To the twenty eight new Canes who signed letters of intent today, welcome to ‘The U’. To those who didn’t want in, best of luck in your future endeavors. All parties need to move forward.
That’s where it starts and where it ends. Appreciate and embrace those who got on board instead of lamenting over those who you feel got away – the term ‘got away’ used loosely as they were never yours to begin with.
Those caught up in the recruiting process, enamored with player rankings and YouTube highlight reels, this class isn’t going to “wow” you. No five stars. Six four stars. Eighteen three stars. Four two stars. Only a few kids from ESPNs’ Top 150, too. 2010 wasn’t about flash, it was about substance.
For Randy Shannon, a “great class” that can “help us get that next step” regarding his take on its impact on the future of the program.
Needs were met – most notably offensive line, tight end and linebacker. Miami reeled in five offensive linemen, three tight ends (including a JUCO transfer) and five linebackers. Five defensive linemen were also added, bringing some depth to the trenches.
Anyone who watched Miami’s lines getting manhandled by Virginia Tech and Wisconsin this year should obviously welcome the upgrades.
To say that college football recruiting has gotten out of hand – the understatement of understatements. Played out hat tricks. Flip flopping and double-talk. Coach-speak coming out of the mouths of babes. Star rankings rising and falling based on the outcome of one game. Not taking ‘competition faced’ into the evaluation. Everything is so arbitrary, which makes for less accountability and more wiggle room when making predictions.
Star rankings for high school players may sell subscriptions to paid sites, but it’s as inexact a science as you’ll find. Want proof? Look no further than some past Miami classes:
>>> In 2002, wideout Ryan Moore was a five-star prospect out of Dr. Phillips in Orlando and was listed as the top receiver nationwide, according to some. Moore’s career flamed out at ‘The U’ before it even started and he’s more known for smacking up a female bar patron than any catch he ever made on the field.
Others to flame out in that highly-touted ’02 class; Kareem Brown (#1 defensive player in Florida), Marc Gullion (nation’s #10 quarterback), Akieem Jolla (#5 wideout in nation), Curtis Justus (highly-touted TE that flamed out), Alex Pou (#21 OL in nation), Greg Threat (#21 DB in nation), Alton Wright (highly-touted DL).
Miami had the 7th ranked class in ’02 and of those 20 players, only three made the NFL – Eric Winston, Sinorice Moss and Brandon Meriweather – and over a dozen could easily be referred to as ‘busts’.
>>> Larry Coker reeled in what was rated the sixth-best class in 2003. Five-star quarterback Kyle Wright led the charge and obviously never became the next big thing, as expected. Devin Hester and his speed have taken him to new heights in the NFL, but his role proved limited at UM. Tyrone Moss was a local four-star back expected to be the next great. He wasn’t.
Again, a highly-ranked class full of more misses than hits: Glenn Cook (#26 linebacker in nation), Willie Cooper (#21 safety in nation), Vegas Franklin (#18 outside LB in nation), Dave Howell (drew comparisons to Vince Wilfork), Terrell Walden (#9 DB in nation).
The ’03 class was thought to have reeled in a top-flight offensive line with Derrick Morse, Cyrim Wimbs, John Rochford and Andrew Bain, but outside of Morse the rest flopped.
Regarding “those who got away”, this should’ve been a class that included Ali Highsmith (LSU) and H.B. Blades (Pitt) — UM legacy that went elsewhere, yet Coker wasn’t raked over the coals as Shannon would’ve been. Amazing how that happens on the heels of a 24-1 start to ones coaching career – not to mention inheriting such tremendous depth that a few “misses” could be absorbed without missing a beat.
A lot of the kids Miami reeled in earlier this decade were thought to be big time talent and they proved to be busts, meaning two things – the players weren’t developed and the so-called experts were wrong regarding the overblown rankings, which can happen when trying to predict the career path and future of a high school superstar.
Miami didn’t win the beauty contest on Signing Day ’10, but there’s substance which should pay off down the road. Tom Luginbill agrees:
“I term this class an upside class, a class that you could look back in two or three years and say, ‘You know what, there’s some really fruitful kids that came out of this class that not a lot of people talked about”, said longtime ESPN recruiting analyst.
