Shannon already delivering as promised…

I’m a self-proclaimed “anti-recruiting process” guy.

I’m absolutely ‘all time’ regarding my analytical/critical nature. I’ve no time for the ‘process’. Talk to me when that ink dries on the Letter of Intent. Until then, it’s all in theory and I don’t respond to ‘maybe’ or ‘we’ll see’. I might get mildly excited, but I’ll hold off on popping the bubbly until things are official.

Miami has been burned a few times in recent memory regarding recruits enjoying the process a bit too much and not sticking to their word. That said, the Canes also landed some last minute kids out of thin air that no one saw coming. It goes both ways, mostly in your favor, you hope. It’s the way the game is played.

Where the ‘process’ loses me is the media circus. High school ‘stars’ with mics shoved in their faces. Overused sports cliches from teens imitating their favorite NFLers. Message boards crawling with “Sources tell me…” or “My barber heard from a coach…” predictions. Rival fans arguing over the services of a 17-year old. Pretty passionate chit-chat from outsiders when in all reality, no one but the player involved knows his collective fate.

THE SHANNON ERA IS UNDERWAY

Randy Shannon recently celebrated six months on the job. Two months from now he runs out that tunnel for the umpteenth time in his career, but first ever as head coach. His era begins September 1st against Marshall, but it’s been a half year of laying the blueprint which will remind the college football world that Miami can start the comeback as quickly as it fell off. Last year was a fluke, not a trend.

A highly-ranked, quality first recruiting class only one month on the job. Assistant coaches hired right up to the final hour. A new staff with Shannon-like qualities and potential to make some immediate changes for the better. Bringing discipline and accountability back. Making team speed a priority again. Ridding the program of the few guys who didn’t see things his way.

Another Shannon-ism, in regards to promoting team over individual? The removal of names from the backs of jerseys this year. Some fans are crying the blues regarding the new coach shaking up tradition and stating that jerseys names didn’t stop The U from winning five titles over a nineteen year span. I say, after our worst season since 1979 I’m all for any motivational tactic which will get kids believing in Coach Shannon’s way of righting this ship. I’m a believer in this new coach.

I challenge even the harshest critic to point out where Shannon has fallen short since taking over New Years Day. Not landing Dirk Koetter as his first choice offensive coordinator was the only area he didn’t deliver and that was a simple case of NFL money versus NCAA private school cash. No contest and no fault of Shannon.

Impressive as all that is, it’s next year’s class which is selling me most regarding the new coach.

RECRUITS ARE LINING UP

I won’t yet dub Shannon him the second coming of Jimmy Johnson just yet, but I’m seeing a similar ability to find what are the overachieving, three-star Miami-type guys, while also selling the big time five-stars on into his vision.

South Florida is on U-Lockdown these days. Shannon is the Sunshine State coach getting the most recruiting hype right now. He’s outhustling the rest with his quiet confidence and ability to sell his long-term vision. A welcomed relief from Urban’s cockiness and Bobby’s old school charm.

While UF and FSU faithful might be too stupid, stubborn or delusional to acknowledge it, deep down they know what’s really going on. Miami isn’t remaining on the bottom nearly as long as they originally thought or hoped. It’s evident that Randy Shannon is a ‘Miami guy’ and it’s obvious he knows how to sell The U and rebuild. The new architect knows the winning blueprint the Canes need to follow to get back on top.

I really don’t get excited over this recruiting crap… and it is crap. A ‘Verbal’ means nothing more than, “Hold me a scholy. I’m taking some free trips. You’re S.O.L. if I find somewhere I dig more than U.”

Of course that approach only impacted and leaves a reactive head coach flat-footed. It’s obviously that Shannon isn’t resting on his laurels and letting the student dictate the actions of the teacher. If you’re still taking visits and you’re not 1000% committed, your scholarship might not be waiting for you when you come to that final decision. A nice reversal of fortune after a few years of The U being played by recruits.

Hopefully those type of kids are a minimum regarding Shannon’s early jump on the 2008 crop. With fifteen verbals on the table for next February. Miami tied Texas for the most verbal commitments among ESPN’s Top 150 prospects.

REASON TO GET EXCITED

What’s that mean right now? Absolutely nothing. We’re Miami. This isn’t Florida or Texas. The Canes don’t play for ‘recruiting championships’, so the celebration is minimal when a top high school baller gives his verbal commitment to The U.

But after 7-6 in 2006, media abuse for the brawl with FIU and the still unsolved murder of Bryan Pata, this fan base will soak up any good news it can get. Not only do our players need to reprogram themselves with a winner’s mentality, but do does our fan base. Get excited over this new regime. The time for cynicism ended as soon as the Canes wrapped up the Blue Turf Bowl.

After all the media scrutiny regarding “settling” for Shannon, this guy has spent the past six months making people eat their words and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. The culture at The U is getting back to that comfortable place it’s been in before another run was on the horizon.

