Canespace

Five Questions With Canespace: Papa Cane (SaveUMFootball)

When we first started the Canespace blog back in June of 2006, blogging was all the rage.  It was then a relatively new format by which people of common interests could connect from anywhere in the world over the Internet and share their thoughts, idea and opinions about any subject imaginable.

The Canespace blog exploded onto the scene six years ago this Summer and its reputation and blogging crowd grew quickly even during some of the most challenging and difficult years to be a Miami Hurricanes fan. Since then many coaches, players, bloggers, tailgate parties and wins and losses have come and gone but the blog remains the same.

Over 6.3 million 'Canes fans (and a few trolls) have visited Canespace over the past six years and have posted over 358,000 comments.

But with technology comes change.  And especially in today's world that change comes quickly; so quickly in fact that sometimes it is hard just to keep up with the changing times and technology. Twitter in some ways has replaced blogging as the thing to do or the place to be in regards to the current Internet applications in today's environment. 

Twitter is kind of like a dozen blogs all on steroids.

For Miami Hurricane fans who are currently on Twitter there is no better or more reliable source for news than PapaCane (aka SaveUMFootball).  PapaCane is without a doubt the reigning heavyweight champ of the orange and green Twitter world.  Tonight here on Canespace we are lucky to have him give his perspective on the Miami Hurricanes 2012 football season.

Here are our Five Questions with Papa Cane:

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select ONE Freshman player and ONE assistant or position coach who you think will be difference makers for
the 2012 UM football team?

Papa Cane: On offense, I believe that WR Phillip Dorsett will have a breakout year and surprise a lot of people with his quickness, good hands and route running. His athletic ability and on-the-field smarts are complimented by QB Stephen Morris’ arm strength and quick reactions. On defense I can see someone like DE Anthony Chikillo terrorizing QBs throughout the game; I think that he will have more time to get to the QBs this year because our secondary will be superior than last year’s. I’m confident that Chickillo can reach the 10-12 sack mark by game 12.

The one freshman that I strongly believe will be a difference maker is RB Duke Johnson. I think that he is going to get plenty of touches – more than what people think. By Game 3, if healthy, it would not surprise me if he is averaging 10 carries, 3 catches, 3 punt returns and 1 kick-off return.

Mark D’Onofrio is my pick for a position coach that will be a difference maker, again, based on what he has to work with (youth, inexperience, depth issues). A lot of fans don’t realize how good he was at calling plays last year and rallying the troops, and to be honest, he did not have much to work with due to many internal and external factors.

Canespace: Which position(s) on the field worries you the most about this team going into the 2012 season in terms of talent, production and depth? What position do you consider to be the strength of the team?

Papa Cane: The position that worries me the most is defensive line due to the lack of depth, experience and size. That problem will not be fully addressed until National Signing Day 2013 when folks like Keith Bryant and other will join UM and strengthen that side of the ball.

Miami’s offensive line is the strength of this team, even though true freshman Ereck Flowers is currently starting. They are strong, polished, mean and quick on their feet. They will need to stay healthy and be consistent in order to provide QB Stephen Morris the ability to score, and score plenty, because I think there are going to be several shoot-outs this year due to our youth on the defensive side of the ball.

Canespace: Score prediction for the Boston College game? Does Mike James go over 100 yards against BC? Can Morris avoid throwing an INT over the middle against the Eagles? Which Freshman will be the first to score a TD this season?

Papa Cane: Miami 31, Boston College 23. RB Mike James runs for 85-90 yards but the team as a whole runs for 150 yards or more. I’m not that concerned about QB Stephen Morris throwing interceptions over the middle; I believe that his weakness lies in throwing INTs to the sides or on quick outs. The first freshman to score a touchdown will be RB Duke Johnson.

Canespace: Golden has indicated and the depth chart shows that as many at 12-15 Freshmen are likely to play at least some during this season and a few could possibly even start a game or two be season's end. Apart from likely candidates RB Duke Johnson and CB Tracy Howard who do you see as the most likely Freshmen to get some serious playing time in 2012?

Papa Cane: Some of the freshmen that will get plenty of playing time will include safeties Rayshawn Jenkins and Deon Bush, WRs Malcolm Lewis and Robert Lockhart, CB Antonio Crawford, DLs Dequan Ivery and Earl Moore and redshirt freshman LB Eddie Johnson who I expect to make a significant impact and possibly start by Game 5.

Canespace: OK, time to get real and get down to business. I need your season record projection for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes football team? Give it to us straight!

Papa Cane: 7 wins, 5 losses. It’s a transition year fueled by newly developed strength and youth. Next year, we’re winning big. I’m confident.

