National Signing Day (NSD) this year brought so many new, bright and shiny presents to University of Miami Head Coach Randy Shannon that he must have assuredly felt like Christmas had come exactly 10 months and 19 days early. Randy and his crew of top flight recruiters dominated NSD 2008 like the 2001 Canes dominated all of college football.
Yes, in 2008, February 6 was indeed Christmas for the Canes.
ESPN rated the Canes class #1 in the country and all of the so-called experts and recruiting sources had the Canes ranked in the top 5 classes nationwide. Focusing on the talent rich 305, Randy and crew made sure to lock down the local studs from Miami Northwestern High School and Booker T Washington in an unprecedented round-up of some of the best players in the Country.
Remember these names: From MNW, Forston, Johnson, Spence, Thompkins, Washington, Jones, Streeter and Harris (Jacory). From BTW, Collier and another Harris (Brandon) and Johnson (Davon).
And don't go to sleep the two "Muck Boys" WR Travis Benjamin and DL Micanor Regis. Both could play a major role in the Canes success in 2008, Benjamin as a punt and kick returner and Regis in the rotation at defensive tackle across a suddenly solid Canes defensive line.
Nationally the Canes landed top rated LB Arthur Brown from Kansas, Antonio Harper from Tennessee, a Cook from Texas, a Kane from New Jersey, a Byrd from Louisiana and Safety Vaughn Telemaque from California. The Canes also stole CJ Holton right out from under Bobby Bowden's nose and even took back Ramon Buchanon from the hated Gators and coach Urban Buy-her.
Christmas in February? This was even better, way better!
Now the job for Coach Shannon and his assistant coaches is to get these young pups ready to play, and not soon, but NOW! The only thing standing between these Canes and another 5-7 season is a new starting freshman QB and this sudden and dramatic infusion of talent and heart into the Canes locker room.
Yet, once we get beyond the giddiness and glee of landing all of this top talent on NSD, the question still remains: Which Canes team will see on the field in 2008? More of the same from 2007, or a totally new team, more like the one we saw back in 2001?
1!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 19, 2016 at 11:12 PM
Holy Flashback. 2012 should be the next edition.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 19, 2016 at 11:13 PM
On Tuesday, Florida offensive quality control staffer Marquel Blackwell visited Naples (Fla.) High for Miami cornerback commit Tyler Byrd. However, Blackwell was not able to meet with the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Byrd.
"They tried to visit me, but my coach doesn't really let that happen as long as it's through him," Byrd told 247Sports' Nate Adelson. "Schools can reach out to me directly and if I choose to reply, then that's different. Somebody from Florida showed up at school, but I didn't see them. The only reason I knew is because somebody Tweeted it. That was the first time they showed any interest since like December or November."
Byrd was originally committed to Florida, picking the Gators before his sophomore season. However, during the coaching transition from former head coach Will Muschamp to new head coach Jim McElwain, Byrd backed off his pledge in favor of Miami nearly a year ago.
The 247Sports Composite, an industry generated average, currently ranks Byrd as the nation's No. 138 overall prospect in the 2016 class.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 19, 2016 at 11:25 PM
Great post Soup. Benjamin has a solid NFL career but that class had a lot of flops. Shannon and his staff just didn't do as well as he should have to develop these players.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 19, 2016 at 11:27 PM
Crown Byrd's coach for stopping the Turds from entering.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 19, 2016 at 11:27 PM
^^^ that
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 19, 2016 at 11:33 PM
The 247Sports Composite, an industry generated average, currently ranks Byrd as the nation's No. 138 overall prospect in the 2016 class.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 19, 2016 at 11:25 PM
Having seen Byrd play against Central in a playoff game, I can assure you that Byrd should be ranked a lot higher than 138. It is so obvious after watching him play for just one series. I am convinced that Whoever rated him a 3 star never saw him play in person.
The Canes have some really good recruits on the commits list.several can play immediately.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 19, 2016 at 11:35 PM
Florida also sent an "offensive quality control staffer" and we sent CMR. CMR is doing a lot of personal in-home visits, just like Schnelly used to, and the CMR personal touch seems very effective so far.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 19, 2016 at 11:39 PM
Chad Simmons @ChadSimmons_ 3h3 hours ago Georgia, USA
Mark Richt has in-home visit w/ #Georgia commit Randrecous Davis tonight. Davis visits #Miami this weekend. http://www.scout.com/player/176917-randrecous-davis?s=73 … #Canes
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | January 19, 2016 at 11:42 PM
From Barry Jackson:
### We hear the UM football team’s new strength staff is pushing players very hard in the weight room and on conditioning drills, and at least two players couldn’t finish one workout. UM football staffers say the goal is to be a better fourth quarter team. UM was outscored 115-94 in the fourth last season, the only period it was outscored.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 19, 2016 at 11:52 PM
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 19, 2016 at 11:39 PM
Swamp Donkey was busy eating squash through a picket fence.
