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Hurricane Happenings: The Week In Review

Here is a quick summary of the Miami Hurricanes sports happenings for the week of April 22-29...

FOOTBALL: Six Miami Hurricanes were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, which took place April 26-28 at AT&T Stadium.

The Cleveland Browns selected defensive lineman Chad Thomas in the third round (67^th overall). Tight end Christopher Herndon (New York Jets, 107^th overall) and running back Mark Walton (Cincinnati Bengals, 112^thoverall) went in the fourth round. The New York Giants selected defensive lineman RJ McIntosh in the fifth round with the 139^th overall pick. Wide receiver Braxton Berrios went to the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots in the sixth round (210^th overall), while defensive lineman Kendrick Norton was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round (242^nd overall).

FACT: Miami has produced 12 tight ends that have been drafted by the NFL since 2000.

BASEBALL: Miami drops first two games of series to rival Florida State in Tallahassee.

Miami dropped Game 2 of its annual rivalry series with Florida State Saturday night, falling to No. 14 Florida State, 10-1, at Dick Howser Stadium. Sophomore righthander Evan McKendry allowed just two earned runs and struck out nine, but Miami's offense could not solve Florida State righthander C.J. Van Eyk, who impressed on the hill.

McKendry scattered six hits and three walks in a 105-pitch effort before departing in front of 5,356 fans. Freshman Raymond Gil connected on his second home run of the season in the loss. The Seminoles (31-13, 13-9 ACC) struck for unearned runs in the first and third to take an early 2-0 lead. They padded to the lead with six runs in the final two innings.

The series concludes with game 3 today at 1 PM.

FACT: Miami's record now stands at 17-25 on the season and the Hurricanes are 10-13 in the ACC.

TENNIS: Miami's impressive showing in ACC tourney ended by #1 seeded Duke.

The fourth-seeded University of Miami women's tennis team saw its seven-match winning streak end Saturday in the ACC Championship semifinals at Cary Tennis Park. No. 15 Miami (16-7, 11-3 ACC) dropped a 4-1 decision to top-seeded and third-ranked Duke, which was the last team to beat the Hurricanes back on March 25.

"You can't start playing tennis when you're down, 5-0, not on this stage. So, if you don't loosen up and start playing until you're down big, it's way too late," Miami head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. "We talked about getting off to a quick start and I didn't see any quick starts on court one, two or three in doubles. Duke, on the majority of the courts today, just their emotional maturity and their ability to hit balls longer in points and higher situations [was key]."

FACT: Miami dropped to 17-13 all-time in ACC Championship play with Saturday's result, including 16-11 at Cary Tennis Park. The Hurricanes will now await their seeding for the NCAA Team Championship, with draws announced Tuesday at 5 p.m.

TRACK: The Hurricanes competed in an elite track and field event on Saturday at the National Relay Championships. 

With the ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships just two weeks away, the Canes had a chance to compete against an outstanding field of talent this weekend at John McDonnell Field by the University of Arkansas. 
 
"It was a great meet and a great concept," Miami director of track and field/cross country Amy Deem said. "I'm disappointed. I didn't think we performed extremely well in any event across the board. It wasn't a lack of effort. We just were off this weekend in a lot of event areas. I've noticed in the past when we've had a meet like this that we've come back really strong, so in that aspect we hope to be fine for ACCs.
 
Miami's men finished third in Heat 1 and eighth overall in the 4x100m relay, as McKinly Brown, Myles Valentine, Isaiah Taylor and Lorenzo Lingard combined to run a season-best time of 40.44 seconds.
 
"I was proud of our 4x1 men," Deem said. "We had to make some last minute decisions and I think they worked out well and we have something we can build on now."

FACT: UM's Amy Deem is widely recognized as one the the best track and field coaches in the Country.

Drive For Show, Putt For Dough

The University of Miami golf team was selected to compete in the NCAA Austin Regional on Wednesday. The 54-hole regional runs May 7-9 at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin, Texas.
 
Miami earned its sixth straight berth into an NCAA Regional and will be seeking its third consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships. The Canes are attempting to advance to the NCAA Championships for the 26th time in program history.
 

The Hurricanes are an at-large selection into the tournament and the No. 8 seed in the regional. The challenging regional features nine of the top 30-ranked teams in the nation: Arkansas (3), Texas (7), Michigan State (10), Florida (14), Auburn (24), Oklahoma (20), Houston (25), Miami (28) and Baylor (30).
 
