Now That's Tight!

The list of names is so long that it is stunning to see and almost impossible to comprehend.

The University of Miami is well known throughout college football and the NFL(U) for developing big-time players at the tight end position. It is no surprise therefore that Miami is known as "Tight End U".

Here is a list of some former UM TEs over the last 30 years who have gone on to play on Sunday:

• Glenn Dennison (1984, Jets, Redskins)
• Willie Smith (1986, Browns, Dolphins)
• Alfredo Roberts (1998, Chiefs, Cowboys)
• Randy Bethel (1991, Patriots)
• Alex Johnson (1991, Oilers)
• Carlos Ethridge (1993, Colts)
• Bubba Franks (2000, Packers, Jets)
• Mondriel Fulcher (2000, Raiders)
• Jeremy Shockey (2002, Giants, Saints, Panthers) 
• Kellen Winslow 2004, (Browns, Bucs)
• Kevin Everett (2005, Bills)
• Buck Ortega (2006, Redskins, Browns, Dolphins, Saints)
• Greg Olsen (2007, Bears, Panthers)
• Jimmy Graham (2010, Saints)
• Dedrick Epps (2010, Chargers, Dolphins, Jets)
• Richard Gordon (2011, Raiders)

That is 16 tight ends from the University of Miami that have been drafted by 14 different NFL teams and have played in the League over just the last 28 years (1984 - 2012). By any standard of measure that is pretty impressive, don't you think?

As much as we might like to relish in the glory of great Hurricanes past, it is just as important to examine the present and look towards the furure of the tight end position at Miami. So we thought we would take a brief look at the TEs on the current roster and the verbal commits for the 2013 class.

There are three players at the TE position who caught passes for the Hurricanes in 2012:

• Clive Walford: 25 receptions, 451 yards and 4 TDs.
• Dyron Dye: 4 catches, 48 yards.
• Asante Cleveland: 2 ctahces, 12 yards.
• Total TE production: 31 receptions for 511 yards and 4 TDs.

Simply put, that is not very impressive and is not going to get it done. Enter the 2013 recruiting class and the numerous targets that UM is recruiting.  Some UM fans like Herbieibis may be questioning why Al Golden is recruiting so may quality tight ends this year in a year of limited scholarships.

Here is the short answer: It is the secret key that unlocks the full potential of the UM offense. With a dominant TE, Jedd Fisch's offense will simply put be unstoppable. Here are the recruits:

Standish Dobard: A total physical freak who is also a State Champ from Loiuisiana. Reminds some fans of a Kellen Winslow type player who can dominate games on his own.

Jeremy Kerr: Talented, physical player with good size and range from Tampa. Reminds some UM fans of former TE Greg Olsen.

Beau Sandland: JUCO transfer who reminds some fans like CaneRock of former Miami TE Jeremy Shockey. A big, strong pass catcher with great hands who is a fierce competitor.

The Hurricanes need a player who can play this year to compliment Clive Walford. Any of the three players above might fit that bill, but only time will tell. At least we can hope they do so that "TE U" can return to its rightful place among the college elite.

Comments

[canezilla]

YUP!!!

[TJL]

2nd

[LB]

A belated Merry Christmas to all...

I'm not a fan of comparing unknown entities to former positions... not good. That's it, 86. There you go. Targeting the position on offense which has kept us from going to the ceiling.

If you recall, Fisch & Golden both stated that they wanted to double the number of catches from 2011 to 2012.

In 2011, the tight end position had 28 catches, 266 yards, and 2 touchdowns. We improved in every category, but had only 3 more catches. Simply put, we don't have the personnel...

...and I welcome every tight end recruit, especially proven quantities like Dobard and Sandland.

Off the record: I just heard Giovanni Bernard on the radio. Really grounded and well spoken person, just like Mike James.

[LB]

Wow.

I just saw the offer list for Sandland, and it's IMPRESSIVE.

Among the many:

Florida, Georgia, Kansas State, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M.

Dobard's is also beastly (Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M among the list).

Let's go UM!

