This article was written for Canespace by blogger OhioCane...
This year, UM head coach Al Golden is hitting every position of need, and hitting them hard. Let me highlight a couple I think are most important at key positions for the Hurricanes in the 2014 recruiting class.
DT: Four players are currently committed with Travonte Valentine still a very legit possibility. IMO, he is our most important recruit. Not only because of his skill set, but because it comes at our weakest position. We also have a real shot at JUCO DT Lance McDowdell from Nassau CC at this position.
LB: Five players are currently committed (Trent Harris is listed at DE, but will play LB at UM) with a shot at at least 3 more in Kenny Young, Gavin Bryant, Antonio Kinard. This was another position of needed depth, especially with Golden and staff slowly working towards going more 3-4 defense than 4-3, so the number will be high.
Safety: Two players are committed in Marques Gayot and Kiy Hester. This position is severely lacking in depth with AJ Highsmith and KC Rodgers graduating. Getting at least one at this spot was crucial. Two is even better. Three would be amazing if we could somehow pull Arrion Springs away from his Oregon commitment.
OL: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention what is arguably the best OL class in the country. This is a spot where staff would like to have 10-12 guys in the rotation. This class helps that cause. Getting two of them (McDermott, Darling) in early will be big. I think both can contribute early with a Spring and Summer under their belts.
QB: Two players currently committed in Malik Roser and Brad Kaaya. Kaaya, in my opinion is our 2nd most important recruit behind Valentine. Very good measurables (6'4, 215), has really improved his vision and pocket presence, and also possesses what some would call an "NFL arm". Strong, great footwork in the pocket, can throw well on the run. He has a real shot to step in as Ryan Williams' backup in our first game this coming season if he can dig into the playbook and become accustomed to and execute it. Had he been able to be an Early Enrollment and get in that crucial Spring ball and workouts, I would predict him to be #2 on the depth chart. He'd have to jump Kevin Olsen who has been on campus for almost a year now. Olsen, however, has displayed what could be percieved as character issues in the recent past. If these turn into more than "mistakes" or become more prevalent, I'd be very comfortable saying Kaaya will not redshirt and will be our backup in our first game in 2014.
Golden is finally in a position where he can build depth, and build it quicker than before. Soon-to-be Seniors NOT leaving for the NFL will help that tremendously, and will also give this staff the opportunity to redshirt a couple extra guys that need it, instead of burning a year of their eligibility sitting on the sideline for 99% of the snaps.
Hurns
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 06:08 AM
Cmonnn umike!!! Im gonna have to wake up at like 5 in order get a first then lol....
DEON BUSH
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 23, 2014 at 06:09 AM
Talk about quick rematches.
The Atlantic Coast Conference released its 2014 composite football schedule Wednesday, and it starts off with a bang for the Miami Hurricanes.
UM opens its season on the road Labor Day night – Monday, Sept. 1 – with a rematch against new ACC member Louisville.
The Canes will immediately get the chance to avenge their 36-9 Russell Athletic Bowl loss to Louisville (12-1 in 2013) on national television (ESPN) at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
In another hot game, Florida State is back at Sun Life Stadium. The Hurricanes (9-4, 5-3 ACC in 2013) will take on the defending national champion Seminoles (14-0, 9-0) on Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Canes’ ACC slate after Louisville: Sept. 27 at home against Duke; Oct. 4 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta; Thursday, Oct. 23 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. (ESPN); Nov. 1 at home against North Carolina; Nov. 15 at home against FSU; Nov. 22 at Virginia in Charlottesville; and the season finale Nov. 29 at home against Pittsburgh.
UM’s nonconference games are Sept. 6 against Football Championship Subdivision opponent Florida A&M, Sept. 13 at home against Arkansas State, Sept. 20 on the road against the Cornhuskers in Lincoln and Oct. 11 at home against Cincinnati.
This year’s open dates are Oct. 18 and Nov. 8.
The Hurricanes’ game against Georgia Tech falls on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews. Kickoff time has not been announced, so it’s possible the game could begin after sundown, when the holiday ends.
The ACC Championship Game is Dec. 6 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
This season for the Hurricanes is not quite as Florida-centric as it was in 2013, when Miami played eight of its 12 regular-season games – and nine total – in Florida. UM’s first four games last season were in the state.
