Duke Leaves Miami Blue

Playing its third consecutive road game the University of Miami men’s basketball team fell at No. 18 Duke, 70-58, Saturday evening.

Senior guard Davon Reed’s 19 points paced a trio of players who finished with double-digit points for Miami (12-6, 2-4 ACC) in a game televised on ESPN (College GameDay) from Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Miami used a strong defensive performance in the opening period to build an 18-11 advantage through 10 minutes of play.

Duke (14-4, 3-3 ACC) finished the first half with a season-low 25 points, as the Hurricanes forced the Blue Devils to miss all eight of their shots from beyond the arc.

Following a jumper by junior guard Ja’Quan Newton, Miami took its largest lead of the game, 35-23, and left for the locker room leading, 36-25.

Following the break, the Blue Devils jumped out to a 56-40 lead, after a 31-4 run that lasted until the 8:17 mark. Duke took its largest lead of the game, 66-45, following a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Luke Kennard, with 5:14 left to play.

Freshman forward Jayson Tatum led the way for the Blue Devils with 14 points, followed by senior guard Matt Jones (13), Kennard (11) and freshman guard Frank Jackson (10).

Miami outrebounded the Blue Devils, 36-34, but Duke outshot the Hurricanes 46.2 percent (24-of-52) to 40.0 percent (22-of-55).

Up next for the Hurricanes, a return to the Watsco Center against Boston College, Jan. 25 at 9 p.m.

To keep up with the University of Miami men’s basketball team on social media, follow @CanesHoops on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Comments

[TruCane81]

I agree 100%.

Question is: Coaching or talent or BOTH?

Posted by: 86Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:42 AM

Both but mostly coaching.

I saw those lineman do things no college lineman should do.

I don't think they are as physically bad as they looked at their worst.

I have seen VERY slow linemen block much better.

They made horrible mental mistakes that seemed to be confusion and a lack of confidence.

Something changed in the way they trained in the off season that resulted in poor balance and footwork.

Failure spiraled and lowered morale of the unit.

Add in Richt's predictable playcalling and you get very oinconsistent play in big games.

We need guards BAD! The interior is where I saw the worst play.

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!

[30CINCO]

As signing day approaches, UM looking at one of its best recruiting classes in years

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/high-school/prep-recruiting/article128341354.html#storylink=cpy

[SinisterCane]

CIS:

Been saying it,Devonta smith is a different type of kid

It's been a long road to National Signing Day for Amite (La.) five-star wide receiver Devonta Smith, but February 1 is upon him. After taking official visits to LSU, Alabama and Florida State, the South's No. 1 wide receiver has an official visit to Miami (Fla.) left and will visit Coral Gables this weekend before announcing his decision next Wednesday.
The No. 26 overall player in the country went in-depth with Scout to talk official visits and his upcoming decision. Plus, the 6-1, 170-pound receiver's final in-home visits are set.

"Just for my family."

With balancing basketball season and official visits, Smith said it all takes its toll on him, but the main reason why he takes the official visits are for his family.
This past weekend at Alabama, Smith said he slept in his hotel room for most of the weekend, having arrived in Tuscaloosa late Friday night after a basketball game. Smith's time spent at Alabama was similar to his two other official visits, he told Scout on Monday night.
“It was good. Really didn’t do nothing. That was just for my family,” Smith said of his Alabama visit. “My family did everything they had planned for them. I didn’t really do anything. That was just for them to see what they wanted to see. I think it went well. It was my grandfather's first time there.”

Devonta Smith
6'1" / 167 lbs
WR RANK
3
LA WR RANK
1
OFFERS
22
26

AnalysisA smooth wide receiver who plays fast. He gets off the ball quick and really sets up defenders well. He is explosive on the football field. He catches the ball well and knows how to make adjustments on the ball. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he is elusive in the open field. He is on the lean side, so he needs to get stronger, add mass to his frame, and start to fill out, but that will come. He constantly runs away from defenders. He really knows how to stick his foot in the ground and shoot out of his breaks when running routes. Overall, he is a dynamic playmaker. He knows how to make big play after big play.

