What a huge difference one year can make.
Last year a very talented but very young Miami Central High School football team made it all the way to the FHSAA State Championship game but came away empty handed as they wound up losing to Armwood High School (who later had to vacate the win and State title due to recruiting violations).
This year a more experienced Central team fought their way back to The Citrus Bowl in Orlando and won the State championship. The Rockets' head coach Telly Lockette had his team prepared and focused and ready to play against Gainesville High School this past Saturday.
An enthusiastic crowd of over 5,800 high school football fans were there to see it. And from my perspective, some of these fans take their high school football just a little too seriously.
But hey, that's just me. If you think 'Canes fans are passionate you should sit next to some of these high school football fans during the playoffs and at the Championship game.
Lockette's Rockets dominated play on both sides of the ball. The game was fun, exciting, interesting and entertaining. Central beat Gainesville from start to finish and by the final score of 37-14 as the dynamic backfield duo of juniors Joseph Yearby and Dalvin Cook ran all over the Gainesville defense.
Teams from the 305 had a great post-season this year and as usual "The Bottom" is loaded with talent this year and next. The Miami Hurricanes and head coach Al Golden will certainly benefit from that fact.
TE Beau Sandland will announce tomorrow that he is a Cane.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Beau Sandland welcome to the U!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane | December 18, 2012 at 02:09 PM
----------------------------------------
This. Looks like Travis got pushed out the door because another big time TE is committing in less than 24 hours.
Did I call this before he decommitted? I think I did...
==========================================
Recruiting update: I'm calling Beau Sandland to UM.
No insider stuff, just listening close and reading between the lines. Would be a HUGE get for Golden and staff.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 18, 2012 at 09:18 AM "
======================================
Travis Johnson⭐ @IamFeedMe
Decommitting from The University of Miami. Opening up my recruiting up
posted at 1:12 pm EST
======================================
Yep, I sure did...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 18, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Hell Al you had to do was tell me whats going on, then I wouldn't have to be so vocal about to many TE's.
I think Al maybe told Travis thanks but no thanks.
Al's beginning to look like a kid in a candy store, with the way these dudes are committing & decommitting. He can't make up his mind who wants and don't want.
Posted by: herbieibis | December 18, 2012 at 02:35 PM
If Sandland committing is confirmed, then it makes sense.
If you're looking for production from that position, then you really can't count on true freshmen to give it to you.
We'll see...
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 02:36 PM
If Sandland committing is confirmed, then it makes sense.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 02:36 PM
-------------------------------------------
Nothing is confirmed until he announces tomorrow at 11:30 am. It will be posted here as it happens. I'm purely speculating on what's happening behind the scenes.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 18, 2012 at 02:40 PM
Travis Johnson will be better than Sandland & Dobard. Jmo
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 02:59 PM
IDK Cocane i believe Sandland will be a beast and Dobard will be a monster for us down the Road he's from LA same state as Reed and Wayne.
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | December 18, 2012 at 03:10 PM
I guess the more we bring in our odds will go up that we get one good one!
Posted by: herbieibis | December 18, 2012 at 03:13 PM
Well, if you look at the TE position, we've kinda been snakebitten there for awhile. The kid from USC didn't work out.
Billy Sanders didn't pan out.
Corey White? Is He still on campus...
Andrew Tallman left.
Asante Cleveland, homesick maybe...
Walford just came into His own at the end of the season.
So as you can see, it's a hit or miss position, and we've mostly been missing.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 03:23 PM
Sounds like Golden is serious about tight end. We need some mean competitors to come in and DOMINATE.
Better to weed out the non-maniacs now, then midseason.
Tight end recruits would have to be downright silly not to want to come to UM based on success to the NFL alone. Hell, Jimmy Graham made it pro after one year of college football. Now he's All-Universe.
Posted by: LB | December 18, 2012 at 03:27 PM
Add Chase Ford to that equation, CaneRock. I distinctly remember the Herald and Randy Shannon comparing him to Shockey.
Posted by: LB | December 18, 2012 at 03:29 PM
So as you can see, it's a hit or miss position, and we've mostly been missing.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 03:23 PM
I think Coaching is part of the reason we've been missing.
Ya'll remember that Canes All Access where the LBs/DEs, were going against the TEs. Well, the LBs/DEs got the better of that drill, I think I only saw one TE win in that drill.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 03:30 PM
The ESPN JUCO 100.