Also, I realize dental hygiene isn't a big priority in Gainesville, but for crisakes somebody get some floss and crest strips for the donkey.
Posted by: Lur-ker | January 20, 2016 at 12:04 AM
UM football staffers say the goal is to be a better fourth quarter team. UM was outscored 115-94 in the fourth last season, the only period it was outscored.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 19, 2016 at 11:52 PM
Funny thing is... that's what was said when Shannon and Golden took over! Lol
Posted by: WWIN | January 20, 2016 at 01:17 AM
LOL WWIN.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 20, 2016 at 01:25 AM
Man I remember being so psyched with all that talent coming in that year under RS. I am ever the optimist. Prob takes me till the fourth loss of a season to realize no 6th ring
Posted by: West Coast Ibis | January 20, 2016 at 02:21 AM
Looks like it'll pay dividends if we improve our run defense:
(ESPN) The ACC had seven players go over 1,000 yards rushing in 2015, the highest total in league history. Among the Power 5 conferences, only the SEC had more.
All seven players return in 2016, making this a position of strength across the ACC.
Here is a quick look at the 1,000-yard rushers:
Dalvin Cook, Florida State, 1,691 yards
Wayne Gallman, Clemson, 1,527
Elijah Hood, North Carolina, 1,463
Qadree Ollison, Pitt, 1,121
Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 1,105
Travon McMillian, Virginia Tech, 1,042
Joseph Yearby, Miami, 1,002
Posted by: VfB_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 04:31 AM
With a good offensive line Yearby has 1200-1300 yds last season.
He showed a ton of toughness and I expect him to have a hell of a season in 2016, even with Gus retuning. Think JY is a better back and Walton showed great promise, especially with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 20, 2016 at 05:58 AM
"At Miami, they took away some of my quickness," Chickillo said. "The only thing they cared about was me gaining weight. I feel like the Steelers gave me back something I lost. I'm having fun playing football again."
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2015/11/24/9793176/steelers-rookie-olb-anthony-chickillo-coming-into-his-own-in-the
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 19, 2016 at 09:47 PM
I tried to tell people this, but the Golden Homers wouldnt have it
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 06:18 AM
That should of been a hell of a class. After we followed it up on 2009 with Ray-Ray and others, I really thought RS was on to something
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 06:19 AM
Everyone has said Chik took one for the team here.
He came in at at time when we had basically no interior linemen and was forced to bulk up and play out of position.
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 20, 2016 at 06:20 AM
Go Canes... no, not everyone said that. I know you did, but others tried to tell me his weight was fine and tried tied to compare his weight to other DE's
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 06:29 AM
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 06:29 AM
Don't remember that at all.
Everyone knew what was going on with chik.
The sad part was people slamming him on social media, and maybe even here, saying he was no good, slow and couldn't get off blocks. He probably should have been exactly what he is now in the pros. Physically he looks good now. Always looked bloated here. Feel bad for him. His father was livid with Golden the last couple of years.
Posted by: Lur-ker | January 20, 2016 at 08:04 AM
Of course no one remembers it, convenient.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:16 AM
Love Chik but he had to play outta position and Golden, misused Him that blows but Chik move on dude this is like the 20th time or more hearing about this. We get it. Just being Petty. Move the hell on. Ball out for the Steelers have a helluva career we all pulling for U but come on Chik move on. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 20, 2016 at 08:27 AM
I didn't say it. I know that. I do remember people slamming chik. Would love to see the posts you're talking about. Like I said, it was clear what was happening and nobody wasn't "not having it" that I recall.
Posted by: Lur-ker | January 20, 2016 at 08:28 AM
TS is dead on, as usual. Hope chik is a stud in the NFL. Speaking of moving on, that article was way back from November and already made the rounds.
Posted by: Lur-ker | January 20, 2016 at 08:31 AM
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 20, 2016 at 08:27 AM
Well said Terrance!
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 20, 2016 at 08:31 AM
I will leave your selective memory to you, no way in hell Im going back to search for posts for something I clearly remember lol
TSully...whos being petty? I responded to a link posted and Chiks quotes.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:31 AM
Lurker agrees with Tsully... shocker LMAO lol
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:32 AM
You say selective memory, I see somebody pounding their chest about something that's not clear to me that happened.
Posted by: Lur-ker | January 20, 2016 at 08:33 AM
Pounding my chest? lol, good one.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:35 AM
Lurker agrees with Tsully... shocker LMAO lol
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:32 AM
You are heading toward making this personal. Wouldn't go there. IJS
Posted by: Lur-ker | January 20, 2016 at 08:36 AM
Lurk, not making anything personal, but I can tell you I dont give a f*^k about where you tell me to dont go lol "wouldnt go there".. like there is some bad outcome waiting for me haha
Ok, I will move on, nothing but love for ALL my Space brothers and sisters here. Lurk yo u need to come to Atlanta man, we need all the space there!!
