Hurricane Hoopsters Have Hops

The University of Miami men’s basketball team is getting bigger, faster and stronger in time to start the 2013-14 season, according to strength coach Steve Felde.

“Based on what I’ve seen from these guys this off-season, they are strong and they are fast and they are ready to play,” said Felde.

Junior transfer James Kelly and freshman Davon Reed each improved their bench press max by 80 pounds from June to October, as Kelly started at 235 and is up to 315 while Reed improved from 170 to 250.

Senior Erik Swoope pressed a team-best 365, up 35 pounds since June, followed by Kelly’s 315, senior Raphael Akpejiori at 310 and senior Donnavan Kirk at 300. Of the guards, senior Rion Brown leads the way at 275, closely followed by classmate Garrius Adams (265).

Junior transfer Sheldon McClellan touts the highest standing vertical, with his 41-inch leap. Kirk boasts a 35.5 jump while Swoope is at 35 inches and freshman Deandre Burnett jumps 34 inches with no step. Over the summer, Swoope improved his standing vertical from 27 to 35 inches, the best on the team, followed by a five-inch increase by Kirk and a 4.5-inch improvement from sophomore Steve
Sorenson.

McClellan also has the highest approach vertical with 45 inches, followed by Burnett’s 42.5 inches, which he improved from 37 inches in June. Reed is third with 40.5 inches, a 4.5-inch improvement) and Swoope rounds out the top four with a 40-inch approach vertical.

In the pro agility test, McClellan topped out at 3.9 seconds, while freshman Manu Lecomte turned in a time of 3.97 seconds.

Miami opens the season on Oct. 30 with an exhibition game against Florida Tech, then the regular season begins Nov. 8 against St. Francis (N.Y.) at 10 p.m.

Comments

[TJL]

UNO

[TJL]

Thats UNO for two in a row!

[VfB_Cane]

#3 Stacy Coley ... for a loooooong TD!

[BEERicane]

Raphael Akpejiori!

[Terrance Sullivan]

I got to make it to a Bball game this year at the BUC and hopefully a Road Game and see 40 minutes of L show!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup Full Speed Ahead on my 2 lower level tickets do your thing boss. SmatCane friend can holla at U about those tickets.

[BigWindyCane1]

Dalvin Cook from Miami Central has really improved this year, and Sony Michel is also very, very good. I used to like Michel more last year, but Cook is now equally as good. If the Canes can get one or both of them, there will be a definite upgrade in talent at RB for the Canes. That will be the strongest group of RBs assembled since Magahee, Portis and Gore.

The Canes have Powell and Gray, but they could move them to other positions if Cook and/or Michel commit. They would make this Canes class one of the best ever, because Al Golden and Swasey will make sure that they develop them into first round picks.

[Terrance Sullivan]

BigWindyCane Yearby is our commit also.

[pompano cane]

top ten

[SOUP]

Soup Full Speed Ahead on my 2 lower level tickets do your thing boss. SmatCane friend can holla at U about those tickets.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 24, 2013 at 05:56 PM

I'll print tomorrow AM at 10. I am on the road again and have no access to a printer until tomorrow when I am at an agency site to git 'er dun. Since they are good seats, lower bowl, U want $50 each or $50 total, I was not clear on that?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup I am asking for 40 each on the lower bowl but would take 75 for both or best available offer. Thanks bro.

[BigWindyCane1]

BigWindyCane Yearby is our commit also.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 24, 2013 at 06:29 PM

I like Yearby. I saw Yearby and Cook in four games, and if it does not rain tomorrow, I will watch them play again against Trayon Gray.

I still think Yearby is a pure RB, and runs in tight spaces better than Cook. Yearby sees the hole a little better than Cook, and Yearby has a lot of heart. Cook looks faster and bigger and he has improved drammatically in his vision and his ability to read and follow his blocking. I criticized him a little last year for needing to develop as a runner, and from what I have seen this year, Cook has gotten a whole lot better. Cook is a big play threat each time he runs the ball.

I like Yearby, Cook and Michel, and I would like the Canes to get all of them.

[SOUP]

I got to make it to a Bball game this year at the BUC and hopefully a Road Game and see 40 minutes of L show!

