It’s one of those making-lemonade-out-of-lemon situations, but it’s simply the way for Miami football today, tomorrow and in the immediate future.
The Canes have lost thirty players to the NFL Draft and graduation, which means the program will be heavily reliant on true freshman when August rolls around. Because of that, head coach Al Golden has a message for any current players who believe they have an upper hand simply due to seniority.
“The reality of it is at some positions we were so light because we lost 30 players [that] it’s easy to get lulled to sleep or become complacent. But you’re competing against a standard, not just whether or not you’re the next in line,” Golden said. “So, just because your competition may not be in the room, just understand that he’s coming.”
With only ten players from the 2012 class officially on campus and working with the team, that means over two-thirds of the recruits are still on their way, headed to campus prior to fall ball kicking off. Still, the prep work has begun with all incoming Canes.
“They’re allowed to have a conditioning book, a program to follow even though they’re not with us,” Golden said. “Some of them are working out with us already. we expect another probably six or so to be here for summer I [session] and then the remainder by June 27th. We’ll have everybody in place by July 1 and that will help us and help them with the transition.
“Clearly, we’re continuing to take to each and everyone of them and monitoring them and making sure they understand what they need to do and where their weight needs to be and those types of things so we’re in good shape when we begin.”
Golden praised some current Canes and guys that he feels have “really helped themselves” this spring. Guys like receiver Rashawn Scott, tight end Asante Cleveland and center Shane McDermott. On defense, Golden singled out safeties A.J. Highsmith and Kacy Rodgers, defensive end Shayon Green, lineman/linebacker Kelvin Cain and linebacker Tyrone Cornileus. Weeks back Golden praised the work ethic and conditioning of running back Eduardo Clements, as well.
Here’s hoping the upping-of-one’s-game is infectious regarding other long-time Hurricanes looking to make the most of their final seasons in the orange and green. Of the almost-three dozen new Canes welcomed in February, work ethic, character and winning attitude all seem to be traits of the new kids Golden and staff have got on board.
It’s definitely getting to that pick-up-the-pace-or-get-left-behind place regarding the rebuilding of the Miami football program. The ante has been upped, fellas. – C.B.