There are four regionals (Austin, Texas; Madison, Wis.; San Francisco; Tallahassee, Fla.), with each featuring 18 teams and six individuals. The top six teams and top three individuals not on those teams will advance to the NCAA Championships May 18-23 at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Okla.
 
Austin Regional - Teams at the University of Texas Golf Club, Austin, Texas

1. Arkansas
2. Texas
3. Michigan State
4. Florida
5. Auburn
6. Oklahoma
7. Houston
8. Miami
9. Baylor
10. Texas A&M

That's A Wrap

The Miami Hurricanes wrapped up spring football Saturday with the annual alumni scrimmage.
 
Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Kellen Winslow II, Jon Beason and Lamar Thomas were among the hundreds of Canes football alumni in attendance at Cobb Stadium to watch the 2018 Hurricanes practice for the 15^thand final time this spring.
 
"I had former players come to me and say, 'I haven't been here in 20 years and now I feel wanted," Richt said. "'I feel excited about what's going on. I want to be here. I came because I've been watching from a distance and I like what I see.' That does my heart great."
 
In addition to the alumni scrimmage and barbecue on Saturday, the Hurricanes hosted the Football Alumni Dinner Friday night and the U Network luncheon on Friday afternoon. But all eyes were on the field Saturday morning, as the Hurricanes went through some situational work and some game-like scrimmage action.
 

"All the situational stuff was against each other," Richt said. "Some was ones [first string] versus ones, some was ones versus twos. Then at the end we pulled guys that have played a lot of football and didn't play them a lot. There were more guys, probably, on defense that didn't get reps than on offense, because we don't have a bunch of guys have played enough to think that they didn't need more work."
 
Malik Rosier hit Darrell Langham for the only score of the day, but Richt was happy with how the offense drove down the field on Saturday.
 
"We got down in the red zone and did not get in a couple of times, which is a little disappointing," Richt said. "As far as making plays, moving the ball, throwing and catching, really a pretty good day…we did some situations. Third downs first. Then we did a one-minute [drill] with each group. Then we did overtime, practiced overtime. A couple two-point plays…then we scrimmaged for a little while, about 27 plays, I think it was, after that. That's what it turned out to be."

Richt was especially happy with how Miami's offensive line performed on Saturday. While there is still work to be done up front before the season starts on Sept. 2 against LSU, the offensive line had its best showing on the spring on the final day of practice. 
 
"We protected better. We did protect better," Richt said. "We probably went 50-50 on third downs, ones versus ones. We did third-and-three, [third-and]-four, [third-and]-five and [third-and]–six, then we did [third-and]-seven, [third-and]-eight, [third-and]-nine and [third-and]-10. We had a guy wide open on one that we just barely missed that would have probably put it at advantage offense, with the ones…it was good competition. We did have better pockets to throw out of today. It was, overall, a better job by the offensive line, protecting."

You Might Be A Redneck If...

You might be a redneck if you are proud of your family's heritage.

Or if your name is Wally Porter and talk with a slow Southern drawl.

Or maybe your wife is named Becky and is as pretty as the day is long.

Could be if you have fished the wild Kissimmee River since you were a boy.

You probably have sunken an air boat, a bass boat and killed many an alligator.

You go fishing for shellcrackers that hide in the lily pads (that hold gators).

You own an air boat named (and I'm not making this up): "Bad Bowl Of Grits".

You live on a small farm in Plant City and raise your own crops to survive.

Your beautiful wife makes something so delicious called "Cowboy Candy".

You serve swamp cabbage (no really) with BBQ at your family reunion.

You hunt deer twice a year and always have a freezer full of venison.

Yes, you might be a redneck if your name is Wally Porter.

And, you would be lucky as hell to call him your friend.

I do, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Keep Your Guard Up

University of Miami men's basketball head coach Jim Larrañaga has announced the addition of three student-athletes for the 2018-19 season: Zach Johnson(Miami, Fla.), Anthony Mack (Las Vegas, Nevada) and Kameron McGusty (Katy, Texas).
 
Johnson is slated to graduate this summer from Florida Gulf Coast and is expected to join the Hurricanes as a graduate transfer in the fall for his senior season. Mack was injured and took a redshirt year last season during his freshman year at Wyoming. McGusty played two seasons at Oklahoma and, per NCAA transfer regulations, will sit out the 2018-19 season and then be eligible for the 2019-2020 season and have two years of eligibility remaining.
 
