University of Miami red-shirt senior defensive tackle Gerald Willis III was recognized for his outstanding season with second-team All-America honors from Sports Illustrated, the publication announced Thursday.
A New Orleans native, Willis delivered a dominant final year with the Hurricanes en route to national honors. Willis started all 12 games and finished with a career-high 59 total tackles, four sacks, one fumble recovery and a whopping 18.0 tackles for loss, the most by any defensive tackle in FBS.
A midseason addition the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player, Willis posted five games with at least two tackles for loss and the led the ACC in the category.
Willis' 18 tackles for loss were the most by a Hurricane since Jacksonville Jaguars' Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell had 20.5 in 2006. Willis was named a mid-season All-America by both ESPN and The Athletic.
Willis' selection to the All-America Second Team by SI represents Miami's second straight year with such an honor; safety Jaquan Johnson was named a second-team All-American by the publication last December.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | December 10, 2018 at 12:04 AM
I think the O-line actually did improve once they moved Donaldson was moved back to his natural position and Scaife got his feet under him.
Posted by: Go Canes!!a | December 10, 2018 at 09:57 AM
Preach Solar!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 09:57 AM
Coaching plays a role. Coaches have to communicate with their players. They have to tell them where they need to improve, and show them how to watch film. The Canes spend a lot of time and money video-recording games, so they may as well put it to good use like other programs do.
What I noticed during the second half of this season was that the Canes offense seemed to be very sluggish, as if players didn't know their assignments, their plays and what was expected of them. That is unacceptable at this point of the season.
I admit that in the GT, VT and Pitt games, you started to see that there were a few things happening on offense that were promising, especially when the Canes used the spread concepts.
As a matter of fact, the Canes played well enough to win the GT game but just didn't make a few plays and get a few stops, including a penalty that may have been the difference to winning or losing on the road at night.
Still, but the Canes offense never really got any full continuity, and remained out of sinc although there were some slight improvements. You would expect to see those things in spring and early fall camp, but you wouldn't expect to see it that late in the season.
There were a lot of personnel issues on offense. There were a couple of OLs that probably should not have seen the field. The younger OLs are not being prepared or groomed to play. At RB, Davis and Lingard should have been given a few more meaningful touches. The young WRs were not ready when their opportunities arose; and frankly, the experienced receivers, like Cager and Langham, didn't consistently get separation, didn't seem to get open enough and had some serious drops. Jeff Thomas was the best WR, but he is not as good as he thinks. They were a big a disappointment.
In my observation of good coaches, I have seen them identify players' potential and develop it. I have seen them play to their strengths and avoid their weaknesses. As JJ and Butch would say, they didn't believe in wasting any scholarships. They found a way to get all players to work hard, develop and contribute.
I think we all agree that CMR made a huge mistake going back to Rosier as a starter, and he should have simply stuck with Perry to close out the season. The Canes would have probably had a better chance to win 1-2 more games this season if he had done that.
I also think Perry wasn't properly prepared for that Virginia game. The mistakes Perry was making were like high-school level. He simply didn't see what the defense was trying to do, and he wasn't prepared. I don't know if that was mostly Perry's lack of dedication and focus, or the coaches not preparing him for what he was seeing. I don't know why Jon Richt sits up in the booth, but someone needed to talk to him.
Too often, I saw opposing coaches out-scheme and out-maneuver the Canes this season. BC, Virginia, LSU, GT and Duke. Even FSU, VT and Pitt had better game plans, but just couldn't execute.
The proof is in the stats. When you are 98th in the country in total offense, that should really tell you something - you either lack talent, coaching or both. The Canes have recruited well over the last three years, so lack of talent is not an excuse. Big changes are needed.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 10, 2018 at 10:04 AM
People got their favorites and will excuse make until they are red or blue in the face because they are afraid to admit they were wrong. Any objective person can clearly see it was a failure on all fronts. Coaching and Playing. This is not rocket science.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 10:20 AM
You're trying to make it rocket science though. Lol
Posted by: CoCane | December 10, 2018 at 10:36 AM
Naw Playa!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 10:42 AM
https://aaf.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAurjgBRCqARIsAD09sg89rKmcxC9IDcecZQwbdPsqW7AKk1C4BdE9A5_SpK_yqvCjQ0dHeBoaAnJNEALw_wcB
Football year round...a new league starting one week after the super bowl... Erickson is the coach of the Salt Lake stalllions
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 11:05 AM
steven morris is on the draft list
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 11:14 AM
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 09:32 AM
Miami is 7-5 and losing to Wisconsin is a very, very real possibility. This was supposed to be at a minimum a 10-2 team that's putting together another top 10 crooting class.
a) Win 10 games... FAIL, b) Win the Coastal... FAIL c) Croot a top 10 class... FAIL.