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/8743658/espn-junior-college-100
Posted by: LB | December 18, 2012 at 03:32 PM
Add Chase Ford to that equation, CaneRock. I distinctly remember the Herald and Randy Shannon comparing him to Shockey.
Posted by: LB | December 18, 2012 at 03:29 PM
True that, but the thing with Chase is, I don't ever remember Him lining up at TE...do you?
Seems they always had Him flexed out to me...
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 03:32 PM
So we got Vandenburg visiting and Sandland committing tomorrow (hopefully)... not bad they are top te's in the Juco rankings
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | December 18, 2012 at 03:38 PM
The TE's have been mostly miss becuase we quit using them like we used too! Our TE"s in the last 6 years probably haven't caught 100 balls total. The quality has dropped off but unless you make an effort to make them part of the offense then they are irrelavent.
Posted by: herbieibis | December 18, 2012 at 03:49 PM
"True that, but the thing with Chase is, I don't ever remember Him lining up at TE...do you?
Seems they always had Him flexed out to me..."
Va. Tech specifically, and end zone packages.
Posted by: LB | December 18, 2012 at 03:50 PM
WHat's up party people? Pondering recruits I see
Posted by: CGNC | December 18, 2012 at 03:52 PM
UM loses one of its top recruits
Tampa Jesuit High tight end Travis Johnson - rated by ESPN as UM's third-best among 11 oral commitments - decommitted from the Hurricanes on Tuesday, announcing his decision on Twitter.
ESPN rated Johnson as the nation's 102nd best player in the Class of 2013. Rivals.com rated him as the 11th best tight end.
Two other UM oral commitments are rated higher - quarterback Kevin Olsen (67) and cornerback Artie Burns (69). UM is in the mix for several other top 100 players.
"Decommitting from the University of Miami," Johnson tweeted. "Opening my recruiting up."
Johnson is reportedly considering USF and Missouri, among others.
Even with Johnson's decision, UM still has oral commitments from two tight ends: New Orleans-based Standish Dobard, rated 138th overall by ESPN, and St. Petersburg-based Jeremy Kerr.
And UM - with Arizona State and Nebraska - are finalists for Woodland Hills (CA) Pierce CC tight end Beau Sandland, who will announce a decision on Wednesday.
UM now has 10 oral commitments.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 03:56 PM
Can't wait until tomorrow. Sandland better commit to the "U" since Johnson decommitted. I'm guessing his decommitment means Golden & them already has recieved the word from Sandland. Anything other than this would be a red flag about this staff...
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Anything other than this would be a red flag about this staff...
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 05:03 PM
---------------------------------------------
That's a bit harsh, don't U think?
This staff pulled off miracles in the face of sanctions last year with Howard, McCord and 29 others in that class. If they miss on 2 TE's ur raising the red flag? Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 18, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Crazy recruiting--now Bryant stating on twitter he is 99.9
Sure he is a cane!
Posted by: Mcginns ale house | December 18, 2012 at 05:31 PM
Ale House...some have held to that belief about Bryant since the beginning, while others have doubted it seriously. Me? I'm waiting for NSD to celebrate some good news with the recruits we get and ask some serious qestions about the ones we don't.
Posted by: 86Cane | December 18, 2012 at 05:42 PM
Ijs
I hope it's a situation where they knew that Sandland is committed. Which led to them telling Johnson that they didn't have enough room for him in this class. I really liked Johnson but I do believe Beau is ready to play right now. Johnson needed time to develop blocking skills & put on wait. We just have to trust the staff & hope that Beau & Walfford are a lethal combo next year...
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 06:25 PM
Man... I just saw Collins highlights on you tube & saw 1 of his games in person. He's the best RB to come out of Broward in a LONG, LONG TIME. Really he's the best I've seen from Broward ever. I hope he's a cane. Duke & Collins would be a knockout punch behind Seantrel & them...
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 06:30 PM
We just have to trust the staff & hope that Beau & Walfford are a lethal combo next year...
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 06:25 PM
CC This is it! Beau Sandland is 100% a Cane and will be ready to play in 2013. He a tough kid. Excellent decision to come to the U.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 06:58 PM
I know that Beau is probably a good get and further along, but still disappointed about Travis Johnson. One of those kids that always had a U hat on and represented. Next thing you know, he's off to find another school.
