A Word Of Advice: Go Outside And Play

At this time of the year, with the beautiful seasonable and usually very reasonable Winter weather in Florida, we highly recommend that if you can, please go outside and play.

That's right, instead of sitting at home on your computer and worrying about college football recruiting and wondering if some 18 year old high school kid is going to change his mind three times before National Signing Day we suggest that you put down the keyboard, step away from the computer and go outside and play.

Now if you live in some God forsaken place like Ohio, or New York, or Wyoming then we completely understand why you might prefer to stay inside and hide. Or maybe get smart and head South to the Sunshine State for some Winter fun in the sun.

Recently my wife and I have started our Winter outdoor activity schedule where we have a planned event each weekend. In case you are not aware, Winter is outdoor festival season in Florida and we take as much advantage of the great outdoors as we can during this time of the year while our Northern friends are locked inside in front of a fire place and hiding under couple of blankets.

Last weekend we went to one of our favorite local parks in Polk County the Circle B Preserve. This bustling wildlife preserve has one of the largest Winter migratory bird population in all of Florida.

There are beautiful, stunning, open vistas everywhere you look and all kinds of water fowl, wild hogs, deer, alligators and lakes at every turn.

There are miles and miles of extensive sunny biking trails, shaded hiking trails and and potential fishing holes throughout the expansive park.

This weekend we went to the Alafia River Rendezvous in Homeland, Florida on Highway 17 just South of Bartow. This festival is a two week long event that includes the largest 1800's period encampment in the entire Southeastern United States.

People from all over the Country arrive, asseble and set up camp. Then they buy, sell and trade antiques from the 1800's and dress up in period clothing.

They cook on open wood fires and sell there goods at various tents along the way. Acoustic music can be heard coming from various places along the way.

There are no cell phones, microwaves, tablets or televisions anywhere to be found across the several hundred acre park along the Alafia River.

And oh, let me tell you just how peaceful, charming and refreshing it is. It is like stepping back in time to when things were much, much simpler.

So you can sit inside at your computer and worry (it's like a rocking chair, it keeps you busy, but gets you nowhere) or you can actually go outside and enjoy the beautful scenery and the sight, smells and sounds of the great outdoors.

It's up to you, but if you want my advice, I would just go outside and play!

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Comments

[4-Real]

Question 4 Montreal & others??? If the U was a national title contender, would u be outside PLAYING or inside the crib BRAGGING online?? And please stop referring to non-golden fans as Negative Nancys. We like 2 be called...REALISTIC RODNEYS!!!

[WWIN]

**I asked Champagnat Catholic DT Travonte Valentine how his LSU trip was and his response – “It fits my country personality.

”He added the trip “was amazing.”

[WWIN]

4-Real, Realistic Rodney's!!! Classic

Now that's funny!

[4-Real]

I was just about 2 post info on the Valentine trip WWIM. Sounds like he enjoyed it.....still keeping hope alive!

[TonyCane]

Joe Scarborough was a commitment to Alabama? You would think that football would interfere with his msnbc duties. Saban gets another Florida player.

[Ohio_Cane]

If I told U we wouldn't get Valentine back, but JC Jackson would pick us, how would U feel?

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^
Ohio_Cane, BAD! LOL

[Old Skool]

How would I feel? Like Valentine is abandoning our family for the Tattaglias. If he goes, he's dead to me.

[CaneRock]

If I told U we wouldn't get Valentine back, but JC Jackson would pick us, how would U feel?

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 26, 2014 at 07:16 PM

JC Jackson? Mehhhhh.

JCJ & TV?!...🙌 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 🙌🙌🙌!!!

[86Cane]

And please stop referring to non-golden fans as Negative Nancys. We like 2 be called...REALISTIC RODNEYS!!!

Posted by: 4-Real | January 26, 2014 at 06:48 PM

U have it ALL wrong.

MOST people here are "Realistic Rodneys".

Then there are those who skew positive like Go Canes, 30Cinco and OhioCane (sometimes) and are accurately called "Positive Petes".

Then there are those who skew negative like 4-Real, UMike and CaneRock (only lately) and are accurately called "Negative Nancys".

