It’s fun to sit on the sidelines and watch the message board meltdowns the final two months of recruiting season. I used to let myself get sucked into the roller coaster. No mas. Not after being burned by guys like Antone Smith and others who pulled the ‘hat trick’ against the Canes, leaving The U at the altar on Signing Day.
A few years ago I decided to no longer let the decisions of 17-year olds get to me and like a light switch, I stopped ‘caring’ about recruiting. I love the two dozen future signees Randy Shannon supposedly has on board… but until that ink is dry, I expect the unexpected. I no longer lose sleep over it. Whatever will be, will be.
I don’t pretend to be a recruiting guru. I read up on the kids, follow the rumor trail and eventually get a gut feeling. Sometimes I’m right. Other times, not so much. I have no inside scoop.
This year’s class intrigues me as it’s really year one of The Shannon Era. On board one month before Signing Day 2007, Shannon didn’t have the previous summer and fall to make his presence felt. The goal once taking over was simply to save the class and add a few more crown jewels like Robert Marve and Graig Cooper.
I’m also digging the storyline of Miami Northwestern; the No. 1 high school team in the nation. The Bulls have a half dozen kids pledging to become Canes on Signing Day. They attended home games during the 5-7 campaign of 2007 and vowed to be part of the rebuilding process. Hometown kids who want to resurrect the hometown program.
The leader of the pack is quarterback Jacory Harris and now many are losing their lunch over this kid visiting Oregon, loving the scene out west and hints he could be the heir apparent to Dennis Dixon.
For the past half a year, Harris has pledged his love for all things The U. One trip to Oregon and the wheels are falling off for Miami’s faithful.
Everyone’s speculates, but no one really has a clue besides Harris. Same for every other recruit in the nation who is riding out the recruiting game. They all hear the pitch and in the end, all go with their gut. There’s no inside scoop. Sometimes folks forget these are teenagers. Their opinions change like the weather.
These Northwestern kids have a heart for the University of Miami. Growing up watching the Canes, it’s pretty tough to turn down that lifelong dream for a prettier weight room and fancier facilities. Hard as it seems, folks just have to be patient and let the chips fall where they may. Worrying and engaging in a war of words with rumor mongers isn’t getting anyone anywhere.
Ride it out. Have fun with it. Get excited regarding who signs on and try not to sweat the ones that get away.
Miami Northwestern is my new team since the Canes season ended in Chestnut Hill the end of November. They’ve become a pleasant distraction regarding Miami failing to make a bowl for the first time in a decade.
I now find myself following their program as much as I can from press clippings and Internet rumblings. I’m emotionally invested in a high school team. Talk about the last thing I needed.
Still, how could a Canes fan not fall for this team. I love the Bulls’ attitude. Reminds me of how things used to be around The U. Faced with adversity, this team responds. They’re winners. They have swagger. They play like a team. They snatch victory from the jaws of defeat instead of giving games away.
Northwestern was 13-0 entering Friday’s contest with Deerfield Beach for the Class 6A State Semifinal. Down 14-12 for the better part of the evening, Northwestern rallied in the final 2:31 and drove 99 yards for the game winning touchdown.
A No. 1 ranking and 28-game win streak on the line, these kids delivered and are one game away from State Champs and well as going down as possibly the best team ever in Miami-Dade County high school history.
Along with Harris, Miami also expects the following Northwestern alum to sign in February – Marcus Forston, Aldarius Johnson, Sean Spence, Kendall Thompkins and Brandon Washington. Winners from a winning program. Cream of the crop from the 305.
These kids are the foundation. Make no mistake about it. Whether they all end up sporting the orange and green next year, remains to be seen. I do believe this, though. The better Northwestern does, the better the Canes’ chances of landing the six pack named above.
Harris may be flirting with Oregon, but come February when his boys sign with Miami – will he really want to head 3,000 miles away to the Pacific Northwest? Let’s be logical here, people. If he does, more power to him – but I can’t see that happening.
Harris and the rest of “Shannon’s Boys” at Northwestern are either going to win the championship this Saturday, or they’ll fall one game short of their goal. That’ll mean one of two things.
If they win, they’ll want to keep the party going, remain teammates and bring their winning ways to The U. Should they lose, they’ll want to do what they didn’t accomplish with the Bulls this year and win a ring with the Canes. Harris isn’t breaking off from the pack. Don’t sweat it.
Hell, don’t sweat any of it. The holidays are upon us, Signing Day is under two months away and it’s time to decompress after a rough season. Enjoy the Northwestern game this weekend and enjoy the holidays with friends and family. This whole thing starts up again soon enough. Time to appreciate the down time.
.:Canes305:.