In 2014, UM plays seven games in the state, and two of its first four games on the road – at Louisville and then at Nebraska on Sept. 20.
As for the Seminoles, they open the season Aug. 30 at Arlington, Texas’ AT&T Stadium against Oklahoma State in the Cowboys Classic. Their open dates are Sept. 13 and Oct. 25, and their other nonconference games are Sept. 6 at home against the Citadel; Oct. 18 at home against Notre Dame; and Nov. 29 at home against Florida.
FSU’s ACC slate: Sept. 20 at home against Clemson; Sept. 27 at North Carolina State; Oct. 4 at home against Wake Forest; Oct. 11 at Syracuse; Thursday night, Oct. 30, at Louisville; Nov. 8 at home against Virginia; Nov. 15 at UM; and Nov. 22 at home against Boston College.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/23/3886209/miami-hurricanes-to-visit-louisville.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 06:11 AM
Good article Ohio!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 23, 2014 at 06:11 AM
Best D-Line classes in the nation
5. Miami
Early Enrollees: Trent Harris (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park)
Signed letter of intent: Calvin Heurtelou (Scottsdale, Ariz./Scottsdale C.C.), Michael Wyche (Monterey Park, Calif./ East Los Angeles College)
Commitments: Chad Thomas (Miami/Booker T Washington), Anthony Moten (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas), Demetrius Jackson (Miami/Booker T Washington), Courtel Jenkins (New Jersey City, N.J./St. Anthony)
Overshadowed somewhat by Garrett and Hand, Thomas has a similar toolset as a pure pass-rusher, and he has continued to develop physically to become more balanced off the edge. His upside is off the charts. Moten is quick enough to slide out to end on passing downs, big enough to stop the run inside, and has the tools to become very productive – he just needs to start putting it all together on the field. Harris might lack ideal measurables, but he fires off the ball well and is physical enough to set the edge too. In his first year of football after transitioning from basketball, Jackson is still learning how to play. He comes off the ball high and his hand placement needs work, but does a great job realizing when to put his arms up and my goodness this kid can run. One of the pleasant surprises watching film this week, Jackson has the size and motor to be very disruptive once his technique is refined. Heurtelou and Wyche should improve the quality of play in the Canes’ two-deep inside and clog the gaps, allowing the linebackers to make plays in the backfield. This should also allow Jenkins to continue to work on his technique and pad level, as he has the size and strength needed to help against the run. His motor is surprisingly high for such a big man.
http://247sports.com/Article/Best-20...ve-Line-172625
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 06:12 AM
Post from CIS blogger...
A Decade of Hurricane 2 Stars>>>
Thinking about this Liggins kid, I decided to go back and look at Rivals and how we've done when we sign 2 Star type of athletes
So... here's the list:
2004: Romeo Davis, Cedric Hill, Khalil Jones, Josh Kerr, Jon St. Pierre, George Timmons
2005: Jerrell Mabry
2006: Joel Figueroa, George Hill, Danielle Stegal
2007: Dan Adderley, Tyler Horn,
2008: John Calhoun, Taylor Cook, Pat Hill, Zach Kane, Brandon Marti, CJ Odom, Andrew Smith, Jake Wieclaw
2009: Stephen Plein
2010: Jeffrey Brown, Kelvin Cain, Asante Cleveland, Jimmy Gaines
2011: Corey King, Matt Goudis
2012: none
2013: Ufomba Kamalu, Walter Tucker
2014: none to date
A Decade of Diamonds in the rough. LMAO
29 kids and not one good player. A few starters on some bad teams is the best we can say.
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 06:16 AM
Ariz...
2015 Chaminade OL Strachan likes Miami
South Florida is often recognized for producing talented skill position players, but not enough attention is paid to the offensive linemen that come out of the area. 2015 Chaminade-Madonna OL Christian “C.J.” Strachan was one of the budding stars from this group during his junior season.
“I improved upon my takeoff and my pass-blocking really went to the next level when I lost all that weight because I feel more mobile,” said Strachan.
Strachan dedicated himself in order to drop a good amount of weight, which led to his impressive season.
“I was at 320 and now I’m at 295 so I’m trying to stay around there. I’m looking to play guard (in college).”
