76]

Thanks 86 for asking the good questions and major props for Chris on the insight. 86 see ya in Friday at 6pm at Duffy's.

[Tsully76]

86 See ya Friday September 14th at Duffy's.

[Tsully76]

3 days till Gameday. The Miami Hurricanes is blowing up I-95 and gonna hit the Boston College Eagles at 3:30pm on Saturday. Go Canes beat BC.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

If we had a vote here, on who is your favorite Cane as a person, how much of the vote would Mike James get?

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I want Mike James to coach for us some day.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Mike James is gonna impress the hell out of coaches at the combine.

[Tsully76]

So I imagine Coach Golden will release the final depth chart today. Should be interesting to see the final 2 deep for the season opener against BC.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Chickillo is a bonefide meathead. Love the kid. The interview with Denzel was good too. I love the look on his face when they tell hi his run D is bad, lol.

[CEO]

How many people here play fantasy football?

Why?

[canezilla]

How many people here play fantasy football?

Why?

Posted by: CEO | August 29, 2012 at 07:57 AM
FANTASY WORLD!!!! SAME PEOPLE WHO THINK THE CANES WILL GO 12-0 THIS YEAR

[GURU]

As a fan you should never predict your team to lose no matter what. You got to BELIEVE and have FAITH cuz anything can happen on any given Saturday, your team has a 50/50 chance just like the other team, so I say believe in wins until proven other wise.Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | August 29, 2012 at 12:1l
amen

[raizecane]

How many people here play fantasy football?

Why?

Posted by: CEO | August 29, 2012 at 07:57 AM

I usually play in 3 leagues each year.....

why you ask? ...cash payouts :-) and bragging rights.

[LB]

"That's what you posted, so if you saying 12-0 is crazy then that means you are saying we are going to lose."

Your connotations are incorrect. You preface it by thinking I'm down on the team. You're wrong. Ask around.

"As a fan you should never predict your team to lose no matter what. You got to BELIEVE and have FAITH cuz anything can happen on any given Saturday, your team has a 50/50 chance just like the other team, so I say believe in wins until proven other wise."

Some people also believe that Santa Claus would make an excellent Presidential candidate (I may write that down somewhere). Feel free to believe whatever you want...

...it has no effect on your team whatsoever.

Fans have little effect on the team unless the architecture which encompasses it starts to get uncomfortable. When revenues started to die, Donna put a foot in Randy's rear end. When people stopped showing up to games and threatened to stop buying tickets, that's when a good coach got hired.

When good coaching came, UM became competitive (2011). I absolutely believe that an Al Golden team will go 12-0, but not now. If you think so, then you absolutely have no perspective.

Is there some kind of law that says you have to live in a bong-induced coma? Yes, I've heard the line about winning. It even made its way into a film title (Any Given Sunday). Delusional fanbases don't help at all. 12-0 is ridiculous. 4-8 is idiotic.

Truthtellers are often reviled, and I absolutely accept being the prick who bursts your bubble.

Again, I love Al Golden. He's going to make this team a beast. Temper unrealistic expectations.

-------------

"If we had a vote here, on who is your favorite Cane as a person, how much of the vote would Mike James get?"

He's got my vote for a person and a player, and +1 for your suggestion of making him a coach someday.

He's a FANTASTIC dude.

I wish we had him for 4 more years. Seriously. He's truly a complete back. Fast, powerful, good blocker, soft hands, and even was a returner. He's got it all. A great person.

And he's mentoring Duke Johnson.

[LB]

"How many people here play fantasy football?

Why?

Posted by: CEO | August 29, 2012 at 07:57 AM"

I play in one league. I have little clue of what I'm doing, and I do it because I am psychotic. I make pop culture references and try to be funny, but I probably fail in both. I play Fantasy Football, and because of it... I am a moron.

[LB]

Another thing I like about Coach Golden: he keeps the cliches to a minimum.

[Ohio_Cane]

How many people here play fantasy football?

Why?

Posted by: CEO | August 29, 2012 at 07:57 AM
---------------------------------------

I see what U did there! Lol

[Ohio_Cane]

CEO, check DM on twitter from Papa Cane

[LB]

Good read.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/28/2971249/al-golden-committed-to-restoring.html

[Ohio_Cane]

Malcolm Lewis in Yellow jersey again (Limited)

[Ohio_Cane]

In black today = 52,7,34,21 22,71,51

[SlingBlade]

See front page here, re: Bain.

Read between the lines, and smile.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/index

Posted by: LB | August 28, 2012 at 08:09 PM

so when he mentions msu he says coach stoutland is a great coach...coach stoutland is the offensive line coach at alabama, he used to coach at msu before he came to miami...wonder if he knows that..lol

[Ohio_Cane]

Team Report: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=teamreports-2012-ncaaf-mmi