They are the best of the best.
They succeed. They stand out. They dominate.
On the field, they excel with equal parts skill and size and speed.
Off the field, their personalities are varied, but linked by a common passion.
Bright House Sports Network goes inside the helmet with the best prep players in our coverage area (Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties).
Watch their videos with our daily Top 30 countdown to learn why these players stand out, why they succeed, why they dominate and why they are the best. The countdown continues with No. 7.
No. 7 Reilly Gibbons: St. Petersburg Catholic High School
Position: Offensive Line, Left Tackle
Size: 6'-5", 290 lbs.
College: Gibbons committed to the University of Miami earlier this year.
To watch Gibbons talk about his commitment to "The U" watch the video (trust me you will want to!) on Brighthouse Network's Bay News 9 web site by clicking on the link below or pasting the link into your browser:
http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/sports/video.html?clip=http://static.baynews9.com/newsvideo/bn9/web_video/REILLYGIBBONS_NO7.f4v&vtitle=BHSN%20Reilly%20Gibbons%20Profile
First! Go Canes!
Posted by: TrianlgeCane | July 30, 2013 at 11:04 PM
WATCH THE VIDEO!
Posted by: 86Cane | July 30, 2013 at 11:13 PM
2!
Posted by: tjl | July 30, 2013 at 11:13 PM
When Gibbons was a freshman he was 6-3 and 175.
As a senior he is 6-5 and 290 and still a pup.
Posted by: 86Cane | July 30, 2013 at 11:21 PM
Duke Johnson...-3 BABEEEEE!
Posted by: CaneRock | July 30, 2013 at 11:33 PM
Are U aware that the NFL Colts signed the former OC from NCAA Stanford to help QB Andrew Luck be successful?
Now THAT is strange. Not sure how his teammates see that move?
Posted by: 86Cane | July 30, 2013 at 11:36 PM
Gibbons sounds like a sharp kid...WELCOME TO THE U!
http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bhsn/2013/4/8/st_petersburg_cathol.html
Posted by: CaneRock | July 30, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Direct link to Gibbons' commitment:
http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/sports/video.html?clip=http://static.baynews9.com/newsvideo/bhsn/highschool/reilly_gibbons_miami.f4v&vtitle=BHSN%3A%20Reilly%20Gibbons%20picks%20Miami
Posted by: CaneRock | July 30, 2013 at 11:42 PM
CaneRock...thanks for that.
Posted by: 86Cane | July 30, 2013 at 11:46 PM
Gibbons ratings and rankings:
Rivals: 4 Stars, # 18 at OT and #278 overall.
247: 4 Stars, #27 OT #41 in FL.
Posted by: 86Cane | July 31, 2013 at 12:09 AM
The NCAA quietly has sent out word to some involved parties that it would like to announce UM’s sanctions around Aug. 8 but made no guarantees….
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/07/um-battles-looming-dolphins-roster-buzz-umncaa-and-oden-updates-tino-fallout.html##storylink=cpy
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | July 31, 2013 at 12:35 AM
Great to learn more about the 2014 recruits.
Gibbons looks very sharp.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | July 31, 2013 at 12:42 AM
Interesting that Denny Dillard was mentioned in the Barry Jackson article
Posted by: Old Skool | July 31, 2013 at 04:50 AM
UM football camp opens Saturday, with several battles percolating. Here are seven worth tracking:
### Cornerback: Ladarius Gunter (UM’s most consistent cornerback, according to defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio) and Antonio Crawford (UM’s fastest corner) enter camp as favorites to start, though Tracy Howard has a shot to overtake Crawford.
UM believes Howard began playing better last season when he became more receptive to coaching and playing the defensive technique he was taught. He’s fast, but not quite as fast as some fans expected…. Improved Nate Dortch is the favorite for the No. 4 job, but expect impressive newcomer Artie Burns to seriously challenge him.
### Middle linebacker: Jimmy Gaines versus Raphael Kirby looms as one of camp’s best battles.
D’Onofrio said Gaines led at the close of spring and “Gaines’ importance can’t be underestimated as far as how smart he is to get us lined up."
But Kirby was more heavily recruited and has a higher ceiling athletically. Both should play a lot, especially if Miami plays a 3-4 defense at times, which some players expect. (Using more 3-4 has been discussed, and we'll see if coaches go ahead and do that. Everyone expects to continue to see a lot of 4-3 defense, too)….
Denzel Perryman (UM wants more consistency) and impressive newcomer Alex Figueroa are heavy favorites to start at outside linebacker. And when/if UM shifts from a 4-3 to a 3-4, Tyriq McCord should play as an outside edge rusher. Backup defensive end Kelvin Cain also could play outside linebacker when UM uses a 3-4.