My wish is for a 1999-caliber this year. The calm before a four year storm where Miami saw four straight BCS games, two national championship game appearances, one ring (debatable) and a 34-game win streak. The 22-First Round Draft picks are merely the exclamation point on the phrase “dominate”.

RANDY MAKING HIS MARK

Miami is going to embark on a run in the near future. Is 2007 when it kicks off? Maybe. 2008 is more likely, but there’s no reason a shot at the ACC title isn’t in the cards. There’s enough current talent on this team, simply in need of motivation and looking for a leader to follow. As for the future, it’s beyond bright.

Robert Marve looks to be the next Quarterback U candidate, but don’t sleep on Taylor Cook – a verbal commitment for ’08. Cook is #88 on ESPN’s 150 and was praised for “size and athleticism.” Cook is said to have, “good velocity, accuracy and overall physical tools that the potential reward far outweighs the risk” and he’s just one of many superstars saying “Miami is for me.”

The decline of the once-dominant Miami offense starts with the lack of a superstar quarterback in the post-Ken Dorsey era. Blame that on a coaching staff which has failed to either recruit or develop talent at the position. The recently hired Patrick Nix is the fourth Miami offensive coordinator since Rob Chudzinski’s final season in 2003; the Canes fourth straight BCS berth.

Since then, three straight goose eggs regarding earning a “real” bowl berth, not to mention a season finale upset of Boston College last season to even get an invite to glorious Boise. Miami’s offense was at a two decade low in the three year tag-team of Dan Werner and Rich Olson.

The days of good talent regressing under the wrong style of coaching? Long gone. I’m absolutely convinced of that. This staff will get it done because Shannon will get it done. A disciple of both JJ and Butch Davis (himself a guy molded by Johnson), Randy has strong orange and green bloodlines. Winning ways pump through his veins and fuel his fire.

He recruits like his former mentor and predecessor. He’s no-nonsense, just like them as well. He landed his dream job and is going after it with a vengeance. Shannon laid out his detail-oriented game plan to the Miami administration and we’ve spent six months watching it unfold. Two months from now the product will hit the field and you can guarantee these kids will play like Hurricanes.

No more of the Miami:Lite program we watched erode from within the past few years. Teams take on the personality of their head coach. Larry Coker’s Canes played unsure. Fragile psychies easily rattled. Unable to win the big game with the money on the table (Virginia Tech, 2005 aside). Wilting down the stretch. A lack of pride took over for what was once an unshakable confidence.

This program lost more games between 2004 to 2006 (12) then it did from 1998 to 2003 (11) combined.

The change may have been overdue, but happened last November and the result might be the next great Miami coach. The Shannon Era is underway. How far has it come in six months? We’ll see this fall. The Canes have enough talent to compete. It was there last year and will be there again this year. Sadly, too many on the squad mentally checked out last season.

An attitude adjustment and swift kick in the ass would’ve meant a 10-2 regular season instead of 6-6 in 2006.

Florida State (13-10), Virginia Tech (17-10), Maryland (14-13) and Virgina (17-7) were all Miami’s for the taking. Holding up ‘four fingers’ in 2006? Meant to signify this team would wither as the game played out, not rise up.

A complete 180 of what it used to mean during Shannon’s playing days.

RECLAIMING OUR PLACE A TOP THE MOUNTAIN

#22 has too much pride not to make these kids work to win the fourth quarter back. Our dominance was build on that final fifteen minutes of play. The fourth goes to the guys who want it more.

Back in the day, that was The U. The result? Four national championships and three title game losses in the span of one decade (1983-1992). Randy Shannon was a four year letterman on four of those teams and an assistant coach for two others. On hand for 60% of that ultimate era; The Decade of Dominance.

One choice regarding ‘the guy’ who could bring this program back to the top? Looking at it now, an absolute no brainer. In a state of shock after 7-6 last winter? This fan base had no prayer thinking straight, most of us calling for that quick fix and big name, big time leader.

To become a champion you need the players, chemistry, leaders, solid coaches, as well as the football gods smiling favorably on you. The first step in that journey begins with pouring that solid foundation and working harder than the other guys. Shannon is doing just that. Based on the current state of college football, Texas is supposed to have eight of the ESPN Top 150.

After 7-6 and the debacle that was last season, a first year coach isn’t expected to top the nation in top recruits. You want to define “It’s a Canes Thing”? There you go. What’s the “Miami swagger”? You’re looking at it.

After being ‘reactive’ the past few seasons, The U is starting to live up to the hype again. A top notch class in 2007 and already 15 verbals for 2008. A storm is brewing in Coral Gables.

Check back later this week for some info on the “Fab Fifteen” who’ve already told Coach Shannon they’re buying what he’s selling.

Buckle up, Canes fans. It’s about to get exciting again…

.:Canes305:.

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