In between there are literally THOUSANDS of "Realistic Rodneys" here on the blog.

U clearly are NOT one of them! LOL

[CaneRock]

JCJ would make up for striking out on DBs...but losing TV would drop this class down half a notch.

[CaneRock]

Then there are those who skew negative like 4-Real, UMike and CaneRock (only lately) and are accurately called "Negative Nancys".

Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2014 at 07:53 PM

Look at my next to last post...
JC Jackson? Mehhhhh.

JCJ & TV?!...🙌 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 🙌🙌🙌!!!

Posted by: CaneRock | January 26, 2014 at 07:42 PM

Orrrr...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK_7NAE-rKE

Do you think LESS, is BETTER than MORE?

[Go Canes]

I don't think one has to do with the other. Really happy if Jackson flips, really bummed if valentine leaves.

[4-Real]

Go Canes, Ohio & 30Cinco should be referred 2 as WISHFUL WILLIES!!! ( no disrespect WWIM ). They actually think they can click their ORANGE & GREEN air max 2gether & say...". THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE THE ORANGE BOWL", and BAMMM!!! We start winning ships again! Hate 2 bust yall OZ bubble but it ain't gonna hap"n cap'n! Lol

[Ohio_Cane]

Was a serious question on Valentine and JC, but I meant to add if we pull a surprise DT, maybe 3-4*, but clearly not as big as Valentine. It's how I see things at this moment.

I realize one has nothing to do with the other, just wanted opinions. I personally would be disappointed if Valentine didn't come to UM, but getting JC would soften that blow as I think he's one of the elite DB's in 2014.

[4-Real]

Why hasn't Ariz reported anything yet? If so, why hasn't it been posted already?

[Go Canes]

No one on here has ever seen me post anything about being championship ready.

Earlier this week I said I don't think we will beat FSU and games like VT and Nebraska are toss ups.

if anyone is way off it't those who think by firing anyone we will automatically start winning,

Can't really understand how someone can continuously says nothing more than let's give this staff the time they deserve to succeed or fail is labeled such an optimist.

[86Cane]

$-Real...trust me when I tell U that the "Wishful Willy's" get just as angry at the "Negative Nancys" as the "Negative Nancys" get at the "Wishful Willys".

It is a mutually symbiotic relationship (Google it).

[86Cane]

To me the only troubling part about the realtionship between the WWs and the NNs is that nobody see themselves as others do and nobody accepts their defined role willingly.

Homers and Haters UNITE!

[UpNorthCane27]

KEN DORSEY calling the plays at the pro bowl game!!! BRING HIS ASS HOME AL GOLDEN!!!!

[86Cane]

Be happy for the kids that commit to the U regardless of who the HC is and pray they can be coached up

Posted by: SinisterCane | January 26, 2014 at 09:00 PM

There IT is right there.

(BTW...aren't you going to thank me for leaving you out of the Negative Nancy group above this time? LOL)

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

O_C,

Unless we are recruiting a 24 year old Champ Baily and a 26 year old Vince Wilfork, I diont think it matters.

Go Canes,

You're crazy if you think Marky should have a job at Miami. If we changed up on that side of the ball we would win more games. But at Penn State Miami Campus that's what we do now. We accept the mediocrity of our BFF's. We are fine with Logan Thomas going All World on us. We look for excuses and make them on behalf of Al Golden even though he specifically told us not to on several occasions.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

How's the play calling UpNorth?

[Go Canes]

Ok Dude.

Your rhetoric is so new and fresh, who could argue with it.

All the bases were covered:

1)Best friend
2)Excuses
3)Penn State play on words
4)Dumb nickname for DC
5)Used the word mediocrity

Congrats, another truly original post.

[UpNorthCane27]

The dude... Ill tell u this not as many 3 and outs like te coley play calling but then again Ken has two actual qbs not stephen "no clue" morris. But its interesting to see him calling plays and he has a command that will make him a hot commodity in the near future. UM better jump on dorsey sooner then later.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Awe, I hurt your feelings? That seems to happen to you a lot. Some people have a hard time accepting truth.