### Receiver: Allen Hurns and Herb Waters ended spring as the starters, but Rashawn Scott, Phillip Dorsett and Malcolm Lewis will push them, and all will play.
“We knew Waters would be a big wide-out,” coach Al Golden said. “But we’re learning he has lateral quickness and can make people miss.”
UM people rave about freshman Stacy Coley and the improvement of Jontavious Carter, but cracking the top five will be very difficult for either barring injuries.
### Tight end: Like last year, Asante Cleveland entered the summer first on the depth chart, ahead of Clive Walford, with newcomer Beau Sandland third. UM is hopeful Walford (biceps) will be ready to start the season, and he remains the favorite if he's healthy.
But offensive coordinator James Coley appears to have a higher regard for Cleveland than predecessor Jedd Fisch did. So if Walford is healthy, this might evolve into a battle between Cleveland and Sandland -- who's a skilled receiver -- for the No. 2 job, with Jake O’Donnell and Standish Dobard behind them. Sandland has excellent receiving skills, but the transition from junior college was bumpy at times this spring.
"The transition of speed and size is still an adjustment for him," tight ends coach Larry Scott said earlier this offseason. "You've got to handle being moved around."
### Offensive line: UM believes it has at least seven players capable of starting. Seantrel Henderson and Brandon Linder are presumed starters on the right side. Shane McDermott is the front-runner at center.
On the left side, UM figures to use some combination of Ereck Flowers, Malcolm Bunche and Jon Feliciano, with two of them starting. UM is open to playing Bunche at guard and tackle. And tackle Taylor Gadbois and guard Danny Isidora have impressed coaches enough to become factors.
### Safety: UM ideally would like Deon Bush and Rayshawn Jenkins to seize starting jobs and expects them to reach heights, over the next three seasons, that Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque never could. Bush, off a hernia operation six weeks ago, hopes to be ready for the start of the season.
But Bush and Jenkins still make young player mistakes at times; Bush had D’Onofrio exasperated during the first scrimmage in March before closing strong. If either has serious missteps, UM would be open to starting heady A.J. Highsmith or Kacy Rodgers.
### Defensive tackle: D'Onofrio said Olsen Pierre, Curtis Porter and Luther Robinson ended spring far ahead of any of the other tackles, including Earl Moore and Corey King. Ufomba Kamalu will help immediately… Robinson, much improved in the past year, will be given every chance to push front-runners Pierre and Porter for a starting job.
### Elsewhere: Dallas Crawford, among UM’s most improved players, has a leg up for the backup running back job behind Duke Johnson, but UM expects newcomer Gus Edwards to help in short yardage, with Maurice Hagens also factoring in there. Eduardo Clements (neck) received medical clearance on Tuesday, according to caneinsight.com, but a UM spokesperson said he had no confirmation of that… Ryan Williams enters camp clearly ahead of Gray Crow for the backup job behind Stephen Morris…
When UM plays a 4-3, Shayon Green -- despite his lack of pass-rush skills -- again figures to play a lot opposite Anthony Chickillo because UM loves his toughness and the fact that he’s difficult to displace on running plays. The depth will be better here, with elite pass-rushing freshman Alquadin Mohammad and former Wisconsin starter David Gilbert (UM expects him in August) joining Cain, improved Dwayne Hoilett and Jelani Hamilton as top reserves. Dyron Dye remains out with an injury, and the NCAA hasn't told him if he will be eligible, anyway....
Cincinnati transfer Pat O’Donnell will be the punter, and Matt Goudis likely the kicker. UM lists Dorsett as the primary punt returner –- ahead of Johnson –- and Dorsett or Lewis as the first-team kick returners. Coley and Corn Elder could factor in with returns.
CHATTER
The NCAA quietly has sent out word to some involved parties that it would like to announce UM’s sanctions around Aug. 8 but made no guarantees…. Elite defensive end Mohammad has qualified academically for UM, his high school coach, Don Bosco's Greg Toal, said Tuesday. UM expects Mohammaed -- rated by rivals.com as the 49th incoming recruit in the country -- will contribute on defense this season. But UM is pessimistic about ace pass-rusher Devante Bond’s chances of qualifying.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 06:12 AM
Tito workin...
2014 Albany (Ga.) linebacker Juwon Young is not only helping his team with workouts and running, but is also getting them mentally prepared for the upcoming season.
“I’ve been doing a more of a mental thing then a physical. I’ve been pushing them hard in the weight room so we can come together more as a team and we can go on the field as a team than just get on the field and play by ourselves.”
Young has set some expectations for himself next season and fully confident he can accomplish them.
“My goal is to at least have ten sacks with about 250 tackles with 2-5 picks and about ten forced fumbles.”
The 6’2 228 pound linebacker has been doing workouts and has a deep passion, so much to the point that he doesn’t sleep.