The Short List To South Beach

The Shortlist in 2012 again, and for the last time, tracks contenders not only trying to disrupt the unprecedented almost decade long closed competition of the SEC for the national title, but also who gets to spend 2013 on the shores of South Beach before trying to place their names amongst the all time greats of the game.  Even with a definite end to the current championship configuration in college football off in the distant horizon, here on the Shortlist the rules remained unchanged once again;

1) A team from a non-BCS automatic qualifier conference cannot lose a game.  A BCS conference team, or Notre Dame, can only lose one game and only to a BCS conference opponent or Notre Dame and still stay on the Shortlist.

2) Teams with losses will be ranked relative to the circumstances surrounding their losses.  A loss on the road by one point is more forgivable than a loss at home by 10 for example.

The last time the Shortlist tracked the contenders for one of its two championship berths, Hurricane nemesis Florida used the season to pass Hurricane arch-rival Florida State into second place on the all-time championship list for schools from the state of Florida.  This year I expect Florida State to use this season as an opportunity to tie that race for second back up for the time being.

=

With the FBS field expanded to 124 teams, I expect the following 34 to be eliminated from the Shortlist to South Beach right away, disqualifying just over a full quarter of the contenders before the first week of play finishes:

Iowa State, Washington State, Boise State, Nevada, San Diego State, Wyoming, Colorado State, Hawaii, UNLV, Southern Miss, Marshall, UAB, SMU, UTEP, Rice, Tulane, Navy, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami (Oh), Bowling Green, Buffalo, Akron,
Massachusetts, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, Texas State, UTSA, FIU, Arkansas State, and North Texas.

Included amongst the expected eliminations in week one?  Only the most successful program of recent college football history in Boise State.  The most difficult Shortlist elimination game for me to choose between the competitors in week one?  Saying goodbye to Larry Coker's UTSA Roadrunners as they visit some team named the South Alabama Jaguars in Mobile in the return bout of their double overtime thriller from last season, where Larry added to his still stellar career winning percentage with a 25 yard run for a touchdown by his team to answer the Jaguars' field goal.  If those two facts don't help convince you that there's still plenty of intrigue left in the current model of championship crowning in this game, there's not much else I can say to change your mind on that account.

Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as the Shortlist sorts out the preseason hype from the regular season reality here on the Shortlist to South Beach.

Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Five Questions With Canespace: The Miami Hurricane

If you were not able to attend the University of Miami or never had the opportunity to set foot on the beautiful UM campus in Coral Gables, then you might not be aware of the of the two on-campus sports outlets available to students at UM: WVUM radio station and The Miami Hurricane Newspaper.

Both are completely staffed and operated by students on campus.

After having already interviewed our friend Chris Whittyngham from WVUM in our now famous "Five Questions" series, today we have the privilege of speaking with Ernesto Suarez, the Sports Editor of the Miami Hurricane student newspaper. Here are our five questions with The Miami Hurricane:

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select ONE Freshman player and ONE assistant or position coach who you think will be difference makers for the 2012 UM football team?

Suarez: On offense I would probably have to say Allen Hurns. He had his spurts last year where he would show the potential of being a big time receiver, especially in the beginning of the season against Maryland and then his two-touchdown performance against Ohio State a week after. Right now there’s no clear-cut established No.1 receiver on the roster, but of them all I think Hurns has the ability to become that guy. The key is consistency.

On defense, I would have to select Ladarius Gunter. He had his on and off moments during the spring while he was still picking up the playbook, but he seems to feel comfortable with it at this point and figures to play a big role in the defensive backfield this season. He also has freshman Tracy Howard right behind him gunning for that spot, so he can’t afford to let down.

Freshman to watch out for would have to be Tracy Howard. Although you have a couple of good choices in Howard, Deon Bush, and Duke Johnson, I think Howard’s impact will be felt whenever he is on the field. At one point during fall camp he was spotted wearing the starters black jersey, and coaches have credited him with his ability to make plays. It remains to be seen how it will translate on the field when it matters, but there’s plenty of upside with him.

Coaching wise, I would say Jedd Fisch. Consistency at the coordinator position is important, especially for a new regime still looking to form an identity. For an offense that is currently looked upon as the strongest part of the team, Fisch has the opportunity to put the team in a good position to win some of the toss up games.

Canespace: Which position(s) on the field worries you the most about this team going into the 2012 season in terms of talent, production and depth?

Suarez: I’d be most concerned over at linebacker. Denzel Perryman is expected to be a force, and as long as he can stay healthy that shouldn’t be an issue. Jimmy Gaines, behind him on the depth chart, also has experience and was really impressing coaches during fall camp last year, but it never really translated well on the field. Besides those two and Ramon Buchanan, who is coming off of a torn ACL, there isn’t much experience to speak of there.

