Former Miami Hurricanes defensive back JoJo Nicolas died Wednesday after suffering injuries from an early Tuesday morning car accident.
"The entire University of Miami family mourns the loss of JoJo Nicolas who passed away earlier this evening," Miami AD Blake James said. "JoJo was a valued member of our community, our school and our football program, and his loss is devastating to everyone he touched. On behalf of the University, I send our condolences and thoughts and prayers to JoJo's family, friends and teammates. He will forever be a part of The U."
A four-year letterwinner for the Miami Hurricanes from 2007-11, he was the recipient of Miami's 2011 Melching Leadership Award at the team's banquet at the end of the season. As a senior in 2011, he recorded 66 tackles and two interceptions.
"The University of Miami community has suffered a deep loss, with the passing of JoJo Nicolas," head coach Al Golden said. "For all of us who were fortunate to know JoJo--to coach him, teach him, play alongside him or simply to befriend him--we will forever carry his memory with us. Our prayers go out to his family and his loved ones, and he will always be a cherished member of our family."
proCanes.com @proCanes 2m
#Canesfam JoJo's Family needs HELP! Please donate 2 help w/ funeral expen & help his newborn son http://bit.ly/Mz4FWA #RIPJoJo
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 02:42 PM
^^^^^^^^^^ I'll definitely donate. And even in tragedy, it's good to know JJN left behind a son...somebody to carry His name.
RIP.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 27, 2014 at 03:06 PM
@Safid_Deen: Plantation TE Ravian Pierce announces he's going to play college football at Mississippi St.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 03:24 PM
JoJo is in Heaven with Sean watchin' out for all CANEZ
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 27, 2014 at 02:31 PM
With his previously departed infant son in his arms for eternity.
Posted by: KYcane | February 27, 2014 at 03:32 PM
FIU beating Marlins 5-3 after 5. LOL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 02:36 PM
-----------------------------------
Marlins rally back to win 9-5
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 03:55 PM
Video: Spring begins at Miami http://es.pn/Mzlxwn
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 04:04 PM
@mattyports: ICYMI, #Canes who will not participate in spring ball due to previous injuries: Duke Johnson, Joseph Yearby, Braxton Berrios, Corn Elder.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 04:19 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz 1m
UM says it has moved Dallas Crawford to defensive back. Leaves Miami short-handed at RB this spring.
Oh boy... What's happening?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 04:39 PM
I wonder if he asked for the move Ohio.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 04:41 PM
I wonder if he asked for the move Ohio.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 04:41 PM
----------------------------------
I don't know, but that leaves only Gus as RB for the Spring... WTF?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 04:43 PM
We'll get the story soon enough I guess. Sure is strange which is why I wonder if he asked.
He has to see three backs in front of him this year with Walton and who knows who else to follow.
Only thing I can think of.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 04:48 PM
Go, I mean I get the move with Crawford being a DB coming out of HS. But with Yearby AND Duke missing Spring, it's... odd. To say the least.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 04:59 PM
Chip Brierre @chipbrierre 2m
The #Canes RBs officially listed at that pos. and ready for Spring camp are Gus Edwards, Walter Tucker, and De'Andre Johnson
Well, there U go.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 05:03 PM
@PeterAriz: Crawford also brings a “recklessness” to a defense that has sorely lacked that attitude. Good sign that they trust in Yearby’s recovery
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 05:17 PM
@PeterAriz: I am a big fan of the Crawford move. Played safety out of HS and is an instinctual football player. This forces Edwards to step up as well
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 05:18 PM
Lol @ PeterAriz. A "recklessness" that will, in a short time be considered freelancing and will get him called out by the "Defensive" staff. Good luck Crawford, you're gonna need it on Mark's side of the ball.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 27, 2014 at 06:15 PM
@mattyports: Miami spring football preview: breaking down key position battles for #Canes, who hit the field at 9 a.m. Saturday. http://t.co/s7pf5XpKbo
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 06:38 PM
DC to DB?...IIRC, the staff pulled this same move with Clements, only to move Him back to RB...who knows. And maybe they think that Tucker will settle in at RB or FB...Tucker may actually be a legit prospect...big,fast kid. We'll see.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 27, 2014 at 07:29 PM
Barry Jackson:
Al Golden is not talking to the media until Saturday, and UM didn’t give a reason for moving Crawford, who averaged 4.2 yards per carry last season. But it strongly suggests Miami expects Edwards and Yearby to get nearly all of the carries behind Johnson in 2014. Tucker likely will play fullback.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2014/02/examining-um-spring-subplots-including-notable-position-switch-hickey-addresses-issues-heat.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: CaneRock | February 27, 2014 at 08:17 PM
It is tragic anytime a parent hast to bury their child. RIP Jo Jo.
