Today it was announced by the University of Miami that Alonzo Highsmith may be coming home to help his Miami Hurricanes Football team try to regain its rightful place among college football elites and a return to its glory days.
On the surface, and as a move in the right direction, we would like that a lot.
However, we must caution the highly respected Mr. Highsmith that while we believe he absolutely has the "right stuff" given his credentials as a player and player personnel director in the NFL to accomplish his goals here at UM, he definitely has his work cut out for him. And we are dead serious.
The coaching staff needs to be improved today.
The roster composition needs work over time.
The level of talent needs to be improved as soon as possible.
The off-season conditioning program needs work.
The practice field competition level needs to be improved.
The offensive and defensive schemes need work going forward.
Special teams is an outright disaster and the "coach" needs to be fired now.
That is just a short list and scratching the surface of what needs to be fixed to make this program right. Notice we didn't mention the "culture of the program" like the current head coach has done numerous times.
That is just loser talk for "we don't pratice or play well, our fundamentals are horrible, our play calling is suspect, we don't use our talent effectively and we can't win games against significantly inferior teams."
Start practicing and playing hard, start winning games that you should win, stop blaming players or making excuses for the coaching failures and maybe, just maybe. the "culture will change".
If you choose to accept this position, we wish you all of the support that you will most certainly need to turn this quickly sinking ship around Mr. Highsmith.
And get to work making us proud to throw up "The U" once again!
I'm hearing now on Twitter per Barry Jackson that James did meet with Highsmith but UM they want to look at other candidates before making a decision and that it will be after the OC hire. I'm pissed. James is intimidated by Highsmith, because Highsmith would be a better AD than him and sees him as a threat.
Posted by: Joe | December 30, 2019 at 10:28 PM
Bam
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:28 PM
Early years
Highsmith attended Christopher Columbus High School, where he played defensive end and helped his team reach the state championship final in 1982, while receiving All-American, Florida high school Defensive Player of the Year and the Dade County Athlete of the Year honors. He also played basketball and ran track.
College career
Highsmith accepted a scholarship from the University of Miami over offers from Notre Dame University and the University of Michigan. Although he was recruited by Howard Schnellenberger to play defense, he was converted to fullback before his freshman season started. He was a member of the 1983 Hurricanes squad that won the national championship, and led the team in rushing during the 31-30 victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.
In 1984, Jimmy Johnson arrived as the new head coach and named him a starter as a sophomore, rushing for a team leading 906 yards on 146 carries (6.2 average) and 11 touchdowns. One of the hardest working players on the team, he would develop into a complete fullback that could run, block and catch.
As a junior, he registered 451 rushing yards on 117 carries (3.9 average) and 6 touchdowns, including a school record 88-yard touchdown reception against East Carolina University. In his last year, he was recognized as the nation's best fullback, while posting 442 rushing yards (led the team) on 105 carries (4.2 average) and 8 touchdowns.
Highsmith finished his college career with 1,914 rushing yards (second in school history), 2,935 all-purpose yards (fifth in school history), 25 career touchdowns (tied for first in school history) and five 100-yard rushing games (tied for second in school history).
In 1997, he was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
Professional career
Houston Oilers
Highsmith was selected by the Houston Oilers in the first round (third overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. He reported to the team after a long contract holdout, that saw him miss 6 months and 6 games.[1] As a rookie, he played in 8 games (3 starts) and registered 106 rushing yards.
In 1988, he started 16 games, rushing for 466 yards (third on the team) on 94 carries for a 5-yard average, while developing into one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL. In 1989, he started again 16 games, led the team in rushing with 531 yards and was second on the team with 6 total touchdowns.
During the 1990 season, Jack Pardee became the new Oilers head coach and implemented the run and shoot offense. The team decided that Highsmith wasn't a good fit for new system. On September 3, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a second round (#38-Darryll Lewis) and a fifth round (#136-Tim Roberts) draft choice.[2]
Dallas Cowboys
Although he had started 40 straight games with the Houston Oilers, he had a series of offseason knee surgeries, that had doctors recommending against the Dallas Cowboys acquiring him in 1990, based on a knee condition that could potentially end his career.[3] Head coach Jimmy Johnson, knowing Highsmith from his playing days at the University of Miami, ignored the medical advice and went ahead with the proposed trade on September 3.[4]
He played in 7 games (5 starts) and was the lead blocker for rookie Emmitt Smith, before being placed on the injured reserve list after not being able to fully recover from his previous knee surgery.[5] He had 19 carries for 48 yards and 3 receptions for 13 yards.