Strachan said that Rutgers, Arkansas, UM, West Virginia, Boston College, and Marshall have all been in contact with him, but one in particular seems to stand out above the rest.
“UM is my childhood favorite and they are one of my top 5 schools sticking out. Mark D’Onofrio has reached out to me and I get a good vibe that they’re interested in me.”
The 6-3, 295-pound junior will be in Coral Gables next week.
“I’ll be out there for the junior day (January 26th). The atmosphere there is great because it feels at home with the coaching staff and everything.”
The native of the Bahamas was out in San Antonio a few weeks ago for the U.S. Army underclassmen combine and reportedly did very well.
“That was a great experience. I went 6-1 in the one-on-ones so that was a great experience.”
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 06:19 AM
Final Rivals250...
#22 - Chad Thomas
#62 - Joseph Yearby
#110 - Anthony Moten
#113 - Kc McDermott
#143 - Trevor Darling
#189 - Brad Kaaya
#216 - Reilly Gibbons
Other notable names...
#11 - Travis Rudolph (5-Star, #1 WR)
#13 - Sony Michel (5-Star)
#18 - Dalvin Cook (5-Star)
#28 - Ermon Lane (5-Star)
#59 - Travonte Valentine
#69 - Treon Harris
#111 - Sean White
#117 - Johnnie Dixon
#172 - Quincy Wilson
#200 - Brandon Powell
#243 - J.C. Jackson
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 06:30 AM
Go canes!
Posted by: YooperCane | January 23, 2014 at 07:04 AM
WOW THAT HOME SCHEDULE LOOKING AWFUL. ONLY ONE GOOD GAME.FSU
Posted by: canezilla | January 23, 2014 at 07:15 AM
"29 kids and not one good player. A few starters on some bad teams is the best we can say."
Pat Hill was a beast.
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 07:18 AM
Top Ten streak is over!! Soup is on fire with all these new blogs!
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 23, 2014 at 07:42 AM
Wait a minute, Umike had 6 of the first 11 posts, so I'm still calling it a top 10!!
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 23, 2014 at 07:45 AM
Boy......the Blue Devils blog didn't last long, lol.
Posted by: raizecane | January 23, 2014 at 07:47 AM
Good Morning Spacers
Posted by: SinisterCane | January 23, 2014 at 08:14 AM
Wow. Brutal schedule next year. If golden manages to get 8 wins he did a great job.
Posted by: 🍺icane | January 23, 2014 at 08:22 AM
I just saw the schedule.
- 7 home games, 5 away.
- Getting Louisville game one in serious transition is a good thing.
- Nebraska on paper looks bad, but they are pretty much the mirror image of us (severely flawed but a 9 win team nevertheless).
- Not sold on Duke beating us two years in a row, regardless.
- That stretch from 10/23 to 11/15 (Va. Tech, N. Carolina, FSU) looks horrible. Winning 2 of 3 will be like winning a conference championship.
- Last two games again look favorable (UVA, Pittsburgh).
- The bye comes before the really hard part.
Opinions (no predictions):
- Louisville. Lost their coach, QB, and their entire system. They will not be nearly as successful as 2013. The revenge factor and D'Onofrio's hot seat might put some spunk in them. Win Odds: Slightly Favorable.
- Florida A&M. Even a Mark D'Onofrio defense can't prevent the Canes from winning here. Win Odds: Bank it.
- Arkansas State. Though they may be transitioning to FBS football, at least they win bowl games. Win Odds: Highly Favorable.
- Nebraska. A storied program, a coach in heat (that doesn't sound right), an angry fanbase, and QB woes. Sound familiar? But they play some defense. Win Odds: Slightly Unfavorable.
- Duke. Duke has threatened to beat UM for years, and finally they took advantage. Al Golden's reputation really took a hit with this one. Win Odds: Neutral.
- Georgia Tech. This is one ACC team that UM has had their number. Win Odds: Favorable.
- Cincinnati. They're a Big East team (or American Athletic, whatever). Even at this stage, a win is expected. Win Odds: Favorable.
- Virginia Tech. All bets are off. Win Odds: Neutral.
- Florida State. Win Odds: Hide Your Animals.
- Virginia. Miami finally broke the "Cavalier Curse" (just made that up). Like Cincinnati, a loss here would be a dealbreaker. Win Odds: Favorable.
