Shannon cleans house, AD hired, Canes rolling…

Some new news in the world of all things Canes-related. Still recovering from the post-recruiting wake, a 34th birthday and an impending move into a new casa. Canes305 apologizes for the lack of blogs since the recruiting class was inked, but instead of dropping excuses and seeking approval, let’s just dive in head first…

“How ’bout them Canes?” I’m sure Jimmy Johnson let that one out at some point last week after seeing protege Randy Shannon sign ESPN’s #1-rated recruiting class. Scout.com ranked Miami’s class #3 and Rivals.com had the Canes #4.

Whatever the case, safe to say you didn’t see all that many 5-7 reeling in top flight talent. Miami did. Shannon put a fence around the Tri-City area and kept Bobby Bowden and Urban Meyer out of South Florida. The Canes inked 33 recruits last week. Eight early enrollees will count towards the 2007 class and many are expected to have a big time impact in fall 2008.

A lot of folks have questioned Shannon the past fourteen months on the job. Other coaches recruiting against him told recruits he’d be gone in two years. Fans have gone so far as to chastise him regarding the process instead of the result – arguing over what was said before some off-season firings instead of simply being satisfied they took place.

A top-ranked recruiting class will hopefully shut up most of the critics and let opposing Sunshine State coaches know that the past few years in Coral Gables were a fluke, not a trend. Truly sit back and marvel at what Shannon just pulled off. This class was nothing short of amazing.

Many are quick to mention the jury is still out regarding Shannon’s on the field coaching. The man can recruit, but can he coach? We’ll see.

Those who read this blog know I’m a Shannon supporter. I believe he turns it around and gets the last laugh. This isn’t an outsider. This is a former player. A guy Jimmy J called one of the smartest football minds he’d ever been around. Shannon understands the game. He learned from the best. He knows how to recruit and there’s no doubt he knows how to develop talent.

Even when Miami’s offense went in the toilet the past few years, the Canes defense was a constant until 2007. 9-3 seasons could’ve been much worse had the Miami defense not flat out won some ball games.

The Canes are one step closer and the fan base has two choices; either remain pessimistic and unexcited about what’s going on, needing to ‘see it on the field’ this fall – or get excited each step in the journey. Miami is rebuilding and this is a foundation class. These kids who will suit up this fall? These are your juniors and seniors when the Canes are back in the thick of it.

A lot of folks took the last run (1999-2003) for granted. Don’t do that this time. Enjoy each milestone reached along the way. The Canes just brought home a top-ranked recruiting class. Get fired up and start counting down to spring ball.

There were definitely some recruiting day lowlights regarding a few almost Canes who got away. That said, it was hard to get too down and out based on who was reeled in and those last minute steals. None better than getting Ramon Buchanan back from Florida. I received a handful of emails and took some grief from UiF buds when Buchanan chose the dark side a few weeks back. Funny how my Inbox hasn’t been lit up since Signing Day…

Florida brought in a solid, class… but you’re supposed to when you have The Myth running the show, Heisman McJeanShorts behind center and are one year removed from a championship. Miami burst back on the scene based on reputation, the family atmosphere, Shannon’s work ethic and the desire to right the ship.

Meyer’s hearing footsteps and just found out it’ll be that much harder to do his job without Larry Coker dropping the ball recruiting-wise down in the 305.

Brandon Harris was definitely another highlight of Signing Day. Maybe I’m just scored from losing out with the hat game the past few years, but I still don’t believe it until I see it. Things change and supposed ‘locks’ wind up elsewhere. Harris pulling that Miami helmet out of the bag was huge… as was seeing Ohio State as one of the teams he turned down. Can’t wait to see the impact he has on that Canes/Buckeyes game as a junior in 2010 and hope like hell he’s around for the return trip in 2011.

Rumors out of Gainesville this week is that former Miami OL recruit and Florida signee Matt Patchan could be moved to tight end. The week before, his old man wrote a column and posted it online regarding his defense of Junior heading to Gainesville instead of the Gables.

I could care less either way. Patchan had a shot and turned it down. Miami reeled in Brandon Washington and Ben Jones to anchor the line. Whatever the case, why does this Patchan thing feel more and more like Jonathan Colon all over again? Something tells me we’ll keep hearing this kid’s name for one reason or another…

The Vaughn Telemaque announcement was a good one, as well. Nice to see Miami dipping into that west coast talent. Shannon cherry picked Arthur Brown from Kansas and pulled another out of his hat with Telemaque in California.

For those who missed the announcement, check it out. Telemaque looks the part, talks the talk and seems like has that whole Canes vibe… and Shannon stole him from Pete Carroll and USC. Another feather in Randy’s cap.

No sooner was the class inked than the 2008 football schedule was released. Check out how it all unfolds: (8/28) Charleston Southern… (9/6) @Florida… (9/20) @Texas A&M… (9/27) North Carolina… (10/4) Florida State… (10/11) Central Florida… (10/18) @Duke… (10/25) Wake Forest… (11/1) @Virginia… (11/13) Virginia Tech… (11/20) @Georgia Tech… (11/29) @N.C. State

Miami gets back-to-back, primetime Thursday night games (Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech) and a nationally televised game against Florida (on CBS). Florida State is right back where it belongs – the first week of October – and the Canes get two nicely placed open dates – 9/13 and 11/8.

A position change has been discussed regarding Allen Bailey for a while now and it’s official. Bailey will move from linebacker to defensive line, which seemed a no-brainer for the large in size and athletically gifted Bailey.

Miami has a new athletic director in Kirby Hocutt, hired last week. Hocutt officially takes over for Paul Dee on June 1st. Like most, I’m not really all that in the know regarding Hocutt. I’ve heard the name, but I know little about the history there other than what I’ve read. 

I do like a few things, on the surface. Hocutt is on the climb, hungry at 36 years old and ready to make some big moves. At Ohio, he increased fundraising by more than 75 percent. Football ticket sales increased 112 percent and men’s basketball by 50 percent. The Bobcats won 11 team championships on Hocutt’s watch and four head coaches were recognized as conference Coaches of the Year. 

At Oklahoma, Hocutt led the Sooners annual giving to an all-time high in annual giving and capital campaigns. Between 1998-2005, OU’s annual giving increased from $3.4M to over $17M. 

I realize more encompasses the title of athletic director than just worrying about the football program. That said, I’m all for more ticket sales and fundraising. On paper, Hocutt sounds like a good hire. In time we’ll see if that proves correct. 

In ‘other’ sports news, Miami basketball stopped its three-game losing streak with a 74-71 upset of Virginia Tech. It was the Canes first ACC road win of the year. Miami has been a disaster since starting out 14-1. Seven conference games left this season and the Canes need to get back to winning ways. Also, if this team wants to keep the attention of a fickle fan base, it needs to be better than 2-6 in its last eight games. 

Better news regarding Miami baseball as the Canes opened the preseason with a No. 2 ranking. Gear up for the season opening series February 22nd-24th against visiting Cincinnati.

Comments

comments