CLOSE
As far as when Smith met with Alabama coach Nick Saban and receivers coach Billy Napier, there wasn't much pressure. Just talking a little ball.
“We just talked football. That’s all. Everything I had already seen already,” Smith said.
FSU was a surprise visit for most as head coach Jimbo Fisher and company only just asked Smith and his family to visit. Smith obliged and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Smith was in Tallahassee for an official visit.
“I’ve been up there a couple times. That was for my mother for her to see it. They hit me up and wanted me to come,” Smith said. “They said they need playmakers. She thought it was good.”
Florida State was back with Fisher and assistant coaches Randy Sanders and Lawrence Dawsey on Monday, spending the whole day at Amite High School in Louisiana before watching Smith's basketball practice. The Seminoles have jumped into what was a three-team race with Alabama, LSU and Miami.
Right before his trip to FSU, Smith and his family LSU made the short trip to Baton Rouge. While Smith didn't do much except hang in the hotel room, not even talking to host D.J. Chark, just like on his other visits, Smith's family got the royal treatment and was impressed.
“Just for my family. All these visits are for my family since I’ve seen everything,” Smith said. “They like how the coaching staff is going things. They just wanted to get to know my family more.”
While on campus, Smith did get pitched by offensive coordinator Matt Canada and receivers coach Dameyune Craig, who has been instrumental in getting LSU back in the race for Smith.
“Just telling me how the offense is opening up more. I did some film with coach Craig,” Smith said. “We watched some of the drills they do. He’s a great man and a great teacher. Our relationship has grown tremendously.”

LSU 5-star target Devonta Smith talks Top 3

SAN ANTONIO -- Five-star wide receiver DeVonta Smith rebounded from a tough rep during practice Tuesday before detailing the latest on his college football recruitment including…

by John Garcia, Jr.
Scout Football01/04/2017
Ed Orgeron made his pitch to Smith and his family too. Smith has been impressed with how the Louisiana native has energized the players.
“He said if I choose to go to LSU, he let me know how many people I’d make happy in this town,” Smith said. “Just how he’s turned things around. The players seem to have more fun around the program now.”
As far as his final visit to Miami, Smith said the same thing. It's just for his family even if Mark Richt once held a verbal commitment from Smith.
“It’s just for my family. I’ve been down there twice. It’s just for them,” Smith said. “They’re trying to see what type of men the coaches are and how the program is.”
Where do things stand heading into National Signing Day? When asked about each school, Smith just said it's all even.
“To be honest, all the schools are the same. Great coaching staffs, great men, great programs,” Smith said. “I really don’t know what separated from everyone else.”
Jimbo Fisher and FSU assistants (Photo by Billy Embody)
Final In-Home Visits Set for Smith

With the final week of his recruitment underway, who's expected in to see Smith? Here's the rundown:
Monday: Fisher wrapped up his final visit with Smith.
Tuesday: Richt and four Miami assistants are expected in to visit Smith in Amite.
Wednesday: Orgeron, Canada and Craig are expected in-home to represent the Tigers.
Thursday: Saban, Napier and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian are expected to visit for the Crimson Tide.
Sunday: Plenty of assistants will want one more chance, but one source hinted that by that point, Smith might just want to think things over as he'll arrive back from Miami that night.
Devonta Smith (Photo by Chad Simmons)
National Signing Day (Morning) Decision

So when does the No. 1 receiver in the South expect a decision?
“It’ll be early in the morning on Signing Day. Me, my mother and father will talk about it Tuesday night that will talk about it,” Smith said. “My decision will be based upon me and where I want to go. They’re good with any of these.”
It's been a long road, but it's finally here. Smith doesn't take it lightly, but even as he says he's undecided, he says it's been a blessing.
“I’m ready for it to be out of the way. It’s real tough because it’s great programs to choose from. It’s a blessing, but it’s very tough,” Smith said. “I don’t know where I’m going yet.”
Smith plans on having a ceremony at Amite High on February 1 to announce his decision and sign his letter of intent.
SCOUT EVALUATION OF SMITH:
"A smooth wide receiver who plays fast. He gets off the ball quick and really sets up defenders well. He is explosive on the football field. He catches the ball well and knows how to make adjustments on the ball. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he is elusive in the open field. He is on the lean side, so he needs to get stronger, add mass to his frame, and start to fill out, but that will come. He constantly runs away from defenders. He really knows how to stick his foot in the ground and shoot out of his breaks when running routes. Overall, he is a dynamic playmaker. He knows how to make big play after big play." -Chad Simmons

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 24, 2017 at 06:49 AM

Time for CMR to earn that $4 mill!

[Go Canes!]

After all the drama this kid better make grades.

Jeff Thomas:?Writing my farewell letter 📝 it's official..🎓

[BigWindyCane1]

Peter Ariz ‏@PeterAriz

Mariano Richt.

Posted by: Go Canes! | January 23, 2017 at 11:24 PM

😂 A guess in today's recruiting world (especially in in South Florida), nothing beats a great closer

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Posted by: TonyCane | January 23, 2017 at 07:13 PM

Sorry for the delayed response, had to jump in my time machine Delorian to tell you, we didnt want him anyway.

