So much wiser, and no regrets.
It could only be considered great news for Al Golden and Miami Hurricane fans everywhere that three prominent University of Miami football players announced on Monday that they would forgo the opportunity to enter the 2013 NFL(U) draft and return for their final seasons at "The U".
Offensive linemen Brandon Linder and Seantrel Henderson and defensive tackle Curtis Porter all announced that the would be back in a Hurricane uniform for the 2013 season at a press conference specifically held at UM to announce their decision.
UM Head coach Al Golden had this to say about each of the three players:
Golden on Henderson..."I'm really proud of Seantrel. He exhibited patience and self-restraint and approached this business decision with transparency and maturity. Instant gratification and leaving would have been easy for Seantrel; instead, he's accepted the challenge to become the best person and player he can be. Coach Art Kehoe, (Head Strength) Coach Andrew Swasey, Coach Jedd Fisch and I are anxious to assist him and his family achieve all of their goals and develop him into the type of player we all know he can be."
Golden on Linder..."We're blessed to have Brandon returning to our football team. He has clearly grown over the last year and has been a beacon of consistency for our student-athletes during an extraordinarily turbulent time. He's not only the most experienced Miami Hurricane having started 29 games in his career, possessing at 24 consecutive games started streak, but he is a tremendous student and one of our finest leaders. You can see in his demeanor that he has
unfinished business on his mind and is excited about returning to Coral Gables for the 2013 season. Brandon will be considered among the best at his position in the ACC, if not the country."
Golden on Porter..."We're excited to have the opportunity to work with Curtis for an entire year. He's had some unfortunate injuries which have encumbered his development over the last couple of years; however, he really came on strong during the last half of the year for us. He exhibited to everyone associated with our program a glimpse of what he can become. Curtis is talented - he's smart, strong, powerful and explosive yet has room for development on and off the field. If he continues to trust his coaches, cultivates his position skills and develops consistency in his daily approach to football, he will undoubtedly develop into the type of player he wants to become."
The decision to return was not considered a surprise to most as it was widely accepted by those in-the-know that if the players made good decisions based on the their current draft status that they would return for their Senior seasons. Apparently each of the players realized that they have the ability and opportunity to improve their draft stock with another year of strength conditioning, player development and technique polishing at Miami.
Yet, some fans still openly asked: "Why hold a presser just to announce that they would return?" It is my opinion that the UM Sports Information office wants to establish consistency in the process for this and coming years. The process and format will look and feel the same regardless whether players decide to stay or leave early. We think that is a very smart idea.
If you only hold a press conference when players are leaving then it becomes pretty obvious about the intent and outcome of the presser don't you think? Also we believe that it is just as important to announce that players are getting good and accurate info on their current draft status and decide to return when it is in their best interests to do so for them individually and their team collectively.
This year's announcements were in stark contrast to last year when several UM players decided to leave early in spite of what appeared to be inaccurate and/or misleading information about their potential draft position based on the alleged promises of an particular local sports agent.
One source indicated to us that a few of the players that left early last year already had at least one foot out the door before they met with UM head coach Al Golden to discuss the issue, gather information from impartial and unbiased NFL draft experts and make a wise decision.
Simply put, that is not very wise. And here is a little fact to prove it: Of the 69 underclassmen that declared early for the NFL draft last year, 25 went un-drafted. But it is not only about the players that go un-drafted it is about those who never reach their maximum draft potential and wind up being selected much lower than some agent in their ear may have projected.
The lower initial signing bonus, less guaranteed money and a shorter term contract is often the result of dropping from a projected first-rounder to a third round pick, or from a third rounder to a sixth round selection. That money is in most cases lost forever and never recouped by the typical NFL player who's average playing career is around 3-5 years.
Which brings us back to the title of our article. It is very refreshing and encouraging to see that many of the players now at UM under Golden's leadership are not only another year older, but much, much wiser as a result of following "The Process".
With that being said, we all want to send our best wishes and a ultra-loud Canespace shout-out of respect to UM student-athletes Brandon Linder, Seantrel Henderson and Curtis Porter for their faith in Al Golden and their commitment to the University of Miami football program.
Another year older, so much wiser, and no regrets.
1st
Posted by: Hassan | January 14, 2013 at 06:30 PM
Nice article 86.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 14, 2013 at 06:34 PM
Hassy...what's up dude? How U been?
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 06:34 PM
TSully..we are WORKIN ova here, we READY! LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 06:36 PM
I am not sure what the big deal is regarding winning a championship and recruiting. I just won the national championship in my on-line dynasty league in NCAA and just signed the number 3 class overall.....piece of cake :-)
Posted by: raizecane | January 14, 2013 at 06:41 PM
andre johnson
Posted by: laquinton | January 14, 2013 at 06:43 PM
Raize...can u pass a background check? We might need U at The U! LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 06:47 PM
Hassan's back! Now life returns to normal.
