What makes a winning combination? Try this formula and what do you get:
The Florida Keys + Fishing + Miami Hurricanes + A Good Cause = Success.
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame held their annual Canesfish fishing tournament in Islamorada this past weekend. The event was a huge success as a floatilla of around 80 boats were officially entered in the tournament that is gaining serious popularity among former Miami Hurricane football players, UM fans and the South Florida fishing community at-large.
On Friday night I had the opportunity, along with over 500 other hard core Hurricane fans, to attend the Captain's Meeting at the Ocean View Pub and Inn, which just happens to be owned by former UM football player and Pittsburgh Steeler Gary Dunn.
Known to the locals as simply "The OV", it is a cozy, casual and always welcoming nine-room Inn that is adjacent to the Pub where friendly staff, great views, good food and cold drinks are always readily accessible.
The natural salt water pool with waterfall is surrounded by tropical plants and comfortable seating areas that provide a lovely backdrop to the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico just beyond the mangroves. Sunsets are a popular daily event that both tourists and the locals flock to The OV to see.
Some guy I never heard of who supposedly played for the Hurricanes and the Baltimore Ravens named "Ray Lewis" was the Honorary Host for this years event. Apparently, this Lewis guy is a pretty big deal based on the large entourage around him that tried to keep the crazed crowd somewhat at bay from the popular player.
The large crowd seemed to follow him from place to place, desperate for a photo or autograph. He very graciously tried to oblige as many of the fans as he could but in the end it was hopeless.
Someone in the gathering crowd even said that this Lewis guy was the Super Bowl MVP last year, but I wasn't buying any of that nonsense.
Last year some big dude named Warren Sapp hosted the event. I never heard of him either but he was also very popular and very largely present at this year's event where he comfortably mingled among the crowd and took several photos with adoring fans in the relaxed, "Keys Casual" setting.
The tournament participants actually stayed just across the street from The OV at the newly renovated Post Card Inn. This is where the awards dinner was held on Saturday evening and also where the weigh-in and fishing boats left from the Famous Islamorada fishing docks.
If you have never been to what has traditionally been known as the famous Holiday Isle location, it is just a beautiful. The famous tiki bars that serve the infamous Rum Runners (with a 151 shot) and the beaches and sandbar area just offshore are something everyone should experience during their lives.
Trust me when I tell you to put this on your bucket list. No really, trust me!
Finally, from the looks of this photo, UM athletic Director Blake James and his team did pretty well, hooking and boating a 29 pound dolphin for his team.
Now, go and filet that, dip it in some egg and bread crumbs, and fry it up!
1
Posted by: Habcane | June 30, 2013 at 09:37 PM
dos.
Posted by: trianglecane | June 30, 2013 at 09:39 PM
I'm jus saying...
Posted by: SOUP | June 30, 2013 at 09:43 PM
Went ahead and reserved my stay at the La Quinta in Plantation next to the Hampton Inn in Plantation for the 9 days for the FAU and Floriduh games. Cant wait to hang out with you guys again. 2 months till showtime. Go Canes.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 30, 2013 at 09:28 PM
SMART MAN.
Posted by: SOUP | June 30, 2013 at 09:49 PM
Good article soup!
Posted by: WWIN | June 30, 2013 at 09:54 PM
So.... Urban cryer really teaches his boys that killa instinct
Posted by: WWIN | June 30, 2013 at 09:59 PM
Good article Soup.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 30, 2013 at 10:32 PM
Terrance...U know how we roll!
Posted by: SOUP | June 30, 2013 at 10:37 PM
AWESOME PICS!!!
Posted by: canezilla | June 30, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Zilla...yeah buddy! U coulda been there?
Posted by: SOUP | June 30, 2013 at 10:47 PM
looks like a good time had by all....I would not want to come back...
Posted by: raizecane | June 30, 2013 at 11:13 PM
Raize...U too could have been there?
Posted by: SOUP | June 30, 2013 at 11:23 PM
Soup Yes sir.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 30, 2013 at 11:29 PM
YEA.SHOULD OF WENT.. I KNOW THE RULES... SHOW UP,STAY TILL THE END
Posted by: canezilla | July 01, 2013 at 06:33 AM
Tito doin work...
2014 Miami Central offensive tackle Trevor Darling is one of the many seniors on his team looking to lead his team back to the state championship for a third consecutive year.