[VA Cane]

adults jumping up and down yelling thats what we do......yelling at kids and cussing....and the lady who knows nothing......I dont know....thats not how I do it. I can yell if need be....but I am pretty calm with my guys....I can rev them up, and fire them up....but coaching is an art form...its relationships with your players. I think that type of barnstorming bush league is so incorrect regarding fundamental coaching....and screaming and yelling when you are fat dumb and stupid....is what creates bad fundamental players....and turns this generation off. I develop young men....and treat them like men.......mine have responded incredibly well.

I would be embarrassed if I was on film....big fat dumb stupid and did not know a damn thing about football......and acted that way in from of people parents....and treated kids that way. like I said...we would hang 100 on them easy....no way to coach!!!!!

[VA Cane]

Friday Night Tykes.....nice kids.....not taught anything right though....my kids have always been older, but you start at that age teaching fundamentals. These coaches are horrible....big fat ugly.....never saw the field a day in their life, so they have a ego power trip about putting kids down. They do have some older groups...same old stuff. big fat biscuits who never played a down yelling at kids and not teaching them.

If these are elite...I would love to play these guys...even the older ones. We would hang 100 on them in the first half easy.....this is why kids have it tough...these damn adults do not coach in any fundamental way!!!!!
You get kids that come to college...and still have no idea of fundamentals...stance block tackle.....crazy....

[Go Canes!]

Peter Ariz ‏@PeterAriz

Mariano Richt.

[Go Canes!]

Some pretty impressive runs by Burns in there:

https://twitter.com/dgould151/status/823289920307548160

[Go Canes!]

Porter: Heard encouraging things tonight from UM people about WR Mike Harley and CB Jhavonte Dean. Canes like their chances with both.

Porter: Before you ask, that's all I've got for you right now. Miami may or may not be as encouraged (more encouraged, less encouraged) about others

[VA Cane]

Mcnabb and Marvin Graves.....they were really good....but lately kind of rough..

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Back in the McNabb days, maybe!

[VA Cane]

REally....who would go to Syracuse to play football now...maybe hoops....great broadcaster/journalism school....but if i want to play football....no way!!!

[thirstybuzzardcane]

The scary thing about Joe Jackson is he's going to get bigger and stronger without losing is speed and athleticism.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

My predictions are:

GO = "Golden" Canes

WWIN = Canes

OhioCanes = Canes

UMike = Undecided

Epi = Buffet King

Soup, 86Cane, 58Straight (Whoever the hell you are) = Popadak Properties

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Joe Jackson putting in work!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkqbzYA14b/

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 01:21 PM

Future NFL Hall of Famer!!!!

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Question is: Coaching or talent or BOTH?

Posted by: 86Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:42 AM

Well we did finish the season with 3 OL starters out.

"Necessity is the mother of invention"?

Posted by: CaneRock | January 23, 2017 at 10:59 AM

I thought our OL did pretty well the last 5 games.....Better than the first half of the season. I also thought McDermott held his own at left tackle!

[TonyCane]

The Dude, I never understood how we lost that four star wide receiver (Williams?) to Syracuse in 2005. I can understand FSU. But the Orangemen? In the mid 2000s?!

[TonyCane]

Harley can play in a Big 12 that could dissolve in a few years. Or at best play for a team where there is a huge structural conference imbalance in favor of Texas.

Or he can come to Miami, and compete at the highest level.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 04:58 PM

Naaaaahhhh.... They couldnt have done that!

[VA Cane]

I can understand Bama, OSU, OK, FSU, USC, Michigan, Clemson,...all the standards...even the Ville, VT etc .....but right....WVU....even been to Morgantown.....crazy place...saw Marcus Vick score a td and give the crowd the gig.....he's lucky to be alive...you dont do that up there and get way with it...they rocked the bus rocks, bottles....they were pissed off!!

Kids are going to go where there is TV, exposure, pipeline to NFL (we have the pipeline) but they want to win. I think CMR...and Manny especially showed we want to win. This should be the start of us getting better...much better....we got to have so O!!!

[Ohio_Cane]

WVU sent Harley to a girls HS bball game on his OV! LOLOL, no wonder he's flipping.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Local kid goes to Bama... I understand it, dont like ut but understand it. Local kid commits to WV or Wash St... Im like wtf?

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I said we were getting Harley O_C, now give me some credit! Kid was so wishy washy on WV.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Twitter know it alls saying WVU pulled Harley's offer, so if thats true we can assume its Miami.

[86Cane]

I'll pretty much do whatever for a bag of hamburgers.

Posted by: 1mg Of Epi | January 23, 2017 at 03:33 PM

Tees it up and...

