This article was written by Canespace researcher TonyCane...
Let's look at the total number of 4/5 star players on the roster post Signing Day 2015. University of Miami 4*/5* players on the roster, season record:
2006: 46 (7-6)
2007: 42 (5-7)
2008: 42 (7-6)
2009: 41 (9-3)
2010: 39 (7-6)
2011: 28 (6-6)
2012: 21 (7-5)
2013: 22 (9-3)
2014: 25 (6-7)
2015: 28
Miami loses three (2 to early departure, 1 to graduation) and replaces them with 6, including the transfer of 5-star player Gerald Willis. A stronger class could have really boosted Miami's overall talent quotient, as it was an unusually low number of 4/5 star players leaving this year (due to the low ranked 2011 class). After the conclusion of the 2016 season we could see as many as 6 depart, meaning the 2016 class will have to have at least that many players just to keep even.
Comparing The Positions (4/5 star players)
Quarterback:
2011: (1) Harris
2012: None
2013: (1) Olsen
2014: (2) Kayaa, Heaps
2015: (1) Kayaa
Wide Receiver:
2011: (3) Benjamin, Johnson, Streeter
2012: (2) LEWIS, LOCKHART
2013: (2) Coley, Lewis
2014: (3) Berrios, Coley, Lewis
2015: (4) Berrios, CAGER, Coley, Lewis
Tight End:
2011: None
2012: None
2013: (1) Sandland
2014: (1) Sandland
2015: (1) WASHINGTON
Running Back:
2011: (3) Clements, James, Miller
2012: (3) Clements, James, JOHNSON
2013: (2) Clements, Johnson
2014: (2) Johnson, YEARBY
2015: (2) WALTON, Yearby
Offensive Line:
2011: (6) Bunche, Henderson, Linder, Johnson, Jones, Washington
2012: (5) Henderson, Linder, FLOWERS, Johnson, Washington
2013: (4) Bunche, Flowers, Henderson, Linder
2014: (4) DARLING, GIBBONS, Flowers, MCDERMOTT
2015: (4) Darling, McDermott, MILO, ST LOUIS
Defensive Line:
2011: (7) CHICKILLO, Dye, Forston, GRIMBLE, Lewis, Robinson, Vernon
2012: (5) Chickillo, Grimble, HAMILTON, MCCORD, Robinson
2013: (5) Chickillo, Hamilton, McCord, Muhammad, L Robinson
2014: (7) Chickillo, Hamilton, JACKSON, McCord, MOTEN, Muhammad, C THOMAS
2015: (8) McCord, Hamilton, Muhammed, Jackson, Moten, PATCHAN, Thomas, WILLIS*
Linebacker:
2011: (3) Futch, Robinson, Spence
2012: (2) Futch, KIRBY
2013: (2) Grace, Kirby
2014: (2) Grace, Kirby
2015: (2) Grace, Kirby
Defensive Backs:
2011: (5) Armstrong, Buchanan, Holton, McGee, Telemaque
2012: (2) BUSH, HOWARD
2013: (5) Burns, Bush, Carter, Elder, Howard
2014: (6) Burns, Bush, Carter, Elder, HESTER, Howard
2015: (6) Burns, Bush, Carter, Elder, Howard, JACKSON
*has to sit out 2015 season
WHAT?!...FIRST!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 05, 2015 at 08:43 AM
I type up a comment, and there's already a (*&$# new blog...
======
We should have won all other games and finished 9-3 or at the very least 8-4. The fact that that did not happen is concerning. If it happens again then ch-ch-ch-changes must occur.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:23 AM
Both the 2013 and 2014 seasons ended with the 'Canes dumping four games, starting with the FSU games. In 2013, they were able to interrupt the skid with wins over some pretty damned weak UVA and Pitt teams; in 2014, even the UVA and Pitt games couldn't stop the free-fall.
Now, I'm not asking you to become a full-on "hater." But I am going to ask you momentarily to lower the rose-colored shades as you contemplate the following: This year, the FSU game is in week 5, and comes before a stretch of seven games in which every team but two (Duke/UNC) beat UM in 2014, and only UNC failed to beat UM in both prior years.
Aside from "I'm a fan, it's what I do," what is the rationale behind thinking that "it" won't happen again? (By which I mean a bunch of losses to less-talented teams, with the losses particularly piling up after The Quit sets in.)
I'll spare you my read on why it will happen again, because it's just as much of a downer for me as it is for everybody else. But I will say it's not JUST "Golden sucks." (Happy to provide backup detail upon request.)
