On Wednesday I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Under Armour All-American practice session and skills challenge at The Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World In Orlando, Florida.
The best of the best high school players in the Country are invited to participate in this prestigious event before National Signing Day. Among them were University of Miami recruits and verbal commitments QB Kevin Olsen and CB Artie Burns.
First of all, like everything Disney does, the facility is first class all the way. Well designed, nicely landscaped and friendly staff are everywhere. Just like Walt Disney imagined it to be all the time.
As I arrived at the practice fields I looked for the two UM verbal commits that were at the event: QB Kevin Olsen and CB Artie Burns.
I found them on an adjacent field playing for former NFL head coach Steve Marriuci who was coaching them up big time.
Olsen was large and in charge of the White Team offense. His talent was clearly evident as he hit several crisp passes to his receivers on consecutive repetitions on different areas of the field.
His posture, form and footwork were excellent and his delivery was also accurate and on time. His release is quick and precise. We like that.
He hit passes long and short and over the middle. His accuracy was simply amazing. His footwork was excellent and his balance was outstanding.
He did throw on interception to...wait for it...wait for it...Artie Burns. Imagine that! A future UM QB throwing an INT to a future UM CB.
So I ask U: What are the chances?
Olsen was seen chatting it up with several other high school all-stars and looked very comfortable in this environment. He is very mature and appears to be a real leader among his teammates.
We like that, we like that a lot. When we left the field we caught up with Kevin and we had the chance to chat with him for a while and managed to take a photo with him and our new friend David Kenyon at Bleacher Report.
After that we left the UAAA practice session and wondered out loud about the Miami Hurricanes chances for next year. And we decided that we like our chances very much thank U!
Panthers PR Dept.@PanthersPR
TE Greg Olsen sets new #Panthers record for receiving yards in a season by a tight end. Passes Wesley Walls (822, 1999).
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 12:54 PM
On March 3, 2011, Shockey signed a one year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Along with fellow tight end Greg Olsen, Shockey proved to be an important part of the Panthers' offense in 2011—the pair accounted for a combined 995 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.[7] He was not re-signed for the 2012 NFL season by the Carolina Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.[8]
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Awesome news thanks 86Cane!
Posted by: IraqiCane | January 04, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Bring Shockey to coach tightends!!! let Carroll just be the Recruiting coordinator
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 04, 2013 at 01:08 PM
From Gerry Hamilton at 247 sports:
2. Artie Burns, CB, Miami Northwestern
Simply put, Burns enjoyed an otherworldly day at corner. Burns not only showed his pure speed, but also demonstrated his ability to redirect routes in press coverage, react and recover and close with physicality to ensure pass break ups. Over the course of two days, Burns has been very impressive athletically and physically with active hands.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 01:13 PM
GREAT ARTICLE FROM THE BEAST:
http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/miami-football-the-beast-unleashed-time-to-pay-up/
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 01:29 PM
FROM FLORIDA HS FOOTBALL:
#8 Artie Burns| Miami Northwestern HS | Miami, FL | 6’0, 183 | Miami (FL)
Artie Burns is just an overall amazing athlete. Not only is he ranked as a top ten cornerback on ESPN, but Burns is nation’s No.1 hurdler with the top times in the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. However, Burns is committed to the University of Miami to play cornerback. Burns hopes to make an immediate impact at Miami like his former high school teammate and 2012 Under Armour All-American, Amari Cooper, has done at Alabama.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 01:32 PM
I'd really like to hear a tangible candidate for the UM WR position. I've heard none.
Does anyone know the salaries of our coaches? I know UM is a private institution, but it would be a nice guess. We need to keep Fisch at all costs. Dude is working wonders. Tell the hobbit to stop being cheap.
http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/miami-football-the-beast-unleashed-time-to-pay-up/
Posted by: LB | January 04, 2013 at 01:36 PM
Joe Garcia thinks we get Grace, Bostwick, Thomas, AQM, Either Collins or Coley and Kirkland.
Posted by: UMike | January 04, 2013 at 11:43 AM
That would be a monster haul. I will take it.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 04, 2013 at 01:49 PM
Interview with Alex Gall. Good stuff. A Skyline chili fan! Great comments about FSU:
http://canesinsight.podomatic.com/player/web/2013-01-03T19_15_03-08_00
"Grace, Bostwick, Thomas, AQM, Either Collins or Coley and Kirkland."