Posted by: HawaiiCane | December 18, 2012 at 07:48 PM
Collins is very good and has a lot of upside. I agree he is the best out of Broward. Of the players I have seen live in HS, I agree he is better than of most of them. But for me, Duke was the best HS RB I have seen since Gore.
If Collins is willing to come to UM, then I see the Canes getting back to that level where they were RB-U.
Then, you look at that experienced offensive line, Morris (and Williams and the others backing him up) and a long list of talented WRs (Waters, Scott, Dorsett, etc.), you have some explosive ingredients for a potent offense.
At TE, Clive had the most talent and upside of all the TEs but he could just never put it together. Clive must have gained 20-30 pounds under U-tough the last couple of years, and he can run with the ball now that he has begun to eliminate the drops.
It may seem strange, but the Canes have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball these days, and 2013 could be a record-setting year if we continue to see tha improvements we have seen over the last season.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 18, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Let's go Canes beat UCF.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 18, 2012 at 08:01 PM
I know most won't agree with me but I think he's as good as Duke was in high school. He's just as quick, just as fast, runs just as hard & has the vision. The only difference is Alex is bigger but Duke has a better stiff arm. Jmo
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 08:02 PM
Canes vs UCF live online
http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/159500/1/watch-miami-fl-vs-ucf.html
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Great start for the Hurricanes.
Our green uni is so ugly.
But we have a very good team fun to watch.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 08:12 PM
Larranaga be pimping again.
No red flags with this guy, unlike his football counterpart in Coral Gables.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | December 18, 2012 at 08:22 PM
Wow, I didn't know Kurt Thomas was a Rocket:
Kurt Bilteaux Thomas (born March 29, 1956 in Miami, Florida) is an American Olympic gymnast.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 18, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Fun fact... I competed against, & trained often with, (at MDJC-N), Kurt Thomas, when I was a gymnast at Miami Norland 40 years ago.
Kid was UNBELIEVABLE, (even in high school.) He had absolutely no fear. Wow, haven't heard THAT name in awhile... time flies...
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 18, 2012 at 08:30 PM
OGV Larkin is just great!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 08:41 PM
Miami 37 UCF 21 at the half
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 08:51 PM
Then, you look at that experienced offensive line, Morris (and Williams and the others backing him up) and a long list of talented WRs...
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 18, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Gray Crow!
Posted by: 86Cane | December 18, 2012 at 08:52 PM
We may have an elite team this year...we will see.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 08:52 PM
The hoops team is balanced on offense & they play suffocating DEFENSE. If only the football team... Aw fukk it, never mind.
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 08:55 PM
Monty, Reggie will obviously get the cursory chance to prove he can't play in the NBA with the size he brings to a roster he's on, but for my money, I think Larkin might be the best player on this team. He can create his own shot or do the same for his teammates, attacks the rim going left or right and can finish with both hands, has HOF bloodlines and won't be a defensive liability.
Reggie, to me, reminds me too much of Robert Traylor and not enough of Glenn Davis sometimes to think he can be great at the next level, but Shane can be good there I'm pretty sure.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | December 18, 2012 at 09:04 PM
Kevin Olsen!
Posted by: LB | December 18, 2012 at 09:11 PM
Just watched Sandland's highlights. That kid is a beast. Tall with long and fast stride, blocks like a freak. Could be a game changer on play action with Duke Johnson back there.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | December 18, 2012 at 09:35 PM
Johnson just got am offer from ASU...hmmm
Posted by: UMike | December 18, 2012 at 09:38 PM
Final Men Basketball your
Miami Hurricanes 72 UCF 50
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 09:55 PM
If you have a chance go support Our BB team it's fun to watch.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 09:56 PM
Canes will travel to Hawaii next for the 8 team Diamond Head Classic. First game Sunday at 12:30 AM vs. Hawaii
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Who would've thought there would be a time when the canes hoops team would look better than the football & baseball teams? (shruggs)
Posted by: CoCane | December 18, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Monty...thanks for the score updates.
I will going to three of four games this year at the BUC and of course on the road to Tallahassee to see our Canes take on da Noles. We ain't scurred.
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | December 18, 2012 at 10:04 PM
No problem Bro!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | December 18, 2012 at 10:11 PM
So proud of our Canes bball teams I get down to the BUC to see a couple of both men and women teams. I think it's great to have multiple Canes teams doing well. Go Canes.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 18, 2012 at 10:24 PM