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 24, 2013 at 05:15 PM

Yo, yo, yo..check it, Running Down a Dream:

2/19/13 6 PM UM baseball vs FAU
2/19/13 9 PM UM baseketball vs Notre Dame
2/21/13 6 PM UM baseball vs Florida
2/22/13 Noon UM basketball vs Boston College

4 games in 4 days, 2 baseball games including one vs UF and 2 basketball games including one vs ND. Are U kidding me?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Yo, yo, yo..check it, Running Down a Dream:

2/19/13 6 PM UM baseball vs FAU
2/19/13 9 PM UM baseketball vs Notre Dame
2/21/13 6 PM UM baseball vs Florida
2/22/13 Noon UM basketball vs Boston College

4 games in 4 days, 2 baseball games including one vs UF and 2 basketball games including one vs ND. Are U kidding me?
Soup Sign Me Up I am game for that.

[SOUP]

TSully...I got U covered on all fronts.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Cool Soup! I will put in my Vacation Time for it now lol.

[SOUP]

Raize...where U at? Wanna watch some besibol?

UM @ Stetson 3/12/14

UM @ UCF 4/9/14

[SOUP]

UM basketball games at the BUC I will be at:

Wed 1/15/14 vs FSU
Wed 1/22 vs Duke
Wed 2/5 vs Pitt
Wed 2/19 vs Notre Dame
Sat 2/22 vs BC

UM baseball games home/away I will be at:

Wed 2/19 vs FAU
Wed 3/12 @ Stetson
Wed 3/19 @ Florida Gulf Coast
Wed 4/9 @ UCF
Wed 4/23 @ FAU
Tu/Wed @ UM on 3/4-5
Tu/Wed @ UM on 3/25-26

[SOUP]

Well, well, well...looky here:

http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/ken-dorsey/bba285e8-fc3b-4e30-9a67-97134ef00f7b

[Terrance Sullivan]

Great stuff Soup!

[VA Cane]

.....and people want to say that since J12 stats were so awesome, that he's right up there with Kenny D....line Cris Carter says "C'mon Man!".....Dorsey was my personal fav re QB.....great QB fine man.....JMO

[SOUP]

For those asking why Miami would still recruit Michel/Cook with Joseph Yearby and Brandon Powell committed…. Powell is a versatile football player who is open to playing multiple positions and Miami’s running back talent is simply not where it should be.

Posted by: UMike | October 24, 2013 at 01:36 PM

ROCK SAYS: "I thought Sony didn't like our "facilities". PFFFFT!"

I SAY: Sony take your sorry self to another school with "facilities".

[CaneRock]

ROCK SAYS: "I thought Sony didn't like our "facilities". PFFFFT!"

I SAY: Sony take your sorry self to another school with "facilities".

Posted by: SOUP | October 24, 2013 at 08:02 PM

YUP!

But I ain't even gone lie SOUP, if Sony commits to Us, I'ma be happehhhhh! LMAO!

But until THEN!...PHUCK EM'!

[SOUP]

Rock...the heart of a champion will never be found in a "facility". It will only be found on the field of play.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup is bringing the funk. Sony have fun in Athens, Dalvin have fun in Jortsville, and well we see ol boy from Lauderdale er Plantation is having a fantastic time in Fayetteville at the Catfish restaurant. I will roll with the fellas that wont to rock the Orange and Green. Them other cats can suck eggs and enjoy their lives.

[canezilla]

SOUP I MIGHT HIT UP SOME OF THOSE GAMES.. AT FAU IS 5 MINS FROM WORK

[SOUP]

Sully...Gonna watch a lot of high school players that are bandwagon jumpers now that the NCAA gave us a clean bill of health. Got no time for pretty boi wanna bees.

Take your luxury facilities, your ugly Oregon unis, your Swamp rats, your Texas oil money, your Buckeye BS and head on out young man. Only REAL Canes need apply!

[CaneRock]

Rock...the heart of a champion will never be found in a "facility". It will only be found on the field of play.

Posted by: SOUP | October 24, 2013 at 08:28 PM

True, but I'll still be happy if we flip Sony LMAO!

But UNTIL THEN!...PHUCK EM'!

[CaneRock]

And speaking RBs, Mike James is having a pretty nice game for TB! GO MIKE!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Yes Sir Soup I completely agree.