“I just think there are some targets who are really special. Even without (Seantrel Henderson), I still think its a very, very good class… Because of how young they are I think they’ve found some kids who they can redshirt and develop down the road — real gifted athletes. I know some people may criticize that, but I’m not sure that wasn’t done by design. Plus, you look at the six kids they already have in school.”
The six early enrollees – Malcolm Bunche (OL), Stephen Morris (QB), Allen Hurns (WR), Storm Johnson (RB), Tyrone Cornelius (LB) and Shane McDermott (OL). This is the third straight season Shannon and staff have been successful getting kids on campus for spring ball, helping build depth and experience – as well as getting an eight-month jump on a freshman’s first season.
The Canes landed only one Signing Day ‘bonus’ in tight end Asante Cleveland. Shannon stressed the importance of adding depth at the position, so a fourth tight end in this class was a huge pick up. JUCO transfer Chase Ford should vie for immediate playing time, while either Andrew Tallman or Clive Walford could redshirt. Regardless, today’s addition will help ease the loss of Dedrick Epps and Jimmy Graham.
Some are saying Miami whiffed, but last minute pick ups haven’t been Shannon’s style down the stretch. The Canes take care of recruiting business all year long, landing more than the average amount of mid-season verbal commits. Entering this morning, UM had over two dozen kids (almost) signed, sealed and delivered, whereas other programs had much less, allowing them to ‘close’ on Signing Day.
Of the supposed “misses”, Ivan McCartney picked West Virginia over UM. The Canes are loaded at wideout, McCartney’s former Miramar quarterback is in Morgantown and his high school coach was a Mountaineer. Is it really a ‘miss’ when a kid chooses playing time over being buried on the depth chart? Same could be said for Florida’s Quinton Dunbar, a local wideout who decommitted from Miami months back.
OT Shon Coleman chose Auburn and was always considered a Miami “longshot” so again, is it really a “miss” when the odds were considered low?
Ego Ferguson surprised everyone last minute and chose LSU over UM, FSU and Texas Tech. The DE out of Virginia’s Hargrave Military Academy had no real UM ties and was recruited late and while he’d have been a great addition, he wasn’t Miami’s to lose.
California LB Josh Shirley decided to stick with a hometown program and chose UCLA over Miami and USC. A left coast kid wanted to stay out west and like some others who went elsewhere, he was never a Cane and UM was a underdog in the three horse race.
Lastly, Seantrel Henderson gave Miami a late look, but went with Southern Cal – a favorite of his, along with Ohio State. The Minnesota product was beyond a longshot, but again the staff will be blamed for an inability to ‘close’.
Of the six final day prospects, Cleveland was the lone signee – a northern California kid committed to Washington State who essentially defected because of Miami’s need at tight end. The exact opposite of the situation at wide receiver which obviously weighed in McCartney’s decision to seek out a weaker depth chart.
Miami started the day with 27 commitments and ended with 28. Cleveland is a nice pick up (the nation’s #15 TE) and is one more played than the Canes began the day with. Plus, he fills a huge void at tight end – where some who’ve seen him film are reminded of former Cane great Bubba Franks.
Jacory Harris is the key to Miami’s offense and the first-year starter was tossed around like a ragdoll late last fall. A new-look Mark Whipple offense worked early on, but the offensive line fell apart when different schemes were tossed at them. The lowlight, a 20-14 bowl loss to Wisconsin, where Miami was owned in the trenches and Harris was sacked five times.
Offensive line was a glaring hole and while Henderson would’ve been a dream left tackle, again, focus on who’s on board.
Brandon Linder is a top-notch prospect from St. Thomas, a program that churns out some college-ready talent like Sam Young (Notre Dame) and Andrew Datko (Florida State).
The 6’6″ almost 300 pound Linder is joined by high school teammate Jermaine Barton, prep school transfer Bunche, local product Johnathan Feliciano and Wellington’s McDermott, a 6’3″ down and dirty center who looks like he’ll bring some piss and vinegar to the line.
