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April 02, 2015

Comments

UMike

GOAT

86Cane

BOAT

UMike

Dude
You keep nibbling on thin ice!
Some of us would like to see the blog continue.
Be careful.

Posted by: CaneWarrior | April 02, 2015 at 12:56 AM

There IT is right there.

Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 07:24 AM

I would like to think the leash isnt THAT tight

86Cane

UMike...tighter than that! Actually the post itself was not that bad, but the intent behind it and the direction it leads to IS. U get it?

raizecane

RIP ST..........

86Cane

And BTW...go back and look at who it was that fell for the April Fools joke about Golden yesterday and tell me why?

raizecane

We have a championship to win tonight......GO CANES

Go Canes

The greatest talent to ever put the U helmet.

UMike

86... I understand what you mean...but with the pro day going on and the success there it was normal for experts to make those comments and for someone to share it...I dont think there was any intent to start anything...at least in my opinion. You should be proud us haters didnt take it and run, and it didnt ignite anything...#progress haha

UMike

The greatest talent to ever put the U helmet.

Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 07:41 AM

On this we are in absolute, unquestioned agreement.

VfB_Cane

Stories like this make both mad & sad. At least the killers are in jail for a long time. The Bryan Pata case, however, is still unresolved. In all likelihood, his killer(s) will never be brought to justice.

Terrance Sullivan

Miami vs Stanford for NIT Championship. Let's go Canes. Bring home the title. RIP Sean Taylor.

Lurker

Well done on the article, Soup.

It hurts to think about a young man taken so senselessly before his time

Ohio_Cane

From DMoney at CIS:


Final spring observations

Below are my observations from the practices, scrimmages and spring game:

QUARTERBACK

Don't let the vanilla spring game fool you: Brad Kaaya has been lights out. He knows where to go with the ball, his completion percentage is sky-high, and his impeccable ball placement allows the receivers to run after the catch. Some of his red zone throws were legit jaw-droppers. He's the best player on the team by a good margin.

Malik Rosier is still too inaccurate for me. When he misses, he misses high and by a mile. In fairness to him, these no-contact practices don't highlight his best attribute, which is running. Rosier also played best in scrimmage situations, which suggest he may be a gamer. But the accuracy needs to get much better if he wants to be a legitimate Miami quarterback. Watching Rosier makes you appreciate how easy Kaaya makes it look. It should be noted that the team switches to a read-option offense whenever Rosier is in the game.

Vincent Testaverde is still learning the offense and takes too many coverage sacks. But when the ball comes out, it's better than Rosier's. Testaverde has a pretty good arm and shows nice touch on bucket throws. If he improves his mental game, he has a chance to be decent.

RUNNING BACK

There's no Duke on the roster, but this position should be fine. Gus Edwards won the most improved offensive player award and he deserved it. He's finally learning how to run with leverage and power. Once he gets in the open field, he's very fast for his size. You know what you're getting with Joe Yearby-- he runs hard, he has excellent feet and he'll always make the first man miss in space.

Trayone Gray is starting to get comfortable at running back. Some of his jump cuts have been Duke-esque. However, he continues to have fumbling problems. If he can fix those, he'll bring a much-needed gamebreaking element to the RB corps. Walk-on Collin Alford won't play but he's a solid player with some quickness.

WIDE RECEIVER

No worries here. Rashawn Scott and Stacy Coley emerged as the clear-cut top guys. Coley didn't make the splash plays, but he was very consistent. The big plays will come if he continues to work hard. Malcolm Lewis and Braxton Berrios were reliable and QB-friendly over the middle. Herb Waters is not as consistent as a senior should be. He needs to do a better job finishing plays and winning contested balls. It'll never happen, but the best thing for him would be a move to corner. I've always felt it was his natural position.

Tyre Brady and Darrell Langham aren't there yet, for different reasons. Brady can separate but can't catch. Langham catches everything in his area but can't separate. Of the two, I think Langham has the better chance to contribute as a red-zone specialist.