Easiest path to 10 wins Ive seen in a while but MR was the OC... if that wasnt bad enough, he thinks hes the man for the job next year. Miami is staring another 4 game losing streak in the face. Wheels are coming off again but the AD and BoTs still want to see how this thing plays out.
Dare I say Toxic?
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | December 10, 2018 at 11:19 AM
Ha ha post career insurance ...they are gonna change the NFL.
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Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 11:21 AM
Okay cool I was wondering you mention FSU and then said 7-6 so okay cool I get it you got us going 7-6 this year which is very possible hopefully we find a way to win the Game and finish 8-5 but 7-6 is very possible sadly in this turd filled season.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 11:26 AM
Steven Morris was selected by Orlando Apollos
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 11:28 AM
LOL well glad some are finding out about the AAF. My favorite team is the AAF Orlando team because it has our Former Miami Hurricanes on them season starts February 9th on CBS As Orlando hosts Atlanta from Spectrum Stadium(UCF Home Stadium)
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 11:28 AM
Future HOF and 35-year old Dolphins RB Frank Gore led the Miami Dolphins yesterday, with 92 yards on 12 carries, and a 24-yard reception. Gore also passed LaDainian Tomlinson (18,456) for 5th place on the all-time list for yards from scrimmage.
Amazing!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 10, 2018 at 11:42 AM
Frank The Tank is indeed amazing and definitely a Future HOFer.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 11:46 AM
Canes pick up a good OL commit:
Jakai Clark just became Miami’s newest commitment and the 15th member of Surge19. Since Miami has no other offensive line commits, head coach Mark Richt and OL coach Stacy Searels were obviously very happy with the news.
“I told Coach Richt and when I told him, he just stood up, gave me a hug, and he went out to tell Coach Searels. It was supposed to be a silent commitment but they were screaming.”
Every recruitment has its ups and downs, but Clark’s has been more like a roller coaster.
“As everybody knows, my recruitment has been going up and down. It started with Auburn and that whole situation with them. Then me committing to Illinois and now we’re here. I feel like with Miami, with me and my parents going to see it for the first time, I’m completely comfortable with the school. That’s always a good feeling.”
Clark is fresh off an official visit to Miami this weekend, which also happened to be the first time he had been to South Florida.
“I really like it, both the coaches and the university. My parents loved it too. I just felt like it was really cool, the stuff they have set up for the athletes and the help they give in terms of school. It was nice, especially the weather. It was a lot better than Georgia.”
Jakai Clark takes pride in being a very cerebral player and he feels that is exactly what Miami will get out of him as a player.
“I feel like I play really smart. I’m not the biggest guy on the field, I’m usually not the strongest guy on the field, but I play smart. I know my assignment. I’ll know my stuff when it comes to the blocking scheme and I’ll rarely make a mistake. I’m going to grind every day and I’m going to give my best effort on every play.”
Miami has not been recruiting Clark for very long, but he gave us some more insight into the situation.
“Going out there for this weekend, my biggest question was: How bad do they really want me? I understood that they had no O-Line commits, but I was just trying to get a vibe as to if they really wanted me. What they did was they explained the whole situation as to why they didn’t offer me earlier. When I was committed to Auburn they wanted to offer me, but they felt it would be a waste of time and that they couldn’t flip me. Then when I decommitted from Auburn, they already had a center committed. But he recently decommitted and that’s when that spot opened up for me. They just explained the whole situation and it just made me feel more comfortable in where I was at.”
Clark also shed some light on the recruiting styles of the two coaches recruiting him, Mark Richt and Stacy Searels.
“Coach Richt, in my opinion, doesn’t even really recruit, he just talks to you. Most of the time I talked to him, he just kind of talked about general stuff. He’s just that kind of coach where is door is always open for the players to come and talk to him about anything.