“The team is looking real good, we’re coming together real nice. We’re running and lifting weights.”
Darling can’t hide his excitement for the upcoming year and is looking forward to playing Miami-Dade’s toughest competitors.
“I’m really looking forward to the big teams. The Miami Northwestern’s, the Booker T Washington’s because those games show you what you're really about.”
The 6’4 300 pound offensive linemen was Miami’s first commitment for the 2014 class and did it back in April of last year.
Despite multiple schools still after the Central product, he has not wavered in his pledge.
“Yes, I’m still 100% committed.”
Darling speaks with almost all the Hurricanes coaching staff and has built a solid relationship with them.
“I talk to (Art) Kehoe, (Michael) Barrow. I talk to everyone their and it’s a good relationship. I talk to coach Golden and he ask me how I’m doing.”
Fortunately, Darling doesn’t look like the only Central player who will be suiting up in the orange and green next year. His teammate Joe Yearby is committed to Miami as well.
“It’s good to go to the next level with the running back I block for. I was very excited when he committed.”
But it might not stop there. Miami is also after another teammate of Darling and thats running back Dalvin Cook.
“Yeah, (while smiling) were trying to do what we can do to get him over.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:51 AM
More Tito...
2015 Receiver Da’Vante Phillips is considered by many to be one of the top receivers in Dade county for next year. Despite that, Phillips is mostly concerned with helping his team win, as well tutoring the young players on the team.
“We’ve been working out, running on the track, competing against each other and just staying disciplined and focusing on the main goal. I’ll tell the other guys on the team it isn’t easy just come out here work hard and compete and you will be on the team,” said Phillips.
Phillips got the chance to compete with the South Florida Express last weekend in the National IMG 7-on-7 tournament.
“That went good. We lost the last one because we made some mistakes, but it’s still our fault because we shouldn’t have been in that situation. I think I did good though. I got our team where we needed to be.”
Phillips recently attended one of the Al Golden Football camps and truly enjoyed his time while there.
“Miami, they are a good school. They show a lot of love. They tell you how it’s gonna be when you go there. It was a good camp and I got MVP while I was there.”
Phillips speaks mostly with receivers coach Brennan Carroll.
“He is a good coach and he treats you like family.”
The other Florida school battling for the Miami Central product is the Florida Gators
“It’s a good school. It’s one of the schools I grew up liking and I just gotta get familiar with it and take visits.”
The 6’3", 180-pound receiver originally had plans of making a decision this summer, but has now held back those plans until his senior year.
“I’m trying to take a couple of the visits this summer to all the schools, and I’m not gonna make the decision this summer. I’m gonna make the decision my senior year.”
When looking through all the schools, Phillips will be looking for one specific factor for all of them.
“Home. I have to feel like home and how familiar with the school do I feel.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:53 AM
Nash...
For the recruiting class of 2014, Nigel Bethel is one of the most sought after prospects in Miami-Dade county that is still uncommitted. Although, that is about to change.
On July 8th, the Booker T. Washington star cornerback is set to commit to the college of his choice. Bethel recently narrowed his list to six schools. The schools included in his top six were Florida State, Kentucky, Texas Tech, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Miami.
When asked why he chose July 8th to commit, Bethel said: "I just wanted like a two-week period to look at all the schools and evaluate my options."
"Coach Paul Williams and coach Al Golden are recruiting me the hardest. What I like about (Miami) is that they are bringing in a monster recruiting class this year and maybe bringing the crystal ball back to Miami." said Bethel.
You may ask yourself, will Nigel Bethel's commitment have any influence on the other Booker T. Washington 'Canes targets such as defensive-end Chad Thomas and athlete Treon Harris?
"No (Chad Thomas and Treon Harris) want to do their own thing. I don't think my decision will influence them at all." said Bethel.
Nigel had some nice things to say about his teammate, 2014 defensive-end Demetrius Jackson, committing to Miami.
"I felt like that was a good decision for him. Because he was a great basketball player but he didn't have any offers and we were trying to get him to play football because we knew he would be a monster at it. So he came to football practice and you could tell he had natural abilities to play." said Bethel.
For those wondering what prompted the last name change from Nigel Patten to now Nigel Bethel it's simple. Recently, Nigel's mother married Nigel's father thus prompting the name change as he took his father's last name.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:54 AM
Ariz...
Miami Northwestern WR JoJo Robinson will be the second Bull in a row to be participating in Nike’s The Opening. Robinson will arrive in Oregon tomorrow.