But honestly, you contribute a lot to the blog, and not all of it is Golden worship, just a lot of it is, fwiw I thank you.

The reason why it seems like you hear that rhetoric so much? Because its mostly true. D'Onofrio has been a catastrophic failure at Miami. I know, I know, but talent and the NCAA. I'm not saying that isn't true, but it doesn't explain the defensive melt downs and you must know that. See that's the problem with you. You ignore serious red flags because you see a lack of talent and blame the NCAA for that. I see those things and say yeah, we aren't gonna have the defenses that made us The U, but I'm not accepting the "Career High" defense.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

UpNorth,

I would kill someone for Dorsey at The U. Just tell me who, lol, you better watch out Go Canes (that's a joke.)

[Ohio_Cane]

Why hasn't Ariz reported anything yet? If so, why hasn't it been posted already?

Posted by: 4-Real | January 26, 2014 at 08:44 PM
---------------------------------------

About?

[Ohio_Cane]

Ariz:

The madness is here. With 9 days until National Signing Day, there are rumors flying everywhere both negative and positive for Miami. Try to enjoy the ride.

**As I posted on Friday, Miami fans should be ready for disappointment with Travonte Valentine. I would be nearly shocked if the defensive tackle prospect winds up at Miami. LSU people are confident and Miami people are not, which is usually not a good combination. Golden still has his in-home visit remaining so that is almost the last hope for the Canes. It remains to be seen if Valentine will even follow through on his visit to Miami on the 31st.

**There was a lot of talk about Demetrius Jackson taking what some are calling a “secret” visit to Arkansas over the weekend. I know many are skeptical about Jackson’s trustworthiness after he said he was shutting everything down last week, but I talked to him again today and he was adamant that he was still solid. He said “Tell Canes fans not to worry about me. I’m solid.” Again, I understand people will continue to wonder about his commitment, but I would personally be very surprised if he ended up elsewhere. Miami is not concerned.

**Yes, Bo Scarborough was on Miami’s campus this weekend. The Canes have been quietly recruiting him for months and have been hoping to stay alive for a late push, which they seem like they are lined up to make. There is a good chance Scarborough takes an official to Miami next weekend. I’ve never spoken to him, so I can’t say for certain that his interest is “real”, but it says a lot for him to unofficial this weekend and possibly follow that up with an official.

**I exchanged messages with Chad Thomas after his visit to FSU this weekend and it seemed like he had a good time on his trip. I don’t know if it was enough to get him seriously thinking about flipping, but there is no doubt that he enjoyed himself. At the end of the day, music could be the driving force to keeping him home. Although most people would think I am referring Miami’s music program (which is one of the top in the country), I believe it is the fact that the people Chad works with in the industry are all based in Miami. Thomas is making a lot of waves in the music scene down here and coming together with a number of other budding stars in the industry, and I don’t know if he is willing to give those relationships up at this point. He has real dreams in the music industry. He will visit ‘Bama next week, but Thomas made it seem like they are not a real threat.

**I understand that Canes fans continue to worry about Brad Kaaya’s commitment level. First off, Kaaya told me that Coach Coley advised him not to do any more interviews until after signing day. So if you are concerned about a “silence” from the Kaaya camp over the next week or so, you know why. Next, I texted Kaaya about his trip to Boise and he said, “I just find that the more places I see the more I like Miami.” That was only part of the conversation, but it sums up his feelings about Miami. The kid said last week that he was going to take the Boise visit basically as a reward to himself. I would not put my reputation on the line like this or lead people on if I knew something was going on behind the scenes. The relationship between Coley and the Kaayas is the strongest I’ve seen between a coach and recruit in my time covering this stuff. If they were seriously considering going elsewhere, Coley would know.

**There is buzz that Auburn has made a big move on Treon Harris. Those around him believe that it is the best fit for him schematically, which it probably is for his skillset. At this point, I would be mildly surprised if he winds up at Florida State. He will be at Miami next weekend and I’m told that he is still seriously considering the Canes.