[BigWindyCane1]

Pretty sure most people thought JoeJack was underrated. Could be wrong, though, but general consensus was that he was a great player. No one predicted the season he'd have, but still.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 01:34 PM

I was one of those who thought Joe Jackson was underrated. I saw Jackson play basketball at Gulliver last season, and I was blown away with his athleticism for a person who was chiseled and big like college-level defensive lineman. He played power forward and even a little small forward, and he was an athletic freak who could dunk and run the floor. Jackson is big, powerful, fast and determined. After watching him play in a holiday tournament last season, I thought he would be one of the great recruits to come in and play. Jackson is similar to a lot of recruits that the Canes went after last year in terms of raw athleticism.

Chad Thomas was a better and more productive football player in high school. I saw him play several games at Booker T., and Thomas often lined up inside and outside on the line. He was productive, could not be blocked effectively without double teams and had five-star written all over him. Both Thomas and Jackson are legitimately big and athletic, and they were a different kind of athlete than what Golden was recruiting previously. When you look at them standing next to toolbox Trent (who I also love) and others, you see a difference in size. But when you see them move, it is special.

IMO, under the tutelage of Coach KUl, they both will continue to develop and both will play a lot on Sundays

[1mg Of Epi]

Epi...I though you had already committed to Golden Corral? Now you are flipping to Burger King? What FREE fries???

Posted by: 86Cane | January 23, 2017 at 02:49 PM

The bag man paid a visit...

(I'll pretty much do whatever for a bag of hamburgers)

[Ohio_Cane]

Over/under 15 sacks for Jackson & Thomas combined next year?

Posted by: The Dude | January 23, 2017 at 02:46 PM
----------------------------------------

OVER!

I've got Jackson at 9 by himself.

[86Cane]

Epi...I though you had already committed to Golden Corral? Now you are flipping to Burger King? What FREE fries???

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Go,

The best part about guys like Garvin and Johnson coming in is that we dont even need them to contribute. Just focus on getting strong and fast and technical. Garvin in 2018 is going to be a freak show. AQM and Grace completely screwed themselves this year.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Over/under 15 sacks for Jackson & Thomas combined next year? With Jackson's explosion this year, teams wont be able to focus on Thomas as much. Both guys and the DTs should have huge years. The front 7 is about to have years of dominant play. Guys like Young, Bandy, Henderson (Cane as Ive been saying), JaQuan, Dean, Dallas (In my opinion best at FS) and Edwards are coming into a great situation getting to play behind those guys. The offense cannot drop the ball next year. A QB and the OL have to answer the call and get us to 10 wins, a Coastal championship and a bowl win.

[WWIN]

2016 class was good and 2017 will be even better!!!

I LOVE this 2017 class 💯💯💯

[WWIN]

I'd say he got about the same excitement level as Garvin is getting this year.

Posted by: Go Canes! | January 23, 2017 at 01:41 PM

Garvin will be this year's Joe Jackson and DJ will probably be better than that....LET THAT SINK IN! 😈😈😈

[CGNC]

Go Falcons!

[1mg Of Epi]

My predictions are:

WWIN = Canes

OhioCanes = Canes

UMike = Undecided

Epi = Burger King

Posted by: Go Canes! | January 22, 2017 at 10:18 PM

FIFY

[VA Cane]

Sand makes you pick those dogs up; my Freddy pit is replenished with sand on a regular basis....I have built it that way over the years. I have also found that my young guys HS guys and college DBs have improved via the bike. Oh I still run them, up downs etc....but we do a lot of work on our own with bikes. Mountain bikes. It saves the big guys legs, yet works them....oh and I find the hilly routes!!!

The most important thing for me...is doing all of these things with my guys....not showing them....but teaching it over and over close to them....and jumping in there for a rep myself. They really love that...watch the old man.....but they are amazed how I can do these things at 58....and it is a bond, a mantra, a common denominator.....we work and learn together as teacher and pupil.
It works pretty good, and I love doing it. Thats coaching, ....you develop the talent and teach the fundamentals.....and build champion OL....works for me.

I hope our OL coaching gets like our D.....our D is way ahead coaching wise IMO!!!

[SinisterCane]

Jordan Cronkrite Verified account 
‏@JC_Knows

It hurts when you put your entire heart into something and it doesn't turn out for you.Just means there are more blessings out there waiting

[SinisterCane]

CIS:

Jordan Cronkrite tweet....(deleted now)

https://www.canesinsight.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41819&d=1485187485

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 01:34 PM

I'd say he got about the same excitement level as Garvin is getting this year.