TIGHT END

This position will continue to play a big role in the offense because of Kaaya, but Clive Walford will be missed. Standish Dobard dropped too many balls this spring. He's a great blocker, though, and a load after the catch. Chris Herndon is going to play a major role. He's very football savvy, he lines up all over the field and he runs well. David Njoku didn't play at a big-time high school like Herndon, and he's a little behind in terms of football IQ. But athletically, he's as good as there is on the team. Njoku made some spectacular catches this spring and runs better than any Canes tight end since Jimmy Graham. He'll be a star sooner than later.

Jerome Washington reminds me of Richard Gordon: a unique size-speed athlete who can't catch. He's probably a year away, although he's physically ready to contribute.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This is the weakest position on the team. There are only four guys who I'd trust in a game. Nick Linder is rock-solid at center and was the most consistent lineman all spring. Trevor Darling has some bend and balance issues, but is still a quality tackle. The group got a huge boost when Kc McDermott came back. He reminds me a lot of Zack Martin. He can play tackle because his balance and technique are so good, but at guard he has the potential to dominate. Danny Isidora is a solid player who occasionally struggles with size. I think his best position is center.

After that, it's ugly. Alex Gall is a major disappointment. He doesn't play with the strength I expected coming out of high school. Despite his improvement, Sonny Odogwu is still not ready for FSU or Virginia Tech. He really struggles with pass blocking after initial contact, mostly because he doesn't move his feet. Hunter Wells has also improved but not enough. Joe Brown is a promising run blocker who struggles as a pass blocker. Jahair Jones is unplayable. We desperately need guys like Tyree St. Louis, Bar Milo and Ty Gauther to come in ready to contribute.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The talent is there. For the first time in years, we have a legitimate two-deep across the board. Mike Wyche has been a revelation this spring. He's slimmed down and is playing with a ton of confidence. There are different skill sets along the line: the athleticism of AQM and Chad Thomas, the steadiness of Trent Harris, the quickness of Anthony Moten and Ufombu Kamalu, the length of Jelani Hamilton. These guys dominated our undermanned offensive line from the first practice through the spring game. If the staff can't get this group to perform, they have no one to blame but themselves.

LINEBACKER

It's Jermaine Grace and everyone else. Grace is developing into a full-blown star who can cover, blitz and run sideline-to-sideline. Raphael Kirby has been solid but is not an impact player like Grace of Denzel Perryman. Darrion Owens plays hard and is one of the best size-speed guys on the team and he plays hard, but still hasn't had that major breakthrough. It could come in fall camp. Tyriq McCord has been a pleasant surprise at SAM and is much-improved in space.

With Perryman gone, this group really needs Juwon Young to take the next step. He is the only physical presense in a group of finesse players. He's steadily improved but still has room to grow mentally.

SAFETY

It's a similar story here. There is one front-line player (Deon Bush) and a lot of question marks. Dallas Crawford is physically limited. Jamal Carter has a questionable football IQ and doesn't tackle as well as he should. Rayshawn Jenkins is perpetually hurt or in the doghouse. Jaquan Johnson has the potential to be excellent, but his aggressive style will result in a lot of big plays (the bad kind) as he continues to learn the game. This unit needs Bush to stay healthy.

CORNERBACK

Solid group. Corn Elder is ten pounds away from stardom. He battled Coley all spring. Artie Burns is the best press corner on the team. Tracy Howard has been banged up but is a solid veteran. Ryan Mayes was a question mark after the departure of Antonio Crawford, but he turned in a quality spring. His length is an asset and he's gotten tougher. It's still a little thin, but there will be three freshmen competing for that fifth spot.

Overall, this is Brad Kaaya's team. If we protect him, he will carry us to more wins than last year. If the offensive line struggles, it could get ugly. Defensively, the talent is there. Whether the coaches can get them to execute the scheme is another story.

86Cane

The greatest talent to ever put the U helmet.

Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 07:41 AM

On this we are in absolute, unquestioned agreement.

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 07:49 AM

#HellHathFrozenOver

86Cane

"Tyriq McCord has been a pleasant surprise at SAM and is much-improved in space."

I take up a lot of space, that has to count for something, right? But I have been told that my "gap technique" needs some work.

CaneRock

Watching our OLine, seems to me they need to consult with a martial arts expert, primarily somebody that's well versed in Centerline theory.

VfB_Cane

Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 09:33 AM

Be careful - "gap technique" and "needs some work" gets you awfully close to being banned around here. The only ingredient missing is "coaching staff".