"Coach Searels, to me his recruiting style is he is going to show you that he knows his stuff and that he knows how to get you to the next level and that's what he showed me while I was out there. He’s done this before, he knows what he’s talking about. He has plenty of guys to show off that are in the NFL or have been in the NFL. He just shows you his experience.”
Despite not enrolling until the summer, Clark has high expectations for his freshman season.
“I just want to come in and make an impact anyway that I can. I don’t have to start my freshman year, that’s a privilege and it’s not just given to you. I just want to help the team any way I can and hopefully get a national championship.”
Finally, Clark gave a message for Canes fans everywhere.
“Just expect a real hard-working player.”
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 10, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Just a FYI Dillingham will not be calling plays at Auburn Gus Malzahn will continue to call plays. So he will be no different than Thomas Brown here at Miami. OC in name only not calling plays. So There is That.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Glad to get the OL Commit out of South Georgia. Hopefully we can pull in that OLineman from North Georgia as well.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 12:26 PM
Thanks for the very welcome and overdue news, GC.
I love these following two quotes from Clark:
“I feel like I play really smart. I’m not the biggest guy on the field, I’m usually not the strongest guy on the field, but I play smart. I know my assignment. I’ll know my stuff when it comes to the blocking scheme and I’ll rarely make a mistake. I’m going to grind every day and I’m going to give my best effort on every play.”
“Just expect a real hard-working player.”
If we can get a few more OLs who take this approach to heart, the Canes will be much improved.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 10, 2018 at 12:37 PM
Flip news: Clark who is a center,from the Fighting Illini to US. Dam, I guess it's a start but UH if we are flipping someone how about a tackle. WE NEED TACKLES!
Posted by: Herbieibis | December 10, 2018 at 01:21 PM
Farrell:
"It's been a rough recruiting year, especially compared to last year,” Farrell said. “There’s not a lot of star power in this class and I think that’s reflective of the season they had. A lot of kids are sort of disappointed that Miami took a step back. They’re in the Pinstripe Bowl and they were supposed to be ACC [Coastal] division champions. I’m not so sure if they can right the ship, so to speak.
“Right now, they’re 37th in the country, which is way low for them. But they only have 14 commitments. It’s a small class and the way we rank classes is we rank the top 20 committed kids. If you’re comparing a class with only 14, they’ll have much fewer points than a class with 20. So, part of that low recruiting ranking is because of the 14 commitments. But when I look at the top, top, top of the class, the Avery Huffs and the Te’Cory Couches and Anthony Solomons of the world, there just doesn’t seem to be the star power of last year. I’m not sure if they can change that. There’s not enough time to do it.”
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 01:30 PM
Farrell:
“A lot of the offensive kids we’ve talked to have looked elsewhere. They want to go into a system that’s ready to roll. They don’t want to go into a clunky offensive system that needs a lot of work and isn’t going to let them use their skills immediately,” Farrell said. “That’s why this is a very defensive-minded class, plus, they need more help on the defensive side of the ball. They’re going to be losing a lot of guys on that side of the football. I just know a lot of kids have been turned off by the season.”
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 01:31 PM
"Clunky offensive system"...that about sums it up.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 01:32 PM
Clunky is a nice compliment compared to what I would call it. How about a sputtering shyt show. Farrell is way to kind.
Posted by: Herbieibis | December 10, 2018 at 01:39 PM
There is no offensive system....its not even clunky.....its horrible.
37th in country sounds bad....we have lost a lot of kids....again people want to play for contenders....with this BOT AD HC and much of the staff....we are pretenders.
We really took a giant leap backwards this year...and its really gonna hurt!!!!
CGNC can you say OuchPa!!!!!
LOL!
Posted by: VA Cane | December 10, 2018 at 01:39 PM
The sad part is it will have an affect on our defensive haul. We look ok on that side but even that side could be better. 14 recruits and what 3 on offense! Farrell is right about one thing, there isn't much time to change our offensive perception.
Posted by: Herbieibis | December 10, 2018 at 01:52 PM
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 09:32 AM
He's been soooo bad these last couple of seasons. At least he stopped slurping up the Southern Cal slop right before they missed a bowl too . . . oops! SMH
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | December 10, 2018 at 02:17 PM
So There is That.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Little victories. LOL
Posted by: CGNC | December 10, 2018 at 02:57 PM
But but... the clunky offensive plays have worked for 30 years.....
Posted by: CGNC | December 10, 2018 at 02:58 PM
BWC: I don't know why Jon Richt sits up in the booth, but someone needed to talk to him.