What the line has been to the offense, the linebacking core has been to the defense – spotty, undeveloped and full of holes and a day after Arthur Brown decided to “take some time off”, five new Cane backers are on board.
I guess four-star Travis Williams leads the charge, if you’re judging rankings. A solid pick up out of Virginia. Miami also added three-star Tyrone Cornelius, two-star James Gaines, three-star Gainesville product Kevin Nelson and two-star Kelvin Cain.
Gaines, Cain and defensive linemen Delmar Taylor and Jeffery Brown are the under the radar types that Shannon and staff have made a habit of targeting. Miami coaches obviously go after top talent – proven by the half dozen four-star players and the heavy pressure put on a five-star like Henderson. Yet in the same breath, Cane coaches won’t shun a kid who doesn’t garner the same hype.
Gaines sent a highlight tape to Miami mid-January. He planned on playing for the hometown team, but after Buffalo head coach Turner Gill booked for Kansas it was game off. Cane coaches dug what they saw and the academically sound, hard hitting linebacker received an offer.
Taylor, a local product, hand delivered his reel to Cane coaches and everyone liked what they saw. Taylor is raw, but Miami is his dream school and there’s said to potential and upside.
California-bred Cain said his heart dropped when Miami offered and the versatile athlete committed on the spot. His coach calls him a born leader and made him team captain. Sounds like the kind of kid you take a chance on. Especially late in the game when a D.C. linebacker breaks his commitment, defecting for Maryland and staying closer to home.
At some point, everybody is unheralded. The greats eventually have that first ‘next level’ moment and it grows from there – but at some point, everybody is a nobody.
Gaines, Cain and Taylor could become ‘all world’ or ‘no world’. Time will tell, but at least give them the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to prove themselves.
If “can’t miss” products like Wright, Moore, Moss, etc. all missed, who’s to say today’s “nobody” can’t become tomorrow’s superstar?
All the so-called ‘experts’ who earn a living ranking classes, a bit of advice – save your opinions as you’re way ahead of yourselves.
You can’t rank a class based on potential. You have to let it develop over time and rank it when it’s fact, not theory. “On paper” means nothing. High school and college are night and day. Just ask Kansas-bound Brown, passed on the depth chart two years in a row by “lesser” players, according to Internet rankings.
Signing Day is simply the starting line. Don’t predict how the race will be run. Watch it go and write about it when it’s done.
A slew of new Canes on board today. Welcome them with open arms as they signed on and will spend the next four years putting this program back on the map. Another class is in the books.
Celebrate the victory instead of dwelling on perceived loss.
I like your blog, but your complete inability to ever criticize Shannon is troubling.
He had 4 very taalented kids at UM last weekend in the most perfect recruiting atmosphere a coach could ever imagine. Pro Bowl former UM players everywhere. And yet, he missed on all those players, besides the TE from Cali whose only other real offer was from Washington St.
Look at Lane Kiffin. You make the point in an earlier blog that the 2006 class wasn't really Randy's class because he took over so late in the process. Kiffin took over 2 weeks ago and pulled some of the best players in the country, including the beast OLineman who we have here last weekend. USC is coming off of a bad season with a new coach, yet Kiffin has finished with the #1 class in the country.
Take into account that Randy was a coach on the staff and you have to consider 2006 Randy's class. Any other opinion is simply excuses.
He had 4 very talented kids at UM last weekend in the most perfect recruiting atmosphere a coach could ever imagine. Pro Bowl former UM players everywhere. And yet, he missed on all those players, besides the TE from Cali whose only other real offer was from Washington St.
I get your point, but I disagree.
I have no issue criticizing Shannon. He's made his share of game day mistakes and he's learning on the job.
Difference between a guy like me and the majority of this fan base is my ability to cut someone some slack. He's a third-year head coach, yet a slew of our fans try to compare him to Nick Saban, talking about how Shannon doesn't measure up to the best in the game. I think that's an idiotic parallel.
Shannon does his heavy lifting all year and gets more verbals than most other programs. Entering the final few days of recruiting, Miami's class has been just about done, minus a kid here or there.