CaneRock

Is there a street in Brooksville named after Jerome Brown? If not, there should be.

30CINCO

Good analysis by DMoney. Kayaa is the key, hope we can keep his uniform clean.

thirstybuzzardcane


Thirsty,

I am in Indiantown almost every Wednesday for a meeting @ 2. Sometimes I drive up from SoFL, sometimes from Orlando. Either way if you want to grab lunch that would be cool.

Posted by: KYcane | April 01, 2015 at 09:28 PM


-------------------------------------------

We'll have to do that!!!! My business does work in Indiantown.....We do work on all the Habitat Houses.

thirstybuzzardcane

TBC,

Is there a local Jacksonville State Grill & Wings? Lol.

Posted by: The Dude | April 01, 2015 at 10:25 PM


-------------------------------------------


Hahaha!!!!! No, only in Alabama!!! I like the idea though, I'll have to open one up!!!....LOL

Canezitis

We're selling our home and buying another in the next 30 days, inspections start Saturday. Soup, you think these rates hold up in the next 15-20 days?

thirstybuzzardcane


We're selling our home and buying another in the next 30 days, inspections start Saturday. Soup, you think these rates hold up in the next 15-20 days?

Posted by: Canezitis | April 02, 2015 at 10:15 AM


----------------------------------------

Yes

86Cane

YES, up to the end of April.

Tax day is looming and everything slows down through the end of the month spending wise. The folks that get nmoney back on their taxes file in January, the folks that have to pay taxes file in April. LOL

You can sign up for the dialy rate report, the rate DO CHANGE daily. Can you lock in your rate on your mortgage NOW? If so today is PROBABLY a good day to lock. Call your lender to see.

86Cane

Go here to sign up for daily reports:

http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/mortgage_rates/2015/4/1/1531

http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/

86Cane

Also, if you can do a 15 year loan and afford a higher monthly payment then do it! You can save $70-$90K over the 30 year loan.

Go Canes

Good analysis by whoever that guy is.

We will go as far as Kaaya can take us this year. If we can't keep his jersey clean we are in big trouble.

If the o-line can gel, there is plenty of talent there albeit young, then I'll stick to my 10-2 prediction.

UMike

I know we are all about being positive here, but I cannot go with 10-2. A lot of questions and the staff hasnt proved they can win big games and have proved they will lose a game or two they shouldnt.

I've said it before, Im not sure what record would legitimately show improvement. If we go 8-4 or 9-3 but we beat teams we should, dont have an end of the year melt down etc that could be seen has a good season. I think we do beter than 6-7 for sure, but not ready to say we're a 10-2 team.

CaneRock

D-Money knows His stuff...He sounds like either He's around the team, or He knows somebody that's plugged in.

In any event, I would've liked to hear about the STs. STs can mask a lot of defeciencies in other areas.

thirstybuzzardcane


Good analysis by whoever that guy is.

We will go as far as Kaaya can take us this year. If we can't keep his jersey clean we are in big trouble.

If the o-line can gel, there is plenty of talent there albeit young, then I'll stick to my 10-2 prediction.


Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 10:23 AM


----------------------------------------

I kind of think we'll go as far as our offensive line can take us. If Kaaya doesn't have time to throw, then we're doomed!! IMO we're going to have a rough time on the OL, unless we get a couple of freshman to step in, which is very possible.

thirstybuzzardcane

I really like our DL, I think they'll have a huge year, which will help the play of our questionable LB's.

The Dude

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM

I think you're probably right. The best thing that could have happened for last year's team was for the season to end as the team was clearly lost. Al seems to have rallied them back up again, but if I had to guess, I'd say it wouldn't take much to lose confidence again.

86Cane

A lot of questions and the staff hasnt proved they can win big games and have proved they will lose a game or two they shouldnt.

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM

Such an original thought.

I'd swear I have read this comment 1,347,682 times in the last three years, no?

86Cane

buh-bye...off to sell more houses!

CaneRock


unless we get a couple of freshman to step in, which is very possible.

Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:39 AM

I think the only spots that have to be solidified are the Guard spots. We have 2 bookend OTs in Darling & McDermott...some good depth behind em' in Odogwu & Johnson...and like you say, UM has some good looking freshman on the way in Milo,St.Louis.

