Again, this is just what I’ve heard from a few sources but when a few people in the know are telling me the same thing, I start to believe it.
From what it sounds like, James Bryant will most likely transfer from The U. I don’t know if this is because he’d go from the doghouse of Larry Coker to that of Randy Shannon or if he’s just that displeased with his experience in Coral Gables.
Bryant has shows glimmers of hope in a handful of games in 2006, but he’s been suspended for the bowl game for violation a team rule. He came to The U as a freshman in 2004 and a linebacker phenom, as did Willie Williams, who left the program before weeks before this season kicked off.
Bryant made the switch to fullback in an effort to see the field more in 2006, but that hasn’t been the case. Sort of odd that two highly recruited and touted linebackers would bail the program in a matter of months. What changed? It is a Coker thing? Is Shannon the culprit? Did these two kids have attitude issues and come to Miami expecting a starting role? Who knows. Either way, it’s frustrating for all parties involved.
Here’s hoping Bryant sticks around and finds a role on this team in 2007 as it seems good things are in store. Conversely, if he has been a problem child, then kudos to coach Shannon for weeding out the wrong kind of player.
It’s obvious he has a game plan in mind and it revolves around getting “Miami-style” kids, which has been this program’s bread and butter. Not the highly touted Rivals five-star primadonnas.
Other news of note, a.k.a. the Canes305 two-cents: I believe Greg Olsen is 100% gonzo and also feel Jon Beason will return for his senior campaign next season. Some have felt that Olsen not requesting his Draft info was a sign he’d stick around, but it’s actually the opposite. In such a weak draft for tight ends, it’s a safe bet Olsen knows he’ll be chosen after Arizona State’s Zack Miller, which has him going in the second round.
Regarding Beason, the talk is that the scouts feel he needs to return and have a strong senior campaign. Toss that in with the fact his position coach is now the new head coach at The U and I believe Beason comes back as a big time team leader and difference maker for Shannon’s inaugural campaign.
.:Canes305:.
I agree that we need more of the ‘Miami style’ players as well. As we’ve seen over the past few years, some of those so-called highly ranked players seem to be more trouble than they’re worth. Just take a look at Arkansas with Mustain and that crew, and their parents trying to run things. Nobody needs those kinds of headaches. The best players play. If a two star kid is outplaying a five star kid, the two star kid should play. Rankings don’t always tell the whole story on kids. It’s really how you develop them once they’re on campus and I think that’s what we need to do a better job of. I’m wondering why we don’t have any OL yet wheh that’s clearly the biggest weakness on the team right now. Also one question about another program….how can Texas sign 20+ players for 3 straight years? That seems a bit shady to me. Anyway, we need to get players who will compete and produce on gamedays.
I honestly don’t blame any of the players who have had to endure this season for leaving the U. I think alot of these players have lost their passion for this program and need to move on to something different. I respect their decision and appreciate those who stay. I feel like we need a complete makeover anyway.
I looked and I guess they only signed 15 in 2005, so I was wrong.