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 05, 2015 at 08:45 AM
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 05, 2015 at 08:47 AM
If a loss is "on the players", then its on the coaches imo.
Posted by: UMike | February 05, 2015 at 08:35 AM
I get what U are saying but do not agree that U are exactly 100% correct. I put two losses directly on the coaches and one on the players. That is being balanced and fair. Saying that every loss is on the coaches just because U do not like him/them is not. Some things coaches are directly responsible for and should be held accountable, but some things are out of the coaches hands believe it or not.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:47 AM
And we're equally unimpressed that you fail to ever acknowledge it factored at all in what's happened here.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 08:22 AM
The cloud was 2 seasons ago sowhatdafuc does it have to do with 7-6 or 6-7? Didn't realize it was the Sanction cloud that caused us to get beatdown in our own house for recruits yesterday
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 08:36 AM
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 08:48 AM
The cloud was 2 seasons ago sowhatdafuc does it have to do with 7-6 or 6-7?
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 08:36 AM
Sinister...U do not get it, U never will get it and U don't want to get it, so lets just let this one go, huh?
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:49 AM
Can the Cloud Chasers explained how the NCAA sanction affected the 2014 season?
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 08:50 AM
Miami's Al Golden Excited About 2015 National Signing Day Class
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdUAF5OOsVM
Posted by: raizecane | February 05, 2015 at 08:51 AM
Signing Day: Al Golden on Miami recruiting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xrrLf3Shzg
Posted by: raizecane | February 05, 2015 at 08:51 AM
It must be so cloudy out that people forget where the []_[] is located. This cloud does not keep this []_[] from winning the coastal. We all know it's the fans' fault not clouds or night games or even the coaches.
Losers make excuses and it is all on him. He'll be gone after next season and we all know this. Even the media knows. After the interview yesterday, why would they do a graphic comparing him to Shannon? I've never seen that before where they compare coaches like that. []_[]
Posted by: 360Cane | February 05, 2015 at 08:54 AM
I think it's worth pointing out that Golden's worst recruiting class to date, by a fairly significant margin, is the first one fully out from under The Cloud.
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 05, 2015 at 08:54 AM
Aside from "I'm a fan, it's what I do," what is the rationale behind thinking that "it" won't happen again?
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 05, 2015 at 08:47 AM
"I'm a fan, it's what I do."
This a sports blog, not a courtroom.
I am not going to spend time presenting "hard evidence" as to why "it" will not happen again. Instead I'll spend my off-season kayaking, fishing, playing golf, hanging out with my wife at beautiful, peaceful places like Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales (Google it!), hopefully making lots of money in real estate and just generally being happy, having fun and hoping for a great 2015 UM football season.
Because I AM a fan, it's what I do!
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:55 AM
I just can't stand other teams benefitting from our incompetence.
Posted by: 360Cane | February 05, 2015 at 08:57 AM
Because I AM a fan, it's what I do!
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:55 AM
Fine. But stop treating the "haters" as if our dissent is simple stupidity/ignorance. (Please, O benevolent blog dictator.)
We have reasons.
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 05, 2015 at 08:57 AM
BTW...it is cloudy and rainy here in Central Florida today. IJS
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:58 AM
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:49 AM
Yep, yep and yep.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 08:58 AM
Moonbat...are you trying to say that the "haters" do not try to paint the "bootlickers" into a corner of stupidity/ignorance ALL DAY, EVERY DAY either right? C'mon man, this is WAR!
Just kidding, just kidding...
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:02 AM
Sinister...I like the term "Cloud Chasers" much better than "bootlickers". CC has a nice ring to it. Let's see who gets this reference:
#ChuckMangione
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:05 AM
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 08:49 AM
Yep, yep and yep.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 08:58 AM
How did the NCAA sanctions affect the 2014 season? Did it cause us to lose 7 games or get stomped out in recruiting this year
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 09:07 AM
Very, very good read.
@ByTimReynolds: Interesting take from former Miami Hurricanes OL Tyler Horn. Read carefully. http://t.co/NPLhuunQ5l
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 09:08 AM
how the NCAA sanction affected the 2014 season?
