Canespace: July 2013

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Going Deep: Offense 2013

#CANESCAMP DEPTH CHART OFFENSE (PRO)

WR 1 ALLEN HURNS 6-3, 195, Sr. 80 Rashawn Scott 6-2, 203, Jr.

LT 74 ERECK FLOWERS -OR- 6-6, 315, So. 79 Malcolm Bunche 6-7, 327, RJr.

LG 79 MALCOLM BUNCHE 6-7, 327, RJr. 70 Jon Feliciano 6-5, 320, RJr.

C 62 SHANE MCDERMOTT 6-4, 296, RJr. 75 Jared Wheeler 6-5, 319, Sr.

RG 65 BRANDON LINDER 6-6, 319, Sr. 63 Danny Isidora 6-4, 308, RFr.

RT 77 SEANTREL HENDERSON -OR- 6-8, 345, Sr. 74 ERECK FLOWERS -OR- 6-7, 315, RJr. 66 Sunny Odogwu 6-8, 318, Fr.

TE 82 ASANTE CLEVELAND -OR- 6-5, 260, Sr. 46 Clive Walford 6-4, 259, RJr. 85 Beau Sandland 6-6, 255, Jr.

FB 33 MAURICE HAGENS 5-11, 250, Sr.

QB 17 STEPHEN MORRIS 6-2, 218, Sr. 11 Ryan Williams 6-5, 223, Jr.

RB 8 DUKE JOHNSON 5-9, 196, So. 25 Dallas Crawford 5-10, 196, So.

SLOT 6 HERB WATERS 6-2, 193, So. 9 Malcolm Lewis 6-0, 187, RFr.

WR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 179, Jr. 6 HERB WATERS 6-2, 193, So.

Posted at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (80)

Getting To Know Gibbons

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

Posted at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (124)

Golden Goes Hollywood

Miami Hurricanes head football coach Al Golden is one of six ACC coaches that will visit the ESPN campus Tuesday in Bristol, Conneticut for the network’s “Car Wash” series.

Golden will appear on SportsCenter, The Herd with Colin Cowherd and SportsCenter Tonight Radio. He will also meet with college football writers Travis Haney, Ivan Maisel and Brett McMurphy.

Below is Golden’s tentative ESPN schedule (times subject to change):

10:20 a.m. SportsCenter

10:40 a.m. College Football Insider Travis Haney

11:20 a.m. ESPNU Podcast with Ivan Maisel

11:45 a.m. The Herd

Noon SportsCenter Tonight Radio

12:15 p.m. CFB Reporter Brett McMurphy

Other ACC coaches joining Golden for the “Car Wash” on Tuesday are Boston College’s Steve Addazio, Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer, Maryland’s Randy Edsall, Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher and Wake Forest’s Jim Grobe.

For a behind-the-scenes look at Golden’s trip to the ESPN campus, follow the official Twitter feed of Miami Hurricanes Football, @MiamiHurricanes.

Posted at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (116)

Hanging With Harris

There are many statements that high school football prospects make during their recruiting process. But there are the very few quotes that reach the level of instant, all-time classics like this one:

"That was my dream as a kid (becoming a Florida Gator),'' Harris told the Orlando Sentinel, where he announced his decision at about noon Monday. "But I grew up, and I've got to realize what's going to help me the most in my future, and that's the University of Miami."

Now, when a young man who has not even graduated from high school is wise enough to say that out loud in public then you KNOW he is one smart cookie, uh, I mean 'Cane!

Earlier today highly recruited defensive lineman Trent Harris from Winter Park High School in Orlando made it official when he announced that he had verbally committed to the University of Miami and head coach Al Golden.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Harris registered 50 tackles and 11 sacks last season and had offers from most the usual (big time) suspects such as Alabama, Florida, FSU and Ohio State.

John Garcia Jr. from Scout.com reported the announcement and posted the brilliant and incredibly revealing quote this way:

"I narrowed it down to Florida and Miami, but I decided to attend college at the University of Miami," he announced. "It's a big relief, I just want to go out and play football now. Florida has always been my dream school, I was raised as a Gator fan,” he told Scout after the Gators offered in March.

"That was difficult (saying no to the Gators), that was my dream as a kid," he admitted. "But you grow up, and what will help me most in the future is the University of Miami. The U!"

After what seemed like a painful and difficult two year drought of not being able to land some of the highly recruited and talented "big uglies" that play on the defensive side of the ball, Golden appears to have finally found his mojo and has managed to get his groove back just in the nick of time.

With Harris' big announcement today he becomes Miami's third in-state defensive end commitment in the class of 2014, joining Booker T. Washington teammates Chad Thomas and Demetrius Jackson.