- If AQM comes to UM, that's MAJOR in terms of need and geography.
- I hope grades pan out. If so, big time year.
Posted by: LB | January 04, 2013 at 02:08 PM
I predict 9-3 next year
Posted by: CoCane | January 03, 2013 at 04:02 PM
Me too Co. And I am not budging from that until they achieve it :-D
Posted by: CGNC | January 04, 2013 at 02:11 PM
5 Questions with Travis Benjamin
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/five_questions_with_cleveland_13.html
Posted by: CGNC | January 04, 2013 at 02:18 PM
Five Questions? What a great idea! Maybe we should try that? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 02:20 PM
How many ships do we have left? If we get Mo, Thomas, Bostwick (grades may be iffy), Collins & Coley that would be awesome but what if Williams & Bryant want in, then what? Listening to Williams, his last visit is set for LSU. All I can say is Al needs to tell some roster taker to take a hike. It would really suk, if Bostwick can't get in and we don't get Bryant. Bryant is probably FSU anyway, as well as Kirkland but how nice would it be if we could get them all.
Posted by: herbieibis | January 04, 2013 at 02:25 PM
I would have only the dude is built like a rock! LoL
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | January 04, 2013 at 10:35 AM
LMAO. I didn't say you couldn't run after you did it lol
Posted by: WWIN | January 04, 2013 at 03:17 PM
Al Golden up next Cfb
Posted by: Anthonyjmanis | January 04, 2013 at 03:48 PM
"Bryant is probably FSU anyway, as well as Kirkland..."
I don't agree with that. You can't tell what Bryant is going to do, and Kirkland (grade depending) is UM.
Posted by: LB | January 04, 2013 at 03:52 PM
Strong may hate Miami, but I do admire him for the way he stayed loyal to UL and didn't jump on the first SEC ship passing by. Just one Golden quality about him there.
Posted by: KiriJax | January 04, 2013 at 03:53 PM
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 04, 2013 at 02:55 AM
You're right, I mean it couldn't hurt to at least TRY to land the kid. It's just so unlikely. Coach Hamilton at FSU is a really good recruiter and his team has made a couple Sweet 16s and is the defending ACC Champs. That'll get you some pull with the big names. Not to mention they get a McDonald's All-American pretty frequently (I know that Mike Snaer was one). But it would definitely be the biggest recruit ever in our program if we landed him...by a LONG shot.
Go Canes!
Posted by: VegasCane | January 04, 2013 at 03:56 PM
Golden sounded good on ESPN. South Beach in the background didn't hurt recruiting either.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 03:57 PM
Hmmmmmmmm...
http://www.afca.com/article/article.php?id=BobbyKennedy
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 04:29 PM
Wow. His wife's name is LaShonda. Can't remember anything else.
Posted by: KiriJax | January 04, 2013 at 04:36 PM
The University of Miami women’s tennis team will open its 2013 spring campaign as the nation’s ninth-ranked team as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
Last season, the Canes advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship for the fourth consecutive year before falling to eventual national champion Florida.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 05:33 PM
The women's team is doing good, need that special recruit to get to the top! The men's team on the other hand, start at #65 and have a lot to prove. Coach Rincon could be on the hot seat if this season doesn't show improvement.
Posted by: KiriJax | January 04, 2013 at 05:41 PM
Olsen is a clutz.
Posted by: BEERicane | January 04, 2013 at 06:05 PM
Did anybody else see Matthew Thomas throw up THE U after his pick ?
Posted by: The Wizard | January 04, 2013 at 06:16 PM
if we get colorados wr coach.. they get dukes wr coach.. bet
Posted by: laquinton | January 04, 2013 at 06:18 PM
Matthew Thomas just leveled the QB in the open filed and threw THE U into the camera !!!!!
Posted by: The Wizard | January 04, 2013 at 06:18 PM
Does anyone see that referee looks like Howard Schnellenberger...lol...It looks like Matthew Thomas wanted to throw up the U when he got that pick...
