When UM head coach Al Golden announced recently that linebackers coach Michael Barrow was leaving the team to take care of some serious family issues it did not take him long to figure out how to fill that vacancy.
Running backs coach Hurlie Brown, a former defensive player and defensive minded coach, was moved into the void left by Barrow's departure. That created another vacancy on the staff at running backs coach. Quickly in stepped UM Assistant Director of Football Operations Ice Harris.
Harris is something of a South Florida high school coaching legend having won two State titles at Booker T. Washington HS in Miami. He was known for offensive coaching abilities as the talented Tornadoes put up points by the dozen against their often over-matched opponents.
Ice has plenty of cool customers (pun intended) to deal with in what the suddenly crowded UM backfield. Led by the sensational Duke Johnson, the backfield also has the talented and tough Gus Edwards, the shifty and elusive Joseph Yearby and the incredibly gifted Trayone Gray. Coaching that group is definitely nice work if you can get it!
On day 7 of Canes Camp 2014 the voice of the Miami Hurricanes Joe Zagacki sat down with the Ice Man to get the dish on this group of players. Watch the video and you will know that he "most defintely" did just that:
With another influx of talented backs from "The Bottom" already secured via verbal commitments for 2015, the UM backfield could soon resemble the past groups that have graced UM's campus in years past when Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore were all on the roster at the same time.
Like I said before, coaching a collection of talent like that is nice work if you can get it. And Ice Harris most definitely gets it!
On a roll!
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Deon Bush!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 10:43 AM
Three!
Posted by: TonyCane | August 12, 2014 at 10:52 AM
Although still big, Edwards looks slimmer and faster.
Posted by: UMike | August 12, 2014 at 10:55 AM
On a roll!
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 10:40 AM
#Butter
Posted by: 86Cane | August 12, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Santana Moss
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 12, 2014 at 11:00 AM
Gus the bus baby
Posted by: fmcane | August 12, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuke!
Posted by: 30CINCO | August 12, 2014 at 11:08 AM
from end of last blog.....
Sad a guy like Robin Williams takes his own life. Very funny, great person, talented, wealthy...yet depressed and lonely at the end. $ and fame cannot buy happiness; so much success yet still the need to commit suicide. God bless him, he was great.
36 years ago today we had another tragic on field event. Oakland CA pre season game the hit that defined 2 men; Jack Tatum Darryl Stingley.Tatum hit him with a violent clean hit and it turned out to be a tragedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPlNhnT84Kc
So many things can be blamed, but ultimately Jack T was the scapeoat Stingley the victim.
Very tragic occurence; it happens in football and this was the worst ever. Both men are dead now, yet are linked forever in history.
The New England press was very tough on JT; yet they fail to tell how Tatum was turned away at the hospital by the family of DS.
It was a sad incident.
I had the misfortune of being there visiting my godfather Charlie Sumner Raiders DC. I had the fortune of knowing Jack Tatum; a quiet kind man who kept to himself off the field and came to see me play in college and see a couple of my teams. Jack was very good to me as a young man; I saw a side others may not have known. I learned a lot from him over the years about football; and life.
This was pro football when it was wide open; there were no big salaries, huge endorsements, or the rules we have today. You went out there, if you could walk and gave it your all to win.
I think about this game I coach and have for 36 years, and love it dearly. At times I am torn between what I love and enjoy, and the tragedy that can result from that love. I like to think I teach young men so many important things about life family school and football; maybe its time I continue with the first 3 and stop coaching the game.
I say a prayer for both deceased men. Darryl Stingley, a man I never knew but respected, and for Jack Tatum, a man who took interest in a young man and called me his friend.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Love everything I am hearing from Canes camp.
Starting to look like a team disciplined, talented and deep enough to compete from here on out.
Also starting to think this job is Kaaya's for the taking. With all the talent he has surrounding him if he can just make the right plays called for him he can be successful now and grow into the best QB we have had here in more than a decade.
Everyone knows I am biased for that scenario to pan out. I've long said I'm ready to live with the growing pains, hope they don't cost you games as they happen, then enjoy the heck out of the three years to follow.