Canespace: What is the mood around campus in class, the dorms and the Student Center about the 2012 team? Are the students unanimously in support of head coach Al Golden or are there some doubters among the current student body? Will the majority still remain supportive even IF the Hurricanes struggle this season and finish at 6-6 or worse?

Suarez: Right now, the vast majority of the student population is in love with the work that Al Golden and his staff has accomplished. For the most part, they understand that not everything has gone the way he had envisioned to start off, but they are pleased with the way that things have been handled. No one on campus is expecting a national championship this year (the reasonable ones anyways) but if the team can make a bowl game and show significant progress as the season goes on, give them a little something to be excited for next year, I think they’ll be alright.

Canespace: Golden has indicated and the depth chart shows that as many at 10-12 Freshmen are likely to play at least some during this season and a few could possibly even start a game or two be season's end. Apart from likely candidates RB Duke Johnson and CB Tracy Howard who do you see as the most likely Freshmen to get some serious playing time in 2012?

Suarez: Undoubtedly has to be Ereck Flowers. Heading into camp, he wasn’t a household name, and it was almost a given that Seantrel Henderson was going to be platooned over at right tackle. But Henderson has missed out on a significant amount of time at camp taking care of personal issues, and Flowers has thrived in his absence. Growing pains are to be expected once the games start to matter, but expect Flowers, especially early on, to be lined up at right tackle for most of the snaps.

Canespace: OK, time to get real and get down to business. I need your season record projection for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes football team? Give it to us straight!

Suarez: I don't think too many nationally would agree with me, but I think a 7-5 record is certainly possible. I can see the Hurricanes going, at minimum, 2-1 through its first three games (loss likeliest at Kansas State). Depending on how the defense looks in those first few games, Georgia Tech is a toss up. Their big ACC matches (UNC, FSU, VT) are all at home too, so that works out favorably.

Ernesto Suarez
The Miami Hurricane
Sports Editor
sports@themiamihurricane.com

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.  

Five Questions With Canespace: Chris Yandle

Today we take a completely new turn in the latest feature of what now appears to have become a very popular feature series known as "Five Questions With Canespace".  After interviewing several of the media reps that cover the Miami Hurricanes we now turn our attention to the staff at the University of Miami who often operate behind the curtain but without whose help the show simply could not go on. 

Canespacers meet Chris Yandle, the officially designated "new kid on the block", who is the new Director of Communications for the UM Athletic Department. Among his many other assigned duties Yandle handles the all important day-to-day operations of the media scheduling and interviewing process as it relates to the UM football team.

Chris joins the very creative and always progressive Chris Freet at UM, who was recently promoted to the job title of UM Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Marketing. Apparently, it really helps if your name is "Chris" if you are looking to get a job at UM these days?

So here are our five questions with Chris Yandle of the University of Miami:

Canespace: You just recently joined the UM SID staff as Communications Director. Help Miami fans get to know you a little better tell us about your professional experiences in college athletics and a little about your personal life in general before UM?

Yandle: My foray into college athletics began with a chance encounter while I was a freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2000. I never knew sports information / media relations / athletic communications existed until I happen to walk into the Southern Miss SID office. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do but I always knew I wanted to work in sports, college athletics in particular. Mike Montoro (then at USM, now at West Virginia) was the first person to give me my big break in the business. I still talk to Mike often to this day and he still tells me he knew I had a future in this.

Because of a family illness, I transferred to Louisiana-Lafayette in August 2002. It was at ULL where my career took a more professional path. Working at ULL was one of the best things for my career. Being a part of a small office, I had the opportunity – whether I wanted to or not – to learn everything. I spent three full years as an undergraduate student at ULL, working every sport and traveling with baseball.  

In addition to working in sports, I knew I wanted to write. I studied public relations at Louisiana-Lafayette (minor in history) and was the Outstanding Graduate in Communications. I moved to Huntington, W.Va., in July 2005 to start graduate school at Marshall University. I traveled with the football and softball programs for two years and I was there during the filming of “We Are Marshall”. It was a very cool experience to walk home to my apartment and spot Matthew McConaughey at the neighborhood Subway. 

After graduating from Marshall in 2007, I only had one professional option… and that was returning to Louisiana-Lafayette as Assistant SID. It worked out well personally because I was getting married in June 2007 and my wife still had a year left of school at ULL. I spent 13 months at ULL, working with volleyball, men’s basketball and baseball. I contemplated leaving the profession and pursuing a private career in public relations. That was until I got a phone call from Baylor. After only one year of full-time experience, I had the opportunity to be the men’s basketball SID for a Big 12 school and a rising powerhouse. 

