Now that UM head coach Al Golden has landed the stellar, tenth-ranked recruiting class of 2014 and all of those players are signed, sealed and delivered, we thought it might be interesting to take a look ahead and give you a sneak peak into the 2015 ESPN Top 300 list.
With the focus on players from South Florida who made the list, we are especially interested in those who currently are, or could become, targets for the University of Miami.
The following is a list of 31 players who made the Top 300 and are all recruits from the "State of Miami":
#2 - George Campbell ATH
#7 - Martez Ivey OT
#11 - Torrance Gibson QB/ATH
#18 -Da'Vante Phillips WR
#21 - Derwin James Jr. S (FSU Commit)
#27 - Jordan Scarlett RB (FAU Commit)
#32 - Calvin Ridley WR
#58 - Tarvarus McFadden CB
#60 - Tyrek Cole CB (FSU Commit)
#63 - Devonaire Clarington TE
#68 - Byron Cowart DE
#79 - Devante Peete WR
#86 - Shawn Burgess-Becker S
#93 - Kendrell McFadden S (WVU Commit)
#107 - Jaquan Johnson ATH
#124 - Jake Fruhmorgen OT
#138 - Jacques Patrick ATH
#142 - Tavares Martin WR
#157 - Tim Irvin WR
#186 - Shaquery Wilson WR
#188 - Cecil Cherry (TN Commit)
#198 - Jamel Dean CB (OSU Commit)
#208 - Garrett Williams DE
#222 - Marcus Walker (UK Commit)
#230 - Jovon Durante WR (WVU Commit)
#238 - Jordan Cronkrite WR
#260 - Calvin Brewton S (FSU Commit)
#271 - Luke Hiers OC
#277 - Deon Cain ATH
#280 - Dwayne Lawson QB/DT (yes)
#291 - De'Amontae Jackson ILB
Now the only question is which players do you want the most and which players does Miami have a legitimate shot at in 2015?
Yup
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 06:05 AM
Morning Spacers!… Off to work!
Lots o' players out there...
Let's Go Canes!
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 10, 2014 at 06:06 AM
Wait... wait....are my eyes fooling me, or did I just read what I think I read? So our defense which finished dead last in the ACC is "better" according to Golden? Either he is delusional or thinks/hopes we he fans are.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 06:31 AM
I'd use the lists from ESPN, Rivals, 247, etc as toilet paper and do my own evaluating.
Posted by: Tom Hogg | February 10, 2014 at 06:35 AM
Go Canes!
Posted by: YooperCane | February 10, 2014 at 07:20 AM
#SPINDOCTORS
Posted by: SOUP | February 10, 2014 at 07:33 AM
Kudos to Michael Sam...COURAGE!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 07:36 AM
Good Morning Spacers
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 10, 2014 at 08:13 AM
Tell ya'll what, Golden wasn't lyin' about 3rd down coversions and TOP...we stunk up the place in those departments. We converted 56 outta 160 3Ds, and only had the ball for an avg. of 24 MPG. Coley needs to TIGHTEN UP!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 08:14 AM
CR,.. I have no doubt the O needs improvement, but to say the defense was "better", and AGAIN throwing the O under the bus is crazy... at least to me.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:18 AM
"Wait... wait....are my eyes fooling me, or did I just read what I think I read? So our defense which finished dead last in the ACC is "better" according to Golden? Either he is delusional or thinks/hopes we he fans are."
The only thing I can think of is Golden's own evaluations. "Player X has his arm angle 5 more degrees to the left while tackling, therefore we have improved." Meanwhile, he ignored the fact that #DaffyDefense did worse in every category against weaker offenses.
Either way, it's madness. There is no defense. Yes, the offense needs improvement... but a quarterback who stays in a protected pocket and is accuracy-based will do that.
Posted by: LB | February 10, 2014 at 08:22 AM
What do you spacers think it would take for D'No to save his job? Please dont tell me about what rank our D needs to be... our D "improved" in overall rankings (NCAA rankings) but was dead last in the ACC. I mean, yards per game, points per game, number of blow outs, number of QB's having career days etc... What improvement do you think needs to happen for him to stay?
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:23 AM
UMike, I hear ya'. While Golden was correct in saying that 3Ds and TOP impacts the defense, in turn, losing your key players on offense (PD4 & Duke) effects those numbers also.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 08:25 AM
What improvement do you think needs to happen for him to stay?