- Pittsburgh. A six loss Pittsburgh scored 31 against us. Stomach that for a moment. Win Odds: Favorable.
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 08:24 AM
FAMU, Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Virginia, and Pittsburgh are dealbreakers. Losses to any of these teams should result in immediate and multiple terminations.
Louisville, Nebraska, Virginia Tech, and Florida State would strike me as solid wins and feathers for UM's cap.
Does that sound fair?
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 08:27 AM
I hate to say it but my team may not make a bowl game next year. That schedule is tough.
Not what golden needs this critical year.
If we do not get 8 wins he is toast.
Posted by: hazydavy | January 23, 2014 at 08:31 AM
I just saw some poster from the Miami Herald (don't ask me why I even checked there), and they just predicted a 4-8 record.
Since we're all mostly sane here, does anyone here feel that way? That strikes me as really low, even for a floor.
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 08:34 AM
LB.. I'm thinking in the 7-5 & 8-4 range. One, the schedule is tougher. Second we will have an unproven QB. Third our D is still coached by D'No. If the D can improve to even middle of the road and the O can move the ball we could surprise and go 9-3 again. JMO
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 08:50 AM
9-4 GO CANEZ
Posted by: SinisterCane | January 23, 2014 at 08:57 AM
15-0!
Post from CIS blogger:
Key Losses of talent on our 2014 opponents
Sept. 1 at Louisville* Louisville, Ky.
-Charlie Stong
-Teddy Bridgewater (maybe top pic, top QB in NCAA)
-S Calvin Pryor (1st rounder, best safety in NCAA)
Sept. 6 FLORIDA A&M Sun Life Stadium
Sept. 13 ARKANSAS STATE Sun Life Stadium
Sept. 20 at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb.
Sept. 27 DUKE* Sun Life Stadium
Oct. 4 at Georgia Tech* Atlanta, La.
-LB Jeremiah Attaochu
-QB Vad Lee (to transfer)
Oct. 11 CINCINNATI Sun Life Stadium
Oct. 18 -OPEN DATE-
Oct. 23 at Virginia Tech* Blacksburg, Va.
-QB Logan Thomas
-CB Antone Exum
-CB 17 Kyle Fuller
Nov. 1 NORTH CAROLINA* Chapel Hill, N.C.
-TE Eric Ebron (best TE in the nation and he single handedly killed us last year)
-DE Kareem Martin
-QB Bryn Renner
Nov. 8 -OPEN DATE-
Nov. 15 FLORIDA STATE* Sun Life Stadium
-Jeremy Pruitt
-WR Kelvin Benjamin
-RB Devonte Freeman
-RB James Wilder Jr.
-S Terrence Brooks
-LB Christian Jones
-LB Telvin Smith
-C Bryan Stork
-DT Tim Jernigan
-WR Kenny Shaw
-SS Lamarcus Joyner
Nov. 22 at Virginia* Charlottesville, Va.
Nov. 29 PITTSBURGH* Sun Life Stadium
-DT Aaron Donald (1st rounder)
-QB Tom Savage
Posted by: 30CINCO | January 23, 2014 at 09:01 AM
15-0.... come on now... that is beyond being a homer, that is like Go Canes level lol
FSU is the only team that really looses and star power (PITT with 1 guy) IMO..We lose Morris and bring back D'No lol
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:04 AM
IMO there are only 3, maybe 4 "sure wins" on our schedule. FAMU, Arkansas State, UA & maybe PITT.
Also UNC losing Ebron will hurt them, but I don't see many "sure wins"
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:10 AM
I'm going with 8 - 4 for the regular season with us winning a game we shouldn't have won and loosing a game we should have won.
Posted by: raizecane | January 23, 2014 at 09:11 AM
I say we are a more disciplined team and go
10-2. I am hoping for 15-0 as well.
Posted by: trianglecane | January 23, 2014 at 09:15 AM
I mean 14-0.
Posted by: trianglecane | January 23, 2014 at 09:16 AM
A couple updates to the blog article since recruiting changes quickly.