In four years in Waco, I had the chance to experience two Elite Eight appearances for men’s basketball, four NBA draft picks, a WBB national championship, two bowl trips, a 10-win football season and a Heisman Trophy winner. I played a small role in the RG3 Heisman Trophy campaign last year in Waco. A year later and it still feels surreal looking back at the #YearoftheBear. I don’t think any school will ever experience that again.  

In June – while we were hosting the NCAA Super Regional in Waco – I got a phone call from Chris Freet, asking if I would be interested in joining the UM staff. I wasn’t looking to leave Baylor and it was certainly a difficult decision, but the opportunity, the energy and vision of the Miami Athletics Department was too good to pass up. To be 30 and the Director/Football Contact at a FBS school was a great chance to continue my career aspirations of becoming an AD. 

Canespace: I was born and raised in Miami so I know that the 305 is a dynamic, diverse, busy and sometimes difficult or challenging place to live, that to be honest, is not for everyone.  What excited you about the opportunity to move to South Florida and join the University of Miami athletic department staff? 

Yandle: For me, the opportunity to work with Chris Freet and Shawn Eichorst and the rest of the senior staff was enough for me. The energy I felt during my interview at Miami was the same way I felt during my interview at Baylor in 2008. Yes, Miami is different. But, so is Waco, Texas; Lafayette, La.; Huntington, W.Va.; Hattiesburg, Miss.; and so on and so on. During my interview process, people would tell me: “you know, this isn’t like Waco.” Where you live is what you make of it. To me, Miami is just like any other town I’ve lived in, except with amazing ocean views and a beach.

Canespace: In your short experience at UM so far what has pleasantly surprised you and what have you found challenging (apart from working with that Freet character) about living in SoFL, working at UM and dealing with the Hurricane beat reporters and Miami's fickle and demanding fans base? 

Yandle: Every fan base is different from other schools, yet the same. I love the passion of the Canes fan base. It’s something I’ve never experienced at my previous schools (to this magnitude). And the media – no matter the city or the school – will be different. Every school/city/media market presents its own unique set of challenges. Miami is no different. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m very proud to be at The U.

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 obvious choices Stephen Morris and Denzel Perryman which two players do you think are going to really burst onto the scene in 2012?  Also select one Freshman and one assistant coach that U feel will make an impact this year? 

Yandle: My first days on the job were spent in Greensboro at ACC Kickoff with Scott Zavitz (Assistant Director), Mike James and Brandon McGee. Mike and Brandon are fantastic representatives for The U and I’ve become big fans of both. I think both can have outstanding senior seasons.  In terms of the freshmen, I can’t limit it to just one. I think many will make a contribution in 2012, including but not limited to Tracy Howard and Duke Johnson.

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?

Yandle: HurricaneSports.com is the front porch for everything Hurricanes Athletics and it’s important that we put our best information there and we push all of our social media content back to that site. And with the addition of Brian Bowsher as our Digital Media Strategist, I can promise we will have plenty of new things coming soon, but I’m not willing to spill the new stuff quite yet. The one thing I will tell you is that we will be more social media heavy and social media savvy.  

Our football game program will feature tons of social media-produced content; fans don’t care what questions I ask Mike James, but they do care if Mike James answers their question(s) for the game program. I believe in social media engineering and that’s what we are going to produce – fan generated content.

Five Questions With Canespace: Susan Miller-Degnan

Over the years Canespace has been fortunate enough to become friends with many of the dedicated media representatives from across the entire spectrum of Miami Hurricanes reporters.

From print media to Internet sites and radio personalities we have met most if not all of them along the way over the last six years. Fortunately we have been able to establish a positive working relationship with many of them during that time.

We met WQAM radio analyst Don Bailey Jr. after a Spring game several years ago at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. He took the time to chat with us about all things orange and green and was open and candid in his responses to us in the parking lot after the game.  He answered our questions as we listened and soaked up the information while he evaluated the Hurricanes team back in 2008.

But no friendship has been stronger than the one Canespace has forged over the years with Manny Navarro and Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald. The "Mandingo", as we like to call Manny, and "Susan" as we like to call Susan, have been more than generous with their time over the years. I am proud to say that both Manny and Susan wear Canespace (notice the green Canespace T-shirt over his left shoulder).

But tonight it is all about Susan as she steps up unafraid and directly into the fray to give us her perspective on the current state of the 2012 Miami Hurricanes football team.

Here are our five questions with Susan Miller-Degnan of the Miami Herald: 

Canespace: Stephen Morris won the starting QB role on this team. Do you think he is really ready to lead this team to victory in 2012 or is simply the best available player at his position at UM right now? We all know that it is only a matter of time before fan favorite Gray Crow is named the starting QB at UM but based on what you have seen or know is Morris going to have an excellent or just average 2012 season for the Hurricanes?