[Sarasota 'cane]

And speaking RBs, Mike James is having a pretty nice game for TB! GO MIKE!

Posted by: CaneRock | October 24, 2013 at 09:14 PM

He's the only player worth watching on the Bucs! Dude has size and power similar to Gore!

Go Pro-canes!

[CaneRock]

He's the only player worth watching on the Bucs! Dude has size and power similar to Gore!

Go Pro-canes!

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 24, 2013 at 09:46 PM

SC...YUP!

Another one the Dolphins missed on SMH!

[SOUP]

The Tampa local radio, TV and print media has already fired Schiano like 50 times. Now the National media has picked up the chant. Call it CRAZY!

[SOUP]

St. Louis has the worst coaching ever.

[Sarasota 'cane]

I heard someone bought 19 billboards in Tampa asking for Schiano to be fired! It's actually absurd to expect anyone to turn that mess around in two years.

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^^^
St. Louis rams, you damn straight they do!!!

[SOUP]

Sota..I heard a Bay area radio talk show host say that "He may not think so, but Schiano's job is on the line."

So now the local radio talk show guys are NFL general managers?

No not exactly, more like, well, U know...

[WWIN]

Sarasota, nfl coaching careers are short. Golden would be a fool to step into that revolving door when he could probably stay here forever. The nfl is not where its at for head coaches, unless yo name is Belicheck

[SOUP]

St. Louis Cardinals are just silly..

[Montreal-Cane]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Third-ranked Florida State will be without running back James Wilder Jr. on Saturday against North Carolina State.

Coach Jimbo Fisher said Thursday that Wilder wasn't cleared after sustaining a concussion last week. Karlos Williams will back up starter Devonta Freeman.

Wilder suffered the concussion in a 51-14 win over Clemson and was considered day to day throughout the week.

Wilder, also slowed by a shoulder injury, has run for 231 yards and two touchdowns on 41 carries for Florida State (6-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference).

[canezilla]

WILDER GO AHEAD AND TAKE 2 WEEKS . U EARNED IT DOGG

[CaneRock]

NICE! Cam Newton gives shout out to Ken Dorsey as His QB Coach.

[CaneRock]

## One Hurricanes player said Al Golden got emotional talking to the team after the NCAA saga concluded Tuesday;

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/10/mike-miller-mulling-lawsuit-against-heat-dolphins-canes-marlins-chatter.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

## Remember that threat we reported last November that the NCAA sent by mail to former Canes, saying if they don't talk to the NCAA, they would be barred from UM's campus?

A bunch of players didn't talk but feared they would be banned from UM's weight room, which many like to use in the offseason. But the NCAA, whose reputation was damaged enough by its improprities in the case, decided not to prohibit any former Canes from going on campus.

[UMike]

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami recorded a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 92 percent, according to the rates released Thursday by the NCAA.

For the second straight year, Miami’s department-wide GSR ranks fourth among ACC schools and eighth overall among FBS programs. UM has exceeded the NCAA average GSR in each of the last nine years. In 2012, Miami set a school-record with a 93 percent GSR, a year after establishing a then-record at 89 percent.

“We set a high standard for our Hurricanes to achieve excellence in all academic and athletic pursuits,” said David Wyman, Associate AD for Academic Services. “The growth we have witnessed in our Graduation Success Rates is remarkable and we continue to produce tremendous results. In less than 10 years, we have improved our rate by 15 percentage points and we are now a national leader in the most important academic performance measure.”

Eight teams compiled GSR marks of 100 percent. Men’s diving and golf each posted their ninth consecutive perfect marks, while women’s tennis recorded its sixth straight GSR score of 100 percent. Baseball, women’s track & field / cross country, rowing, women’s swimming and volleyball also tallied perfect GSR scores. It was volleyball’s third straight year with a perfect GSR; rowing and women’s swimming posted perfect scores for the second straight year.

“I am very proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, whose vigilance in academics lays the groundwork for graduation,” said Blake James, Miami AD. “One of our goals as a program is to graduate every student-athlete and I am proud that we are getting close. By earning a degree from the University of Miami, our student-athletes are ready to achieve excellence in life. Congratulations to our coaches, staff and especially our student-athletes.”