Posted by: Canesteeler | February 27, 2014 at 09:19 PM
@GoldenAl: God gained a gr8 teammate last nite. 1 that achieved ultimate in athletics.He honored & maximized gifts bestowed him. http://t.co/c6L4eQ3ssl
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 27, 2014 at 09:56 PM
Al Golden @GoldenAl · 50m
God gained a gr8 teammate last nite. 1 that achieved ultimate in athletics.He honored & maximized gifts bestowed him.
http://youtu.be/j2Dv0clU14k
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 27, 2014 at 09:59 PM
Ohio almost at the same time...Very touching tribute to # 29.
And to all the haters please stop bashing Al Golden at least until the new season. Stop playing your broken record...Many of us are sick of it.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 27, 2014 at 10:08 PM
Well said Montreal-Cane.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 27, 2014 at 11:54 PM
CanesAllAccess posted a nice tribute to JoJo on Youtube.
God forbid people should have to read a conflicting opinion here. I think the back and forth is a healthy thing for the blog so long as it isn't taken too far. No one is forcing anyone to participate in any given conversation.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 12:42 AM
True no one is forcing anyone to participate in any given discussion but some will beat a certain topic to death. But of course some will act like that never happens. Yea right.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 28, 2014 at 01:03 AM
Yeah, some topics do get beat to death. But last year had a really unsatisfying end, and its a long time until kickoff. People are gonna debate something... so long as it doesn't get personal or bash a kid on the team or recruit, then game on in my opinion. There are hundreds and thousands of comments here weekly. So much more to talk about than what to tell people not to talk about. That's my 2.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 01:10 AM
Anyone heard from Willie Will?
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 03:26 AM
How about CoCane?
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 03:26 AM
Canes who will not participate in spring ball due to previous injuries: Duke Johnson, Joseph Yearby, Braxton Berrios, Corn Elder.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 27, 2014 at 04:19 PM
That is a LOT of talent on the sideline. Maybe more than some teams have in total? LOL
Posted by: SOUP | February 28, 2014 at 04:46 AM
The good news Duke and Joe don't go into the Fall injured. We really need a healthy Duke to be a good offense. I'm kinda worried Gus will get too many carries.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 05:28 AM
Sorry SOUP ;)
I'll behave now.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 05:30 AM
Lol @ PeterAriz. A "recklessness" that will, in a short time be considered freelancing and will get him called out by the "Defensive" staff. Good luck Crawford, you're gonna need it on Mark's side of the ball.
Posted by: The Dude | February 27, 2014 at 06:15 PM
SAD BUT TRUE
Posted by: canezilla | February 28, 2014 at 06:06 AM
I give Golden credit where it is due, but I also call him out on things he needs to be called out on. Nothing wrong with that. Now D'No on the other hand.... lol
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 06:16 AM
I guess it really doesnt matter who plays RB in the Spring, but I thought we had depth issues at RB, so for that reason the move is surprising. From all I have read he will most likely play safety, but I thought we had good talent at Safety and 2 studs coming in in Hester and Gayot. Ariz said Crawford was excited about the switch, so we will see.
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 06:18 AM
Tito...
2016 Vero Beach (Fla.) defensive end Patrick Bethel may have had a good sophomore season, but he isn’t settling for anything.
“The way I feel is that there’s always room for improvement. In the eyes of some people I may have had a good season. I always want to get better and be able to dominate until the last play.”
Bethel has been working with his father by lifting weights and also running with him.
“I’m doing a little bit of everything. I’ve got my father he really helps me a lot, he’s stepped in as a mentor and my coach. I’ve been doing some footwork, some strength training, some speed training. I’m just trying to get bigger, faster and stronger.”
Bethel’s father is a familiar face for Miami Hurricane fans as he played for Miami from 1988 to 1990.
While the 6’3 230 pound prospect says his father’s history at Miami won’t play a big role, he does admit his father is playing a huge role for him in the recruiting process.
“He doesn’t really talk to me specifically about Miami, the most important thing for him is getting an education, so whenever we talk about schools he wants me to get an education. But for him having played at Miami and the Pro’s for a period of time it really helps to know what it takes to get there.”
Miami is one of the schools who has been showing interest in Bethel along with a number of other schools.
“Because I’m a sophomore I can’t really talk to many, but from what I know I’m getting looks from Miami, Northwestern, UCF, Louisville. I always want to work and get recognized by everybody.”
The Vero Beach product isn’t very familiar with Miami, but did get a chance to watch them earlier this past season against Virginia.
“I went to one of their games and I really did enjoy that atmosphere and some of the other recruits that were there. I haven’t really gotten a chance to see them at this point, but I did like it.”
http://www.canesinsight.com/content/2318-2016-DE-Bethel-Focusing-on-Football
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 06:19 AM
Nash...
After a breakout year at John I Leonard high school, 2015 wide receiver Tavares Martin has garnered the attention of many top college programs.
However, Martin recently transferred to Dwyer high school after his offensive coordinator resigned at John I. Leonard.
"I was talking to college coaches while evaluating my decision and they were just giving me good input about how I just need to be developing as a player so that I can compete on the college level," said Martin.
"After sitting down with everyone at Dwyer, me and my daddy came to the decision that I was going to go there. Pretty much based on because they put tons of players in college every year," said Martin.