Susan Miller-Degnan: I definitely think Stephen is ready, and not just “the best available player at his position at UM right now.’’ I didn’t know we all knew “fan favorite” Gray Crow would be the starter, though I have to admit he’s a really super young man. (Aside: Al Golden told us today that Preston Dewey was leading in the battle for third-team quarterback, which was somewhat surprising based on what we saw in the spring). But I do believe that Stephen Morris can lead this team. Honestly, we don’t see much in practice, but he has a wonderful arm, and we’ve se en him make some dead-on accurate missile throws from many, many, many yards out. We’ve also seen him throw a good share of picks. Just think of how he was thrust into the starting role as a freshman, when most, including himself, were sure he would redshirt. I’ve talked to a lot of players this fall, and almost all to a man, when asked about the difference between Stephen and Ryan Williams, raved about Stephen – even before he was selected as the starter.

Canespace: How many Freshmen do you see getting some serious playing time as the year goes on? Name some Freshmen (True or RS) who you think will play in 2012 and maybe even start by season's end?

Susan: Oh my, the list never ends. Serious playing time: Ereck Flowers, Malcolm Lewis, Duke Johnson, Earl Moore, Gabe Terry, Eddie Johnson, Deon Bush, Rayshawn Jenkins, Tracy Howard, Jelani Hamilton, Tyriq McCord. By the way, not sure exactly what “serious’’ means, but I think all these guys will have a lot of experience by season’s end.

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select ONE Freshman player and ONE assistant or position coach who you think will be difference makers for the 2012 UM football team?

Susan Miller-Degnan:

Offense: RaShawn Scott.

Defense: Anthony Chickillo.

Freshman difference-maker: Duke Johnson.

Assistant: Jedd Fisch.

Canespace: Will the offense carry the defense or will the defense carry the offense for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes? Which is the stronger side of this team and what is the strongest position?

Susan: I thought before camp started that possibly it would be the defense, but now I don’t think so. Again, we don’t see much except for some position drills, but I can’t help but have this gnawing feeling that the run defense will be lacking – and that opposing quarterbacks will rundown the gut as if it’s the Red Sea parting (witness many games the past several years.) There have been some injuries to linebackers, and Ramon Buchanan is returning from ACL surgery. Denzel will be a major force, and he better stay healthy for the Canes’ sake. The others (except for Jimmy Gaines) are painfully inexperienced. Additionally, coaches have never seemed secure about the defensive line, and are obviously concerned about the tackle position. The defensive backs should be a lot better, you’d think, with all that young talent. But remember, the highly touted youngsters are just out of high school and those guys need a little time to get used to college play.

Offensively, I just keep thinking about ‘What can Duke do for you?’ We haven’t seen him in action, other than in high school, but he’s the one kid I’m really excited about finally being able to watch in college. The tight ends, unfortunately, have not seemed to thrill Coach Golden, who was a tight end himself. I have seen a lot of promise in Clive Walford, but he has to be able to hang on to the ball. I also thought Asante Cleveland was a real talent-in-the-making as a freshman, so let’s see how he has progressed. If the offensive line is strong (and that’s a big if, because the depth is suspect), and those young receivers can catch (blocking is also a question mark for young ones), that will open up the running game as well.

Canespace: OK, finally it is time to put you on the spot: I need your overall season record prediction for the 'Canes this season? Just give it to us straight!

Susan: I’m sorry but I can’t give you a prediction until I see the first two games, But if I’m predicting the first two games then I’m saying 1-1 with a win at Boston College and a loss at Kansas State.

Five Questions With Canespace: WVUM

In part four of our "Five Questions" series of feature articles we reached out to our long-time friends at WVUM.  For those of you who don't know WVUM is the on-campus radio station that plays music that old guys like me and many other bloggers at Canespace have never heard before. 

In addition to their eclectic music menu the student-run radio station also has an excellent sports department led by our good friend and Sports Director Chris Whittyngham.

Whittyngham is a solid student, a rabid 'Canes sports fan and an excellent broadcaster who can be heard on WVUM covering football and baseball games.  Chris is also an insightful analyst and helped break down the five questions in great detail for his opportunity to be heard on Canespace.

Here are our Five Questions with WVUM Sports Director Chris Whittyngham:

Canespace: Tell us your opinion on QB Stephen Morris winning the starting role at the most important position on the field and whether or not you have faith in his ability to lead the 2012 Hurricanes team to victory against a tough schedule?  Can Morris get the job done in Jedd Fisch's pro-style offense?