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:23 AM
Hit harder thant Duke?
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 08:27 AM
lol CR
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:29 AM
I guarantee if we struggle this year golden will use the youth/inexperience not big enough excuse
Posted by: jsy | February 10, 2014 at 08:31 AM
jsy... I do agree there. BUT.... BUT... he made a mistake in regards to that. He admittedly said one of the main reasons he did not make a change was the youth (freshman) coming back and the incoming class. So if those players dont save D'No, Golden will be out of excuses... at least the youth excuse. That doesnt mean he wont use that excuse though lol
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:35 AM
Which part of what Golden said is not true?
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:37 AM
U remember in the beginning of the year after the uf game he lauds his players for following the scheme and process then end of year he says they are out of position and that they need to trust the process. Hows that possible? Maybe our players all had concussions and amnesia from the constantly being kicked under the buss
Posted by: jsy | February 10, 2014 at 08:38 AM
For the 10,000th time: it is NOT about D'No, it is about Golden. Even he has said it a 1,000 times: THE BUCK STOPS HERE!
If the D fails over the next TWO years and Miami is losing 3-5 games a season then Golden will have to bare the consquences of his actions and decisions.
If the D improves as we ALL hope it will and Miami is winning 10-11 games a season then there will be nothing left to say about that and everyone will be happy!
Just sit back, take a deep breath and relax. The "problem" fixes itself in TWO years either way.
Posted by: SOUP | February 10, 2014 at 08:40 AM
UMike, I'm being serious dawg. Even though it didn't show on the scoreboard, Duke actually HIT! FSU better than US!
And I don't know if our guys aren't watching film, or maybe they're watching film the wrong way, but CLEARLY!, the film-work didn't translate to field against VT,Duke, and Louisville.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 08:41 AM
Maybe our players all had concussions and amnesia from the constantly being kicked under the buss
Posted by: jsy | February 10, 2014 at 08:38 AM
Maybe RCCF and WWIM ran over them in the Canespace 12% bus, then backed up and did it again, and again? LOL
Posted by: SOUP | February 10, 2014 at 08:42 AM
Which part of what Golden said is not true?
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:37 AM
30.. not even going to try and answer this... if you think dead last in the ACC is "better", than there is nothing to say.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:46 AM
30.. not even going to try and answer this... if you think dead last in the ACC is "better", than there is nothing to say.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:46 AM
-----------------------------------------------
100% incorrect
BC last in the ACC in YPG
VA last in the ACC in PA/G
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:47 AM
So is "middle of the pack" in the ACC enough of an improvement? I think that would go a long way imo.... cannot have blow out losses, especially to average teams. No player should have a career day unless they are an elite talent. I think those are a couple of things hat would single a big improvement.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:49 AM
30, when you take the non-conference games out, and only look at the ACC games, Miami was last. LB did a whole write up on it.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:53 AM
Why are ANY games taken out? What is the reason for this?
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:55 AM
But again, if you think the d was "better", then ok. Your opinion, no need to go back and forth. Obviously your on of the people who think ending the season with 4 blow out losses was an upward trend lol
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:55 AM
Its not like every team plays the same conf schedule.
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:56 AM
30.. LB did a comparison against ACC teams, which is the most important games. I also think it helps because we played SSU, FAU and USF. When looking at just ACC competition, we were last.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:57 AM
Point is, against our conference opponents, we were at our worst.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:58 AM
Its not MY opinion, ITS THE FACTS!
2012 YPG : 486.4
2013 YPG : 426.4
2012 PA/G : 30.5
2013 PA/G : 26.8
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:58 AM
No player should have a career day unless they are an elite talent. I think those are a couple of things hat would single a big improvement.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:49 AM
WITS!, that's what it comes down to...can D'Onofrexcuses match WITS!, with the likes of Jimbo,Petrino, and Cutcliffe. Elite talent can make ANY! DC look good, but can an elite DC, make that elite talent, look MORE elite...ala Jeremy Pruitt.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 08:59 AM
On a brighter note we did whole offensive powerhouses UVA and Pitt to 26 & 31 to end the regular season. Maybe since we didnt give up 42 or more Golden sees it as an upward trend.
Doesnt really matter now...
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 08:59 AM
You play the schedule you play. Every team plays two or three gimmes.
Backing those out is as logical as backing out the two or three best teams you play as well.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 10, 2014 at 09:00 AM
ts not MY opinion, ITS THE FACTS!