[SinisterCane]

CIS:
With Richt having apprenticed under the "Signing Day Shocker" Jedi Master, Bobby Bowden, I'm beginning to wonder if Richt has told the kids who were verbals elsewhere something to the effect of "if you publicly decommit, that is the sign you are picking Miami, and we'll hold your spot for you."

That's 3 decommits in a short period, plus Pouncey earlier.

And we have a decent shot with EIGHT Rivals-250 guys, seven of whom have visited recently (I'm not holding out much hope on Slaton, but you never know). It's been about a decade now since I've had genuine excitement for NSD, but I like our chances to pick up at least 5 of the Rivals-250 guys (and that's not counting Dean, who is #8 in the Rivals JuCo rankings), and that is a helluva close by anyone's standards.

[86Cane]

With these things you need good teaching drills. Freddie, the sled, one on one boards come to mind.

Posted by: VA Cane | January 23, 2017 at 01:08 PM

SAND, have them run, do drills and practice in SAND.

[Ohio_Cane]

Pretty sure most people thought JoeJack was underrated. Could be wrong, though, but general consensus was that he was a great player. No one predicted the season he'd have, but still.

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 01:21 PM

Wonder what he was thought of last year at this time...

[Ohio_Cane]

Joe Jackson putting in work!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkqbzYA14b/

[BigWindyCane1]

Let that pessimism go. No longer should U let the stench of Al Golden's recruiting finishes taint your Canes excitement in January and February!

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 12:30 PM

Ok, I will then. Both you and Bandy have given me permission to be excited, so I will trust you about this. This could shape up to be the greatest closing week for the Canes that I can recall. Big-time talent flipping from top programs at the last minute to go with the U. The players that I have seen or heard of locally are very, very good players. And this coaching staff has shown us that they know how to develop young, talented players.

[VA Cane]

OL is a critical position......you do not win titles without them.

There has to be talent, but a lot of that talent can be developed. The key to developing good talent is to get them young and develop them. You see each guys up size and weaknesses. Every I mean every OL MUST have a great stance. Always. The footwork....the drive steps, reach blocks, run blocks pass blocks steps....work best from a good stance. Now all these big fellas may not be burners; but with great stance, great steps you develop that quick step, and that is important. I am not worried about their 100 speed....but I want a quick 2 steps and up running to the edge or the hole. Teaching them to use the new rules regarding hands to aid them is key as well. Getting in good shape; god diet. You need to lose that tire that belly....give me a lighter leaner meaner fast guy than a big fat heavy guy. Losing that belly makes for a better stance, better steps better quickness....and pride and confidence. With these things you need good teaching drills. Freddie, the sled, one on one boards come to mind. I find often you have to become one of them; they become your guys your mission, your students...spend time with them coach them teach them.....and thats how I make coaching and talent work. JMO

Walton is a good back; he plays hard I think he has a better year this next year. I hope some of the guys coming in can compliment him...push him....get that competition going!

[Ohio_Cane]

Don't believe me? Let 2017 recruiting ambassador #2 tell U:

Miami Columbus four-star cornerback Trajan Bandy says Miami fans better be ready for Feb. 1's National Signing Day because surprises are coming.

"There are going to be some guys that y'all are going to be surprised about," Bandy said when asked where he thinks things stand with some of the Hurricanes' top targets. "We're going to finish up strong — like really strong. I'm definitely feeling good about [St. Thomas Aquinas three-star wide receiver Mike Harley], [Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic Top247 running back Anthony McFarland] and [Fort Lauderdale American Heritage four-star offensive tackle Kai-Leon Herbert] along with [Blinn College four-star cornerback Jhavonte Dean]."

"I think guys are starting to see the true colors of the coaching staff and I think they are getting a good feel about what Coach Richt is all about. For me, I know it's home and there's no better place to be. There's opportunities to play early and some open spots and I think guys are starting to see that," Bandy said.

[Go Canes!]

I believe he called Walton average. He is far from that.

In actuality, this program was built on kids exactly like him.

This thing of comparing our players only to top 5-15 NFL draft picks instead of seeing the incredible value they're bringing to us is, in my opinion, a very bad habit some on here have grown to do habitually.

Is he Dalvin Cook? No, but so what?

Dude had a fantastic year and helped us get wins with some big time runs, including an amazing one that would have iced the FSU game if not for a ridiculously bogus holding call.

[Ohio_Cane]

I don't want to get too excited and jinx us, but I am cautiously optimistic.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 23, 2017 at 12:07 PM
-----------------------------------------

Let that pessimism go. No longer should U let the stench of Al Golden's recruiting finishes taint your Canes excitement in January and February!

[Ohio_Cane]

We will finish around 8-12. 14 at worst, 7 at very best. Regardless, great class with very little projects.

[UMike]

RB is easy to project.