Posted by: j.w. | January 14, 2013 at 06:55 PM
great article tho. glad they came back
Posted by: laquinton | January 14, 2013 at 07:01 PM
I am glad they came back, it does say something about the belief this team now has in the coach and the direction of the program!
Go Canes
Posted by: Jack | January 14, 2013 at 07:01 PM
Lol 86. Hopefully Miami and Fort Lauderdale will help fund the renovations at Sun Life since both cities benefit from the sporting and entertainment events that happen there.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 14, 2013 at 07:05 PM
Damn! Is it true that tim williams committed to bama?
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:10 PM
Henderson: 22 Reps @225
Porter: 33 Reps @225
Linder: 36 Reps @225
U be the judge?
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 06:20 PM
__________________________________
Tell me each ones wingspan, then I'll give my real assessment.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:12 PM
Damn! Is it true that tim williams committed to bama?
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:10 PM
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Yep. Honestly, he would've been icing on the AlQuadin Muhammad cake, but it's not the end of the world. He's a great player, but momma had the last say with him it seems. She wanted him to stay home, and he is. I'm just glad he didn't pick FSU or UF
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:15 PM
Ohio...don't give up YET!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:17 PM
Ohio...don't give up YET!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:17 PM
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Who U talkin to?!? I NEVER give up. I'm just sayin, momma wins 90% of the time. We'll still persue him I'm sure.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:18 PM
Did i miss something with Rashad Robinson if his grade r so bad why is he being treated as a must get
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:19 PM
Did i miss something with Rashad Robinson if his grade r so bad why is he being treated as a must get
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:19 PM
----------------------------------------------
Pretty sure he has no grades issues...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:21 PM
momma doesnt alsays have the last say. look at brissett or landon collins. on national tv she said it wasnt over and she wanted collins to go to lsu lol
Posted by: laquinton | January 14, 2013 at 07:28 PM
Well it is a toss up as to who the real champions are. Bama plays a good fundamental game. Throw Oregon, KSU, TXAM, Florida, Georgia, LSU and ND and Bama in a hat, blind draw and play for the title 8 teams....maybe not those 8 but you could probably pick the top 8...I just pulled these off the top of my head. Bama could have lost a couple games but did not. Its kind of a crap shoot, and really tough to pick 2 to play. I think right now 8 is good 16 too many. That way you got 8 teams deciding it.JMO
Posted by: VA Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:29 PM
Thanks Ohio...with 20 of 22 starters returning The U Family could return to dominance quickly
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:30 PM
its odd what miami is trying to do with their defense. williams will be a linebacker in their base 3-4 scheme. but miami had him as a egde rusher or defensive end ..... tyriq mchord is a olb but at 220 and a freshman had just moments Golden sais put what 35-40 pounds on him.. wtf.. see chick.this year ? looked way slower...
Posted by: laquinton | January 14, 2013 at 07:36 PM
Damn, Porter and Forston REALLY! look alike.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 14, 2013 at 07:38 PM
LOL glad they are staying and glad they read the comments here ;-D
Posted by: CGNC | January 14, 2013 at 07:39 PM
May all of CaneSpacers new year's wishes come true...I only pop in now and then but when i do there is much good talking points and some that r not but overall this is the place to be for everything Miami Hurricanes Football and then some.
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:44 PM
Wow, does anybody ever get it right here?
You guys are like 0 for 1,000
There are better sites that have better recruiting information, and they're free. This is where to go if you want to get it wrong.
Posted by: How about getting just ONE right | January 14, 2013 at 07:45 PM
A Country shout to Canesteeler and CGNC know you both are thrilled for hockey to be back....short season but much beteer than no season huh? Enjoy my friends.
Posted by: VA Cane | January 14, 2013 at 04:54 PM
Yes! Especially now with football about done. Did you see that Ravens - Broncos game? crazy!
Posted by: CGNC | January 14, 2013 at 07:50 PM
Wow, does anybody ever get it right here?
You guys are like 0 for 1,000
There are better sites that have better recruiting information, and they're free. This is where to go if you want to get it wrong.
Posted by: How about getting just ONE right | January 14, 2013 at 07:45 PM
I'm good with CaneSpace pluck the rest
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:56 PM
Let's see...
Right about Sandland & Muhammad...
How about you learn how to count & get that right DUM FUKK. Lmao! Who's this azzhole?
Posted by: CoCane | January 14, 2013 at 08:07 PM
Wow, does anybody ever get it right here?
You guys are like 0 for 1,000
Posted by: How about getting just ONE right | January 14, 2013 at 07:45 PM
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LOL! Obvious troll is obvious. If U actually read here, U'd know there were plenty last year and this year we've gotten right.
Apparently missed Tracy Howard prediction last year a month before he flipped, huh? Obviously missed the Rasha.... Nevermind, people here know what's up.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 08:10 PM
Let's see...
Right about Sandland & Muhammad...
Posted by: CoCane | January 14, 2013 at 08:07 PM
---------------------------------
See, now this guy reads here daily.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 08:11 PM
Good write-up.