Posted by: DeeCane | January 04, 2013 at 06:20 PM
Just a few observations....
Oregon looks really small
Florida is not that good and we should murder them next year..
Our QB,RB, and WR's are all better than what they have
Our schedule looks very easy next year....
Posted by: elliott | January 04, 2013 at 06:35 PM
What is wrong with Bosa going to OSU...Have some south florida pride man.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 06:46 PM
Does anyone see that referee looks like Howard Schnellenberger...lol...It looks like Matthew Thomas wanted to throw up the U when he got that pick...
Posted by: DeeCane | January 04, 2013 at 06:20 PM
Schnelly - LOL. I was thinking the same thing.
Matthew Thomas is very good. I may have already said this before, but saw him play last year and this year, and he is definitely the real deal. Thomas, Carter and Burns are the kinds of playmakers on D that the Canes need.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 04, 2013 at 07:22 PM
Bosa's uncle is Eric Kumerow-He played at OSU and was the WORST 1st round draft pick in Dolphin history-a complete bum-
Posted by: TJL | January 04, 2013 at 07:36 PM
Gionna Paul out at um---that really sucks I liked him
Posted by: Mcginns ale house | January 04, 2013 at 07:47 PM
Any good news tonight?
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 07:57 PM
Any good news tonight?
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 07:57 PM
One more spot is open lol
Posted by: UMike | January 04, 2013 at 07:59 PM
Tim Reynolds
Gionni Paul, Miami breakup was a MUTUAL decision. Commence with your incorrect conspiracy theories.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:00 PM
Denzel perryman @D_Perryman52
Honesty, consistency, loyalty.. All I want
Yes we can read between the lines.
Good luke Mr. Paul.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:03 PM
That's right UMike
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:05 PM
I think we all know the story. Lets not rehash it. Paul was gracious
In his statement thanking the fans and wishing the hurricanes well.
Posted by: Mcginns ale house | January 04, 2013 at 08:08 PM
FIRST TIME SEEING OLSEN PLAY. AM I NOT SEEING WHAT EVERYBODY IS RAVING ABOUT. HE LOOKED LIKE HE DIDN'T EVEN BELONG ON THE FIELD????
Posted by: canezilla | January 04, 2013 at 08:10 PM
One more reason for Matthew Thomas to come to the U...Playing time as a freshman.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:16 PM
Could that open a spot for the other LB Foster ?
Posted by: The Wizard | January 04, 2013 at 08:16 PM
Is everything cool with EJ now?
Posted by: Old Skool | January 04, 2013 at 08:20 PM
The At&Tcommercial with Bob Stoops recruiting a player...Is it an NCAA violation? Lol...
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:24 PM
"What is wrong with Bosa going to OSU...Have some south florida pride man."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think he was offered.
Posted by: LB | January 04, 2013 at 08:24 PM
Is everything cool with EJ now?
Posted by: Old Skool | January 04, 2013 at 08:20 PM
I sure hope so..or we will have a hard time next year at LB
Posted by: UMike | January 04, 2013 at 08:24 PM
FIRST TIME SEEING OLSEN PLAY. AM I NOT SEEING WHAT EVERYBODY IS RAVING ABOUT. HE LOOKED LIKE HE DIDN'T EVEN BELONG ON THE FIELD????
Posted by: canezilla | January 04, 2013 at 08:10 PM
He definitely had a bad series, but he is still a top QB..that is why he started, because he showed he was the best. You also have to remember how far ahead the defense usually is in these type of games and he was forced out of the pocked a few times to start of
Posted by: UMike | January 04, 2013 at 08:26 PM
"What is wrong with Bosa going to OSU...Have some south florida pride man."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think he was offered.
Posted by: LB | January 04, 2013 at 08:24 PM
I watched a few St. Thomas games this year and I wasn't impressed at all by Bosa...I could be very wrong, but from what I saw it is no big loss. Either way I will root for a south Florida kid no matter where they go
Posted by: UMike | January 04, 2013 at 08:27 PM
The Stoops brothers Bob and Mike going at each other on the side lines...I love it.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:29 PM
Manziel the best freshman QB we have ever seen.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 08:43 PM