It’s not rocket science, but it’s still a pretty savvy move. Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher was set to go on the Dan Sileo Show and couldn’t be found, so Miami head coach Al Golden, driving around Tampa on a recruiting trip, called in to talk football. Some highlights:
– Golden stated that Miami is currently a top-five recruiting class with about a half dozen game-changers on the fence and still needing to make their decision. Whether this is where the Canes are currently ranked or not, getting on the air to talk about UM’s recruiting success in a time slot that was supposed to be filled with FSU talk and potential Seminole recruits listening, it was a good plug for the current state of ‘The U’.
– Regarding the departure of Lamar Miller, Coach states that he’s happy for the player and their family. Golden stated that as long as the kid go through the process, whatever the decision the kid and the family chooses, the coaching staff and program supports.
Golden didn’t touch Sileo’s comment about Miller being ready or not ready, but again, used this question as an opportunity to hype the program on the recruiting and opportunity front, stating that the “biggest thing” about Miller’s departure is the doors that open with current high school kids who can step in and take that spot.
The underlying theme remains; if you have talent and you want to play now, come to Miami where you’ll get that shot. The running back position is wide open entering 2012.
– Regarding the bowl game, Golden agrees that the administration made the right call with the self-imposed ban. Sitting out this post-season affords the Miami program the opportunity to put this behind them, with a focus on moving forward.
Golden also used this as an opportunity to state that conditioning – a lack there of – is a key thing holding the Miami program back. Golden cited the front seven getting pushed around way too often this past season and the twenty-five lifts the Canes will get this December will hopefully pay dividends on the conditioning and toughness front.
Golden stated that he wants a bigger, stronger and more physical team, as well as the fact that he and his staff are recruiting under that same criteria.
– Golden stated that a ‘hidden secret’ on defense last season was the fact that Miami only gave up 14 points a game the final six games of 2011. He went on to explain that the defense was in disarray all season due to suspensions, moving guys around and a lack of continuity (in effort to offset the sidelined bodies, the injuries and lack of depth), that the defense simply couldn’t get any rhythm back.
Miami gave up a lot of points earlier in the season, but the defense tightened up as the year rolled on. Golden cited changes made by defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio, as well as solid play from immediate impact freshmen like Denzel Perryman and Anthony Chickillo, as being key difference-makers.
It was only a 4:24 piece, but anytime you can get your head coach on the airwaves while keeping a rival head coach off, that’s a good thing. Florida State’s little loss was Miami’s gain on Wednesday afternoon. Nice heads up move, Coach.