The next year, he had a contract holdout, that forced him to miss most of training camp. He returned as the third-string fullback and played in only 2 games, before being waived on October 1, 1991.[6]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On October 3, 1991, Highsmith was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[7] Due to his chronic knee condition, he was released on October 7, 1992.[8]
Highsmith retired after playing in 65 games, posting 283 rushing attempts for 1,195 yards (4.2 avg.) and 7 touchdowns. He also had 42 receptions for 428 yards (10.2 avg.) and 3 touchdowns.
Front office
In 2012, he accepted a Senior Personnel Executive position in the front office of the Green Bay Packers.
On January 2, 2018, it was reported that he would be joining the Cleveland Browns as their vice president of football operations.[10] On January 10, it was confirmed that Highsmith would join the Browns, just as the Vice President of Player Personnel.[11]
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2019 at 10:29 PM
Now it is a MAYBE?
WTF?
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2019 at 10:37 PM
We’re going to find a way to F this up.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 30, 2019 at 10:38 PM
The AD is THE problem.
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2019 at 10:40 PM
86,
They got to get the culture right first.
Now u watch, they'll go through all these BS interviews to get the right candidate, something they don't do for a HC. Keep dragging your feet and u will lose out.
Posted by: The Herb | December 30, 2019 at 10:43 PM
Now it is a MAYBE?
WTF?
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2019 at 10:37
Lucy pulls the ball away again???
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:50 PM
Twitter kickin’ Blake’s ass -
2 spur of the moment coaching hires and now he wants to do an extensive search?
Posted by: KYcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:51 PM
Was someone talking about music. Name your time
Been an avid collector since 1971. Hard driving Blues is The Herb's favorite, especially Mike Zito.
Posted by: THE HERB | December 30, 2019 at 10:55 PM
Here is how the interview went:
Blake: So Alonzo, as Director of Football Operations how do you see your role?
Alonzo: I see me taking your job because clearly you suck at it. Hiring Manny Diaz and paying Temple a ransom to get him back shows your complete and utter incompetence.
Blake: Ok, so we will be interviewing other candidates and we will get back to you.
Alonzo: Yeah, screw that. As soon as you are fired and I am hired this crap will end. Have a nice day Sir. (Shakes his hand crushing it in the process).
Posted by: SOUP | December 30, 2019 at 11:00 PM
Lucy pulls the ball away again???
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:50 PM
Charlie Brown is really, no I mean seriously, pissed off this time. Screw kicking the football, someone is going to get kicked in the head!
Posted by: SOUP | December 30, 2019 at 11:05 PM
I agree with everything posted on here. After buying out Temple and saddling this program with CMD, Blake says he wants to do an extensive search?
Unbelievable!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 30, 2019 at 11:07 PM
Herb,
that's the dude that plays and sings Greyhound?
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 11:08 PM
Soup bone,
this ones for you pal,
Best Lucy football in history
https://youtu.be/ZahNTpd-0_w
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 11:12 PM
I think High would be a fantastic AD....he is a great guy great player UM fav....I think he has a pulse on the UM situation....hell that BIG MFer probably could still tote the rock.....hell give me a backfield of him and Brat....look out people they were awesome!!!!!!!
Boss....i know a better place to kick them....I m just saying.....I( want CGNC to be Highs Special Assistant....my girl knows her stuff!!!!!
She really knows Cane facts and she knows the game big time!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | December 30, 2019 at 11:13 PM
If Highsmith isn’t involved in the OC hire, I can’t trust the decision-making. CMD has shown that running this program is way over his head and he doesn’t know what he is doing. Blake and CMD need major help
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 30, 2019 at 11:14 PM
solar you are killing my sides...I am in the floor on that one.....
Posted by: VA Cane | December 30, 2019 at 11:14 PM
Florida would beat us by 40 points now with Williams getting sacked about 12 times.
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 11:16 PM
I don't even think.Hitler could find the words to describe the terrible decisions that have been made the last 7 yrs. I seriously think he is grouping highsmith with Butch.Butch would have gotten rid of him.
Posted by: mi@ | December 30, 2019 at 11:17 PM
What is the scoop on Frank Ponce?
Is he OC material?
Posted by: KYcane | December 30, 2019 at 11:35 PM
Solar u caught to hear "Wee Wee hours". He's scorching that axe.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | December 30, 2019 at 11:56 PM
Just caught a glimpse on CanesInsight where supposedly sum big kale has been laid on the table to get big Zo. It's up to Jake Blames to pull Da trigga.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | December 31, 2019 at 12:05 AM
Herb,
I thought his name was Mike Vetro,I heard Greyhound a couple times and dug it. I will Check him out now that I got his name thanks!