WVUM: I do believe that Stephen Morris is ready to lead the Canes. I actually thought he should have been the starter last year because I think we probably should have known that we were in for growing pains last year, and it would have been wiser to have been a little more forward-thinking and prepare your then sophomore QB for the future. As it is, I think Stephen has far better arm strength than Jacory Harris did last year which opens up the vertical passing game. The key is going to be the receivers. Hurns, Dorsett, Thompkins, and Scott have all shown it in flashes, but they all need to step up to be regular contributors in every game. And I don't think Gray Crow will be the starter here for a while. From what I saw in spring and fall he doesn't look even close to ready yet. I think Morris will have a good year. Interceptions will be a problem because he has a tendency to throw them (Career 7 TD/11 INT in 6 starts) and because I don't know how reliable the receivers will be.

Canespace: How many kids who are fresh out of high school and can barely shave are going to be on the field and under the bright lights for Miami this season?

WVUM: There are 15 freshmen listed on the most recent two-deep depth chart (Lewis, Isidora, Flowers, Duke, Waters, D. Crawford, Hamilton, Ivery, Moore, McCord, Terry, A. Crawford, Bush, Jenkins, Howard) and I imagine 10 of them will probably hit the field. It could be more depending on injuries and where the season goes.

Canespace: You know about our Legends of the Fall routine from last season. Select one offensive and defensive player that you think will "break out" this season? Also pick one Freshman and one assistant coach that you think will be difference makers for the Hurricanes in 2012?

WVUM: For break-out I imagine on offense it will be Allen Hurns and for defense I think it will be Shayon Green. Allen had good games, like Ohio State last year, but for the most part was overshadowed by the great play of Tommy Streeter. I think this year he's probably your number one
receiver and he will play well in the role. I think Green has been one of the coaches favorites and has kept the black jersey for most of camp. There's a reason the coaches like him and I think he'll have a good season. In terms of freshman, without question it's Duke Johnson. He's already making explosive
plays in camp and I think in the role they're giving him he will flourish. And I think Jedd Fisch will be the difference maker as an assistant. UM is glad to have him back, along with the rest of the staff, because uniformity in what you're being taught is huge. They'll need to improve in the red zone to be
better and I think Fisch has some new ideas to build on his offense from year one, like his idea to liven up the pace and break the huddle faster and get more plays in.

Canespace: Where can the strength of this team be found, is it on offense or on defense?

WVUM: I would say right now that the offense is probably the strength of the team. They have playmakers that have played well in camp and I think with the exception of a guy like Denzel Perryman, I don't think there's anybody on defense you can count on to make big plays consistently. Hopefully Miami's games won't turn into shootouts but I think the defense will need to get better over the course of the season.

Canespace: OK, time to get real. I need your season record prediction for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes football team in their second year under head coach Al Golden?

WVUM: I'm going 7-5. I think there's a good chance the Canes start the season well. I think Canes fans expectations should be to start the season 2-1 and from there you have to take the season in quarters. I think Miami fans and students have a big burden to provide a home field advantage
because Miami's 2 biggest games of the season (FSU, VT) are at home. Fans need to come strong in those games to help lift the home team. But in the end, I think it will be 7-5 for Miami in 2012.

Five Questions With Canespace: Michael Casagrande

In the third installment of our "Five Questions" series of feature articles with local media reps we are excited to have the opportunity to talk to "The New Guy" on the Miami Hurricanes beat: Michael Casagrande from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  He will be joining us LIVE tonight to chat with Miami Hurricane fans for the first time.

It has been a busy five years or so at the Sentinel as the UM post has seen a parade of reporters pass through their ranks trying to satisfy the demanding and sometimes difficult University of Miami fan base. Casagrande took over the UM beat at the Sentinel from Steve Gorten, who had replaced Shandel Richardson, who had replaced Omar Kelly.

Since his arrival in June of this year from Alabama with a fresh perspective and what must have been a couple of cases of Red Bull, Casagrande has been nothing short of outstanding.  He has been dominating the 'Canes coverage by tearing it up on the blog and providing excellent content on the Sentinel's other on-line media applications. 

His blog is here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/

Here are our Five Questions with Michael "Big House" Casagrande at the Sun-Sentinel:

Canespace: Since arriving in South Florida and your new position at the Sun Sentinel what has surprised you most about the area in general, the University of Miami and the football team itself?

Casagrande: The pace of the city is an adjustment. It's the slowest, fast place on earth. (Does that make sense?) I enjoy the culture and the spirit of this place. I'm a big fan of New Orleans because it's unlike any other city in the country. Miami goes in that category, too. I've lived in several different places, but none compares to this place.