No more Bootlickers from me
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 09:09 AM
Mangione's composition "Chase the Clouds Away" was used at the 1976 Summer Olympics, held in Montreal, Quebec, with a later composition, "Give It All You Got," being used as the theme to the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, held in Lake Placid, New York. He performed it live at the closing ceremonies, which were televised globally. In 1978 Mangione composed the soundtrack for the film The Children of Sanchez starring Anthony Quinn. This album won him his second Grammy, in the category Best Pop Instrumental performance in 1979 and the title song, almost 15 minutes long in full version and featuring a wind section theme. In 1981 Mangione composed/performed the theme for The Cannonball Run starring Burt Reynolds and many more.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:10 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_the_Clouds_Away#mediaviewer/File:Chase_the_Clouds_Away_-_Chuck_Mangione_album_cover.jpg
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:10 AM
How did the NCAA sanctions affect the 2014 season? Did it cause us to lose 7 games or get stomped out in recruiting this year
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 09:07 AM
U silly wabbit, everyone knows that it caused sweaty palms and toenail fungus, neither of which helped our cause.
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:12 AM
Chase The Clouds Away:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AveMsIxaKZM
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:19 AM
In no way, shape, or form am I taking up for the coaching staff, but a very telling thing that's been missing from our teams is a VOCAL LEADER. When we lost to FSU, yeah that deflated us all, and the right then and there, we had NO ONE to step up and hold a team only meeting and rip into his mates about the season is NOT over, and we can STILL finish strong. In NO way we should've lost to UV and Pitt, NO FREAKING WAY. Coaches can only do that so much, and in that case, my feeling is the players should've pulled together. Ala Ed Reed halftime lockeroom rant! All we can do is hope that happens is some way this coming yr?
Posted by: Cola Cane | February 05, 2015 at 09:20 AM
Can the Cloud Chasers explained how the NCAA sanction affected the 2014 season?
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 08:50 AM
Their argument is that while the programs future was in doubt, a number of 4/5 * players went elsewhere. Those players should be the junior senior class today, therefore the cloud is responsible for draining today's talent.
They have a point, this is undoubtedly true. However this doesn't explain losing to teams w significantly less talent, as Al has done since being at Miami.
The bottom line is that Al is a horrible coach, routinely losing to lesser talent. The cloud was a hindrance, but doesn't come close explaining what he's done. Loyalty to him is misplaced, as it means the program falls further and further behind everyone else. Including UVA.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | February 05, 2015 at 09:23 AM
Everyone "acknowledges" the cloud, yet when it's mentioned, it's dismissed at every turn.
The real effect cannot be quantified, so it's just dismissed as "It had an effect, just not THAT much".
Biggest effect, imo, was the way depth was affected.
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 09:26 AM
They have a point, this is undoubtedly true. However this doesn't explain losing to teams w significantly less talent, as Al has done since being at Miami.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | February 05, 2015 at 09:23 AM
There IT is right there.
Really BOTH sides are at least partially correct.
#FairAndBalanced
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:29 AM
Moonbat...are you trying to say that the "haters" do not try to paint the "bootlickers" into a corner of stupidity/ignorance ALL DAY, EVERY DAY either right? C'mon man, this is WAR!
Just kidding, just kidding...
Posted by: SOUP | February 05, 2015 at 09:02 AM
I'm trying to say that YOU, as the guy with the keys, need to be fair. I don't expect anything from Go, Go or 30.
We aren't doing this to be dicks. We're hurting here.
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 05, 2015 at 09:31 AM
Yes, I'm a slurper. We lost our starting free safety (Jenkins(, two linebackers who would have provided a lot of depth on a thereafter depleted linebacker corp, and our starting DE Muhammed. Injuries to the O-line hurt us really badly and with the lack of overall team depth due to the cloud (very low scholarship numbers due to self imposed scholarship sanctions) and 17 redshirt players including two rising juniors on the defensive line, the handwriting was on the wall for a late season meltdown. Everyone thinks Earl Moore is not an elite player but he is. Our linebacker numbers are up this year and young guys have more experience due to being forced to play earlier than wanted last year. When I look at the season, particularly the early losses at Nebraska and GT, the games came down to a couple of stops and we win by giving the ball back to our offense. Rashawn Scott was slated to start along side PD but was lost for a season where our true freshman QB surely could have used the WR who he seemed to hook up with in fall camp more than any other. Berrios was forced to become A guy and way too early.
Surely, it sounds like a lot of excuses but it is what happened. The lack of depth coupled with the loss of key players (oh yeah and our starting QB), the effect of the cloud due to the self imposed scholarship reductions, and yes a little poor game day coaching, led to the meltdown. I know I'll be attacked here for my position, but I see us deeper and better next year. AND, I bleed orange and green.
Posted by: Clwtrdan | February 05, 2015 at 09:41 AM
Butch had a tsunami of Sanctions and still won
#Butch Chaser
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 05, 2015 at 09:48 AM
Sheldrick Redwine pulls Signing Day hat trick, picks UM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rh-m5t8yQc&feature=youtu.be
Pretty refreshing hearing a kid say UM was his dream school, didnt care when the offer came, just glad it did and he jumped on it.