A 6-2, 195-pound guard, Johnson scored 1,344 points in his 103 career games at FGCU, making 87 starts and averaging 13.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He was a First-Team All-Atlantic Sun Conference and Second-Team All-NABC District 3 honoree this past season. He averaged 16.1 points and 3.3 rebounds during the 2017-18 season and also was FGCU's top defensive player, averaging 2.0 steals per game. He averaged 26.7 points over three games in the A-Sun Conference Tournament, highlighted by his 37-point outburst against Lipscomb in the championship game.
 

"Our first goal in our recruiting this Spring was to replace the three outstanding guards in our program - Ja'Quan Newton, Bruce Brown and Lonnie Walker. Zach fits the mold of a Miami guard who can play both guard positions," Larrañaga said. "He will be a great addition for the upcoming season. He is a proven winner who was an all-league player in the Atlantic Sun Conference, has NCAA Tournament experience and won a state high school championship in Florida. We're also excited to add a Miami native who was a teammate of Dewan Huell at Norland High School under Lawton Williams."
 
A 6-6, 218-pound guard, Mack was a 3-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports. He ranked as the 51st shooting guard in his recruiting class. He teamed with current UM freshman Deng Gakin New Jersey at Blair Academy, one of the nation's top prep schools. Mack was an All-Conference and All-State selection as a senior. During his junior season at Blair Academy, Mack averaged 12 points per game to go along with five rebounds per contest.
 
"We are very excited to have Anthony join our Miami family," Larrañaga said. "I was able to watch Anthony a lot at Blair Academy when we were recruiting Deng Gak and I loved his game. Anthony is an excellent 3-point shooter with great size who can defend multiple positions. We know he has been well coached playing for Joe Mantegna and Tim Legler."
 

A 6-5, 192-pound guard, McGusty was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2017 and also was a member of the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team. In two seasons at Oklahoma, he played in 63 games, making 25 starts and averaging 9.4 points per game. He averaged 8.0 points per game during OU's 2017-18 season, shooting 42.3 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from 3-point range and 75 percent at the free-throw line while averaging 18.5 minutes per contest. He played in 31 games as a freshman, making 17 starts and averaging 10.9 points per game. During conference play, he led the Sooners with 14.4 points (13th in Big 12), 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 30.7 minutes per game.
 
McGusty went to high school at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. Coming out of high school, he ranked as the 33rd and 40th overall recruit by Scout.com and ESPN.com, respectively. 247Sports named him the fifth-best shooting guard in the 2016 class and the sixth-best overall recruit from the state of Texas. He ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com.
 
"Kameron is following in a long line of successful transfer student-athletes here at Miami and we are thrilled to welcome him into our program," Larrañaga said. "He has great character and personality and already fits in well with our current players and coaches. He was an All-Big 12 player his freshman year, has NCAA Tournament experience and is highly motivated to improve and help push our team during his upcoming redshirt season."

Kings Of Spring

The University of Miami held its annual Spring Game before a crowd of 15,875 at Hard Rock Stadium Saturday night. Miami head coach Mark Richt named the two teams after Carol Soffer, whom provided the $14 million lead gift for the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, and Team Soffer beat Team Carol, 17-0. 
 
"Number one, I do want to thank our fans who showed up," Richt said. "They did a great job loudly cheering. It was awesome. Our band was there and our cheerleaders were there. They all love this program. Our Golden Canes came, former players came and a lot of people who help run this program were here and I just wanted to say thank you to everybody."
 

The Canes wasted no time providing highlight reel plays, as Malik Rosier opened the game with a 36-yard completion to Lawrence Cager to lead Team Carol into Team Soffer's territory. Rosier, who was 9-for-14 for 105 yards, sparked Team Carol's offense on the opening drive, but Team Soffer slowed the offense forced a 45-yard field goal attempt that was missed wide left by Turner Davidson.
 
"If you understood the format, the team that Malik (Rosier) was on most of the time was the one offense versus the one defense and they didn't get much going," Richt said. "They had a couple plays here and there, had a couple of well-executed plays. Malik really didn't get much of a shot to really stand back in there and sight some things up and make some throws. He did pretty well with what he had. He was 9 for 14. His numbers were fine and I can't think of many balls that were kind of thrown up for grabs."
 
Michael Jackson, who led the Canes in turnovers in 2017, forced a fumble on a Travis Homerrush, but the junior running back recovered the loose ball to maintain Team Carol's possession.
 