Canespace: I know before coming to South Florida you used to work in Alabama and cover the Crimson Tide. With all of their recent success, what was that like as a reporter covering that team and head coach Nick Saban?

Casagrande: Again, I get a kick out of unique experiences. The last three years were quite a trip. There are all kinds of legends about covering Nick Saban and his relationship with the media. Of course very few are true. Just remember the truth always sits somewhere in the middle, but that might not be easily expressed to Dolphin fans. From the perspective of an unbiased newsman, I have to say he has quite a system going up there. That place is a machine. Don't be surprised if he makes his South Florida return this January in Sun Life Stadium.

 

Canespace: Coming from the SEC and from the outside looking in at the University of Miami football program what would you say is the current national perception of the Hurricanes and the ACC in general?

 

Casagrande: I was thinking about this the other day. I was trying to remember my perception of Miami this time last year. To be honest, I was so focused on my job at the time, I didn't spend much time thinking about much else (much like I am with Miami right now). I caught parts of a few UM games on TV last year and remember being surprised at how small the crowds were at Sun Life Stadium (just being honest). Now that I know the geography of the situation, I see the issue. But that's another debate for another day.

On the ACC, the perception in the SEC isn't pretty. They don't really take anyone seriously outside of the SEC. If it's any consolation, the folks in my last state don't even respect the other half of the SEC. They're an elitist group, but after winning the last six national titles and supplying both contestants in January, it's hard to argue with them (not us for the record).

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select one freshman player and one coach who you think will be difference makers for UM in 2012?

Casagrande: It's an interesting question. I'll be quite interested, after watching 15 minutes of practice every morning, who can play in a real game. I'm looking forward to seeing what Allen Hurns can do. He looks like a serious receiver. I'm also looking forward to seeing Mike James perform when the spotlight is on him. He's easily one of the most personable, friendly athletes I've ever dealt with. Though I'm not a homer, I wouldn't be disappointed if he turned into a star. With the freshmen, I'm going to cop out. Of course it's easy to say Duke Johnson. But I'm saying it. My first year covering Alabama was Trent Richardson's freshman season. He was a star from the very beginning and the running back position lends itself to making a more seamless transition than maybe a cornerback or offensive lineman. That said, it looks like he has to improve his pass blocking -- a skill Richardson had right from the beginning.

Canespace: OK, finally it is time to put you on the spot in year one of your coverage of the Miami Hurricanes for the Sun Sentinel. I need your overall season record prediction for this season? Just give it to us straight!

Casagrande: Honesty is my policy. So let's get real, folks. Five, maybe six games. The month of September is brutal. It might be a different story if the young team could ease into the year with two or three Bethune Cookmans, but there's only one. Road games at Boston College, Kansas State and Georgia Tech could easily come and go without wins. The 'Canes must hold serve in home games with NC State, North Carolina and USF. A road win at Virginia would be nice, but home wins against BCS caliber Virginia Tech and Florida State would be sizable upsets. Who knows, though. I've allegedly been wrong in the past, I guess.

Five Questions With Canespace: Gary Ferman

In the second feature of our "Five Questions" series of feature articles Canespace caught up with Gary Ferman from Canesport.  Ferman, who it seems has been covering the Miami Hurricanes football team since the school's inaugural season in 1926, is widely recognized as the senior statesmen when it comes all things orange and green.

Of course you can find always find Ferman and the Canesport site at: www.canesport.com .

Gary has been around long enough to see the good, the bad and the ugly days of Hurricane football and has covered and interviewed many of the great players and coaches who have passed through Coral Gables over the years. Canesport's coverage of the Hurricanes is unsurpassed and the effort and resources they devote to publishing their web site and magazine is amazing.

We recently caught up with Ferman, and always the good sport, he agreed to take a few minutes to talk to us in spite of his busy pre-season schedule covering Fall practice at UM. 

Here are our five questions with Gary Ferman of Canesport:

Canespace: Stephen Morris won the starting QB role on this team. Do you think he is really ready to lead this team to victory in 2012 or is simply the best available player at his position at UM right now? We all know that it is only a matter of time before fan favorite Gray Crow is named the starting QB at UM but based on what you have seen or know is Morris going to have an excellent or just average 2012 season for the Hurricanes? 

Canesport: I am a big believer in Stephen Morris, thought he should have been the QB last year. If you look at the Maryland game, once you got past the communications issues they were having getting plays in, it really wasn’t that bad. If it wasn’t a conservative game plan, he might have thrown for 350-400 yards, Morris has shown what he can do and should be much better this year as a junior. I absolutely do not feel it is just a matter of time before one of the freshmen get the job. I don’t think either of those guys are even close and they will have Kevin Olsen to contend with next year. 

