Moving on…

As expected, both Calais Campbell and Kenny Phillips are NFL bound and have declared themselves eligible for the 2008 Draft.

Yet another bittersweet moment in Hurricanes history. Two more stars playing days have come and gone. Both are off to greener pastures (literally), projected as first round picks.

Randy Shannon persuaded both to return for their senior seasons, with the caveat that both needed to do what was best for them if they liked what they heard regarding their projected Draft position.

Campbell is said to be a top ten pick and due to a lack of safeties on the board, some feel Phillips will be a top fifteen pick.

Obviously going pro was the right call here with that kind of money on the table. I don’t fault the guys for bailing. I’m just disappointed in how it all played out.

In my opinion, Campbell and Phillips never reached their potential at The U. Both had good, not great careers at Miami. Both are tremendously talented and both will now benefit from the path those before them laid at NFL U. This is a world where one can earn first round status through potential, upside and the legacy of the program played for.

Miami has more active players on NFL rosters than any other program out there. NFL coaches flock to South Florida before the Draft to check out these kids at the combines. Hurricanes in the league have a good rep as being top notch players, hard workers and future superstars.

A good showing at the combine by Campbell and Phillips, combined with their legacy at The U and their natural talent will earn them millions of dollars. It doesn’t matter they spent the past two seasons at Miami with a 12-13 record and no bowl game this season.

It’s disappointing to me that ‘potential’ is now as valuable a commodity as actual results. I long for the day when one had to ‘prove’ themselves instead of skating by on the potential upside.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled for two more Canes heading off to live the dream. I’d never take that away from them. Both spent their whole lives playing ball and are now ready to try it at the game’s highest level. That’s a dream come true.

Still, I am saddened that Shannon’s plan didn’t come to fruition. This off-season he spoke of guys returning for their senior years, a la Ed Reed or Bryant McKinnie. Guys that came back, led the program in the right direction, nurtured the younger players and left the program a better place by doing so.

It doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, but you have to think that Campbell being around would’ve in some way benefited a kid like Marcus Forston or Jeremy Lewis on some level. There’d have been a passing of the torch after 2008.

Same to be said for Phillips working with and teaching guys like Ramon Buchanan or even Patrick Johnson, if he still signs with The U. Those types of relationships are key ingredients regarding building championship caliber teams. Shannon has preached it for a while now and I’m in full agreement.

Reed and McKinnie obviously returned in 2001 for a shot at the title and not necessarily to coach up the underclassmen. I realize that. If Miami were in a better position entering 2008, maybe one or both of these guys return to make a run. Of course, we’ll never know.

The future aside, I am thrilled for our two first round bound Canes and appreciate their time at The U. The streak stays alive another year and come April, Miami will be able to boast FOURTEEN straight years with at least one first rounder.

Remember that one come Signing Day, potential signees.

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