FIFY:
I don't know why Jon Richt is on staff.
:-)
Posted by: CGNC | December 10, 2018 at 03:01 PM
Finally got one of those Smart TVs.
Still have DISH, but I want to see what this streaming is about.
For the Spacers that have cut the cord, what kinda setup are y'all workin' with?
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 03:16 PM
The proof is in the stats. When you are 98th in the country in total offense, that should really tell you something - you either lack talent, coaching or both. The Canes have recruited well over the last three years, so lack of talent is not an excuse. Big changes are needed.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 10, 2018 at 10:04 AM
Agree 100%.
However... no coaching changes appear to be coming... SMH...
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 10, 2018 at 03:33 PM
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 03:16 PM
All of it is going to depend on how good your wifi is. Your carrier doesnt matter too much, they all have basically the samd channels.
If you want to stream Netflix or watch something like ESPN 3 you need strong internet.
Also recommend getting Apple TV. Only costs about $100.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 10, 2018 at 03:51 PM
LOL CGNC true
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 03:51 PM
Manny Diaz one of the final two candidates for the Temple HC job?
Uh oh...
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 10, 2018 at 04:46 PM
Have a friend who's wife teaches English there....she told him about Manny I had heard some rumors in general....
This would be a disaster for the program....
CGNC can you say Revenge of AlPa?
Posted by: VA Cane | December 10, 2018 at 06:16 PM
Manny Diaz one of the final two candidates for the Temple HC job?
Uh oh...
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 10, 2018 at 04:46 PM
F*¢K!
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 10, 2018 at 06:27 PM
Diaz will hold out for a P5 gig
Posted by: BEERicane | December 10, 2018 at 06:43 PM
NCAA should have done us all a favor and instituted the death penalty in 2011.
Posted by: BEERicane | December 10, 2018 at 06:46 PM
it would be better if diaz took the job..it would make the misery shorter
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 07:28 PM
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 07:28 PM
Dude.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 10, 2018 at 07:33 PM
Shorter. Diaz leaving would cause suicidal tendancies!
Posted by: Herbieibis | December 10, 2018 at 07:38 PM
It would take a miracle for temple be a top ten team...its a huge job
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 07:39 PM
Manny is a perfect fit for the 305 players...maybe richt could step down
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | December 10, 2018 at 07:41 PM
Naw, just for spite, if Diaz left, he would hire an QB/OC and make his son DEECO. Now wouldn't that be a bitch.
Posted by: Herbieibis | December 10, 2018 at 07:51 PM
WHEN THE MOST RESPECTED BLOGGER HERE SAYS:
Still, but the Canes offense never really got any full continuity, and remained out of sinc although there were some slight improvements. You would expect to see those things in spring and early fall camp, but you wouldn't expect to see it that late in the season.
COACHING
I think we all agree that CMR made a huge mistake going back to Rosier as a starter, and he should have simply stuck with Perry to close out the season. The Canes would have probably had a better chance to win 1-2 more games this season if he had done that.
COACHING
I also think Perry wasn't properly prepared for that Virginia game. The mistakes Perry was making were like high-school level. He simply didn't see what the defense was trying to do, and he wasn't prepared. I don't know if that was mostly Perry's lack of dedication and focus, or the coaches not preparing him for what he was seeing. I don't know why Jon Richt sits up in the booth, but someone needed to talk to him.
COACHING
Too often, I saw opposing coaches out-scheme and out-maneuver the Canes this season. BC, Virginia, LSU, GT and Duke. Even FSU, VT and Pitt had better game plans, but just couldn't execute.
COACHING
The Canes have recruited well over the last three years, so lack of talent is not an excuse. Big changes are needed.
COACHING
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 10, 2018 at 10:04 AM
Then you know what the problem is?
COACHING!
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 07:53 PM
"Clunky offensive system"...that about sums it up.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 01:32 PM
Just to review...COACHING!
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 07:59 PM
Lol I guess the Pitt Game didn't happen and all those drops by multiple Receivers and overthrows didn't happen I guess some of us are just dumb like that lol okay I got it. Can't make this stuff up. When dogpilling goes overboard lol.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:06 PM
Of course Coaching was hideous against Virginia and Duke.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:07 PM
Lost Young & Richards to career enders...lost 4 of our best recruits to injury...man were we snake-bitten this year.