“Times like late at night, sometime I just wake up in the middle of the night and go to the sand dunes and I just run the sand dunes.”
Young committed to Miami during the summer and confirms that he is still fully committed to the Hurricanes.
“Yeah I would say it’s a hundred percent. I’ve been talking to them about every week or every other week. I mostly speak to linebacker coach Michael Barrow.”
The Albany product recently took the ACT and fell short of the score he wanted by 4 points, however he is really motivated and excited to hear that ‘Canes fans are pulling for him.
“Yeah, I’m taking it in October. It makes me feel like, now I used to work hard it makes me want to work even harder. Where I’m from we’re not used to a big crowd cheering for you, but I saw all the love on Facebook and I was just like ‘I’m good and I have a fan base.’.”
The Georgia native has also taken notice to the recruiting class Miami is working on and is excited.
“I don’t look at it too often, but I saw that we had the #1 recruiting class in the nation right now. I seen a couple of commits were there with me when I was at the camp. Mike Smith, I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 06:19 AM
Someone asked Chad Thomas if he thinks Lane will commit to Miami and his answer was "Don't know, don't care" lol
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 06:21 AM
According to Rivals, Miami is in the "top 7" for 4-Star DT Elisha Shaw.
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 06:43 AM
"Someone asked Chad Thomas if he thinks Lane will commit to Miami and his answer was "Don't know, don't care" lol"
That's all you need to know. +50.
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 06:52 AM
Ryan Williams enters camp clearly ahead of Gray Crow for the backup job behind Stephen Morris…
NOT TRUE!
Posted by: 86Cane | July 31, 2013 at 07:41 AM
Someone asked Chad Thomas if he thinks Lane will commit to Miami and his answer was "Don't know, don't care" lol
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 06:21 AM
He must read Canespace? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | July 31, 2013 at 07:42 AM
Ryan Williams enters camp clearly ahead of Gray Crow for the backup job behind Stephen Morris…
NOT TRUE!
Posted by: 86Cane | July 31, 2013 at 07:41 AM
Agreed. I saw them both play last spring, and although Morris was the clear #1, I was surprised to see that the competition for #2 was very, very close.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | July 31, 2013 at 07:45 AM
I don't care who the back up is now..I'm already worried about our QB next year..there could potentially be a huge drop off lol
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 07:47 AM
SO WE BEEN WAITING 3 YEARS FOR THE NCAA.AND NOW THEY SAYING ITS TAKING LONGER CAUSE OF THE WORK LOAD? THIS IS THE BIGGEST CONCERN RIGHT NOW FOR THE NCAA.STOP DRAGING THIS AND GET IT DONE ALREADY!!
Posted by: canezilla | July 31, 2013 at 07:56 AM
@Umike
One season at a time my friend......LOL!!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 31, 2013 at 08:00 AM
I have said it like 100 times..the NCAA is going to find a way to keep sticking it to u as long as they can. Not only are we Miami, but we exposed them for all to see. This is why there was ZERO chance of us getting "timed served"...we embarrassed the NCAA, they aren't just going to let us walk away.
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 08:01 AM
I hear that thirsty...I just don't want to be like the Dolphins in the 90's lol..When we had an offense, we had no defense and when we get a solid defense, we had no offense lol..I think our D will be much improved and talented next year...thankfully we sill still have Duke lol...but ur right..got to focus on this year lol
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 08:03 AM
they aren't just going to let us walk away.
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 08:01 AM
+1
Posted by: Keoki | July 31, 2013 at 08:03 AM
"I don't care who the back up is now..I'm already worried about our QB next year..there could potentially be a huge drop off lol"
QB transitions are ALWAYS tough, especially in a program still moving to that "top 10" program status.
Next year, we'll have Williams, Crow, Dewey (I'm sure Crow/Dewey will transfer), Olsen, & the 2014's (Kaaya/Rosier). It's way too early to speculate, but Williams has the edge in experience (he started as a freshman in Memphis & has game experience from last year). As for talent? Olsen, maybe? I've heard & seen good things about Kaaya, too.
It'll be a hell of a competition, but it's something I'd rather not think about until we have to.
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 08:03 AM
LB..I sometimes worry to much (que SOUP's ricking chair quote lol)...but im not negative lol
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 08:06 AM
That's not negative. That's logical.
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 08:14 AM
I still think the NCAA will hand us no more bowl bans, but will take 3 scholarships over 5 years.....That's 15 total for you that can't do the math....LOL!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 31, 2013 at 08:32 AM
Did you know: Brandon Linder can do 41 reps of 225?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE0GcEn3sqY
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 08:32 AM
Or the NCAA will do 5 scollies over 3 years!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 31, 2013 at 08:33 AM
By comparison, that's three more than the top two at last year's combine.