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:47 AM
Yesss Lur-ker needs to make the Trip to the ATL for the GT Game. UMike we gonna have a blast the whole weekend.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 20, 2016 at 08:50 AM
I was saying Chik is being Petty at this point. Love Chik and hope he has a 12 year career but let it go about UM.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 20, 2016 at 08:52 AM
Tsully...he might be trying to let people know how he went from 4-Star hype to 6th round fatso hahaha....either way, glad to see another Cane doing something positive and fulfilling a dream.
I will be bringing my step daughter to her first Miami game in ATL and my ex step son (think I said that right) also. We should have a big group. My uncle and twin cousins just moved up here so they will also be going to their first games. Gonna be awesome
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:54 AM
UMike Yesss Sir. We should know the date of the Game next Thursday.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 20, 2016 at 08:57 AM
I doubt I could make it happen, but I would love to bring the boys from the shelter also. Ima start working on it and see. I just wouldnt be able to come down Friday.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 08:58 AM
Rumors that WR Randrecous Davis (UGA commit) will be flipping to UM. Possibly this weekend.
Also, OL Lucas Niang will supposedly be committing this weekend or shortly thereafter.
Richt is going after some other BIG fish. I don't know that we get any of them, but man, that guy is working. Great to see.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:06 AM
I hope he commits just so we can hear that awesome first name for four years!
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 20, 2016 at 09:17 AM
ICYMI, here's the players that Richt and staff have dropped that were committed to Golden and UM:
RB Juwon Hamilton
ATH/WR Desmond Phillips
WR Reginald Henderson
DE Jaquwan Nelson
CB Deion Jackson
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:17 AM
Randrecous is pronounced Ran-DREEK-us for those wondering.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:19 AM
Here's a really good breakdown of the class and targets as of right now:
http://www.stateoftheu.com/2016/1/20/10786620/miami-hurricanes-class-breakdown-sam-bruce-jack-allison-shaq-quarterman-tyler-byrd-1-20
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:20 AM
Rumors that WR Randrecous Davis (UGA commit) will be flipping to UM. Possibly this weekend.
Also, OL Lucas Niang will supposedly be committing this weekend or shortly thereafter.
Richt is going after some other BIG fish. I don't know that we get any of them, but man, that guy is working. Great to see.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:06 AM
-------------------------------------
Almost forgot the most important update...
4* DT Glen Logan is primed and seems ready to flip from LSU to Miami. He visits this weekend, so I wouldn't be surprised to hear he commits while on his OV.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:24 AM
ICYMI, here's the players that Richt and staff have dropped that were committed to Golden and UM:
RB Juwon Hamilton
ATH/WR Desmond Phillips
WR Reginald Henderson
DE Jaquwan Nelson
CB Deion Jackson
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:17 AM
I would like to see this list updated with where they end up.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 09:34 AM
I hope he commits just so we can hear that awesome first name for four years!
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 20, 2016 at 09:17 AM
LOL...Eddie McDoom would be bad@$$ also.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 20, 2016 at 09:34 AM
I would like to see this list updated with where they end up.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 09:34 AM
-----------------------------------------
RB Juwon Hamilton (UCF commit)
ATH/WR Desmond Phillips (Toledo, EE)
WR Reginald Henderson (MTSU commit)
DE Jaquwan Nelson (No news)
CB Deion Jackson (Probably JUCO - Grades)
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:56 AM
I would like to see this list updated with where they end up.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 09:34 AM
-----------------------------------------
RB Juwon Hamilton (UCF commit)
ATH/WR Desmond Phillips (Toledo, EE)
WR Reginald Henderson (MTSU commit)
DE Jaquwan Nelson (No news)
CB Deion Jackson (Probably JUCO - Grades)
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 09:56 AM
That says A LOT about that the former staff thought/knew vs the new staff. Maybe I wont get to use the term "project" quite as much lol
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Henderson can BALL. He has grade issues as well. If not for those, I think he'd still be in this class.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 10:13 AM
OC, maybe. But still I like the thinking of the new staff. Golden took to many projects. I think its great to have some hidden gems here and there, but cant make a high percentage of your class those type of recruits.
Posted by: UMike | January 20, 2016 at 10:16 AM
I wasn't saying I disagree with any of the drops. I'm glad he's dropping people. We asked for a change from Golden and his ways and that's exactly what we're getting. Him and his staff are on the trail HARD.
Can't wait to see what it gets us for next year. This transition year they get a free pass from me, even though they'll improve what Golden had already had. Keeping the current commits here was his first big task and he passed with flying colors.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 20, 2016 at 10:19 AM