Posted by: CaneRock | December 10, 2018 at 08:19 PM
Definitely a Snake bitten season no doubt.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:26 PM
Of course Coaching was hideous against Virginia and Duke.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:07 PM
COACHING!
OK, I will make you a deal on this little blame game we are playing here and I will bet you $100 REAL MONEY (not blog money) on this:
Everybody here post the % of blame on the coaches versus the players this season. If the consensus of the blog on the % is more on the coaches than the players then I win, if not you win, DEAL?
I have it 85% on coaches/15% on players.
What U got?
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 08:35 PM
Lol that's not a hard bet most on here got it 100% Coaching and 0% players. So what's the point in that but people feel how they feel.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:45 PM
To be fair I would even go 80% coaches/10% players/10%injuries but we are not playing that game. That is for another day.
The biggest failures of all were:
1. The debacle at QB. Rosier should never had started a single game much less come back in for three in the middle of the season.
2. The OL was a cluster F$%& all season. Moving fat, slow #55 to tackle was a LOL move at best and I called it from the very beginning before he got moved back to G.
3. The failure to use WR Pope and RB Lingard wisely or feature #4 in a bigger role is the biggest head scratcher of the year.
4. Special teams? Don't even get me started. CHILD PLEASE!
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 08:45 PM
Dem QB's we got ain't had to much coaching. Neither are to adept at reading defenses. Rosier being a 5th yr. Looked like a true freshman. Perry being a red shirt freshman is not good at reading either. The system failed them as well because the system we run is not suited for either. They were spread QB's asked to run a pro style. Either Richt has lost his teaching edge or we just had some dumb QB's or both. The line did better with the spread concept running the ball but then we couldn't throw or catch it. Coaches can't catch the ball and they can't block, so some of the blame is on the players but maybe, just maybe it's also the talent they recruited. We still have to many jobbers playing on offense. Langham is a jobber and really would of been better suited playing at a FAU.
Posted by: Herbieibis | December 10, 2018 at 08:54 PM
Perry was nothing special either but I know people on here think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread lol
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:55 PM
Some definite coaching blunders no doubt.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:55 PM
Lol that's not a hard bet most on here got it 100% Coaching and 0% players. So what's the point in that but people feel how they feel.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:45 PM
Now, now, now....U started this "blame game" and said it was the players and I said it was the coaches. Now you need to MAN UP and let us see who is right by the consensus vote.
#CantWait
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 09:08 PM
Perry was nothing special either but I know people on here think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread lol
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:55 PM
Perry IS sliced bread. LOL
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 09:09 PM
Some definite coaching blunders no doubt.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 10, 2018 at 08:55 PM
Some dropped passes no doubt.
But the coaching was WAY more than the drops.
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 09:10 PM
The biggest failures of all were:
1. The debacle at QB. Rosier should never had started a single game much less come back in for three in the middle of the season.
💯
2. The OL was a cluster F$%& all season. Moving fat, slow #55 to tackle was a LOL move at best and I called it from the very beginning before he got moved back to G.
💯
3. The failure to use WR Pope and RB Lingard wisely or feature #4 in a bigger role is the biggest head scratcher of the year.
💯
4. Special teams? Don't even get me started. CHILD PLEASE!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Posted by: SOUP | December 10, 2018 at 08:45 PM
I have to admit that at the beginning of the season, I never dreamed that the Canes offense could be this bad. Although I knew the defense would be great, the defense was actually even better than I expected.
The Canes offensive coaching staff needs shaking up. The recruits have lost faith. I have heard the terms “pro style,” “spread” “run and shoot “ “power” “wishbone” and “triple option” and “RPO.”
Upon reflecting on the offense I have watched this season, I have been searching for the right word to describe this offensive system, and the recruits summed it up best — “clunker offensive system.”
Posted by: BigWindyCane | December 10, 2018 at 09:14 PM
Offense- 65% Coaching-35% Players. (Poorly coached... left hanging with inadequate, antiquated offensive philosophy and scheme. Poor execution and concentration on many skill players' parts... partially due to frustration over crappy play calling.)
Defense- 50%-50%. (Well coached, placed in position to be successful. Playing with high energy and aggression.)
Posted by: roachcane77 | December 10, 2018 at 09:21 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 58 Straight | December 10, 2018 at 09:36 PM