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 11:19 AM
Also starting to think this job is Kaaya's for the taking. With all the talent he has surrounding him if he can just make the right plays called for him he can be successful now and grow into the best QB we have had here in more than a decade.
I think so too. He just seems to have it all together; perhaps a superior version of KD11?
Good luck to all of our guys; they look good and are working hard. QB looks better; got to get that D on track and we should have a good year.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 11:24 AM
Play all your players that can help U win games this year is extremely important as well as future years. We must win the division, win our bowl game, and win 10 or more games. Heaps and Kaaya should play in the opener and Rosier and Olsen should get some reps in the FAMU game meaning all 4 should play. and depending how Arkansa State go hopefully all 4 can play in that game. and we can go from there because Ryan Williams probably will be back by the Duke Game. The hell with RS young men for the sake of redshirting get these guys reps and use the on special teams and certain packages this aint 1989. Talent plus depth is the key on the field. Cheerleaders, SunSations, and Tailgating off the field is the key.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 12, 2014 at 11:28 AM
Might of been posted already, but it's official!!!!!
http://www.hurricanesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28700&ATCLID=209523860
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | August 12, 2014 at 11:41 AM
We're not there at camp, and the third hand reporting says Kaaya is looking good, but I might suggest a little restraint before calling Kaaya a SUPERIOR version of KD11 when he has yet to take a single college snap. For all we know Heaps might start and play the entire Louisville game. Who knows? smh
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 11:45 AM
Whoever the QB is (I think it will be Heap) hopefully they'll see the field better than Morris did. Look for our TE to get a lot of action this year, something that we've been missing for a few years now. Our WR look sick!!.....I would say Miami has the best WR corp in the nation.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | August 12, 2014 at 11:51 AM
Lurker there was a question mark at the end of his sentence. That usually means the person is just speculating.
No one on here that I've seen has pronounced Kaaya anything definitively.
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 12:02 PM
Heaps and Kaaya should play in the opener and Rosier and Olsen should get some reps in the FAMU game meaning all 4 should play. and depending how Arkansa State go hopefully all 4 can play in that game. and we can go from there because Ryan Williams probably will be back by the Duke Game. The hell with RS young men for the sake of redshirting get these guys reps and use the on special teams and certain packages this aint 1989
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 12, 2014 at 11:28 AM
--------------------------------------
While I agree with this in theory, in practice I don't believe it can work. 4 QB's on a gameday roster will never happen, IMO. 3 max. Rosier has reportedly struggled with his accuracy, especially in the red zone. I like that kid, but it sounds like he NEEDS a RS year. If there's injury, U can always burn the RS.
Also, like I said, I'd be surprised if Olsen is here this season. JMO.
I think QB depth chart will look like this for this season:
1: Kaaya
2: Heaps
3: Williams
Olsen gone, Rosier RS
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:03 PM
I saw on Twitter a pretty good comment. If you start Kaaya day 1, then you cant pull the kid... but if you go with Heaps and it doesnt pan out you can always put Kaaya in.
Posted by: UMike | August 12, 2014 at 12:04 PM
I agree Ohio. I don't see Rosier seeing the field this year and have a hard time seeing Olsen not transferring.
That one is tough to see happen but from the moment they signed Kaaya he should have been a lot more focused than it appears he has been.
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 12:05 PM
I thought it might be ok to hope for another KD type; oh I guess not. All I can say is that since KD11 left here, we have had posers wanna bes and never wases at QB. We have not had a really good QB since then, so I think after 10 years it would be nice to start 11 people on offense instead of our tradition of 10 and some guy. Just a thought from an idle mind.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:09 PM
I agree Ohio. I don't see Rosier seeing the field this year and have a hard time seeing Olsen not transferring.
That one is tough to see happen but from the moment they signed Kaaya he should have been a lot more focused than it appears he has been.
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 12:05 PM
Is anybody going to WANT Olsen?
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 12, 2014 at 12:11 PM
Although still big, Edwards looks slimmer and faster.
Posted by: UMike | August 12, 2014 at 10:55 AM
I agree.