Judging him on his inability to close a few longshots on signing day — I just don't see that as a big deal. None of the big five had Miami favored and changed at the last minute. Most were guys the Canes were late in the game for or never really had a shot at.
Henderson had USC/OSU tops forever. UM got the final visit, but was a dark horse candidate from day one.
Coleman chose Auburn and was an even bigger longshot.
Ferguson surprised UM as he did FSU and TT by picking LSU. He seemed like he could've been Miami bound, but had a late change of heart.
Shirley is a west coast kid who chose hometown UCLA over hometown USC and was never really set on UM or leaving home.
McCartney went to WVU as UM has a loaded depth chart and he has Mountaineer ties.
I simply don't buy the "Shannon can't close" talk. Closing doesn't have anything to do with the final day of recruiting — "closing" has to do with getting them to sign on the line that is dotted, as he and his staff did with TWENTY-EIGHT kids today.
Miami closed some really solid kids in this class – it just didn't close a few longshots in the final hour. So what?
Look at Lane Kiffin. You make the point in an earlier blog that the 2006 class wasn't really Randy's class because he took over so late in the process. Kiffin took over 2 weeks ago and pulled some of the best players in the country, including the beast OLineman who we have here last weekend. USC is coming off of a bad season with a new coach, yet Kiffin has finished with the #1 class in the country.
You leave out the biggest point, though — Kiffin is recruiting USC and Shannon was recruiting a 7-6 Miami team that was in its biggest rut in decades.
Compare USC's record this decade with UM's. No comparison, bro. Since 2002, the Canes are 69-32 and the Trojans are 91-13 — four of those 13 losses coming this season.
USC is a well-oiled machine and Kiffin is a silver-tongued recruiter, so selling the most dominant program of the decade isn't the toughest sales pitch. C'mon now.
For all the hype you're giving USC and Kiffin, they closed with the 7th ranked class in the nation and UM had the 13th — without as many skills players and many role players like five offensive linemen.
7th and 13th aren't all that far off regarding the take on how high school talent 'should' perform at the next level.
Good article Allcanes. Hopefully, this will remind everyone that all the recruiting services are inconsistent at best, hogwash at worst. Remember, they're there to sell subscriptions. Have you ever noticed when a big school (Texas, USC, SEC schools, etc.) start recruiting a kid, he quickly jumps up to a 4 star? Well, if they kept those kids 2 or 3 stars it wouldn't sell subscriptions.
Hell, Delmar Taylor played in 5 games in his career and no one scouted him. After Miami offered him, he is now rated a 3-star by Rivals.
Remember, we are finally able to build depth, so most of these guys shouldn't HAVE to see the field this year. Let those juniors who have been starting for the last two years carry the load now that they are able. Hopefully, the majority of the freshmen will be able to redshirt, learn the system, and get some man-weight on their bones.
Gosh, you don't think that those kids who came to Miami in January during the Pro Bowl just wanted to be here and used their recruiting visit for that do you? Wake up anon.
Gosh, you don't think that those kids who came to Miami in January during the Pro Bowl just wanted to be here and used their recruiting visit for that do you? Wake up anon.
Thanks for some logic and perspective, Old Cane.
Yeah, funny how whenever a Miami commit visits somewhere else, we have fans that downplay it and talk about how solid a commit they might be somewhere else — but if a kid visits Coral Gables that final weekend, it's a travesty and an indictment on the coaching staff for not reeling in and locking down a longshot.
Henderson had USC and OSU one and two on his list respectively, It's been that way since day one and it ended that way. He gave Miami a look, took the limo ride, free trip, South Beach extravaganza and got to rub elbow with former Canes/current NFL stars.
If this kid was AT ALL giving UM a serious look, a trip like that pushes him over the top… but at day's end, he was just window shopping. Miami gave him a hell of a vacation, but he never gave the Canes a legit shot.
Same with Josh Shirley. Same with Shon Coleman. Hell, even local product Ivan McCartney had his sights set on WVU because of his current head coach's ties and his former quarterback behind center in Morgantown.