Martin, who stands in at six-foot-one 165-pounds, currently holds offers from top schools like Miami, West Virginia, Ohio State, UCF, North Carolina and Florida State among others.
Martin picked up his offer from Miami while he was visiting for the Florida game last season.
"I was real happy you know, because if you get an offer from Miami it's pretty huge and it definitely means a lot," said Martin.
Miami was one of the first schools to show interest in Martin and he appreciates that. So what were some other things that stuck out about Miami for Martin?
"They're good you know. They my hometown team so you got to like them since they in my backyard," said Martin. "They had one of the best teams when I was a kid growing up, and they're still considered one of the top teams today."
Miami head coach Al Golden and receivers coach Brennan Carroll are the coaches Martin talks to most.
"We just talk about how I fit into the system and how they really like me as a person and a player. We get to talk about the school and basic stuff like how the campus looks and all that," said Martin.
Martin is definitely one of the most underrated playmakers in the state for the 2015 class. How does he describe his play on the field?
"I'm definitely physical. I'm the type of receiver that can spread the field. I can make my presence felt vertically. I don't have a whole lot of size but I make the best of the size I do have," said Martin.
Here are his highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/134686...ights/14104373
http://www.canesinsight.com/content/2317-Dwyer-WR-Tavares-Martin-is-impressing
To bad this kid transferred to Dwyer, wont be coming here
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 06:20 AM
From Tito...
Small Peek into 2016
Miami's D-line class in 2014 was great, but looking a little farther into the future if the 'Canes can play their cards correctly they can land two more 4/5 star caliber defensive ends in 2016.
First, I must give credit where it's due. Credit to Blackvern for spotting Shavar Manuel from Tampa Blake (Fla.). Manuel is almost Jadaveon Clowney size as he's already 6'3 240 pounds as a sophomore. Granted, most would say he is a future DT, but his tape shows you other wise.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/324008...ghts/112681375
he already holds a Miami offer and named the 'Canes and Florida as 2 schools standing out to him.
The other defensive end is Patrick Bethel from Vero Beach high school. Bethel is another great end prospect who shows great technique and never gives up on the play. The Canes are one of his main offers right now and he's highly interested.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/300548...ghts/104198379
I know this is probably way to early to be talking about, but I figured it something to keep an eye on.
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 06:22 AM
Jordan Cronkite is a beast. He's better than Jordan Scarlett.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 06:30 AM
Tim Irvin is a little beast.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 06:32 AM
My new espresso machine was supposed to be here today. Now UPS is saying its delayed due to bad weather in SLC. This angers me.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 28, 2014 at 06:39 AM
Now see, this is the crap some of us wonder about on here, WHY we gotta be "haters"? NOBODY said a word about Al Golden. I commend Golden for paying His respects to the Nicholas family, but this tragedy is NOT! about no damn Al Golden!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 28, 2014 at 07:07 AM
From all I have read he will most likely play safety, but I thought we had good talent at Safety and 2 studs coming in in Hester and Gayot.
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 06:18 AM
I actually agree with D'Onofrio about Jenkins, RJ needs to be more consistent back there. Can't have any more games like the Duke game, if He wants to hold that starting spot.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 28, 2014 at 07:20 AM
Did Arizona really just try to pass a law that would allow business to discriminate against gay people? Geez, what is this 1960... Glad it got shot down. I understand if you dont like someones preference, but you should NEVER have the right to discriminate.
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 07:25 AM
CR...Im not saying Jenkins is a lock, but we have talent there and no depth at RB... just seems odd I guess. With Yearby looking like he will get 2nd strong carries, maybe Crawford asked for it. I like Crawford, hopefully he has an impact on the D
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 07:27 AM
@ChrisFreet: We will be delivering some good news to the email boxes of Hurricane Club members and Season Ticket holders around 9 am. #Renewed
Posted by: Go Canes | February 28, 2014 at 07:40 AM
According to Rivals, 4-Star DB Hunter Dale grew up wanting to play DB for Miami. Has Miami offer..
http://rivals.yahoo.com/miami/football/recruiting/player-Hunter-Dale-142908
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 07:41 AM
UMike, IMO, that bill didn't get pulled because it was socially divisive, it got pulled as a business move...NAMELY!, the NFL threatening to pull next years SB. And there were other big corporation threatening not to do business in Arizona.
But AFAIC,Arizona should've BEEN! boycotted, especially with that racist,xenophobic,self hatin' bastard in Maricopa County (Joe Arpaio)...that clown is the modern day version of Bull Connor.
PHUCK! Arizona!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 28, 2014 at 07:50 AM
So Tebow is out recruiting for Meyer and OSU huh? lol.. Wonder how Florida fans feel about that haha
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 07:53 AM
I just cant believe the bill got started and made it that far. That is just crazy in todays society. Didnt they try to pass (or did?) some crazy immigration law too?
Posted by: UMike | February 28, 2014 at 08:06 AM