The U: Tech Hype Only Matters After Wins Roll In

Props to the Miami Hurricanes’ coaching staff for embracing technology. Seriously. Last November an ESPN U Canes All Access piece showed UM welcoming high-flying drones to the practice field.

Offensive coordinator James Coley saw a drone while on vacation and he forked over his own cash to purchase one. He brought it to practice, used it to monitor the stylings of freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya and it the mechanical device became a part of the process.

It was also mentioned at the time that UCLA, Tennessee and Louisville were also incorporating drones into their practice regiment. Miami wasn’t alone in its forward-thinking and safe to say, more programs will follow.

Days back it was reported that “The U” is now on board with GPS-related equipment from a company called Catapult Systems.

Upwards of two dozen Hurricanes players are sporting tracking devices that attach to a thin harness underneath the shoulder pads. The GPS equipment is used to track a player’s heart rate and movements, providing data for coaches to study after-the-fact.

While the technology may sound new to many, Catapult reports that over a third of the NFL franchises and almost two dozen college programs are using the equipment.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the big dogs on board with GPS technology and knowing that Coley and head coach Al Golden spent some time with the Cowboys this off-season, safe to say that’s where UM was turned on to the new gear.

On the collegiate side, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher was featured in a video on Catapult’s site, crediting their product for helping decrease in-practice injuries for his program. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is also said to be a fan, incorporating it into his team’s regime.

While the embracing-of-technology is absolutely welcomed and applauded, this certainly seems to be another case where Miami would be better suited flying under-the-radar.

Turn within, go into the lab, implement the process, put in the work and let the results speak for themselves. After that takes place, then go back and talk about said process and all the things that brought the Canes from the bottom to the top.

Without the wins—going 6-7 last year with way-too-much talent to suck that much, as well a years of underachieving—off-season hype is falling on deaf ears.

Peruse a message board or check the chatter on social media. The old “talk is cheap” adage is in full force. Spring football used to be a time of optimism; which works when you’re coming off a 10-3 season, dropping a few close games, not delivering in bowl season and looking to improve here and there.

Seven-loss seasons and a broken culture for way-too-long? Just deliver, Canes. Dive-in, buckle-down and don’t waste time or energy reporting every step of the journey.

What good are GPS units and drones if the result is the same next year? What good is technology if no advancements are made and it doesn’t impact the bottom line? Hype does more harm than good if there’s zero substance.

It’s understandable that in the dog days of spring and summer, football needs to do something to whet the appetite and keep folks engaged—but the agenda needs to be better thought out.

“Hey, look at our new toys” is a smoke-screen. As are weight room gains and chatter about how some bench player from last year is blowing up and is ready to take over for last year’s departed superstar.

It insults the intelligence of the fan base—even if this bunch hasn’t been on its best behavior the past few years.

Keep putting in work and grinding, Miami. Just stop with the fluff and focus on substance.

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