Baseball had the largest jump of any UM program, improving by 20 points (80 to 100) and has improved by 40 points (60 to 100) since 2010.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2013/10/kudos-to-miami-hurricanes-for-impressive-off-field-accomplishments-reason-to-be-proud.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

Despite leaving Chapel Hill, N.C., eight days ago licking its wounds, the University of Miami (6-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) heads into Saturday’s game against visiting Wake Forest (4-3, 2-2) relatively healthy and with receiver Rashawn Scott back in the mix.

Scott, UM’s second-leading receiver last season, hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder while make a diving catch in the opener against FAU. But after appearing as doubtful for last week’s game, Scott wasn’t listed at all on UM’s injury report Thursday, a welcome return considering Phillip Dorsett will be out at least four to six weeks with a partial tear of his MCL.

“What a great opportunity,” UM coach Al Golden said Monday, before players and coaches were put off limits to the media after the news of the NCAA investigation broke.

“Instead of getting behind, now he’s thrust back into it. He’s got to work on his conditioning in the next 48 hours so he can recover in time for the game. We really have to push him. But he should give us a boost there.”

Running back Duke Johnson (migraine/concussion) and quarterback Stephen Morris (ankle) did not appear on the injury report. Only safety Kacy Rodgers (ankle) was listed as probable. Offensive lineman Danny Isidora (foot) and Dorsett (knee) are the only players listed as out.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/10/25/3709753/miami-hurricanes-rashawn-scott.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

Pete Ariz workin...

Braxton Berrios is a Miami Hurricane. After months of speculation of whether or not Berrios would follow through and commit to his “dream school”, the North Carolina native officially announced on October 12th that he would be playing his college football at the University of Miami.

“It’s just the one last thing you need to worry about before taking the next step so I’m just excited that I don’t have to worry about it anymore before I get down there. I talk to the coaches daily and I’m ecstatic. It’s a relief off my shoulders and I can just worry about finishing the season and finishing up grades before enrolling in January,” said Berrios.

The choice to play at Miami was a dream come true for the confident slot receiver.

“It’s incredible. To be honest, it still hasn’t completely hit me. I know that I’m committed to Miami and that I’m going there in January, but it hasn’t hit me that I’ll be playing with the U on the side of my helmet. I know it’s been a pretty big jinx around the University of Miami and ‘dream offers’, so I’m glad I could change that. I just can’t wait, man.”

When did he know for sure that Miami would be his school?

“It’s always been my dream school and a lot more goes into it than just who you liked as a kid. I really can’t point out a day where I knew and it was tough deciding, but I just know I picked the right one.”

Berrios has a large family filled with ‘Canes fans dating back to when the family lived in South Florida before Braxton was born. Naturally, they were pumped to hear he would be a Hurricane.

“My immediate family was more involved than anyone else because I have a big family. They were all happy for me. My dad and uncle have been Miami fans their whole lives so they were a little bit more excited than the normal person. One of my family members has a bar in Florida and she can’t wait to start putting my jersey up and all this. The whole family was just happy it was over and trusted that I made the right decision.”

The big news surrounding the school this week was the NCAA ruling finally being made. Berrios didn’t mince his words when giving his thoughts on it.

“I can’t be mad at all. I had no respect for that little (expletive) Shapiro because he was a rat. I’m completely happy with what they got of three scholarships for three years and it’s a really big thing for recruiting and really for the team because they don’t have to worry about going to the National Championship and not being able to play in it. Al Golden and Donna Shalala did a tremendous job working with the NCAA and helped get the minimal sentencing.”

One of the main factors the put Miami over the top for Berrios was his close relationship with QB commit Brad Kaaya.

“Oh, I’m excited. He and his dad told me that he loves slot receivers so I’ll be his guy. I think we bring a new dimension to Miami, to be honest. They have great players now that work in the system, but I think it will change up a little bit when we get there just because of our styles of play. We are going to be great together and if everything pans out, we will be one of the best duos in Miami history.”

One of the first things Berrios did before making his final decision was make sure Kaaya was solid after receiving his offer from UCLA.