Posted by: solarcane | December 31, 2019 at 12:06 AM
Florida would beat us by 40 points now with Williams getting sacked about 12 times.
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 11:16 PM
I disagree. Florida would only beat us by -38 points. 🤣With Blake and CMD at the helm next season, then UF might get a double nickel (55 points) on us
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 31, 2019 at 12:06 AM
Solar Virginia would beat us by 40 right now as well. So Much for Virginia not deserving the Orange Bowl Bid. And Florida took this Game seriously they had to fight hard to win that Game. Flake James is Doing Flake James things 😂😂 😂😂.
Posted by: Terrance M Sullivan | December 31, 2019 at 12:07 AM
Just caught a glimpse on CanesInsight where supposedly sum big kale has been laid on the table to get big Zo. It's up to Jake Blames to pull Da trigga.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | December 31, 2019 at 12:05 AM
Oh boy! Glad to hear we have people who care about the program— but I would be very surprised if Blake wants to hire someone who could get CMD and him fired if they continue to exhibit incompetence
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 31, 2019 at 12:10 AM
This "Director of Football Operations" idea is just plain stupid. If CMD can't do his job, FIRE HIM.
UM doesn't need to hire someone to help CMD run the football program. The football program needs someone to fire CMD.
Posted by: nemo2002 | December 31, 2019 at 12:46 AM
Yes, UM needs to fire CMD.
"But who's going to take his place?"
"Is the answer Jesus?"
SLAP SHOT
Posted by: nemo2002 | December 31, 2019 at 01:02 AM
LSU Football Administration
Jeff Grigus Asst. Director of Operations
Posted by: solarcane | December 31, 2019 at 01:49 AM
Clemson Football Administration
Mike Dooley Director of Football Operations
/Player Personnel
Posted by: solarcane | December 31, 2019 at 01:53 AM
Throw it out there Nemo......I agree 100% get rid of what does not work...the current regime
Posted by: VA Cane | December 31, 2019 at 03:12 AM
Don Corzine has been director of football operations for the Canes since 2012. I think Blake was envisioning the creation of a new Chief of Staff position.
If he doesn’t hire Highsmith, then it’s just further confirms that this administration isn’t serious about winning
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | December 31, 2019 at 07:47 AM
Just about every big time program has a director of football operations type player.
There are too many responsibilities for an AD at a big time program to handle these days.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | December 31, 2019 at 08:49 AM
Lucy pulls the ball away again???
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:50 PM
post of the day!
- bad idea letting canes' fans know about the highsmith idea
. . . then tracing your boot toe in the dust, hands in your pockets, muttering "mebbe"; gonna play me a game of marbels first
Posted by: alpine | December 31, 2019 at 08:57 AM
Diaz’s motto for this season as he took over for Mark Richt — #TheNewMiami — struck dissonant chords as the team struggled to live up to its social media boasting. Likewise those gaudy touchdown rings (like the Turnover Chain) makes you seem pretty foolish when you aren’t winning. Or scoring. All hat, no cattle, as the saying goes.
Canes fans don’t need #TheNewMiami. They’d prefer #TheOldMiami, the one that invented swagger. The one that everybody hated for its excellence.
GREG COTE
Posted by: nemo2002 | December 31, 2019 at 08:58 AM
#TheNewMiami
i don't see the problem with this
. . . it's only been one season and we're already #TheEwMiami
. . . so we're almost there
Posted by: alpine | December 31, 2019 at 09:12 AM
(i should let this go, 'cause i like VA, but)
I am throwing down on the person not because of their politics, but their attitude in a situation. My niece had a professor who made multiple passes made at her . . . I filed a complaint and was told by person I commented on "these things happen, lighten up" Thats what liberal minds think.
Posted by: VA Cane | December 30, 2019 at 01:28 PM
so,
- the catholic heirarchy & our military, two VERY large hiders of sexual harassment are bastions of liberals?
- when penn state had their "problems", shalala and all her like-minded liberals were in charge? cause paterno and the others are all closet liberals?
- fox news sexual harasment problems, including major cover-up ... that was due to liberals?