Again, why is it an indictment when a local kid gives Miami a look, doesn't like a loaded depth chart, wants to start immediately and goes to a 'lesser' program where he has connections?
Seems many of our fans will just continue bitching for the sake of bitching.
Is what it is and people need to move on.
Why U of M not getting more kids from the Miami area. The only reason should leave the area for athletes to get a QB from the California or a Lineman and LB from the midwewst. If Miami want to be a big boy school well pay the coaches and get the kids in no matter what like Florida doing.
If Miami want to be a big boy school well pay the coaches and get the kids in no matter what like Florida doing.
Miami isn't a "big boy" school. Never has been, never will be. 9K undergrads versus 40K?
Off campus stadium in big city instead of on campus stadium in big time college town?
Private funding instead of state funding?
UM is not a football factory. If you want to root for a program that is, take your loyalty to Gainesville or Trailerhassee.
Why U of M not getting more kids from the Miami area. The only reason should leave the area for athletes to get a QB from the California or a Lineman and LB from the midwewst.
As for not getting more kids from the Miami area, a dozen are from Palm Beach and south. Shannon cherry picked two kids out of Gainesville and 16 of the 28 are from the state of Florida.
Two CA kids, a few GA kids a DB from TX who played for a big program (Southlake Carroll).
Miami went after kids to build depth and fill needs. Sometimes that doesn't jive with the local talent coming out a particular year.
Funny how your post praises Florida and their haul and rips Shannon for not taking enough "Miami guys" — while the majority of Florida talent didn't even come from IN STATE, let alone South Florida:
– Ronald Powell (Moreno Valley, CA)
– Dominique Easley (Staten Island, NY)
– Joshua Shaw (Palmdale, CA)
– Sharrif Floyd (Philadelphia, PA)
– Neiron Ball (Jackson, GA)
– Adrian Coxson (Baltimore, MD)
– Jordan Haden (Ft. Washington, MD)
– Tyler Murphy (Wethersfield, CT)
– Solomon Patton (Mobile, AL)
– Michael Taylor (Atlanta, GA)
– Travon Van (New Berlin, NY)
Eleven Gators from outside the state of Florida. Three Miami kids total. If the 'great' Urban Myth can leave the state of Florida for almost HALF his class, why is it an indictment on Shannon for taking kids from other states?
If The Myth only took THREE local kids – after winning two titles in three years – why is Shannon getting knocked for only getting a few local kids this year?
I'll tell you why — -because our fans are simply looking to bitch about anything and everything.
We won't know if this is a SOLID class until 2012, so let's save the commentary for then – instead of bitching about high school rankings made up by websites looking to sell you on a subscription.
FYI, Brandon Linder is considered one of the top linemen in the game, so why go to the midwest for a lineman when St. Thomas is putting out kids like Linder, Sam Young and Andrew Datko – all immediate starters as freshmen?
What say we let the coaches decide what's best for depth and the state of the overall program, hmm?
Aren't the three stars usually the ones that make the greatest impact?
If I remember right both Sean Taylor and Ray Lewis were completely off the radar.
Some other things to think about…
As far as kids from outside of Miami. There has got to be plenty that are worried about Miami, the city. Maybe their parents think it's too dangerous.
You don't know what factors are involved in players decisions.
As far as UF goes. Who cares if they have the #1 recruiting class? Do you think that they will all be starters? And some WILL bail, if they're not starting.
Besides, the U had the top class last year and it does take 2 or 3 years before you really know how it all pans out.
I've got to say that this week has opened my eyes to what AllCanes has mentioned on the blog for the past 2 years. Miami fans, and I use that word lightly, bitching about anything and everything.
Maybe because I live in Tampa and not Miami, but I have not heard that much complaining over the past 2 years. Everyone seemed optimistic, and the negative chatter I heard was just a whisper.
This week—man has that changed.
People I thought were diehards and out in full force wanting Shannon fired and complaining about a recruiting class that has yet to play a game.
I was pissed about the Wisconsin game, furiously pissed! But that one game has not changed my mindset on Miami football.
