The talented four-star linebacking prospect out of Dunnellon (FL) High had his scholarship offer revoked when coaches lost faith in his commitment. Randy Shannon and staff seem to have no issue with recruits going on visits and checking out other programs, as long as their commitment is a strong one.
McCray seemed to be wavering and wasn’t telling coaches what they wanted to hear, so he’s gonzo. For the first time in a long time, the Canes staff is playing offense instead of defense.
Deonte Thompson burned Miami last year. Before that, guys like Preston Parker and Antone Smith bailed The U last minute. Same can be said for several quarterback prospects on the Canes’ radar.
In the past few years under Larry Coker, Miami lost Nick Fanuzzi, Daniel Stegall, Pat Devlin and Derek Shaw over the span of three seasons. In all cases, these quarterback prospects committed early and bailed in the final hour, leaving the Canes in a big time lurch.
The new Miami staff has flipped the script and the message has been sent. Either you’re with The U or you’re against it. If you’re committed, enjoy your other visits but stay committed. Stay in touch. Remain on board. The minute you’re wavering, you’re no longer with the program and the Canes need to go another direction.
In the past few weeks, Miami closed on on linebacking prospects Brandon Marti, Zack Kane and John Calhoun. Marti and Kane are projected to play linebacker and Calhoun, most likely fullback. All three appear to be solid Miami commits and kids who aren’t wavering. All about The U and ready to jump on board.
Adding them to the mix with incoming linebackers Sean Spence, Antonio Harper, Marcus Robinson and Jordan Futch and it’s pretty obvious that Miami’s staff is prepared for an unexpected hiccups along the way.
McCray would’ve been a great addition to this class, but this program isn’t going to be strung along by a teenager feeling things out. You’re in or your out. The message has been made clear, not just to McCray but to any on the fence recruits.
You’re either with the University of Miami or you’re against it. You choose.
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Can you blame kids for bailing? When they watched those last few games they saw save Kyle Wright a heartless, totally disorganized team. I was pro Shannon until he chose not to shake up his staff or hire ANYONE with any experience from a gameday perspective. Shannon's staff choices are heavily skewed towards recruiting well and not towards game planning or adjusting well on Saturday. In other words if Miami doesn't have more talent than the other team, we aren't winning in his tenure.
Chris, My sentiments exactly. If you want to play The U, then get prepared to have your bluff called. If you're not sure just say so, be a young man, and stay uncommitted. Why commit if you're unsure or want to play programs against each other? For the fun of it? Well then you see what you get, McCray, don't you? I happen to have wanted him on board, as he seems to be one of the top players in the state, but if Randy says go play somewhere else, then so be it. You should want to come to play in Coral Gables, if not then stop wasting everyone's time, money and energy. I don't know if Patrick Johnson is doing the same thing now, but if he's playing games he can go ahead too. I trust Coach Shannon is telling them like it is and is looking for guys to turn it around next year. This class will be the building blocks for the future. Some guys embrace that and some guys don't. I would just love to know what Shannon has to go through with some of these guys. I'm sure they're not used to his non nonsense approach versus guys like Urban Myth and Slick Nick Saban, telling them whatever it takes. Do your thing Coach!
-Columbus Cane
I choose... against.
bad choice ferguson!
This policy doesn't seem as even as you suggest. Buchanon, D Johnson and P Johnson have all been taking a ton of visits. It sounds like if you want to take visits you better tell Shannon what he wants to hear first whether it be true or not. Oh and be a top rated recruit too.
This is the exact same thing Nick Saban and Mack Brown do with their "you shop, we shop" policy.
This policy doesn't seem as even as you suggest. Buchanon, D Johnson and P Johnson have all been taking a ton of visits. It sounds like if you want to take visits you better tell Shannon what he wants to hear first whether it be true or not. Oh and be a top rated recruit too.
KG - The issue isn't with guys taking visits. The issue is wavering on your commitment to Miami. If anything, Miami coaches ENCOURAGE these kids to go see what else is out there and would never take anything away from the recruiting process by telling them to stay home.
A kid like McCray was obviously wavering big time. He's in Gator and Noles country and we've been hearing his commitment was weak for a while now.
The coaches chose to be proactive and end the relationship instead of being left at the altar, a la Coker. I commend them for that. It sends a message. Enjoy your other visits, but you're either committed to Miami or you're not. There's no gray area.
Replaced by #1 OLB in the nation Arthur Brown (Wichita, Kansas)...get on board or get out of the way.....