Posted by: Jon Bastian | January 14, 2013 at 08:17 PM
Damn! Is it true that tim williams committed to bama?
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 07:10 PM
---------------------------------------
Yep. Honestly, he would've been icing on the AlQuadin Muhammad cake, but it's not the end of the world. He's a great player, but momma had the last say with him it seems. She wanted him to stay home, and he is. I'm just glad he didn't pick FSU or UF
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 07:15 PM
How is Bama close to home? lol...Miami must of told him we didnt need have room
Posted by: UMike | January 14, 2013 at 08:22 PM
Ohio,
Yes I do :-)
Big props to you, Soup & the entire Legion. This is the best fukkin cane's sight in existance. FA' SHO
Posted by: CoCane | January 14, 2013 at 08:24 PM
Or maybe he just wanted to go to 'Bama...
So what's the cieling for Porter, Henderson & Linder as far as the 2014 draft. My opinion is...
Porter 3rd round
Linder 2nd round
Henderson 1st round
Posted by: CoCane | January 14, 2013 at 08:27 PM
Homeboi has issues
Posted by: myndraize | January 14, 2013 at 08:27 PM
Big props to you, Soup & the entire Legion. This is the best fukkin cane's sight in existance. FA' SHO
Posted by: CoCane | January 14, 2013 at 08:24 PM
Uh huh.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 08:42 PM
FLIP
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 08:43 PM
How is Bama close to home? lol...Miami must of told him we didnt need have room
Posted by: UMike | January 14, 2013 at 08:22 PM
-----------------------------------
I should've said closER to home. Was widely reported his mom wanted him closer so she could drive to games. Difference between a 5 hr drive and a 14 hr drive
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 08:44 PM
So what's the cieling for Porter, Henderson & Linder as far as the 2014 draft. My opinion is...
Porter 3rd round
Linder 2nd round
Henderson 1st round
Posted by: CoCane | January 14, 2013 at 08:27 PM
Agreed.
Also - With another productive year under Fisch, Morris has a chance to get drafted too. Morris can be the first Canes QB to get drafted since Ken Dorsey was drafted in the seventh round by the 49ers in 2003. That would break a long drought at what some will say is the most critical position.
Golden and Fisch are on their way to reestablishing QB-U.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 14, 2013 at 08:45 PM
Matthew Thomas and Dee Liner NOT visiting this weekend... neither is Tim Williams since he committed. He's done taking visits. Hmmm. This is strange.
Posted by: kenyon19ypr | January 14, 2013 at 08:53 PM
I CALL BS!
They could ALL be coming to UM.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 14, 2013 at 08:58 PM
Posted by: kenyon19ypr | January 14, 2013 at 08:53 PM
Where did you get the info?
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 14, 2013 at 09:04 PM
thomaa said a couple times that he didn'tbwant to take a official to um. but I think he will be here
Posted by: laquinton | January 14, 2013 at 09:29 PM
Agree with both of U, but I don't think there's much to worry about with 6. FWIW, I'm 90% sure he's a Cane.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 14, 2013 at 02:01 PM
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90%? You MUST know something I don't, lol. Puttin it out on the limb like that. Ima ride with you tho on that.
Posted by: DeployedDiehardCane | January 14, 2013 at 09:32 PM
Dee Liner decommitted from Auburn.........think he ends up in Alabama.....
Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 14, 2013 at 09:34 PM
FWIW, I heard that local high school coaches said that Coley will be the next Sammy Watkins. So I think I jus might WANT COLEY!!!
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | January 14, 2013 at 05:20 PM
----------------------------------------
I'm with u on that.
Posted by: DeployedDiehardCane | January 14, 2013 at 09:39 PM
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/01/um-to-reduce-capacity-if-stadium-plan-approved-other-notes.html
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | January 14, 2013 at 09:43 PM
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/14/3182681/ncaa-probe-of-miami-hurricanes.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 14, 2013 at 09:56 PM
Trolls moles and sore A**holes.....all bad stuff. Do these people never go away? Do they never cease to exist? Well wee all know the truth so they can be gently ignored...they dont know any better.
Yes CG that was a crazy game. How about Ray Ray? 14 tackles last week, 17 against Denver. That man is unstoppable. I love to watch him play. He is the epitomy of UM. Hell he never played on a great team here, but I know he is certainly the best of his time, and I saw Ray Nitschke,Butkus,Huff, Lambert and Singletary.....and though I do not remember it, my Pop took me to a Giant Eagles game in 1962 (I was 4) when Chuck Bednarik played....my Dad and his brother John "Jeep" Bednarik played at William and Mary together. Ray Lewis is in that same breath....a true all time great. How does he will himself and his team to nevewr quit? Even when they lost to NE last year, he refused to blame Lee Evans for the drop or the kicker Billy Cundiff.....he is a great leader man and player....wow are we lucky to say he's one of us!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | January 14, 2013 at 10:04 PM