Canespace: How many Freshmen do you see getting some serious playing as the year goes on? Name some Freshmen (True or RS) who you think will play in 2012 and maybe even start by season's end? 

Canesport: It looks like at least 15-20 are going to play, which is staggering. Personally, I would like to see more redshirt unless they are on first or second team. 

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select ONE Freshman player and ONE assistant or position coach who you think will be difference makers for the 2012 UM football team? 

Canesport: Philip Dorsett on offense and Ladarius Gunter on defense if I can’t pick Perryman. Duke Johnson as the Freshman selection and Micheal Barrow as the coaching choice. 

Canespace: Will the offense carry the defense or will the defense carry the offense for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes? Which is the stronger side of this team and what is the strongest position? 

Canesport: I think the offense is stronger and that the WR position is probably strongest on the team.  

Canespace: OK, finally it is time to put you on the spot: I need your overall season record prediction for the 'Canes this season? Just give it to us straight! 

Canesport: 8-4

Five Questions With Canespace

Every year we try to get as much information as possible about the upcoming college football season by getting as many different viewpoints as possible from the local media representatives that cover the Miami Hurricanes. 

This year once again we reached out far and wide to get a glimpse of the up-coming season to try to determine what UM fans might expect in 2012.

Hitting in the lead-off spot this year is Brandon Odoi from our friends at www.CaneInsider.com. 

If you haven't visited their site and have not seen all of the incredible content they offer on the current Miami Hurricanes football team and on the always interesting high school recruiting front (with Jon Bastian) then you have been missing out.

Here are our FIVE questions with CaneInsider's Brandon Odoi:

Canespace: Head coach Al Golden has made it clear that Stephen Morris has won the starting QB role on this team. Do you think he is really ready to lead this team to victory in 2012 or is he simply the best available player at his position at UM right now?  We all know that it is only a matter of time before fan favorite Gray Crow is named the starting QB at UM, but based on what you have seen or know, is Morris going to have an excellent or just average 2012 season for the Hurricanes? 

CaneInsider: Crow's at least two years away from being a capable starter in college from what I've seen. He's got the most potential of the freshmen, but I wouldn't even put him in the same sentence with Stephen Morris. Morris basically saw Jacory Harris and how he led the team. Now Harris didn't have the wins fans wanted, but he was sure a leader that people respected. He put the team in positions to win every game last year. Morris will be better than anyone has seen him in the past. He's very physically fit. He'll have a solid OL to block for him and should have a good back in James. That will help his production. He's got capable playmakers who just have to step up. Is he poised enough? Only time will tell, my guess is he's poised enough to put up points on offense. It's the defense that will let him down.

Canespace: How many Freshmen do you see getting some serious playing as the year goes on? Name some Freshmen (True or RS) who you think will play in 2012 and maybe even start by season's end? 

CaneInsider: Ereck Flowers is the most impressive freshmen according to coach Golden to date. He's been starting since camp opened and everyone's high on him. I think you'll see Duke Johnson, Herb Waters and also Malcolm Lewis on offense with Earl Moore, Tracy Howard and Deon Bush having big roles on defense. You'll also see Eddie Johnson should he return to health playing as a RS Frosh and get good contributions from Gabe Terry and Tyriq McQord. Don't forget about Antonio Crawford and Rashawn Jenkins who may be special teams guys that do a lot. I am not really expecting huge contributions from fan favorite Dallas Crawford. I think Duke Johnson may have taken his playing time.

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select ONE Freshman player and ONE assistant or position coach who you think will be difference makers for the 2012 UM football team? 

CaneInsider:  

Offense: Kendall Thompkins

Defense: Kelvin Cain (super sleeper)

Freshman: Tracy Howard

Assistant Coach: Terry Richardson

Canespace: Will the offense carry the defense or will the defense carry the offense for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes? Which is the stronger side of this team and what is the strongest position? 

CaneInsider: Team is strongest on offense and they will absolutely have to outscore everyone to win. Strongest position on offense is probably the offensive line. The depth is really good, even if up to three guys go down. Maybe not the center, but everywhere else there should be no hitches.

Canespace: OK, finally it is time to put you on the spot: I need your overall season record prediction for the 'Canes this season? Just give it to us straight! 

CaneInsider: I’ll say 4-8. 

Toss ups: BC, Notre Dame, USF, UNC, GT. 

Wins: Bethune, Duke.

Losses: K. State, FSU, Virginia, VT and NC State.

You can always find a boat-load of good Miami Hurricanes information at www.caneinsider.com.

Stop by their site and give a shout out to Brandon Odoi (current updates) and Jon Bastian (recruiting) and even the well-known Brian "The Beast" London (all things UM) who also recently joined the CaneInsider team.