But we'll see, it's still a ways to late summer & Fall practices.

UMike

A lot of questions and the staff hasnt proved they can win big games and have proved they will lose a game or two they shouldnt.

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM

Such an original thought.

I'd swear I have read this comment 1,347,682 times in the last three years, no?

Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:46 AM

Maybe, but if someone predicts 10-2 I am allowed to give my opinion as to why I dont think that will happen. And I didnt do it in a hateful way...now go sell houses lol

CaneRock

UMike...I think going either 9-3 or 10-2 with this schedule, would be exceeding expectations...so you & GoCanes are both right in a sense.

After FAU, I don't care what people say, this is a tough@$$ schedule.

Canezitis

Lenders checking on rates as we speak. Wish we could do a 15yr, but that's lil too spicy for my monthly payment. Thanks Soup.

UMike

CR...thats kinda what I mean...what if we go 8-4, BUT, there are no blow out loses, the schemes have changed or improved and we lost to only tough/good teams...wouldnt that be a good season coming off last year? That would signal a turning of the corner right?

Go Canes

IMO our defense and offense will be solid, but unspectacular.

We will find ourselves in similar situations as last year, in a position to win most if not all of our tough games in the 4th quarter.

Its there where I expect Kaaya to take the big leap.

If he does, we will win the games we gave away late last year.

UMike

Go Canes...I can agree with that...BUT....the correct plays have to be called for Kaaya as well. I hope we play more to win this year and less playing not to lose.

CaneRock

UMike...IMO, it's only a 10 game season to me, I ain't even stuntin' BC & FAU LMAO! But yeah, 8 wins would be the floor for this team, IMO.

But why is our schedule structured like that?...I see they only have 1 bye week, and then they have to play 9 straight. Don't we normally get 2 bye weeks?

thirstybuzzardcane

Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 11:04 AM

--------------------------------------

I'm banking on Milo & St Louis stepping in right away and getting some reps. Hopefully we keep everyone healthy on the OL.

thirstybuzzardcane


I hope we play more to win this year and less playing not to lose.

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 11:50 AM


---------------------------------------

That should be the motto on the players shirts, "Play To Win"!!

Ohio_Cane

I'm banking on Milo & St Louis stepping in right away and getting some reps. Hopefully we keep everyone healthy on the OL.

Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 12:02 PM
---------------------------------------------

Both could be on the 2-deep, or maybe starting, had they come in early (January). Since they didn't, it will be much more difficult, but both could play. If either has the mental aspect and playbook down, they could still get significant PT.

CaneRock

While I agree that Kaaya improving is critical to our hope for success this year, I don't think it's fair to put it all on Him.

IMO, the STs wasn't that good last year...we need a spark in the return game...our kicker(s) need to consistently pin teams deep.

Defensively, we need to do a better job of stopping the run...hopefully we pick up where we left off in the bowl game in that department.

CaneRock

Unless they move em' to DT, I expect Norton to challenge for one of the Guard spots...that kid can MOVE!

CaneRock

UM Pro Day HLs...so good, so far on my end as far as the Adidas gear goes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m90XbJXulZI

CaneRock

Miami and Everyone Else: What Single-Season College Teams Have Produced the Most NFL-Quality Players?

1. 2001 Miami Hurricanes

Record: 12-0, national champions

Players: Bryant McKinnie, Jeremy Shockey, Ed Reed, Clinton Portis, Phillip Buchanon, Sean Taylor, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Antrel Rolle, Vince Wilfork, Frank Gore, Willis McGahee, Chris Myers, Andre Johnson

No other team is even in the conversation. The backups on this squad are what make it truly unbelievable. Vince Wilfork, Antrel Rolle, Frank Gore, and Sean Taylor couldn’t even start! Even if you discount the three future Hall of Famers (Reed, Wilfork, and Johnson) and the one who easily would have been (Taylor), you’re looking at 22 trips to the Pro Bowl. As in, 22! It’s the greatest collection of future NFL talent ever collected in one place, and it’s not particularly close.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-nfl-draft-miami-hurricanes-florida-gators-usc-trojans/

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