[LB]

A very cool update from Canesinsight about the all-star games and UM targets:

http://canesinsight.com/content.php?1114-Miami-Targets-in-All-American-Games&s=89af95a1b3ad0e587db8194dc6de805e

[nemo2002]

Yeah, let's go UM!

[roachcane77]

I agree, it's not fair to compare current to past players, but it's nearly impossible not to when you think about it.

I think most importantly it's certain "qualities" that you want to see in a good TE. Good hands and good blocking technique for sure.

But to me, the MOST important quality, (besides just the fact that they should be bigger, stronger, and meaner than any DB or Safety), is their "mentality" of... THIS ball currently in the air is MINE and you will NOT outreach, outdive, or out jump me for it... it's MINE, so GET OUTTA MY WAY midget!

That's the quality ALL great TEs at The U have had in common. Just show me players with THAT mentality, and I'll be happy.

[LB]

Roach, with what I've heard, there is one person whose mindset matches that perfectly...

...Standish Dobard.

[UGoCane]

Standish will not be denied...

A good TE opens up everything..

With Coach F having Coach G over his shoulder KNOWING he played that position it is important to make a statement at games that the 'U' is indeed back at the TE position..
Agree this opens up the offense and with a Senior quarterback the Offense looks good for 2013.
Now if the D could play catch up real fast, and the NCAA get off their A**** then the'U' is on the road back.
The map is in place the template is struck now we need to plug everything in.
Happy New Year.

[roachcane77]

there is one person whose mindset matches that perfectly...

...Standish Dobard.
Posted by: LB | December 26, 2012 at 09:23 AM

I'm for Dobard then...

And agreed UGoCane... we need the NCAA to get OFF OUR BACKS already!

Let's Go Canes!

[86Cane]

Roach...but what about the title? LOL

[j.w.]

Top 10? tgravels are over, but so damned disappointed with that result in the basketball game yesterday. Now I'm ready for some good news, c'mon, AG, get us a recruiting commitment!

[86Cane]

The UM basketball team without Reggie is awful. With him they are above average but without him, they are awful.

[CoCane]

Correction Soup. With him. They are top top 25. Without him. They are FUKKIN TERRIBLE!

Larranaga better get him a ready to play frosh C/PF quick or next years team will be the worst in the ACC...

[roachcane77]

"Now THAT's Tight!"

Sorry SOUP... You're spoiling me... SO many great titles, I forget to give you the kudos you so richly deserve.

Nice work, as usual 'ol boy!

Keep 'em coming.

[BigWindyCane1]

Good article. The TE position is a position that needs more production. Asante has been a disappointment, and Dyron Dye is a converted defensive lineman.

I was impressed with Clive, but he needs TE backups to push him. these recruits will not only push Clive, but also allow Fisch to become more flexible in his offensive sets.

The criticsm of the TE position is jusified, but Clive did show big play potential - not just once, but several times toward the end of the season.

Clive's increased productivity at the end of the season was largely attributed to his being a starter, getting increased playing time and receiving more balls thrown at him by Morris. Clive has always been the TE on the roster with the most talent and potential, but he was a HS basketball player who never really played much football before he arrived on campus. Clive has also put on nearly 30 lbs and can run, but he is still learning the position.

I just get that feeling that this will be one of those special years in 2013, where the Canes reestablish themselves among the college football elite. The lighter schedule, weaker Coastal Division competition that they beat this season and younger players who will play much better this season. Many of the recruits will see that and commit to the Canes by NSD.

The Canes and Golden are trending up.

[86Cane]

The Canes and Golden are trending up.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 26, 2012 at 12:59 PM

We can only hope and pray.

[laquinton]

former um cornerback mike rumph named head coach at american heritage .

[TLuv]

Man, do I miss having awesome TEs.

I think where not having a dominant TE has hurt us is on 3rd down. There were so many times we had 3rd and 4, 3rd and 5, and couldn't convert. When Shockey and KII were playing those first downs were automatic! Excited to see the new recruits next year. I think Sandland will contribute right away. Go Canes!