“I’m expecting a wonderful experience because I’ve never been to Oregon or anywhere near Oregon and that’s a prestigious school so I just want to see how it goes. I saw it on TV last year with my former teammate Artie Burns in it so it looks like a great experience,” said Robinson.
Every year at The Opening, there are stories of recruits trying to sway other top prospects to the school of their choice. Robinson will be in an interesting scenario considering he is committed to Florida State, but still considering Miami. He knows both sides will be tugging at him.
“At first there might be a little tension (laughs), but at the end of the day I’m just going to try my hardest to show everyone love.”
Two of Robinson’s Northwestern teammates, Ryan Mayes and Mike Smith, committed to Miami last weekend. They are already trying to lure Robinson to Coral Gables.
“They talk to me about that a lot, but I’m just going to take my time with it and my decision will be known on signing day.”
Miami offensive coordinator James Coley recruited Robinson when he was at FSU.
“Coach Coley is a real cool coach. My last visit to UM he taught me some things I could use on routes and he helps everyone get better.”
What is keeping Robinson committed to the ‘Noles?
“I just like the feeling of Florida State and then the opportunity to play with Jameis Winston.”
Something else that Robinson has considered about Miami is the local flavor in this year’s recruiting class.
“All of us grew up together and played optimist football together so that’s something in consideration.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:54 AM
per Thread Killa @ 247..
Claudeson Pelon update
-6-4 275 DE/DT for Mesa CC
-Plans on graduating early
-Has 2 to play 2
-Graduated from Agape Christian Academy in Orlando back in 2011
-Lived in Homestead through 7th grade and still has a lot of family in the area
-Talked to Jethro for the first time last week
-Says Jethro watched his film and likes what he sees
-Says other Miami coaches need to watch it
-Says Jethro is pretty sure they'll offer him
-Claims offers from: Arizona, ASU, Baylor, Cal, Florida St., Indiana, Iowa St., Kansas, Kansas St., Nebraska, USF, USC, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin
-Recently took an UOV to Washington
-Will be visiting USC soon
-Was supposed to sign with FSU after HS but his GPA didn't match his SAT
-Started at Coffeyville CC and RS, coaches got fired so he left
-Ended up at Eastern Arizona CC had some issues and left
-Followed his DC to Mesa CC
-Says he is a mixture of Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:55 AM
Dalvon Stuckey update
-On track to graduate early
-Considers himself a run stopper that needs to work on his pass rush
-Says FSU fans have been talking **** to him
-Says he is going to Miami at the end of the day and tell Seminole fans It's All About The U
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:56 AM
2015 LB/RB Charles Perry update
-Miami is his dream school and has wanted to go there as long as he could remember
-Says he didn't think he would get that deep so quick
-Says it's all good, he is excited to say he is a Hurricane
-Says tell everyone to get their popcorn ready because he plans to put on a show
-Says he committed as a LB because that is where the staff wanted him
-Says he is ready to go since Miami is his dream school
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:56 AM
Grant Harris update
-6-5 255 DE for Clinton HS in MS
-Jethro has been recruiting him hard since the start of the eval period
-Says he isn't sure he wants to stay in MS
-Says if he goes OOS, Miami is a definite possibility
-Claims offers from: LA Tech, LA Lafayette, Memphis, Miami, Miss St., Southern Miss, Tulane, and WVU
-No favorites at this time
-Trying to visit Auburn in July, Miami in August, and maybe Clemson and Vanderbilt
-Has already visited Miss St., Alabama, LA Tech, and Memphis
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:56 AM
Kaaya on interest from other schools
“USC has shown a little bit of contact,” he said. “They wanted me to come to their camp but really I just can’t do that as a Miami commit."
"I can’t jeopardize anything. It’s a solid commitment. I have no reason to dip around other schools.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:57 AM
Tito...
Valentine High on Miami
2014 Champagnat defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is already rated as one of the top defensive linemen in the nation. But that doesn't stop him from going to multiple camps to display his talent, including this weekend's Nike 7-on-7 (with linemen) challenge.
“I’m trying to go against the O-line/D-line, just ball out and trying to win it for my team. Not only me, but for my team.”
While Valentine is quiet and humble when speaking about his talent, he does regard himself as a top defensive prospect.
“I’ve been dominating everybody so far. I don’t really see anybody out here so I’m just gonna compete.”