I think every educated Miami fan has pointed towards 2010 as our year for a while. What the hell has changed??????????
A 12th rated recruiting class (on paper)!
Give me a break.
Shut up and come back in Novemeber to voice any complaints.
For one, we've recruited nearly 60 guys the last two years. The #1 and the #5 class in the nation who are just now sophs and jrs.
To think we were going to go out and land another top 5 class with that much talent on the roster is insane.
THANKFULLY-we didn't need to go out and land a stellar class. We needed to do exactly what we did. Add some depth and fill a couple of positions.
I'm happy with this class and I still think next year is our year.
The fact is that we have as much talent as any team in the country going into 2010 and 2011.
There may be a few areas where we aren't loaded, but top to bottom we have as much talent as any team in the country.
Hell-we have 4 star WRs like Davon Johnson who can't even get on the field.
Before people start bitching and complaining about a top 15 class..you need to realize that we had about 12 guys out due to injury by week 8 last year.
All of those guys will be ready come August and our 2 deep roster should be stacked maybe with the exception of 0-line.
Yes, there were some top guys that went elsewhere that would have been nice gets….but how about being thankful that we're now in a position that we don't need a top 5 class to compete.
That Shannon and the staff have busted ass for 3 years and we are now finally seeing some depth and talent that we've been accustomed too.
I'm not sure if the fan base is spoiled or what.
But I've never seen so many doubters voice their negative opinion about 28 guys they know very little about.
I'm going to trust that the coach that landed 2 top 5 classes knows more about the guys he brought in than me.
Lets give it some time and see how these kids develop.
If we're 6-3 next November I'll join some of these fans calling for change.
But right now I'm pysched about the future and think 2010 can be a special year.
I sure as hell am not calling for a coaches head because of how many stars our new recruits have or don't have.
Take a step back people—-we've had 50 guys who weren't highly touted make it big in college and the NFL. Shannon was around as a player or coach for most of them.
We've also had 50 highly touted guys never pan out.
Our future looks bright, and if a recruiting class has changed your mind about the state of the program (a program that needed complete turnaround, and 2010 has been the circled year for some time) then keep your mouth shut and watch it play out.
I'm sick of the bashing—if you hate Shannon that much then go cheer for FL, Texas or USC.
Congrats to the new recruits…I'm looking forward to watching guys that want to be Miami Hurricanes for the next 4 and 5 years.
BZcanes
I personally really like this class! These are the kids that want to come here! They are all about the U from the start. Henderson and Mccartney never wanted to come here. If it falls through at Usc, henderson still ain't coming here. He just wanted the free plane ticket to Miami. The recruits that we have are passionate about the U and that's what I like to see. We got guys like Tavadis Glenn who is crazy enough to rep the U right in middle of Gayturd country. We got Kevin Nelson who can't wait for 2013 to come so he can go off on the Gators. If this alone doesn't get u excited about this class and our potentia then you need to check your pulse or go root for those paper chumps up north.
Great comments, BZ.
It seems everyone is labeled as a "Randy hater" or "Randy slurper". You're either a "bleeding heart" or you're all "doom & gloom".
Miami fans have become one of the more overemotional bases in college football. Emotion bests logic and this is a fiery bunch that loves to bitch. I saw it firsthand at the OU game where the morons behind me literally complained the ENTIRE game — even after the third down pass to Epps which allowed the Canes to run out the clock.
The one thing the supposed "haters" don't get — Randy isn't going ANYWHERE for a while, so why do they bring the same idiotic argument on a daily basis? Shannon has improved the program annually, while Coker's Canes got WORSE every year, so the bitchfest was understandable.
Anyone bitching about this recruiting class is as foolish as anyone overhyping Florida's top ranked class. Theses are ALL unproven high school kids and you judge a class like this after 2-3 years — not 2-3 days.
Look at all the teams who finished BEHIND Miami in the supposed 'rankings' — a lot of big time schools and BCS busters with better records. UM brought in a class of 28 with a slew of 'unsexy' offensive line pick ups. This wasn't a high-flying class full of skills players like the 2008 class that was ranked #1.