[NativeCane]

TLuv, We need soldiers on 3rd down, remember this 4th down snag?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi-NRheb7lE

Go Canes!!!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Basketball team is beat up and thin now after coming back from the island. Shane Larkin not hitting a three all night was the last straw in the third place game since the free throw percentage was atrocious. Kadji is trying to carry the extra weight with Reggie and Durand hurt but isn't going to be able to drag a cold Larkin to victory too. Nasty back door alley though in overtime was fun to watch.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Our Bball team could have played in the annual Orange Bowl Bball Classic in Fort Lauderdale(Sunrise) and saved themselves a bunch of money and time just to finishin 4th freaking place. Smdh.

[NativeCane]

TLuv, heres Johnson, Shockey, and Dorsey putting on a clinic for the good folks in Nebraska.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfZowunkZ8w

Go Canes!!!

[roachcane77]

"I just get that feeling that this will be one of those special years in 2013, where the Canes reestablish themselves among the college football elite."

I like the way you think BigWindyCane1... I agree totally. We just need to show some MAJOR D-line improvement and I think we're there.

The pieces are falling into place.

[www.isabelmarant-stores.com]

We found a great many great DVDs that any of us were excited to view again. Over the length of a couple of months.

[nemo2002]

Coach speak: "We're changing the culture . . . "
Translation: "We're _____________________."

Fill in the blank!

[roachcane77]

Coach speak: "We're changing the culture . . . "
Translation:

"We're GETTING RID OF THE DEAD WOOD!"

[CaneRock]

TLuv, heres Johnson, Shockey, and Dorsey putting on a clinic for the good folks in Nebraska.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfZowunkZ8w

Go Canes!!!

Posted by: NativeCane | December 26, 2012 at 07:50 PM

Lookin' at those HLs, Chud was a helluva OC.

[CaneRock]

Coach speak: "We're changing the culture . . . "
Translation: "We're _____________________."

Fill in the blank!

Posted by: nemo2002 | December 26, 2012 at 08:00 PM

Translation: "We're firing the previous dietician, and hiring Rohan Marley. That's right mon, no more eatin'-n-smokin', we SMOKE!, then we EAT!"

[mi@mic@ne]

Guys its always been this way...its our recruiting motto... cause its the U...you either go to the U or go somewhere else and get beat by the U. I mean just look at the playas we have in the NFL. Look at the our guys producing winning plays.. look at our tes making plays when the game is on the line. This is our culture..its in our blood... its time to put the past away...its only gonna get better... Als got the formula... ITS TIME TO JUMP ON BOARD OR GET LEFT BEHIND AND YOU WILL ONLY SEE IT FROM THE SIDE LINES!!

[86Cane]

"We're GETTING RID OF THE DEAD WOOD!"

Posted by: roachcane77 | December 26, 2012 at 08:15 PM

Yeah forget "brick by brick", it's more like "branch by branch".

[CaneRock]

6 Canes in Pro Bowl:

Reggie Wayne
Andre Johnson
Chris Myers
Vince Wilfork
Ed Reed
Frank Gore

[KiriJax]

Great article to read! Miami is the true Tight End U and we're reclaiming that title full force! Can't wait to see the team next year. Reading this made me feel a bit better after watching the bball team lay an egg yesterday. I was optimistic about maybe a Sweet Sixteen berth but now that our weaknesses have been exposed, I'll be thrilled if we just get in. With our very very thin bench, there isn't much more room for error.

[86Cane]

Miami has more 2012 Pro Bowlers (6) than every other Florida school combined (5).

[LB]

The '01 Canes are a thing of legend. Not just the names you remember, but the names you may not. Ethenic Sands, Kevin Beard, Jason Geathers, and Daryl Jones were a deadly group to go along with Andre Johnson.

The offensive line rarely gave up a sack.

But the killer was the tight end position. A threat like that can't be valued enough. If somehow we have a steady, productive tight end... that gives us AT LEAST two more wins even if the defense stalls.

We haven't had a good tight end since Jimmy Graham. Not a coincedence... because that was the last time we won 9 games. Add in a descent pass rush, and 2013 could be a special year and a memorable step in getting this program back to where we want it to be.