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 09:51 AM
I remember the Goldenites saying that what happened during the 2014 season would determine the outcome of yesterday's recruiting class. "Al Golden gotta win 10 games to lock up the SoFlo recruits!"...they said.
But NOW!, noooooo, that don't matter no mo'...now they wanna compare Kamalu, to Chief Keef...ain't that right CINCO?...LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 05, 2015 at 09:55 AM
I mean, production over stars......ain't that right?
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 09:57 AM
lol
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 09:58 AM
CINCOOOOOOOOO!...LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 05, 2015 at 10:07 AM
knew that would hit the spot, lol
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 10:09 AM
Dj we are all hurting here. All of us want to win.
And all of us think Golden dropped the ball last year late. Haven't heard anyone say anything to the contrary.
But a lot of factors, not excuses, factors, led us to where we are today. Having the gall to point those things out here gets you ridiculed at best, insulted at worse.
To some its 100% Golden, NCAA mess, bad attendance, fickle fans, gigantic financial differences compared to big time schools, outdated and distant stadium and the rest 0%.
That's a ridiculous and myopic viewpoint.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 10:13 AM
Good article Tony Cane, but you left off two of my favorite recruits- Jaquan Johnson and Norton. Of course my favorite quote for NSD is by JJ Watt who puts it all in perspective: "Annual reminder that it's not all about how many stars you have or how many cameras show up at your signing. It's what you do next."
"
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | February 05, 2015 at 10:16 AM
Posted by: Clwtrdan | February 05, 2015 at 09:41 AM
Very well said.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 10:16 AM
I'm sorry, when half your starters will be on NFL rosters next year, there is no such thing as a cloud!!! How can you blame last season on the cloud?
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 05, 2015 at 10:30 AM
Maybe we could call Al the Nyctiphobic... since those night games are so darned terrifying.
Posted by: LB | February 05, 2015 at 10:32 AM
Miami Hurricanes Football Recruiting: Grading the Class of 2015
UM's NSD haul had a few surprises, both good and bad. Today we break down where they got stronger, where they missed out, and grade the class position by position.
http://www.stateoftheu.com/2015/2/5/7984067/miami-hurricanes-football-recruiting-grading-the-class-of-2015
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 10:35 AM
Star-gazing ehhh
We've come too far
To give up who we are
So let's raise the bar
And our cups to the stars
Posted by: Old Skool | February 05, 2015 at 10:37 AM
StateOfTheU.com @TheStateOfTheU ยท 7m 7 minutes ago
#Swag16 RT @jeremycrabtree: The 2016 class starts now: #Miami leads way with 13 commits, followed by #HailState with 11 #Rebels, #TCU, #BBN & #Vols each have eight.
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 10:40 AM
I'm sorry, when half your starters will be on NFL rosters next year, there is no such thing as a cloud!!! How can you blame last season on the cloud?
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 05, 2015 at 10:30 AM
I'll take the bait.
Name the 11 starters from 2014 who will be on 2015 rosters.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | February 05, 2015 at 10:43 AM
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 05, 2015 at 09:08 AM
---------------------------------------------------
That's Jeters website which he started so players could get their views out, good story.
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 05, 2015 at 10:48 AM
I'll take the bait.
Name the 11 starters from 2014 who will be on 2015 rosters.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | February 05, 2015 at 10:43 AM
--------------------------------------
Sorry jack ass +/- 1
1 Arbrister
2 Faliciano
3 Walford
4 Duke
5 Flowers
6 Gunter
7 Perryman
8 McDermott
9 Chickillo
10 Pierre
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 05, 2015 at 10:55 AM
I'll take the bait.
Name the 11 starters from 2014 who will be on 2015 rosters.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | February 05, 2015 at 10:43 AM
--------------------------------------
Sorry jack ass +/- 1
1 Arbrister
2 Faliciano
3 Walford
4 Duke
5 Flowers
6 Gunter
7 Perryman
8 McDermott
9 Chickillo
10 Pierre
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 05, 2015 at 10:55 AM
I actually forgot Dorsett, so there's your eleven.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 05, 2015 at 10:59 AM
I'll take the bait.
Name the 11 starters from 2014 who will be on 2015 rosters.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | February 05, 2015 at 10:43 AM
----------------------------------------
You can take my bait, hook, and sinker!!!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 05, 2015 at 11:00 AM