Posted by: CaneRock | August 12, 2014 at 12:13 PM
If it's Kaaya, our TEs should benefit. One thing I noticed in Kaaya's HS HLs, is He throws an excellent seam route...puts it there on time, and on the money.
Posted by: CaneRock | August 12, 2014 at 12:18 PM
Is anybody going to WANT Olsen?
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 12, 2014 at 12:11 PM
----------------------------------------
Plenty of schools. Weed demons and all. The talent is there, someone just has to believe they can bring it out of him
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:18 PM
The couple throws Kaaya made in the CCR7 vid look awesome. Great out route to Coley and over the middle, over a LB, under pressure from a DL and hit Stan right in the numbers with a touch pass.
Morris couldn't make that throw last year, injury or not.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:19 PM
Speculation is one thing, mentioning Kaaya as a superior KD11, is a huge stretch, even though it's obviously guesswork, that's a huge jump with zero college game tape.
We've done this before with the "next Sean Taylor", etc.
I'm just putting it out there that it's jumping the gun.
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 12:20 PM
Love Duke's tribute (if that's what it is) to Sean T with the shiny visor on his helmet this year. He looks sick with it on.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:22 PM
We're not there at camp, and the third hand reporting says Kaaya is looking good, but I might suggest a little restraint before calling Kaaya a SUPERIOR version of KD11 when he has yet to take a single college snap. For all we know Heaps might start and play the entire Louisville game. Who knows? smh
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 11:45 AM
Agree. We've been there before, all. Yrs. ago someone we all find more credible than DBC was saying that Kirby Freeman would throw 30 TD's after seeing him in fall practice.
He's a freshman, reports are very encouraging, but he's still going to need time.
Posted by: j.w. | August 12, 2014 at 12:22 PM
The comparisons don't bother me at all. Next Sean T, next KD11, etc. As long as they stay exactly that, comparisons. Don't let them turn into expectations.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:24 PM
99% of what's done on here is speculation.
Don't see a thing wrong with making comparisons. It's what has fueled sports for 100 years.
The next ________ in any sport is always a hot topic of discussion.
Don't see why we should stop or change that on here, be it a slam dunk or total stretch do do it.
jmo.
Posted by: Go Canes | August 12, 2014 at 12:26 PM
Great story on Clive by SMD. Clive has his head on straight and I wish all our players had his focus and determination.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/08/11/4284585_university-of-miami-tight-end.html
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:28 PM
^^^ From that article:
“My grind is totally different,’’ Walford said. “I’m focusing on grinding and competing against tight ends all across the nation, not just the ones here on my team. I’m competing against the top tight ends — [Devin] Funchess from Michigan, [Nick] O’Leary from Florida State, I forgot the kid’s name from South Carolina [senior Rory Anderson], but I’m competing against all those guys.
“I’m trying to put in more work. We all have the same goals. We’re all trying to get to the NFL. I know if I do 10 reps, they could be doing 12 reps. So I have to push myself to do 13 reps.’’
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Ohio I think it it up to the top 2. I like Kaaya, but as Lurker said, he has never taken a college snap, Heaps has done so. I am on the fence about Williams watching him move. Guy had a knee injury that required some surgery, he moves with caution, is not full speed, has not had to move around in pocket....and has not taken a hit yet. I cannot see starting either guy then putting him in as the starter. M
Memphis 2010
10 starts, 165 of 290, 57%, 2075 yds 13 tds 10 ints
UM since 2011
0 starts, 37 of 52, 71%, 456 yd 4 tds 1 int.
Memphis 2010 is a long time ago, he has not had as much on field experience as Heaps at all; even Kaaya, a HS player, has more on field game experience against different level of player.
God forbid he want a medical redshirt and another year if he sits this one out. Keep him on the roster active...but he is emergency.
Other 2 will be the battle; keep Rosier forget the RS; Olsen will see his cards and want to leave.
Or be like Soup.....Return of The Crow baby!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:29 PM
That's right. I hope more than anything that any cane we talk about ends up being a total football stud.
But we've all been there before with the Greentree All-Americans that barely see the field. There are numerous examples.