- etc., etc., etc., ad infinitus, amen
why do you vent about "liberals" in this context? isn't the problem usually "men": of every color, creed, ethnicity, income group, political persuasion, . . .?
maybe stick to football blogging instead of large brush strokes against groups
. . . unless that group is the gators; or ohio state . . . then you can brush stroke vent an entire michelangelo
Posted by: alpine | December 31, 2019 at 09:18 AM
Tyric Martin is gone finally. That's a ship that can be put into good use. Dude played 2 scrub games in 4 years. Now Dykstra, Hillary and Herbert, all redshirt sophs, should do us a favor and pack their bags and stop taking up space.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | December 30, 2019 at 03:55 PM
- regarding tyreic: 100!
- regarding the 3 OL's: maybe we need 'em on our scout team 'til the transfer portal spews us some hOpefuLs?
Posted by: alpine | December 31, 2019 at 09:19 AM
Now it is a MAYBE?
WTF?
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2019 at 10:37
Lucy pulls the ball away again???
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:50 PM
Like TSully said, there is 5 star bleep show in Coral Gables
Posted by: CGNC | December 31, 2019 at 09:54 AM
maybe stick to football blogging instead of large brush strokes against groups
I like you too Al..never met ya...BUT I LOVE my niece....you are treading on very thin ice....you don't know what went down with the liberal president who advised me "these things happen..lighten up"...the administration of liberals ( they were and are) came real close to getting physically hurt....and very badly hurt....I made it clear someone would get a horrific ass beating with no mercy....in my playing days I was known as The Hitman...in life I have never relinquished that title....and I would have given the prof and the midget a comeuppance not seen since The Crucifixion....and I meant it I do not blink flinch or stutter when it comes to my blood....move on friend step lightly when it comes to others family....I have moved on from that comment and will not bring iy up again
Posted by: VA Cane | December 31, 2019 at 10:26 AM
Now it is a MAYBE?
WTF?
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2019 at 10:37
Lucy pulls the ball away again???
Posted by: solarcane | December 30, 2019 at 10:50 PM
Like TSully said, there is 5 star bleep show in Coral Gables
Posted by: CGNC | December 31, 2019 at 09:54 AM
It's not a maybe. He's not coming.
Abandon hope, all ye who post here.
Posted by: TonyCane | December 31, 2019 at 11:06 AM
So if Díaz sucks, why not just fire him. Why try to cover his incompetence by hiring people around him? Stupid thinking and a waste of money and time
Posted by: AeroCane | December 31, 2019 at 11:07 AM
Btw... I hear Highsmith is not coming to Miami. Either UM messed it up or someone reported something that was not true.
Posted by: Mia Chi ‘Cane ‘98 | December 31, 2019 at 11:29 AM
I hope I did not offend when I brought my niece up; it is how I felt as she is my baby; I stood tall and proud; I railed against an entrenched, dangerous institution that accepts wrong as these things happen. Like The Stones, "my name is called disturbance"
Friends, life revolves around around two key words: change and time. Our lives, whether we admit it or not, is forever entwined with these two words, from cradle to grave. I have changed dramatically since 2/18/19, when my Mother left this world. Change is a daily ritual; Jim Morrison said "See me Change" in The Changling...we all do. I have the clearest,most determined vision of my life I have ever had.
"There comes a time when you realize you are closer to the end than the beginning; you wonder whether it was all worthwhile; whether your being there at any time made any difference at all"
-Colonel Nicholson
The Bridge Over The River Kwai
Rather than continuing to express my own opinionated opinions to each of you, it is time for change. Note the words Time and Change. Each of you is like my niece to me:Family! I will hold that thought always and wish each of you the best in your lifes' endeavours. God bless each of you now and always.
Always
VAC
Posted by: VA Cane | December 31, 2019 at 11:31 AM
The latest is no Zo but some ody has ponied up tbe bread to after Mario but all is up to Blake. If that's the case Manure u better get your ass wired tight.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | December 31, 2019 at 11:32 AM
Highsmith was NOT going to be the Savior
Only firing manny and hiring the right person will accomplish anything good
Posted by: AeroCane | December 31, 2019 at 11:53 AM
I think due to the title of this blog....we need to start a new one.
Posted by: raizecane | December 31, 2019 at 11:53 AM
1 minute ago
Barry Jackson
@flasportsbuzz
Spoke to Highsmith; he has NOT pulled his name out of consideration for UM job. UM indicated it's considering Alonzo&others for chief of staff,but OC priority now. Alonzo said he has a job as Browns VP/personnel&that's where his attention is now but that things change sometimes
Posted by: solarcane | December 31, 2019 at 12:03 PM
Solar -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYgONLrYmnI
Posted by: raizecane | December 31, 2019 at 12:10 PM