Here are how some of the national recruiting sites rated 2014 DE Trent Harris:

Scout: 6-2, 235 lbs; 4 stars and #21 at DE nationally.
ESPN: 6-2, 227 lbs.; 4 stars, #13 DE nationally, #19 overall in FL and #114 in the Top 300.
Rivals: 6-2, 227 lbs; 3 stars, #22 nationally at DE and #57 overall player in FL.
247 Sports: 6-2, 226 lbs; 3 stars, #32 DE nationally and #83 overall player in FL.

Posted at 06:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (83)

Help Us, Help The U

An open letter from UM AD Blake James and the Hurricane Club:

Today, we passed a significant milestone in your support of the Hurricane Club. Today, we reached 6,000 total members—the most members EVER in our history--having grown from 4,500 just three years ago. All of us who love the Canes should be proud of this achievement.

YOUR commitment to the annual fund #BuildingChampions provides our student-athletes with the resources needed to win championships on the field and earn degrees off the field. On behalf of our more than 400 student-athletes and 200 coaches and administrators, THANK YOU!!

But let’s keep growing. There is more to do. You can help by referring a new member to the Hurricane Club through our It Starts With You Campaign. When you refer a new member, you and the new member will receive a limited-edition Building Champions hat. Click here to refer a new member, or visit hurricanesports.com/itstartswithyou.

As a valued part of our family, I welcome you and your family to attend one of the Hurricane Club Pregame tailgate parties this fall prior to the FAU game on August 30th and the Virginia game on November 23rd. More details will be sent soon.

Thank you for helping the Hurricane Club reach 6,000 members. You are #BuildingChampions!

Blake James, Director of Athletics

Posted at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (75)

The Hampton Inn - Plantation: Stay Here, Play Here

If you are traveling to warm, sunny South Florida for a University of Miami football game this year then we highly recommend that you stay at the designated Canespace hotel for these events:

The Hampton Inn in the beautiful, upscale and centrally located city of Plantation, Florida.

This award-winning, luxury hotel is situated in an ideal location for college (and professional) football fans and can be found just West of University Drive and just a few blocks North of I-595.

The Hampton Inn is located near numerous restaurants and popular sports bars, is within walking distance of the Broward Mall (for those who like to shop) and is only 20 minutes from Sun Life Stadium via the Florida Turnpike.

Hurricane fans come from near and far and literally take over the hotel lobby and patio before and after UM home games. Rival fans can also be found there for some good-natured trash talking as well.

There are always opportunities for car pooling to the game with other Hurricane for tailgating parties, purchasing tickets and snatching up one of the prized Canespace T-shirts.

Canespace usually throws a "Party On The Patio" after every home game with food, beverages and prizes for UM trivia contests. With a lush, tropical setting and a large pool and jacuzzi, the Hampton Inn patio is THE place to celebrate each Hurricane victory in 2011!

The special "Canespace Rate" is $89 and is valid for all Hurricane fans and also available for any visiting team fans.

For reservations please contact the Hampton Inn - Plantation: 954-382-4500.

Or reserve your room on line with Canespace Corporate Code 0002702804 at:

www.ftlauderdaleplantation.hamptoninn.com

For the hotel's street adress, directions and map please click here:

http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/maps_directions.jhtml?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX

We look forward to meeting U at the Hampton Inn - Plantation this season!

Posted at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (58)

Let's Get This Party Started!

With the countdown to the 2013 football season underway, the University of Miami is ready to kick off the 2013-14 athletics season.

The first athletics event of 2013-14 will be Miami’s annual BankUnited CanesFest, which will be held Saturday, August 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the beautiful BankUnited Center on campus.

Initially, this year’s CanesFest event was only going to be open to Hurricane club members and season ticket holders. However, after careful thought and deliberation, the UM Athletic Department decided to open the event to all 'Canes fans.

2013 BankUnited CanesFest Events

· Autograph session with football team and coach Al Golden

· “Dress Like a Miami Hurricane” photo booth

· ACC Championship Trophies photo booth

· Men’s Basketball Select-A-Seat event

· Homestead Speedway Race Car photo opportunity

· Purchase single-game and season tickets

· UM Bookstore Merchandise on sale

For the latest information on the Miami Hurricanes, follow them on Twitter: @MiamiHurricanes .

Posted at 05:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (102)

Johnson, Linder Selected To Pre-Season All ACC Team

Miami Hurricanes senior offensive guard Brandon Linder and sophomore running back Duke Johnson were named to the 2013 Preseason All-ACC Football Team released Wednesday.

