Mark Whipple is talking the talk…

Soundbites are usually nothing but ‘coachspeak’ or hot air. You can’t put much weight into the words as their either utterly contrived or never come to fruition.

Hearing an underachieving player talk about Miami’s “swagger” or talent, predicting a win and the faceplanting come game time – it’s enough to make you sick. That said, I’m feeling the exact opposite based on the what’s coming out of the piehole of new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple.

Unlike players with a two or three year unproven track record, Whipple has the resume cash the checks his mouth is writing. Sixteen years in Division I-AA head coach and a national champion at UMass in 1998. Five years as a quarterbacks coach in the NFL and a Super Bowl ring, as well. Whipple will now assume the role of offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and Assistant Head Coach.

Some quotes from Whipple earlier this week when asked about the logjam at wide receiver and players too lazy to learn the playbook: “If you want something easy, you should’ve gone Division III. You could’ve been a star, but no one would’ve cared.”

Classic.

Regarding guys wanting to play at the next level and his decision to have players breaking down NFL game film all spring, Whipple quipped: “What I said to the guys is that if you’re here at the University of Miami, then your expectations are to play in the National Football League… here’s what we do in the National Football League and here’s what’s been successful. We’ve played in three (league) championship games and won a Super Bowl. If you can’t do it here now, don’t think you’re going to learn it five years from now.”

Whipple saved the best for last regarding the logjam at wide receiver and the rotation: “We’ll rotate when they drop the ball.”

The ‘white glove’ treatment is over at UM, folks. Country Club Larry and his lackadaisical approach is a thing of the past. Seniority means nothing and competition is everything. You will produce or you’ll ride the pine. You’ll get your job done and make your mark while at Miami; not afterwards, riding the coattails of past players and a program’s legacy en route to the NFL.

Hard knocks at The U. Weaker players who fear competition need not apply.

While everyone knows preseason rankings mean nada, I’m still shocked that few outside of Coral Gables are putting more weight into ‘The Whipple Factor’. Top flight recruits are one thing, but the Canes now have an offensive guru who is going to get the most out of this talent. Miami is about to suit up their biggest name at offensive coordinator since Gary Stevens left town. Patrick Nix. Rich Olson. Dan Werner. All three are in the rearview and an established veteran is now on board, calling the shots. Look out.

Here’s hoping Whipple shocks the outside world and lights up that scoreboard against Florida State. No better time to make a statement and prove the critics wrong.

Comments

comments