Another point about this whack fan base – someone posted on here days back about how Miami needs to basically "follow Florida's lead" recruiting in state better, getting more 'local' talent, etc.
Florida had about a dozen out of state kids in their class and only three kids from Dade County, yet our fans are so enamored with Urban Myth that sometimes they twist facts in their head to help 'sell' their argument.
Randy and staff brought in a solid class that will fit the program's needs. J12 was sacked FIVE times against Wisconsin and Miami's d-line couldn't sniff their quarterback all night.
Ten new offensive linemen on board the last two classes, new defensive linemen, a new defensive line coach and entering year four in Randy's rebuild. Time for people to STFU and get on board. If he can't get it done the next two years, it's time to move on… but until then, Shannon deserves some support.
The funny thing w these recruiting services….lets not forget Ivan Renco…Most have never prolly heard of him but hes the fictitious basketball player that in 1993 Bobby Knight said he was recruiting out of Yugoslovia….Rivals had him as a 5 star athlete and a complete bio on him as a player and HE DIDNT EXSIST!!!! Let the coaches pick the players….5 star, 4 star, 1 star….seriously? Renko was a Helluva player too that Rivals had as a lock…Shannon has seen these kids play….most of us have NOT…i think he knows what hes doing as hes proven time and time again
Hey allcanes i completely agree with everything u say. But i was wondering who those three players are in that picture thats in black and white.
Hey allcanes i completely agree with everything u say. But i was wondering who those three players are in that picture thats in black and white.
… lifted the pic off ESPN.com as I couldn't find anything else that fit for 'Signing Day' and the circus it's become. Didn't want to show a shot of a Cane with a piece like this – just a universal college ball shot and with kids dressed in gear from the UnderArmour game, it fit.
I'll tell you what….Jimmy Johnson would have recruted the same way Shannon did this year. It's funny….when Jimmy was coaching the in the pros…I remember him saying something about "getting value" out of players and draft pics….the same verbage I heard Shannon say in his interview with the Herald last Wednesday….Shannon stated alot of these kids were able to play both ways in highschool…."great value"….esp when you get them in as Freshman and have to convince them to switch to another posistion in order to benifit the team and them. We will be ok!!
What do you think about Morris at QB over the long run? Also, do you see Highsmith staying at QB, or do you think he switches to DB in 2011 if Morris picks up quickly? I think they really need to focus on QB for the recruiting class of 2011. Also, although they are deep at WR, I wouldn't necessarily say they are loaded.
What do you think about Morris at QB over the long run? Also, do you see Highsmith staying at QB, or do you think he switches to DB in 2011 if Morris picks up quickly?
Michael, I really don't have a clue. Trying to predict where a good, not great, QB is going to wind up career-wise before ever taking a snap… too hard to predict. If Kyle Wright could faceplant with a five-star rating, who really knows?
Highsmith to DB? Meh. Miami could use the help there, but how does Morris progress… does Spencer Whipple climb the depth chart? If Highsmith falls to fourth, sure, a move to DB. If he jumps to #2 on the depth chart, then obviously, no.
I think they really need to focus on QB for the recruiting class of 2011.
… more talent coming out of high school next year, so a safe bet Miami will try to reel in another 1-2 QBs.
Also, although they are deep at WR, I wouldn't necessarily say they are loaded.
What's the difference between "loaded" and "deep"?
Travis Benjamin
LaRon Byrd
Thearon Collier
Leonard Hankerson
Allen Hurns
Aldarius Johnson
Davon Johnson
Tommy Streeter
Kendal Thompkins
Nine kids, most of which could start tomorrow.
You say "deep", I say "loaded" – whatever you call it, there's a ton of talent at wideout right now and it wasn't a position that needed heavy recruitment in 2010.
… Barry Jackson called the WR corps "loaded", too:
In a loaded UM receiver group, the most intriguing talent, Andre Johnson and Santana Moss said, is Travis Benjamin. His speed “is crazy, phenomenal,'' Moss said. “Nothing can stop this kid.'' . . .