Posted by: CaneRock | January 23, 2017 at 12:03 PM

I disagree. Many people thought Yearby was better then Cook cause he started in front. We have a long list of top rated RB not live up to the hype expect Duke.

[BigWindyCane1]

McFarland - Canes🔒
Dean - Canes🔒
Harley - Canes🔒
Henderson - Bama
Thomas - Canes🔒
Herbert - Canes
Edwards - Canes
Smith - if he visits...Canes...if not Bama

And chances on Henderson are heating up!

Posted by: WWIN | January 22, 2017 at 09:50 PM

🔒 = CANES LOCK

Posted by: WWIN | January 23, 2017 at 10:47 AM

Wow. I don't know what the Canes final recruiting ranking would be, but I would be very happy with this group added to what the Canes already have. This group of 2017 recruits would be comparable to last year's 2016 group, except it would be a larger class.

I don't want to get too excited and jinx us, but I am cautiously optimistic.

[86Cane]

My predictions:

Hassan = Cane

CaneRock = Cane

Canezilla = Cane

Thirsty Buzzard = Cane

SinisterCane = Cane

UMike = Undecided

[CaneRock]

Perry's gonna be a stud, kid can make every throw.

And it's easier to project guys on defense now that we finally have a DC that's gonna play them to their strengths.

RB is easy to project.

Agree with making OL assesments, but this is a fan blog, so hey.

[86Cane]

Guys like Walton are not average, not in HS and not in college. There are 130 teams in CFB. Name 10 backs better then Walton, how is being even #10 out of 130, more like 400 RB's "Average"?

Posted by: Hassan | January 23, 2017 at 11:30 AM

I think it is a terminology issue. To some if you are not "elite" (top 3) then you instantly become "average" as in like many other players.

I would not say Walton is average, he is definitely above average, but he has not yet proven to be "elite" like Cook or Fornette. He may next year if he takes another step forward and once those guys are playing on Sundays he may move into the more elite class in 2017. If he had a better OL he would have certainly looked much better and been more productive than he was.

[Hassan]

I find it funny how people call so many of our players "average" or sucks. Guys like Walton are not average, not in HS and not in college. There are 130 teams in CFB. Name 10 backs better then Walton, how is being even #10 out of 130, more like 400 RB's "Average"?

Even our great championship teams had players that were not highly recruited or the best played in the conference at their position. Sure we had some but football is a team sport, much more the sum of your parts then any one individual. Look at the guy Brady threw to for like 180 yards, Hogan, is Hogan elite? no but he played his role on that team, he DID HIS JOB. that is what football is about. It is not about having the #1 ranked player at each position. Of course we want talent but we wont be #1 across the board, but you get guys like Walton doing his job he can outperform guys considered better then him by being part of a team not an individual.

Also another pet peeve projecting these guys is hard even for coaches and scouts that do this for a living. As a fan that rarely see's a practice or is in the weight room it is that much more difficult. Every year there are guys that make huge leaps in physical and skill development that fans and others could not have projected, the same thing happens in reverse guys that get injured or distracted and regress. I am kinda tired of these very lazy projections when we can't possibly know. I try to project a lil but positions like OL and QB are very difficult. Guys like Perry we have no idea how he will handle the terminology and speed of the game. He needs to add weight.

Projecting the starting OL is hard, we dont know who will be injured, who will make a big leap in technique and strength. I rather watch spring and then try to figure it out rather then needlessly guessing what 18-19 year old's will do.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Bring back Kehoe! lol.

[1mg Of Epi]

Question is: Coaching or talent or BOTH?

Posted by: 86Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:42 AM

The same players were markedly worse this year with a different coach, than previous years.

[CaneRock]

Question is: Coaching or talent or BOTH?

Posted by: 86Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:42 AM

Well we did finish the season with 3 OL starters out.

"Necessity is the mother of invention"?

[WWIN]

McFarland - Canes🔒
Dean - Canes🔒
Harley - Canes🔒
Henderson - Bama
Thomas - Canes🔒
Herbert - Canes
Edwards - Canes
Smith - if he visits...Canes...if not Bama

And chances on Henderson are heating up!

Posted by: WWIN | January 22, 2017 at 09:50 PM

🔒 = CANES LOCK

[Ohio_Cane]

^^^ RB Anthony McFarland announces Wednesday, but I didn't include him because U know my (and basically all of the recruiting world's) take on him.

Cane.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:23 AM
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Same goes for JUCO CB Jhavonte Dean, btw. Except he's announcing on NSD, I believe.

[Ohio_Cane]

That said, I'm more confident on Edwards than Henderson atm.