N'Kosi Perry hit tight end Brian Polendey deep down the left sideline for a 30-yard gain, sparking Team Soffer's offense with under a minute to go in the first quarter. Perry, who was 11-for-25 for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception, finished off the first scoring drive of the game connecting with early enrollee Brian Hightower for a nine-yard touchdown. Marco Baezaconverted the point after attempt to give Team Soffer a 7-0 lead.
 
Jonathan Garvin kept the momentum on Team Soffer's side on the opening play of the ensuing drive, picking up his second of three sacks for the day. One play later, Joe Jackson sacked Rosier to put Team Carol in a third-and-28 from its own five-yard line. Jhavonte Dean completed the three-and-out when the senior corner broke up a pass intended for Dayall Harris to force a punt.
 

Team Soffer extended it lead to 10, as Suleiman Burrows hit a 28-yard field goal late in the second quarter and was threatening to score again before freshman Gilbert Frierson picked off Perry in the end zone to close out the half and wear the turnover chain for the first time.
 
"We have a (lot of) young guys, and this was their first time being at Hard Rock, getting some experience and a little bit of adversity from having the fans having some extra eyes on them," linebacker Shaquille Quarterman said. "A lot of guys played, like Gilbert, Greg (Rousseau) the DE, just really flying around. I think as a defense we did pretty well today, but we have a long way to go."
 
Jarren Williams, was nine-for-14 for 105 yards and a touchdown, found Hightower for a 14-yard score, giving the freshman wideout his second touchdown of the afternoon and Team Soffer a 17-0 lead. Hightower led the Canes with four catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

The Hurricanes will hold their final three practices of the 2018 spring next week, with regular sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday and the final scrimmage of the spring set for Saturday.

New Blood

There are some new faces on the Greentree Practices Fields this spring.
 
The Hurricanes welcomed two new members to the coaching staff, as Jonathan Patke was added as the outside linebackers coach and Jess Simpson joined the staff to take over as the defensive line coach.
 
Patke was elevated to the coaching staff after spending the previous two seasons as a quality control analyst for the Canes. A former linebacker at Stephen F. Austin, Patke had worked with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and came to Coral Gables after Diaz joined head coach Mark Richt's staff prior to the 2016 season.
 
"It's an unbelievable breakthrough [in my career]," Patke said. "That's' what you work for. For four years I was a graduate assistant, two as a quality control [coach], and all you work for is that first opportunity; and it was an unbelievable opportunity to be here at Miami with Coach Richt and Coach Diaz, so I'm so blessed that it happened here. The first job is the hardest and now that I have that on my resume, it's unbelievable and that's what you work for."
 

Simpson came to Miami after a year with the Atlanta Falcons, where he served as a defensive assistant under head coach Dan Quinn. A legendary high school coach in Georgia, Simpson spent 22 years on the Buford High School coaching staff – 12 years as head coach – and helped the Wolves win 10 state titles, seven when he was the head coach. Simpson compiled a 164-12 (.932) record while holding the title of head coach at Buford.
 
"It's been a great transition because the people are great," Simpson said. "Obviously, I've known Coach Richt for a long time. I've said my whole life to kids, your people decisions in life are your most important decisions. Picking a guy like Mark Richt and as somebody to work for—and I've been blessed my whole life to be around great people like that. That part of it was a no-brainer, [as was] being at The U and the d-line tradition and the players that have come out of here and then the whole staff, the guys on the defensive side of the ball. Manny [Diaz is] a great leader. Great guys in the room, great culture. So, we're having a blast. I felt like it really didn't take long to fit in. So, just a bunch of humble, hard-working guys, low ego, but a lot of fun so far."
 
Miami players were excited to learn Patke was being promoted to the coaching staff and were quick to congratulate him and express their excitement to learn from him.
 
"It was awesome to receive all the texts from the players, because that's who you do it for, it's the guys," Patke said. "When they announced it – I kind of knew already – but when they announced it, that's when all the texts and all the love that the guys gave me just meant that I'm in the right place and working with the right guys. They are pumped just to be around good coaches and I guess that's saying something about myself, and it's good to be around great players, so I'm pleased to be working with those guys as linebackers."

Do U Plead The Fifth?

Miami used a six-run fifth inning to mount an impressive comeback and came through with a 7-5 win over North Carolina in a rain-shortened series finale Sunday afternoon.