[Ohio_Cane]

I know it's been posted here, but here's the list of targets playing/announcing in All-Star games:

From Pete Ariz at CanesInsight.com

Army All-American Game – Saturday, January 5th - 1 P.M. on NBC

DT Keith Bryant (announcing)
RB Derrick Green
DE Alquadin Muhammad (announcing)

Under Armour All-American Game – Friday, January 4th – 5 P.M. on ESPN

LB Matthew Thomas
DE Tim Williams
LB Reuben Foster
WR Stacy Coley
DL Maquedius Bain
WR Jordan Cunningham
QB Kevin Olsen (commit)
DB Artie Burns (commit)
LB Quinton Powell
OL Denver Kirkland
LB Yannick Ngakoue

Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl – Friday, January 4th – 9 P.M. on NFL Network

RB Alex Collins
LB Jermaine Grace (might announce)
ATH Ray Lewis III (commit)
WR Levonte Whitfield

[LB]

It's a good list to repeat, Ohio. I think Canespace should throw up some percentages about those names signing on with the 2013 class (minus the commits).

LB Jermaine Grace- 90%
LB Matthew Thomas- 60%
OL Denver Kirkland- 55%
RB Alex Collins- 50%
DT Keith Bryant- 45%
WR Stacy Coley- 40%
DE Alquadin Muhammad- 40%
WR Jordan Cunningham- 30%
LB Reuben Foster- 30%
WR Levonte Whitfield- 30%
RB Derrick Green- 25%
DE Tim Williams- 20%
DL Maquedius Bain- 10%
LB Quinton Powell- 5%
LB Yannick Ngakoue- ?

Care to make some adjustments, Ohio and others?

[TJL]

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d9fbl?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-football

going to L-ville

[Ohio_Cane]

LB Jermaine Grace- 90%
LB Matthew Thomas- 60%
OL Denver Kirkland- 55%
RB Alex Collins- 50%
DT Keith Bryant- 45%
WR Stacy Coley- 40%
DE Alquadin Muhammad- 40%
WR Jordan Cunningham- 30%
LB Reuben Foster- 30%
WR Levonte Whitfield- 30%
RB Derrick Green- 25%
DE Tim Williams- 20%
DL Maquedius Bain- 10%
LB Quinton Powell- 5%
LB Yannick Ngakoue- ?

Care to make some adjustments, Ohio and others?

Posted by: LB | December 27, 2012 at 10:06 AM
------------------------------------------

Sure. All these are just my opinion atm.

LB Jermaine Grace- 99%
LB Matthew Thomas- 75%
OL Denver Kirkland- 65%
RB Alex Collins- 50% - no change
DT Keith Bryant- 60%
WR Stacy Coley- 40% - no change
DE Alquadin Muhammad- 75% - Golden's stunner
WR Jordan Cunningham- 5%
LB Reuben Foster- 15%
WR Levonte Whitfield- 30% - no change
RB Derrick Green- 10%
DE Tim Williams- 50%
DL Maquedius Bain- 5%
LB Quinton Powell- 5% -
LB Yannick Ngakoue- 5% - For him and Powell, I believe he'd be a Plan B right now with the size of the class. If we were taking 25, he'd be 50%. Not much chatter on those 2

[Ohio_Cane]

Maybe a little late, but Golden is still digging!

VA Safety Malcolm Cook has been offered by UM. He's currently committed to UVA, but got the offer and is setting up an OV.

[BigWindyCane1]

I hope Ohio Cane is right, and if we can pick off those recruits that are 50% or better, this will be a stellar recruiting year.

In another note, Patchtan is transferring from UF to OSU (Meyer) or BC (Addazio) to play with coaches that recruited him.

[Ohio_Cane]

Malcolm Cook highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qat3COlzaZo

Rivals: http://rivals.yahoo.com/virginia/football/recruiting/player-Malcolm-Cook-142898

[LB]

You're right, Big Windy. Hitting the 50%'s and overs would be a hell of a haul.... especially on defense.