[WWIN]

My predictions are:

WWIN = Canes

OhioCanes = Canes

UMike = Undecided

Posted by: 86Cane | January 22, 2017 at 10:13 PM

😂😂😂

[Ohio_Cane]

seems like Ive seen you post something like this before :)

Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2017 at 09:33 AM
----------------------------------------

LOL! I'll put a real one out the night before NSD, as usual

[WWIN]

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:21 AM

Hey you stole my list! Lol

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: 86Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:42 AM

I think Darling as a OG and Brown as OT can be good, the rest are just JAGS who can be replaced in a heartbeat

[UMike]

lol... I have been so out of the loop with recruiting this last year or so I have no clue who is coming or not.

The one thing I have noticed is it doesnt seem like he is trying to fill the spots with project guys just for the sake of filling spots.

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: UMike | January 23, 2017 at 09:33 AM

Undecided

[86Cane]

The o line got physically overpowered, out techniqued and out quicked all season.

Posted by: TruCane81 | January 23, 2017 at 05:27 AM

I agree 100%.

Question is: Coaching or talent or BOTH?

[1mg Of Epi]

Posted by: Go Canes! | January 22, 2017 at 10:18 PM

Takes one to know one!!!

[UMike]

Jordan Pouncey - NSD - Miami
Jeff Thomas - "real soon" (NSD?) - Miami
Brian Edwards - NSD - Miami
Devonta Smith - NSD - Miami (if he visits)
Christopher Henderson - NSD - Miami
Mike Harley - NSD - Miami

Adding:

Kai-Leon Herbert - Miami

EVERRRYYYYONNNEEEEEEE!!!

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 23, 2017 at 09:21 AM

seems like Ive seen you post something like this before :)

[Go Canes!]

Final push for Henderson per Ariz:

Miami HC Mark Richt, DC Manny Diaz & Safeties coach Ephraim Banda are at Columbus @PeterAriz

[Ohio_Cane]

^^^ RB Anthony McFarland announces Wednesday, but I didn't include him because U know my (and basically all of the recruiting world's) take on him.

Cane.

[Ohio_Cane]

My opinion as of today (This will prob change):

Jordan Pouncey - NSD - Miami
Jeff Thomas - "real soon" (NSD?) - Miami
Brian Edwards - NSD - UF
Devonta Smith - NSD - Bama
Christopher Henderson - NSD - UF
Mike Harley - NSD - WVU

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2017 at 10:10 AM-
-------------------------------------------

Jordan Pouncey - NSD - Miami
Jeff Thomas - "real soon" (NSD?) - Miami
Brian Edwards - NSD - Miami
Devonta Smith - NSD - Miami (if he visits)
Christopher Henderson - NSD - Miami
Mike Harley - NSD - Miami

Adding:

Kai-Leon Herbert - Miami

EVERRRYYYYONNNEEEEEEE!!!

[Ohio_Cane]

Strong IMHO, has His hands full with Frost @ UCF...Butch @ FIU...& Kiffin @ FAU.

Posted by: CaneRock | January 23, 2017 at 08:54 AM
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BINGO! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Strong will not take recruits from us. OR FSU or UF for that matter. Well, maybe UF, because McEltooth is a scrub coach, IMO.

Unless Richt, Jimbo, and McEltooth lose 3-6 games every year and Strong has USF in the top 10 or something (which isn't happening without stealing recruits from us, FSU, and UF), he's not taking kids we really want. Period.

[raizecane]

RISE UP!!!!!

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: CaneRock | January 23, 2017 at 08:54 AM

💯

[CaneRock]

TonyCane...only way I see Strong being a thorn in our side, is if Richt falls flat on His face this year, and I frankly don't see that happening.

Strong IMHO, has His hands full with Frost @ UCF...Butch @ FIU...& Kiffin @ FAU.

Particularly Frost, a lot of people don't notice the turnaround He orchestrated last year.

[Mark from Atlanta]

Just win baby, just win!
God bless you and Go Canes!
Looking forward to the Bermuda triangle II taking shape the next couple years. ..and Kool magic on the DL....

[Go Canes!]

#15 in the USA Today composite. Secure the 3-4 it looks like we'll get and we end up 10-12?

http://usatodayhss.com/2017/latest-2017-college-football-recruiting-composite-team-rankings

[nemo2002]

F Y I, for whatever it's worth below are the current top 25 teams for the college football recruiting rankings, according to Campus Insiders.