**It appears that JC Jackson is down to Miami and UF. I have not heard anything from the Florida side on their confidence level, but as I’ve said for weeks (although I was skeptical) that Miami has remained confident and felt like they were very much alive. Jackson taking an unofficial for the Syracuse game on Saturday is a great sign that he is still seriously considering Miami. Golden still has the in-home visit available as well. Let the games begin.

**Now onto some junior day notes. Miami was absolutely thrilled with the turnout and nearly every big name they were hoping to show up was there. Here are some specifics:

--JaQuan Johnson is a heavy Miami lean at this moment and those around him are hoping he pulls the trigger in the near future. I personally believe he will be a spring commit and will lead this class in the same nature as Duke Johnson. That’s just how he’s built and it shows in the type of respect he has from his peers.

--Landing Johnson would almost guarantee Tim Irvin, a source close to Irvin tells me. The two of them went as far as joking around about being roommates. Both are early enrollees. Golden and Coley gave the two of them a lot of attention today.

--Coaches sat down with Jordan Cronkrite and his family and all confusion about the delay in his offer was cleared up. Cronkrite will go through the process in a mature manner because he has very solid guidance from his parents. Miami made a very good impression on the family and Jordan today. Cronkite is not necessarily a “package deal” with Irvin & Johnson, but if the Canes land those two then that certainly enhances Miami’s chances.

--I would be surprised to see Tyrek Cole’s commitment to FSU last much longer based on what I was told today. Miami made a big move with the Miramar cornerback today and they were already high on his list.

--The staff received a high upside commitment from Emonee Spence today. I will be posting an interview with him tonight.

[4-Real]

Ohio, ALL of this was covered on canesport already!

[Ohio_Cane]

Your point?

Go read it there and don't read it here then?

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Thanks for the info O_C. Let's say we lose TV O_C, which looks entirely possible... is anyone really going to make an impact within this scheme, let alone a freshman at the most physical position in the sport? Are we just looking foward to 3 years from now with this kid? The reason I ask is: The jury is out on the offense, maybe Coley was handcuffed last year, maybe not? But what will fix the defense which has been historically bad under Golden? I can see a Vince Wilfork type helping against the run for sure, but how does that help us against the pass? Based on the way the staff wants these guys to play up front, the DT/NT isn't going to get pressure on the QB. Neither are the DEs. Its really OLB or blitz to get after the QB or bust, and usually its bust.

[CaneRock]

Dude, we still run the 4-3 in passing situations. But the problem with the D in our four losses, is we couldn't ever get the offense in 3rd down passing situations LMAO! I've come to the conclusion, that this staff is gonna use the 3-4 to stop the run, and the 4-3 to stop the pass.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Yeah CR,

That's certainly a big part of it. Can a university actually have that much personel on D though? It seems silly. You can't recruit 4 years of 3-4 NTs and DEs and 4 years of 4-3 DTs and DEs. That's why we move our DEs in to DT and or OLBs put their hands in the dirt. Then we gotta get 3 coverage LBs on the field. It seems too cumbersome. Add in that we'll play 7 yards off the WRs on 3rd and 2.

[Ohio_Cane]

Dude, honestly, don't sleep on Whyche and Heurtelou. They've got some time under their belts past HS

[4-Real]

Why are u offended bout Ariz? Kinda takin it personal ain't u?

[Ohio_Cane]

Not offended at all. You're trying to antagonize by asking where's the info, I post it, then U tell me it's already been said.

I'm not the one writing the stuff, just passing it along so people here don't have to search for it.

[herbieibis]

Ask your self would you rather have The Tine or Jackson? Easy answer, The Herb wants them both, but it ain't no consolation to me if we get Jackson and not Valentine. We need quality up front and without that quality up front, what good is Jackson or for that matter anyone in the secondary, without a pass rush.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

That's just it Herbi. I question if Valentine will give us a pass rush at all under this defense, if anyone can for that matter.

[WWIN]

Awesome day at the U juniors day...Outstanding athletes are really high on UM...6'6" receivers wow...Always like tall receivers.

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 26, 2014 at 04:50 PM

They'll be converted to tight ends here!

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!