The 6’3, 300-pound linemen has made a good transition from Bayside High School in Brevard County down to Miami and Champagnat High School.
“It’s amazing. I got to know my team real quick so it feels pretty good knowing everything.”
As far as recruiting goes, the same three schools stay involved with him: Miami, Tennessee and Alabama. However, a new school has drawn his interest: LSU.
“LSU is new, because I heard that I’m the number one D-tackle on their recruiting board. I’m gonna check out LSU real soon.”
Valentine still seems to have heavy interest in the hometown Hurricanes as they remain one of his top schools.
“I went to go visit Miami last Saturday. I went to go see how I’m feeling right now with them. They’re pretty good, it felt good to talk with the coaches over there.”
Valentine participated in one of the Al Golden Football camps and enjoyed competing there.
“It’s fun man, I go against good competition. Even though I beat them, it’s still going to get me better.”
Valentine has built a strong relationship the ‘Canes staff and talks to them on a constant basis
“It’s good, they hit me up every morning before I go to school. It feels good talking to every coach in the morning. I talk to all the schools in the morning and it feels good.”
Valentine has changed his plans regarding a timeline for a decision and will look to make it a big one.
“I’m gonna announce my top 3 on November 15th and then I’m going to announce at the Army All-American game.”
So the question now remains, what must Miami do to make his top 3?
“With the way they’re recruiting me right now, they might as well just keep doing it because it’s working.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:58 AM
Im hearing AQM is goo to go...
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:59 AM
"I can’t jeopardize anything. It’s a solid commitment. I have no reason to dip around other schools.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:57 AM
UMike
I LIKES
Posted by: canezilla | July 01, 2013 at 07:03 AM
14 of our 19 commits are from Florida..with 11 being from South Florida. Last year the knock on Golden was he wasn't taking enough South Florida/Florida guys..and now that he is in this cycle people want to knock Golden because there are to many 2-3 Star guys...Golden just cant win
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:04 AM
With UM finalizing a home and home series with Arkansas State on Friday, here’s an updated look at future UM non-conference schedules:
### For the 2014 season, UM will play at Nebraska and home against Florida A&M and Arkansas State and hopes to finalize a home game against Southern Mississippi as part of a home-and-home.
### Also booked: For 2015: Nebraska, at FAU… 2016: at Notre Dame, FAU, and Florida A&M… 2017: Notre Dame and at Arkansas State… 2018 and 2019: home-and-home with Rutgers… Also, UM will play a home-and-home with Toledo between 2015 and ’18… 2020 and 2021: home-and-home with Michigan State. Many games will be added, with advanced talks progressing on a home-and-home with Penn State.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:41 AM
Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington Sr. High DE Demetrius Jackson (6'4/215) has yet to play a down at the varsity football level. The break through recruit verbally committed to Arkansas last week, before changing his commitment to Miami on Friday.
"I'm excited to be a part of a tradition, a culture and a family," Jackson said.
The first three years of his high school career, Jackson was focused on just playing basketball. This past spring his family and friends persuaded him to give football a try. The multi sport athlete did play organized football until the eighth grade, but once high school came along he decided to drop it in pursuit of a basketball career.
"I decided to give it a chance," Jackson said. "A lot of people tell me don't sell myself short, just give a chance you never know what might happen. I listened to coach Ice (Tim Harris) and my family, and I gave it a chance. I came out of the situation blessed. Coach Ice, in my book he's a hall of fame coach, after the success the Booker T. program has had."
Booker T. Washington's spring game was his coming out party, tipping three passes, and also recovering a fumble. Jackson thrives when he uses the skills he developed on the hardwood. His quickness and leaping ability really set him apart from other defensive ends.
On what he thought his chances were to land an offer from Miami, Jackson said, "I didn't think so soon, but later in the season."
As of right now, Jackson holds three other offers, including the likes of Arkansas, Louisville and FIU.
Now that Jackson has found his college, he will try and help recruit some of his teammates to Miami as well.
"I'm going to try and convince them (his teammates)," Jackson said. "It'll be great to play with them, especially Chad Thomas."
http://www.stateoftheu.com/recruiting-news/2013/6/29/4478846/miami-lands-a-raw-talent-from-local-power-house
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:43 AM
I KNOW THE RULES... SHOW UP,STAY TILL THE END
Posted by: canezilla | July 01, 2013 at 06:33 AM
GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 07:44 AM
Terrance...I got my flight book..see you boys at the Florida game!