2012 YPG : 486.4
2013 YPG : 426.4
2012 PA/G : 30.5
2013 PA/G : 26.8
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 08:58 AM
Are we really going to go here AGAIN? IF you play 3 high school teams, your numbers improve, VERY simple right?
Ok.. next convo please
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 09:00 AM
OK ok ok.. enough about last years D.... my question is what do YOU THINK needs to be done, or shown that marks legit improvement and keeps D'no safe?
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 09:02 AM
Here we go again with the facts....
Florida State : played Nevada, Bethune-Cookman, Idaho, Syracuse
Should their title be taken away?
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 09:04 AM
The biggest potential problem is the perception of the defensive scheme amongst the future 2014 defensive recruits, we've already had two recruits choose other schools because of it, 2014 is the crossroads for Golden in the eyes of future defensive recruits, he better implement playmaking abilities with his scheme or implements coaching changes
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 10, 2014 at 09:04 AM
OK ok ok.. enough about last years D.... my question is what do YOU THINK needs to be done, or shown that marks legit improvement and keeps D'no safe?
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 09:02 AM
Allow players maker to use their athletic abilities to make plays, I rather go down swingin' then standing in the corner gettin' ROCKED
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 10, 2014 at 09:07 AM
30.... Im done with that part... do you want to answer my question?
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 09:07 AM
Yes, we had 2 2014 recruits who said the scheme is an issue. It's funny because they BOTH committed knowing the D had issues. One went to a team that had a worse D and well, we know what the other did.
We also had about 14 other recruits who want to play for this D (lol).
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 09:08 AM
"Keep D'Onofrio safe"?
UMike...you ever been fired? Did it kill you? Well ALRIGHTY! then, YOU'RE SAFE! LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 09:09 AM
30, Go back to early December and see for yourself. UMike, thank you. No need to hash out. I butchered the defense, and no sane individual can defend it.
"What do you spacers think it would take for D'No to save his job?"
I've been holding off on this for a while in Soup's spirit of positivity. But I've got to be honest...
...nothing short of a top 50 defense, 10 win season, ACC title appearance, and a bowl game win will save D'Onofrio or Golden's job.
Love Al, but hate his decision making. It's as if he never heard the words "conditional loyalty." Donna Shalala will allow the program to win 8 or 9 games a year, but the alumni and consumers won't allow it. If you recall, only when the "Fire Shannon" banners vs. USF and decreasing ticket sales did Shalala act.
I hope I'm wrong, but here's my prediction (I'll save this one so we can celebrate if I'm wrong):
- UM falls short of the marks I set above. They lose a game they're not supposed to, one of those 45-41 shootouts vs. an inferior ACC opponent. The game costs us another title appearance. People stop coming to games and stop buying merchandise. The alumni calls for D'Onofrio's head. Golden defends D'Onofrio. Golden gets the axe because of his willful refusal to fire him.
I'm hope I'm wrong. I hope.
In the meantime: Michael Barrow for D.C.
Posted by: LB | February 10, 2014 at 09:14 AM
Yes, we had 2 2014 recruits who said the scheme is an issue. It's funny because they BOTH committed knowing the D had issues. One went to a team that had a worse D and well, we know what the other did.
We also had about 14 other recruits who want to play for this D (lol).
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 09:08 AM
So if the defense continues to have problems this year you don't think the number of recruits concern's will grow regarding the style of play
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 10, 2014 at 09:15 AM
Posted by: LB | February 10, 2014 at 09:14 AM
-----------------------------------------------
What is the purpose of removing out of conference teams when teams do not play the same conf schedule?
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 09:16 AM
So if the defense continues to have problems this year you don't think the number of recruits concern's will grow regarding the style of play
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 10, 2014 at 09:15 AM
----------------------------------------------
They will not, if the D struggles as much or worse, D'No will/should be fired.
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 10, 2014 at 09:18 AM
I think VT was the only player who "left" because the scheme/future. I actually think it hurt us more the year before. Bethel wanted to get out of Miami.
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 09:20 AM
30.. in your opinion, what would you consider not struggling on D next year?
Posted by: UMike | February 10, 2014 at 09:21 AM
UMike, nothing's changing dawg...like Golden said..."It's no secret, we're a 3-4 team now."
Posted by: CaneRock | February 10, 2014 at 09:24 AM