1. Georgia – 4,881 points – 23 commits (Last ranking: 2)
2. Alabama – 4,803 – 24 commits (1)
3. Michgian -4,548 – 26 commits (3)
4. Ohio State – 4,416 – 19 commits (4)
5. Oklahoma – 4,355 – 24 commits (5)
6. Texas A&M – 3,605 – 27 commits (6)
7. LSU – 3,625 – 20 commits (10)
8. Florida State – 3,499 – 20 commits (7)
9. Auburn – 3,374 – 19 commits (8)
10 Tennessee – 3.156 – 26 commits (9)
11. Maryland – 3,078 – 28 commits (T-11)
12. Penn State -2,731 – 18 commits (T-11)
13. Notre Dame – 2,712 – 15 commits (13)
14. Louisville – 2,661 – 23 commits (20)
15. USC – 2,630 – 17 commits (14)
16. Washington – 2,611 – 16 commits (17)
17. Virginia Tech – 2,590 – 24 commits (NR)
18. South Carolina – 2,547 – 24 commits (19)
19. Michigan State – 2,527 – 19 commits (18)
20. Miami (Fla.) – 2,519 – 19 commits (16)
21. UCLA – 2,492 – 17 commits (23)
22. Nebraska – 2,387 – 17 commits (25)
23. Clemson – 2,378 – 13 commits (15)
24. Florida – 2,320 – 15 commits (22)
25. Arkansas – 2,318 – 23 commits (NR)

Note: Scout rankings and ratings used in this listing.

[TruCane81]

Just imagine what he could do with a proper line.

As usual Windy has the absolute proper perspective.

Posted by: Go Canes! | January 22, 2017 at 11:09 AM

If average means not Fournette or Cook, yeah they are average.

Backs were constantly redirected behind the line all year. Makes it difficult to build that rhythm for finding and hitting the hole.

The o line got physically overpowered, out techniqued and out quicked all season. Getting off the ball and get a strong block on the second level was rare and our backs ran into blockers backs down field be ause the line couldnt quickly find a defender and peel off to form a run lane.

Run game needs work from the ground up.

[TonyCane]

No Ohio, I should have been clearer. I listed Strong because:

A) it's a great example of an excellent NSD close
B) If Strong can build on USF success he'll be a thorn in our side (and UF/FSU) in future years

[Ohio_Cane]

Richt is going head to head with Saban but we need to watch out for USF? Sorry, but I disagree wholeheartedly

[Ohio_Cane]

86Cane
My predictions are:

OhioCane = Canes

Posted by: 86Cane | January 22, 2017 at 10:13 PM
________________________________

Always and forever.

[Ohio_Cane]

Ohio... my updated 1.23.17 NSD picks lol

McFarland - Canes
Dean - Canes
Harley - Canes
Henderson - Bama
Thomas - Canes
Herbert - Canes
Smith - if he visits...Canes...if not Bama

And chances on Henderson are heating up!

Posted by: WWIN | January 22, 2017 at 09:50 PM
____________________________________

I will update mine tomorrow. This is gonna be fun!

[Ohio_Cane]

Well, the bball team lost, but Richt and staff are WINNING on the trail!!

Gonna be a BIG NSD!!

[TonyCane]

If CMR and his staff get some of these recruits that have been de-committing after their visits here, they will be the biggest closers since Rivera, Fingers and Gosage

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 22, 2017 at 09:45 PM

It's early in his tenure, but someone to be on the watch for is Charlie Strong. Last year he was a PHENOMENAL closer.

1/12/16 - Class ranked 32nd, with 12 commits
2/02/16 - UT gains two top recruits
2/03/16 - UT gains commitments from seven players in the ESPN Top 300 on National Signing Day

[nemo2002]

Posted by: 86Cane | January 22, 2017 at 10:13 PM
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 22, 2017 at 10:18 PM

Funny!

[Go Canes!]

My predictions are:

WWIN = Canes

OhioCanes = Canes

UMike = Undecided

Epi = Jerk

[86Cane]

My predictions are:

WWIN = Canes

OhioCanes = Canes

UMike = Undecided

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^
Edwards - Canes

[WWIN]

Ohio... my updated 1.23.17 NSD picks lol

McFarland - Canes
Dean - Canes
Harley - Canes
Henderson - Bama
Thomas - Canes
Herbert - Canes
Smith - if he visits...Canes...if not Bama

And chances on Henderson are heating up!

[BigWindyCane1]

If CMR and his staff get some of these recruits that have been de-committing after their visits here, they will be the biggest closers since Rivera, Fingers and Gosage

[1mg Of Epi]

Posted by: 1mg Of Epi | January 22, 2017 at 02:04 PMIf

Expect hurricane force winds in S Fla?

Wtf is going on?

Posted by: Go Canes! | January 22, 2017 at 02:07 PM

I'll tell u what's going on... I picked the wrong day to not call in sick to work.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Outstanding blogging Canespace Family