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 08:33 AM
thirsty, I think you are spot on. There has been so much made of the bowl bans we already gave ourselves, but they have to give us something lol
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 08:35 AM
I think ive figured it out....
UMike is an optimist who worries way too much because he cares. That can come across as negativity over the Internet where tone of voice would generally drown that out.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 31, 2013 at 08:37 AM
Linder is a beast......our team was very weak (physically and mentally) under Shannon & Co. I think Spence only did around 12 reps @ 225, not good for a linebacker. He needed to be in the 20's range.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 31, 2013 at 08:39 AM
"Linder is a beast......our team was very weak (physically and mentally) under Shannon & Co. I think Spence only did around 12 reps @ 225, not good for a linebacker. He needed to be in the 20's range."
In his defense, Spence did much better than that during his senior year under Golden. He was slightly hurt.
"He sustained a deep bone bruise in his left shoulder while competing in the Senior Bowl and was not completely recovered by the time he got to Indy."
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2012/03/09/puny-bench-press-no-worry-for-sean-spence-in-nfl-draft/
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 08:47 AM
Ahhhh!!! That would explain it LB.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 31, 2013 at 08:53 AM
I about spit up when I heard his results, and knew that couldn't be right. I knew Randy Shannon "had them just lift weights" and "not eat breakfast," but that couldn't account for the discrepancy.
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 09:53 AM
Part of an article via Seantrel's woman:
"The Canes ranked 116th (of 120 FBS teams) in total defense last season, allowing an average of 486.4 yards per game. They ranked 112th in rushing defense (217.9 yards allowed per game), 102nd in pass defense (268.5), 105th in tackles-for-loss and 113 in sacks.
We'll see this season if Golden's patience pays off and if the D-linemen get free to attack the quarrterback. That will make all the difference to a team that appears to be offensively gifted."
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2013/07/coach-al-golden-on-hurricanes-d-the-biggest-thing-was-to-not-change.html
Posted by: LB | July 31, 2013 at 09:57 AM
Is it just me or having a Defensive backfield of Jenkins and Bush as safeties, and Cb's like gunter, howard and crawford with Burn, brigns out the excitement we have some kids that will ball shut the passing game down all we need is for the big boys on the line to create pressure sack the QB or force bad throws where we either pick it off or ANNIHILATE someone.
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | July 31, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Getting excited about the game...moving to sc to live with family. Gonna fly down with my brother to see the Turds get smashed into the dirt so we can get rid of that rotten gator smell.
Its almost time to get this party started...play loose and size doesnt matter if you get into the back field. Hope we play fast on d thats all ima sayin rite now.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | July 31, 2013 at 11:29 AM
In the aftermath of the Boston bombing, expect some changes in going to games this year is colleges follow the NFL’s lead
Backpacks and most purses will be prohibited at football games this season due to a new NFL policy designed to increase security and quicken entry into stadiums.
Small bags are allowed as long as they are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches. That's about the size of a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag — which is one of the suggested options
Small clutches about the size of a hand are also allowed.
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after they've been inspected, according to the NFL.
Posted by: Old Skool | July 31, 2013 at 11:47 AM
They put up images of past players all around Greentree..sweet
Posted by: UMike | July 31, 2013 at 11:50 AM
In the aftermath of the Boston bombing, the NFL is going to outlaw backpacks and larger purses at football games.
Anything larger than a hand size clutch must be carried in clear plastic bags. Expect colleges to follow suit
Posted by: Old Skool | July 31, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Posted by: UpNorthCane | July 31, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Yup! We will get to see this year if D'NO should stay or go.
Personally, I would like to hire Kehoe's defensive twin brother.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | July 31, 2013 at 11:52 AM
Is it just me or having a Defensive backfield of Jenkins and Bush as safeties, and Cb's like gunter, howard and crawford with Burn, brigns out the excitement we have some kids that will ball shut the passing game down all we need is for the big boys on the line to create pressure sack the QB or force bad throws where we either pick it off or ANNIHILATE someone.
Posted by: UpNorthCane | July 31, 2013 at 11:07 AM
NOPE!, it's not just you...I'm excited about our defensive backfield. I think this is the most talented DBF we've had here in a while. My only concern is Bush though, I didn't know He had a hernia procedure this offseason. Don't know how long those things take to rehab, but hopefully He's 100% by the UF game.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 31, 2013 at 12:01 PM
Personally, I would like to hire Kehoe's defensive twin brother.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | July 31, 2013 at 11:52 AM
LMAO! HELL YEAH!
Posted by: CaneRock | July 31, 2013 at 12:02 PM
days away from practice, and hopefully that damned verdict. Finally!Even the frustation of not knowing much going on in practice that always leads to a few bogus practice reports is going to be fun.
Posted by: j.w. | July 31, 2013 at 12:07 PM