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:48 AM
To add to my previous comment about the local recruiting..don't forget Golden is also reestablishing the relationship and pipeline with our major feeder schools Miami Northwester, BTW, Central etc.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:50 AM
I'm probably going to have tickets for sale to all home games BUT Florida..probably upper deck..I can sell them all together or split them up...just keep it in mind if you need some cheap tix for those other games
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:13 AM
"Im hearing AQM is goo to go..."
That's a wonderful thing to hear.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 08:19 AM
Terrance...I got my flight book..see you boys at the Florida game!
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:48 AM
NICE!
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 08:25 AM
UMike...go to www.LQ.com, book your room at $65/night:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Plantation at SW 6th St
7901 Southwest 6th St
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: 1-954-473-8257
Fax: 1-954-473-9804
This hotel is very nice and literally NEXT DOOR to the Hampton Inn which was $89/night, so U save $24/night.
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 08:29 AM
SOUP...I won't need a room this trip..but will be right around the corner at my brothers, so if any of the crew is there hanging out I can come by lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:32 AM
Top 5 Florida Players According to Scout..we could possible end of with 3 or 4..
1. Sony Michel, RB, American Heritage -- At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Michel is an elite level running back in every form. He's very strong in the lower body, and has the toughness to go between the tackles. He's such a violent runner that he's always breaking tackles and doing a great job finishing his runs. He also has outstanding speed and quickness to go the distance every time he touches it. He can catch, block, return kicks, a little bit of everything. He's been ultra-productive at the prep level, and seems like the type of kid who could make a serious impact right away, no matter where he goes. Miami recruited him very hard and made a serious run at him but he committed to Georgia back in the spring.
2. Dalvin Cook, RB, Miami Central -- At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Cook is one of the most explosive running back prospects this state has produced over the last several years. He has outstanding speed and quickness. If he gets the smallest of holes, he has a chance to hit the home run just about every time. He's a big play waiting to happen. He's also a threat as a pass-catcher coming out of the backfield. He also has very good skills as a defensive back. He looks like a young C.J. Spiller every time he touches the football. A one-time Clemson commitment, Cook is now pledged to Florida. It's not over, though, and Miami is still actively recruiting him.
3. K.C. McDermott, OT, Palm Beach Central -- At 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, McDermott is the most complete offensive line prospect in the state this year. He has the size, arm-length, foot quickness, and overall athleticism to play the left tackle spot. He's also strong and physical enough to play on the right side. His football IQ is excellent and he's very coachable, and maintains a very strong work ethic. The brother of current UM center Shane McDermott, Kc is already solidly committed to the Hurricanes.
4. Johnnie Dixon, WR, Dwyer -- At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Dixon is the most complete wide receiver prospect in the state this year. He has outstanding speed and quickness. He runs great routes and does a great job of getting defensive backs turned around in coverage. He catches everything you throw near him. He has the strength and toughness to play in the slot and the speed and playmaking skills to be an outside guy. His production numbers are strong, too. He's been to Miami a few times but he grew up a Florid fan so they may be tough to beat in the end.
5. Chad Thomas, DL, Booker T. Washington -- At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Thomas already has ideal size for a major college defensive end prospect. He's a very good athlete with good strength, a good motor, and a good football IQ. He's well-coached and comes from an elite prep program. He's a rare game-changing type of player at his position at that age. Everyone's offered but he's remained very quiet about the entire recruiting process. Miami is definitely in the mix, however.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:50 AM
6. Ermon Lane, WR, Homestead -- At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Lane is the most naturally gifted pass-catcher in this year's class. He has outstanding ball skills, and is very physical coming off the line of scrimmage. He lacks elite top end speed but flat out dominates the competition at the prep level. The Hurricanes, along with everyone else, has offered but he remains pretty quiet on the whole process. The Canes are in the mix, however.
7. Kain Daub, LB, Sandalwood -- At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Daub is a mismatch nightmare at the prep level. He's able to make a lot of plays near the line of scrimmage, he can rush the passer, and he can play in coverage. He's a three-down linebacker with a rare blend of size, speed, and instincts. Everyone offered him, including Miami, but he recently committed to Florida State.