“He’s a ‘Cane, he’ll always be a ‘Cane. I talked to him about that specifically because we’re boys and we talk about anything. I’m not gonna beat around the bush with him and vice versa. I asked him and he said it was just an offer from them, basically like a ‘so what?’ type of thing. He’s just as excited as I am to get out there.”

Berrios is as confident as they come on-and-off the field. He feels like his personality will fit in perfectly with the city of Miami and the school.

“You’ve seen the 30-for-30 on The U, right? Well that’s why they say is he a ‘football player’ or is he a ‘Miami guy’ and I’ve always felt like I’m a Miami guy. I think I fit in perfectly with how we play. I fit in perfectly with the coaching staff and how they coach. The city of Miami runs on energy and I think I have enough of it. You don’t wanna go somewhere where you have to change your style as a person or anything so I’m excited to get out there, be myself, and play with my boys.”

One of the first things people notice about Berrios is that he is always wearing a big gold chain around his neck, no matter the scenario. He even wore it when he came down to Miami and competed at the Al Golden Football Camp.

“It’s just me. I like jewelry and I like gold, so why not where a gold chain? The only time I really take it off is when I’m playing. If I dress up, it’s on the outside of my shirt and underneath the tie. Everyone has something about them and I have the chain.”

The comparisons to Wes Welker have become a normal thing for Berrios to hear, but he doesn’t necessarily like to box himself into that mold.

“It’s obviously an honor to be called a Wes Welker. I think he will be a Hall-of-Famer and he’s one of the of the best in the game to this day, but at the same time look at his numbers and he wasn’t as fast as me, he wasn’t as crisp as me, maybe wasn’t as strong as me and couldn’t jump as high. Like I said, he’s a great player but it’s funny because you never hear a Tavon Austin, Steve Smith, or DeSean Jackon comparison, which is probably more of who I resemble. I’m even more of a DeAnthony Thomas, maybe not with the speed, but with his style of play. Santana Moss is another example. It’s something I’ve gotten used to, but they’ll know me as Braxton Berrios when I get there and put on.”

http://www.canesinsight.com/content/2104-Braxton-Berrios-Only-Built-4-Cuban-Linx?

[UMike]

From CIS & Rivals...

DT Terrell Clinkscales to visit

Terrell Clinkscales Dodge City (KS) Community College DT 6'4 ,315 lbs
-Last few weeks added UM and Bama
-has over 20 scholarships
- top five of Miami, Alabama, Iowa State, Arizona State and Texas Tech
-On UM "I know Miami carries a lot of history," "I know Warren Sapp, Jerome Brown came out of there and a lot of great NFL players have come from there."
-On visit to UM "They just have to set it up for me,"
- taken one visit, to Iowa State, and he's visiting Kansas State the middle of next month and will go to Texas Tech in early January
-UM wants him to visit in January
-His story: He grew up in Chicago and attended Grand Rapids Community College out of high school. But after the program was shut down he didn't play anywhere last year. Then this season he was invited to play at Dodge City Community
-Being recruited by coach Brennan Carroll.
-Says that BC "He was just saying they love my size, how I move around, how I'm good with my hands, my burst off the ball,"
-announce a decision after his visits. "I won't wait till signing day," "It'll be a little before then."

[UMike]

From ESPN's 2015 ESPN300, from the State of Miami...

#6 - Martez Ivey
#11 - Da'Vante Phillips
#23 - Derwin James Jr.
#25 - Torrance Gibson
#26 - Jordan Scarlett
#40 - Devonaire Clarington
#48 - CeCe Jefferson
#50 - Devante Peete
#53 - Tyrek Cole
#57 - Kendrell McFadden
#65 - Tarvarus McFadden
#90 - Byron Cowart
#117 - Jaquan Johnson
#121 - Tavares Martin
#123 - Shawn Burgess-Becker
#158 - Jake Fruhmorgen
#160 - Tim Irvin
#167 - Shaquery Wilson
#177 - Marcus Walker
#189 - Cecil Cherry
#200 - Garrett Williams
#243 - Luke Hiers
#253 - Jovon Durante
#264 - Kahlil Lewis
#266 - Jamel Dean
#290 - Jordan Cronkrite

That a lot of talent in your own backyard lol

[BigWindyCane1]

It seems hard to believe, but the talent in the state of Miami seems to be getting stronger and stronger.