The media called them the Baby Bulls, but to fans of The U they just might be that nucleus that provides the stepping stone for the resurgence. Eight high school stars who played for Miami Northwestern, won the national championship and decided to stay local, signing on with a UM program coming off a five-win season with a first-time head coach.
Jacory Harris. Aldarius Johnson. Sean Spence. Marcus Forston. Kendal Thompkins. Tommy Streeter. Ben Jones. Brandon Washington. Six of eight saw serious playing time last year and all the above will make their presence felt as soon as this season kicks off. Years from now, you will see some – if not all – in the NFL, while the Miami program is again thriving based on the leap of faith all eight took a few years back.
Miami saw a similar class in 1997 when Butch Davis reeled in some superstars ready to make a difference. The Canes went 9-3 in 1996 and even with an influx of talent a year later, still stumbled to a 5-6 season. Some of the talent in that February ’97 class – Martin Bibla, Najeh Davenport, Daryl Jones, Dan Morgan, Ed Reed and Reggie Wayne. Davis even brought Santana Moss in with that class on a track scholarship.
The Herald’s Susan Miller Degnan did a write up on the Northwestern kids and the bond that’s carried over to the U Family. Check it out when you get a chance. A great reminder of the bond that Canes have, in this case dating back to their successful high school days.
I think that whole class, including all the Bulls players, will be the key when we look back on it. Winning breads winning. High school is not college, but when you come from a winning program, you do what it takes in all that you do. You expect good things to happen, and that mentality, combined with the physical part is key. Last year's guys who were thrown into the deep end will flourish this year with that experience. Great job Coach Shannon.
-Columbus Cane
Spence looks CRAZY in this pic…he aint fcuk*ng arround this yea,LOVE IT!!!!
I would go watch these guys play their Junior and senior seasons in hope that they decided to commit to the U and stick around. Years from now we will speak of these guys and how they brought The U back. I love to see local guys stay home and defend their home turf.
Go Canes!!!
I bleed Orange and Green!!!