8. Trey Marshall, S, Lake City Columbia -- At 6-feet and 195 pounds, Marshall is the state's premier safety prospect in the 2014 class. He has ideal size, tremendous speed and athleticism, and is a big time hitter. He can play back in center field or come up and get physical near the line of scrimmage. He's the total package at the position. Miami offered early on but he recently cut his list, and it didn't include the Canes.
9. Trevor Darling, OT, Miami Central -- At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Darling has all the tools you look for in a major college tackle prospect. He's long, lean, athletic, smart, and is coachable. Everyone has offered him but he made a very early commitment to Miami and has never wavered from it.
10. Joseph Yearby, RB, Miami Central -- At 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, Yearby made a junior commitment to Florida State. When James Coley left FSU and came to Miami, the Canes offered. It wasn't long after that he switched his pledge to Miami. He's a downhill runner who loves going between the tackles. He's tough, he's physical, and he'll leave high school as one of the county's all-time leading rushers.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:51 AM
11. Andrew Beck, LB, Tampa Plant -- At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Beck is an excellent high school linebacker. He has ideal size, plus athleticism, good football instincts, and he plays at one of the state's premier prep programs and is very well coached. He should be ready to play early on. Miami offered and made a strong run at him but he committed to Texas early in the process.
12. Steve Ishmael, WR, North Miami Beach -- At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Ishmael was one of the most productive receivers in South Florida in 2012. He is a great route-runner who catches everything thrown his direction. With plus size and athleticism, Ishmael is only getting better. Miami has offered him, and he visited here this past week. The Canes are in good shape at this stage of the game.
13. Corey Holmes, WR St. Thomas Aquinas -- At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Holmes probably has the best leaping ability of any receiver in this year's class. He can flat out climb the ladder and go get it. He is very well coached at St. Thomas and knows how to run routes and get open. The ideal size and top notch athleticism make him a very good wide receiver prospect. Miami offered him early in the process but he's focused on out-of-state schools and seems to be on the verge of committing to Notre Dame.
14. JoJo Robinson, WR, Miami Northwestern -- At 6-feet and 175 pounds, Robinson was one of the most productive receivers in Miami last year. With excellent speed and downfield playmaking skills, Robinson could play in the slot or on the outside in college. He also has very good cover skills on defense. He made an early commitment to Florida State but the Hurricanes have offered and are still very much in the game here.
15. Travonte Valentine, DT, Champagnat Catholic -- At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Valentine dominated the competition while at Bayside High in Palm Bay last season. He is very strong and brings a lot of athleticism to the table, especially for someone his size. He is very tough to handle inside and flashes the ability to make a lot of plays in opposing backfields. Miami was his first offer during his junior season but he committed to Florida a couple months later. He's since backed off that decision and has been to Miami a few times since then. The Canes have a lot of competition here but seem to be in solid shape as of now.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:53 AM
16. Jacob Pugh, OLB, Tallahassee Godby -- At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Pugh makes plays all over the field at Godby. He's a legit three-down linebacker. He makes a lot of plays near the line of scrimmage, can drop into coverage really well, and he's a very talented pass rusher. Those are just some of the reasons why Miami and a lot of others made very early offers to him. He recently committed to Florida State.
17. Trent Harris, DE, Winter Park -- At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Harris is one of the top pass rushers in the entire state. He brings a lot of speed and athleticism to the table and could project well as an OLB in a 3-4 defense. Miami offered him back in the spring and he visited here this past week. The Canes are very much in the running but it won't be easy.
18. Dillon Bates, LB, Ponte Vedra -- At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Bates is the son of a former NFL player (Bill Bates). He has ideal size and instincts and knows the game very well. Miami offered him early in the process but he recently cut his list down to a few schools and Miami wasn't on it.
19. Travis Rudolph, WR, Cardinal Newman --At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Rudolph is a very productive prep receiver who plays for former UM QB Steve Walsh. He goes both ways but brings ideal size, athleticism, and playmaking skills to the receiver position. Miami offered and landed his commitment during his junior season but he backed off that decision and is now wide open.
20. DeMarcus Christmas, DT, Manatee -- At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Chistmas was part of an outstanding defense at Manatee this past season. He has ideal size, quick feet, and he makes a lot of plays in opposing backfields. Miami offered him but he made a very early commitment to Florida State.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:53 AM
21. Keyon Brown, DE, Hardee -- At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Brown is one of the state's premier pass rushers. He flat out knows how to get after the quarterback with an array of moves, including a speed rush that makes things tough on opposing tackles. Miami was one of his first major offers but he recently named a top three that didn't include the Canes so they seem to be on the outside looking in for right now.