[TJL]

In another note, Patchtan is transferring from UF to OSU (Meyer) or BC (Addazio) to play with coaches that recruited him.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 27, 2012 at 10:48 AM

Is he going to use his 9th year of eligibility?

[CaneRock]

In another note, Patchtan is transferring from UF to OSU (Meyer) or BC (Addazio) to play with coaches that recruited him.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 27, 2012 at 10:48 AM

The most overrated "must get", in the history of..."must gets".

[BigWindyCane1]

http://www.hurricanesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28700&ATCLID=205852931

More on Canes selections

[Ohio_Cane]

Is he going to use his 9th year of eligibility?

Posted by: TJL | December 27, 2012 at 11:18 AM
-----------------------------------------

LMAO! He's like 30 now, right??

[HurricaneWarrior]

Good article. Here are a few more TE from the U:
NFL Tight Ends
2012 Chase Ford - Free Agent, Philadephia Eagles
2011 Richard Gordan - 6th Round, #181, Oakland Raiders
2010 Jimmy Graham - 3rd Round, #95, New Orleans Saints
2010 Dedrick Epps - 7th Round, #235, San Diego Chargers
2010 Tervaris Johnson - Free Agent, Kansas City Chiefs
2010 DajLeon Farr - Free Agent, San Diego Chargers
2009 Chris Zellner - Free Agent, Tampa Bay Bucs
2007 Greg Olsen - 1st Round, #31, Chicago Bears
2007 Kareem Brown - 4th Round, #127, New England Patriots
2006 Buck Ortega - Free Agent, Washington Redskins
2005 Kevin Everett - 3rd Round, #86, Buffalo Bills
2004 Kellen Winslow Jr. - 1st Round, #6, Cleveland Browns
2002 Jeremy Shockey - 1st Round, #14, New York Giants
2001 Ivan Mercer - Free Agent, Denver Broncos
2000 Daniel "Bubba" Franks - 1st Round, #14, Green Bay Pakcers
2000 Mondriel Fulcher - 78th round, #227, Oakland Raiders
1998 Syii Tucker - Free Agent, Carolina Panthers
1996 Derrick Harris - 6th Round, #175, St. Louis Rams
1993 Carlos Etheredge - 6th Round, #157, Indianapolis Colts
1993 Coleman Bell - Free Agent, Dallas Cowboys
1991 Randy Bethel - 10th Round, #251, new England Patriots
1991 Rob "Chud" Chudzinski - Free Agent
1988 Alfredo Roberts - 8th Round, #197, Kansas City Chiefs
1988 Charles Henry - Free Agent, Miami Dolphins
1986 Willie Smith - 10th Round, #186, Cleveland Browns
1984 Glenn Dennison - 2nd Round, #39, New York Jets
1979 Steve Alvers - 7th Round, #172, New York Giants
1978 Charlie Claude - Free Agent, Pittsburgh Steelers
1970 Dave Kalina - Free Agent, Pittsburgh Steelers
1968 Jim Cox - 2nd Round, #54, Miami Dolphins
1968 Steve Smith - 7th Round, #166, Cincinnati Bengals
1966 Rich Kotite - 18th Round, Minnesota Vikings
1965 Fred "Redwood" Brown - 3rd Round, #37, Los Angeles Rams
1965 Bob Werl - 12th Round -#162, Los Angeles Rams
1965 Fred Hubbs - Free Agent, Washington Redskins
1964 Hoyt "Bill" Sparks - Free Agent, Washington Redskins
1955 Frank McDonald - 7th round, #75, Baltimore Colts

[Ohio_Cane]

"Come To The U, Go To The Pro Bowl" should be on the front door of the school!

[CaneRock]

Posted by: HurricaneWarrior | December 27, 2012 at 12:52 PM

1966 Rich Kotite - 18th Round, Minnesota Vikings

## Good one, didn't know He went to the U.

2007 Kareem Brown - 4th Round, #127, New England Patriots

## I thought Brown was DT...

2010 DajLeon Farr - Free Agent, San Diego Chargers

## I always wondered about Him, kid had all the tools IMO. If I'm not mistaken, didn't Shannon give Him His walking papers...