Johnson, the 2012 ACC Rookie of the Year, finished third among ACC running backs last season with 947 rushing yards and ranked ninth nationally in all-purpose yardage at 171.67 per contest. Johnson picked up the second-most All-ACC votes with 58, one behind Clemson’s Tajh Boyd (59). Johnson also finished second in the Preseason ACC Player of the Year voting behind Boyd.

The Miami native has been named to four preseason watch lists this summer for the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player in college football), the Maxwell Award (college player of the year), the Doak Walker Award (best college running back) and Walter Camp Player of the Year.

Linder started all 12 games at right guard for the Canes in 2012. He was a third-team All-ACC pick by Phil Steele and an honorable mention selection by both ACSMA and the ACC Coaches.

Earlier this week, the Hurricanes were picked to win the ACC Coastal Division by members of the media that attended the 2013 #ACCKickoff at the Grandover Resort.

Miami, who returns 19 of 22 total starters from a year ago, opens #CanesCamp on Sat., Aug. 3. Season tickets for the 2013 football season are on sale now. To purchase season tickets, call the UM Athletic Ticket Office at 305-284-2263 or buy online at www.CanesTix.com.

Posted at 04:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (108)

Good Vibrations

Special note to ACC football teams: Be afraid; be very afraid.

This is the year when the Miami Hurricanes announce they are back!

The good vibrations surrounding the 2013 UM football team grew even stronger today as the Miami Hurricanes were picked to win the ACC Coastal Division in 2013, according to a poll of media members attending this week’s ACC Kickoff at the Grandover Resort.

Miami, in year three under head coach Al Golden, picked up 65 first-place votes as the Coastal Division preseason favorite. The Hurricanes accumulated 736 points, more than 80 ahead of second-place Virginia Tech, which picked up 27 first-place votes.

Clemson was picked to win the Atlantic Division, picking up 102 first-place votes in the balloting. Clemson was predicted to defeat Miami in the 9th annual Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game by the #ACCKickoff media.

Miami RB Duke Johnson, with four votes, placed second to Clemson’s Tajh Boyd in the 2013 ACC Preseason Player of the Year voting. Miami QB Stephen Morris also collected a vote.

Miami, who returns 19 of 22 total starters from a year ago, opens #CanesCamp on Sat., Aug. 3. Season tickets for the 2013 football season are on sale now. To purchase season tickets, call the UM Athletic Ticket Office at 305-284-2263 or buy online at www.CanesTix.com.

2013 ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL RESULTS:

Atlantic Division

1. Clemson (102) 815

2. Florida State (18) 731

3. NC State 490

4. Wake Forest 392

5. Maryland 373

6. Syracuse 320

7. Boston College 211

Coastal Division

1. Miami (65) 736

2. Virginia Tech (27) 654

3. North Carolina (22) 649

4. Georgia Tech (6) 522

5. Pitt 313

6. Virginia 230

7. Duke 228

ACC Player of the Year

1. Tajh Boyd, Clemson 105

2. Duke Johnson, Miami 4

3. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech 3

Sammy Watkins, Clemson 3

5. Bryn Renner, UNC 2

6. Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech 1

Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State 1

Stephen Morris, Miami 1

Posted at 01:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (279)

Talking About Thomas

Yesterday we brought you a story about recent University of Miami verbal commitment CB Nigel Bethel. Just as we were posting the article even BIGGER news was breaking on all of the 137 (at last count) college football recruiting sites.

The big news was that Miami had landed one of their most important targets of the 2014 class, a player who just so happens to be Bethel's teammate at Booker T Washington high school, DL Chad Thomas.

Here is a summary of Thomas' skills and abilities from www.Scout.com:

Chad Thomas (6'5, 240) - Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington

The overall defensive line MVP, Thomas' athleticism was what first caught your eyes, but he didn't just use his speed and quickness off the ball to win 1on1s, he showed a wide variety of moves and impressive strength to take over in the 1on1s. His ceiling is high and he has a chance to be one of the premier defensive linemen nationally when it's all said and done.

Thomas was always considered a long, athletic kid with upside, but he showed more sides to his game by powering through some of the strongest and biggest offensive linemen in attendance. He tossed a couple aside with ease and arguably put on the most impressive performance of any defensive linemen there and demonstrated that he's improving and putting himself among elite company.

In addition to Scout rating Thomas as a four star recruit, the #51 player overall nationally and #7 at his position, here are some other recruiting sites rankings for Thomas:

247 sports: Four stars, ranked #165 overall, #21 prospect in Florida and #9 at his position.
ESPN: Four stars, #184 nationally, #31 prospect in Florida and #17 at the DE position.
Rivals: Four stars, #221 overall, #29 prospect in Florida and #11 at his position.