DT Lance McDowdell committed to UCF
We are not recruiting LB Antonio Kinard. Looks like he was one of those recruit making offers/interest up to get noticed.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2014 at 09:18 AM
There are rumors Darrion Owens may make it into UM as an EE by Jan 29th (last day to register for classes)
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2014 at 09:24 AM
Somebody got a problem with 15-0????
RCCF12%
Posted by: RCCF | January 23, 2014 at 09:27 AM
Yea.. I do lol
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:27 AM
I think we all WANT and HOPE for 15-0, but...
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:28 AM
3/4 Star TE Ravian Pierce from Plantation decommited from Arkansas. Miami was on him early and he has an offer, but it seems the staff has backed off. UCF & Ole Miss seem to be the favorites now.
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:30 AM
Crazy that OSU already offered four 2015 players from Gulliver Prep.. thats just 1 school. Meyer is really trying to get a foot in down here.
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:33 AM
Justin Bieber is kicking himself for not joining Soup at the game last night
Posted by: Old Skool | January 23, 2014 at 09:33 AM
15-0 is the way to go Umike!!!!
Join us man, put aside your distaste for No'd (like I have), and believe in these young canes!!!!
ITS ALL ABOUT THE U
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 23, 2014 at 09:51 AM
The only way miami would have won last night was if Kobe took to the court and all 5 took a rest for the 4th 1/4
Posted by: hazydavy | January 23, 2014 at 09:54 AM
UpNorth... I believe and hope we will win every game. Every Saturday I expect a win and believe we can do it... BUT, I live in a real world where the current Miami team simply will not go 15-0 lol.. I will be nice and ride the 8-4 train and hope I get surprised lol
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 09:55 AM
Start praying now that Valentine doesn't commit to LSU this weekend and keeps his OV to UM for next weekend. If he visits and is uncommitted, we're good. If not, he's gone.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2014 at 09:58 AM
Cmon valentine stay and bring us back goddamitt.... Youll go down as one of the greatest next to Sapp, Jerome, and corey king (jk jk lol)....
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 23, 2014 at 10:03 AM
Miami needs to meet him at the airport before he leaves like they did last year with some recruits lol
Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2014 at 10:03 AM
"Somebody got a problem with 15-0????
RCCF12%"
I don't know how to feel about that since it's mathematically impossible.
12 games, a conference title game, a bowl game = 14.
Maybe 15 is the extra win if D'Onofrio is somehow fired before the season starts? :)
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 10:04 AM
UM give me the money ill be the duffle bag boy for TV's committment!!! ill never rat, you might as well kill me, Cuz I love this U
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 23, 2014 at 10:05 AM
"LB.. I'm thinking in the 7-5 & 8-4 range. One, the schedule is tougher. Second we will have an unproven QB. Third our D is still coached by D'No. If the D can improve to even middle of the road and the O can move the ball we could surprise and go 9-3 again. JMO"
Very reasonable. I think that 6 should be the floor given the amount of talent and that long streak last year in spite of it all. Ceiling? I have no idea. 9, maybe? 10 if Ryan Williams! turns out to be Captain Awesome.
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 10:06 AM
News from Canesport:
- John Elway is the new president of the University of Miami.
- Nick Saban signed a contract guaranteeing him to be the next Miami Hurricane head coach.
- Luther Campbell and Donna Shalala were caught making out on South Beach.
- Seantrel and Susan really don't love each other, and #Sutrel was just a phase.
- Mark D'Onofrio is actually an alien from Mars funded by Florida State to annoy UM fans (I actually believe that one).
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 10:11 AM
Golden is at East Lake HS this morning. Most likely seeing 2015 WR/ATH George Campbell. #7 player in the nation for 2015
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2014 at 10:13 AM
"UM give me the money ill be the duffle bag boy for TV's committment!!! ill never rat, you might as well kill me, Cuz I love this U"
UpNorth, you'd be flat-out dangerous as a SEC fan. I'm glad you're on our side.
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 10:13 AM
From Twitter:
"QB Stephen Morris showed good deep accuracy today in #SeniorBowl practices. Absolutely helped himself..."
I believe that, but the guy can't stay in a protected pocket to save his life. He can't help himself. Too much Tebow in him.
Posted by: LB | January 23, 2014 at 10:15 AM
DARRION OWENS IS IN AS AN EE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let me spell it slowly:
H...U...G...E
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2014 at 10:16 AM