With start time already bumped up one hour due to anticipated weather, the game went into a rain delay that turned permanent in the middle of the sixth.

North Carolina (21-11, 10-5 ACC) had cut Miami's lead to 7-6 in the sixth, but due to heavy rain and lightning that ended the contest, the game reverted back to the score through the last completed inning – 7-5, at the end of five.

Miami's six-run rally helped overcome a sluggish start from junior Andrew Cabezas, who scattered six hits, five runs and four walks.

Cabezas (3-3), who added two more strikeouts in the sixth that were eventually cancelled out due to the rain, was credited with four punchouts in the win.

Trailing 5-1 in the fifth, the Hurricanes plated three runs on a bases-loaded triple from senior Michael Burns, one more on a sacrifice fly and two more on a double from freshman Freddy Zamora to take a 7-5 lead.

North Carolina reliever Caden O'Brien had tossed three impressive innings of relief before walking Gabe Rivera and Hunter Tackett, which prompted a Heels pitching change.

Miami (13-18, 7-8 ACC) jumped over Joey Lancellotti from the get-go, jumpstarted by a first-pitch single from junior Romy Gonzalez to load the bases with one out.

Burns belted a triple over the head of outfielder Brandon Riley, scoring all three runners on a ball that rolled to the wall in centerfield.

Freshman Isaac Quinones drove in Burns with a flyout to left to tie the game, 5-5, and the Hurricanes weren't done.

Freshman Dylan Cloonan lined a double down the right field line and freshman Tyler Paige – making his first start as a Hurricane – walked to reach base for the third time.

Zamora came through on the scoring opportunity, cranking an offering from Carolina reliever Brett Daniels to plate left runners. 

Miami returns to Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field Wednesday for a midweek matchup with UCF. First pitch for the contest, slated for broadcast on ACC Network Extra, is slated for 6 p.m.

Walker Takes A Walk

University of Miami freshman guard Lonnie Walker IV announced Wednesday that he is declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft and will forego his final three years of eligibility. Walker plans to hire an agent.
 
"The University of Miami exceeded my expectations," Walker said. "From school, sports, the environment and, last but not least, the Canes fans. This city has welcomed me with open arms and supported me at my lowest of lows but also my highest of highs. I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime and can't thank anyone but the man above for giving me such an amazing experience.
 
"I thank the coaching staff and teammates for helping me enhance my skills on the court, but also challenging me off the court to be the best person I can be. I want to thank my family for the sacrifices they've made throughout the years. Without my family, I wouldn't be the person I am today. And now, on April 4th, 2018, I'm here making a decision that I thought would never come true. After reviewing my options with family and coaches, I've decided to enter the 2018 NBA Draft and will hire an agent."
 

 

"My staff and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach Lonnie Walker this season," Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said. "He's an extremely mature and talented young man, both as a player and as a student. We have tremendous confidence in him and believe he is going to be a terrific NBA player. Whichever organization drafts him will have a gem on their hands. Lonnie's size, athletic ability and skill make him an ideal shooting guard but with the strong potential to be able to play both the 1 and the 2 at the NBA level. He is as classy a young man as I've ever had the privilege to coach. We wish him nothing but the best. He will always be a part of our Miami family and program."

 
A 6-foot, 5-inch guard from Reading, Pa., who was a 2017 McDonald's All-American, Walker had a strong rookie season at Miami, earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors as well as a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team. He averaged a team-leading 11.5 points as well as 2.6 rebounds while playing in all 32 games, including 18 starts.

Canespace Does Lake Kissimmee

My really good friend (and huge Miami Hurricanes fan) Wally Porter and I recently spent some quality time on Lake Kissimmee.

We rented a cabin, went sightseeing, drank beer and went fishing before doing some serious BBQ along the banks of the pristine lake.

Needless to say a good time was had by all. The scenery was simply amazing and several people and animals were injured on this trip.

We took a high-speed airboat tour of the entire lake and slowed down to see numerous forms of wildlife as we wandered our course.

On our 3 hour tour we saw too many alligators to count along with bison, wild turkey, deer, fish, bald eagles and hawks.

The cabin we rented was fully equipped and very nice and clean with a great view. Everything anyone could ask for.

I know a really good guy named Wally Porter. He is a sincerely kind and generous soul who loves the outdoors. And I saved his life.

That is because he, and I, almost died on our little excursion. Forgo the details. But we will save that for future blogs.