22. Khairi Clark, DT, Chaminade-Madonna -- At 6-foot-2 and 335 pounds, Clark is a massive interior defensive line prospect. He could anchor the nose in a 3-4 defense really well. He's very tough to handle and often tears up double teams. He's a classic two-gap run stuffing style defensive tackle. Miami offered him early on but he recently committed to Florida.
23. David Sharpe, OT, Jacksonville Providence -- At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Sharpe is one of the most athletic big men you'll see at the prep level. He has a large wingspan, quick feet, and he runs like a tight end. With a strong basketball background, Sharpe is still new to the game of football but offers a lot of upside. Miami offered him early on but doesn't seem to be seriously in the mix for him right now.
24. Delvin Purifoy, LB, Pensacola Catholic -- At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Purifoy is a very good mike linebacker prospect. He has the size and toughness already and runs well for someone his size. He's very active and seems to have good instincts that enables him to be around the ball a lot. Miami never actively recruited him, and he's committed to Florida State.
25. Ja'Von Harrison, S, Kathleen -- At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Harrison has ideal size for a major college safety. He has solid athleticism and makes a lot of plays at the prep level. Miami recruited him early on but didn't offer. He is currently committed to Virginia Tech.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:54 AM
We brought our suitcases along with us, because we are staying in Tally.
Week 10 schedule
Saturday, Nov. 2
Miami at Florida State
Pitt at Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech at Boston College
North Carolina at NC State
Wake Forest at Syracuse
Clemson at Virginia
Our pick: Miami at Florida State
Why you should come along: We think you know the answer to that question. Because this is going to be the first time since 2010 -- and just the second time in seven seasons -- these teams will be ranked in the Top 25 when they meet. Mark it down. This rivalry has been missing the drama over the past few years because the stakes have not been nearly as high as they were during the heyday of these annual showdowns. But now that Miami appears to be on the upswing, perhaps some of that drama -- and national relevance -- can be restored.
Florida State has won three straight in the series and four of the past five, so if Miami wants to truly start talking about how it has turned a corner, it is going to have to win this game, on the road in Tallahassee. That would prove a lot, especially if Florida wins the matchup with Miami earlier in the season. Though Miami and Florida State are in different divisions, this would be a big league victory for either team. You know that Florida State wants to keep its foot on Miami for as long as it can, so this is not a game anybody on the Seminoles' sideline is going to take for granted.
In their matchup last season, Miami hung with the Seminoles for three quarters. But the Seminoles showed how far Miami has to go to close the gap on their in-state rivals in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Canes 17-7 to win comfortably. We'll see how much progress Miami has made over the past year.
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:57 AM
It’s been a little less than a decade since Miami has had a player generate as much early buzz heading into a season like the kind being generated by Duke Johnson. The talented running back burst onto the scene last season as a true freshman and made an immediate impact for Al Golden and the Hurricanes becoming a household name as an all-around playmaker for the offense. If it wasn’t as a rusher, it was as a receiver or as a threat in the return game. Either way, Johnson’s skills make him a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/blogs/college-gridiron-365/os-miami-rb-duke-johnson-a-dark-horse-for-heisman-20130627,0,4875659.post
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 09:02 AM
I told U about this one before:
12. Steve Ishmael, WR, North Miami Beach -- At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Ishmael was one of the most productive receivers in South Florida in 2012. He is a great route-runner who catches everything thrown his direction. With plus size and athleticism, Ishmael is only getting better. Miami has offered him, and he visited here this past week. The Canes are in good shape at this stage of the game.
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 09:07 AM
-Says he is going to Miami at the end of the day and tell Seminole fans It's All About The U
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:56 AM
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Stuckey gets it
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 09:31 AM
“Yeah, (while smiling) were trying to do what we can do to get him over.”
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 06:51 AM
Yes, please talk to "Mr.40%".
Posted by: CaneRock | July 01, 2013 at 10:07 AM
SportsCenter @SportsCenter 4m
It's conference moving day: Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Notre Dame are officially members of the ACC, marking the end of Big East football.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 10:09 AM
For those it matters to..Alin Edouard, Darrell Langham and Trayone Gray are now 4-Stars according to ESPN.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:12 AM
According to ESPN Miami has offers out to 22 DT's
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:14 AM