Having said that, my hope for QB this year is someone who can efficiently distribute the ball and involve the playmakers we have. Don't care who it is as long as he gives us the best chance to win.
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 12:30 PM
I was referring to j.w. With my last post.
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 12:33 PM
Lurker...I agree, especially that Gray & ST26 comparison...NOT EVEN CLOSE!
Posted by: CaneRock | August 12, 2014 at 12:37 PM
Having said that, my hope for QB this year is someone who can efficiently distribute the ball and involve the playmakers we have. Don't care who it is as long as he gives us the best chance to win.
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 12:30 PM
-------------------------------------------
Don't think anyone will disagree with this.
Though, I can see Go Canes point in saying if Heaps and Kaaya are close, start Kaaya. I don't think a year on the headset would do a ton for Kaaya at this point. He clearly understands most of, if not all of the O. Heaps as a backup with experience would be a nice thing to have.
Actually I can see Coley pushing for exactly that because he found/recruited Kaaya.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:40 PM
Just hoping is more my line; I see a lot of good in him from what I have seen. My cousins are from his area in CA. I see a lot of QBS up close, he has the tools to be good. I can tell you that Allen Iverson, as good as he was in hoops, was a better QB than Mike Vick coming out of HS...cat was scary good. Saw him numerous times, liked what I saw...thats all. Hope Kaaya will pan out be that good. Time is the tell.
Pardon me hoping for something better than the guys we have rolled out at QB since KD. Like I said you cannot win with 10 players and a warm body; nned that good QB.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:41 PM
And yes, If U start Kaaya Game 1, U have to ride that wave the whole season. U can't pull him. Confidence killer that could last a lifetime.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:42 PM
Bottom line; play the guy that you gut feel gives you the chance to win with him on field. We will see; dont care who.....just make a decision and go with it. It is pretty clear that Heaps and Kaaya are leading the pack. Good luck to both.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:44 PM
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 12, 2014 at 11:28 AM
It's funny to me how people have a problem with parents that hold their kids back a grade in school but love red shirting every freshmen in college! Lol
Posted by: WWIN | August 12, 2014 at 12:49 PM
Put them out there let them play. I thought they might RS Rosier; put them out there competition is the best way to find out who can do the job.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 12, 2014 at 12:52 PM
Exactly WWIN.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 12, 2014 at 12:52 PM
Lurker...I agree, especially that Gray & ST26 comparison...NOT EVEN CLOSE!
Posted by: CaneRock | August 12, 2014 at 12:37 PM
I'll have to disagree with that, they have a lot of similarities. And to be honest, ST26 is becoming over hyped bcuz he's dead now. Don't get me wrong, I love Sean, named my daughter after him lol, and he's one of the best that ever played with us, but now too many people are making him super human.
Posted by: WWIN | August 12, 2014 at 12:55 PM
they have a lot of similarities.
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | August 12, 2014 at 12:55 PM
Name em'...
Posted by: CaneRock | August 12, 2014 at 12:58 PM
but now too many people are making him super human.
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | August 12, 2014 at 12:55 PM
Nobody's superhuman, but did you see the FSU rain game up in Tally? Best imitation of superhuman I've ever seen.
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 12:59 PM
ST dominated that game from the safety position. I'd never seen that before or since.
Posted by: Lurker | August 12, 2014 at 01:01 PM
My comparisons about Gray and ST were only because of how athletic they both are/were and the number of different positions they could potentially be the #1 player at. Its reminiscent of Sean Taylor coming into UM
Posted by: UMike | August 12, 2014 at 01:03 PM
I'd go so far as to say, that ST26 was 1/2 Deion, 1/2 Tatum. The man made the game look EASY!
Posted by: CaneRock | August 12, 2014 at 01:04 PM
It's funny to me how people have a problem with parents that hold their kids back a grade in school but love red shirting every freshmen in college! Lol
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | August 12, 2014 at 12:49 PM
------------------------------------------
You're not stunting them academically by RS'ing them. They still advance all the courses they take, not repeat them a 2nd time just for the sake of a competitive advantage.
Apples and oranges, IMO.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 12, 2014 at 01:04 PM