Summer Media Day: Veteran Canes talk 2009…

One month from fall ball, the Canes are finally allow to chat up the media regarding the upcoming 2009 football season.

With so much focus on youth, it’s no mystery head coach Randy Shannon has focused so much on the leadership he expects out of some returning upperclassmen.

Injuries took their toll last season, forcing freshmen into action and causing young bodies to break down as the season stumbled to a close. Sean Spence early on at Florida wasn’t the same #31 at year’s end. A long freshman campaign came on the heels of spring ball, early enrollment and a national championship run the previous fall at Miami Northwestern. The lack of down time takes its toll.

The loss of Eric Moncur, Colin McCarthy and Randy Phillips (present in today’s media season) took all the leadership away from a young bunch struggling to learn a new system.

For those wondering how the Canes held Tim Tebow in check but allowed Russell Wilson look like a Heisman candidate, that’s the difference between September and November when so heavily dependent on true freshman. Injuries and a lack of depth allowed both Georgia Tech, N.C. State and Cal to run roughshod over a depleted bunch.

According to Phillips, Graig Cooper and Jason Fox in today’s presser, all of that is a thing of the past. That’s what they’re saying, at least.

Optimism is a good thing, but after so many recent summers full of false bravado, it’s hard to put any weight into those words.

Hearing another crop of Canes talking like it’s 1987 after playing like it was 1997, I’m numb to the chatter. I’d rather they say nothing and let their actions do the talking come Labor Day. How much can this program say after a 19-19 run since getting gutted by LSU in Atlanta and without a signature win since?

“One thing I’ve learned is nobody knows what goes on here and knows how good we are except the guys here. It’s up to us to go out and show the world how good we are. I know we’re not where we should be,” said Jason Fox. “No one respects us, but we were one game away [from the ACC title last year]. This year, I think we’re one game better, two games better, three games better. I think we’re going to be a lot better.”

There could be some truth in Fox’s assessment, but this is the seventh straight year we’ve heard big promises that somehow ended with a thud. Kevin Beard all but guaranteed a return trip to the title game back in 2003, talking about the team’s collective hunger after the Fiesta Bowl.

Two lackluster efforts against Virginia Tech and Tennessee over an eight day span derailed those dreams.

Preseason talk a year later, citing Brock Berlin as the next best UM quarterback great. In retrospect, Berlin had a fine career. But following Ken “38-2” Dorsey, anyone was in trouble.

Dan Werner’s offense. The Kyle Wright Era. The return of Rich Olson. The dismissal of Larry Coker. Every year new reason for optimism, causing pre-season sound bites such as today’s.

I want to believe and a part of me does, but I don’t want to hear it. Come fall, show me.

Unlike recent Cane teams, this year’s upperclassmen have a better supporting cast and this offense will breathe new life thanks to offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Depth at running back and receiver. An improved offensive line. A Dorsey-esque quarterback prospect in Jacory Harris – one who finally has the tools, the supporting cast and coordinator behind him.

Phillps, McCarthy and Moncur will anchor a defense that sorely missed their leadership. Conveniently enough, each returning player can anchor their unit – Phillips in the secondary, McCarthy at linebacker and Moncur on the defensive line. Lead by example. Keep the young guys calm. Upperclassmen are like coaches on the field for newbies. Should all three fall into line, the Canes defense could make some serious strides this year.

On the ground, Cooper will finally have a fair shake at becoming a ‘next level’ guy. Two years straight, the undersized tailback was asked to shoulder a bigger back’s burden. With Javarris James sidelined, Cooper’s explosiveness wore down after too many carries.

Fast forward a year and you have a healthy JJ, a budding star in freshman Mike James, spring game superstar Damien Berry, upstart Lee Chambers and a potential freshman phenom in Lamar Miller. Coop can finally play the role of feature back as he has enough support should one go down.

I’m not doubting the sentiments of the three who attended today’s media event. I hope their instincts are correct and that Miami is going to surprise this year. There’s definitely some truth to that and the Canes will make strides in ’09. How large remains to be seen.

We just don’t need the big talk. The “we come to Miami to win national championships” canned speech. Right now I’d settle for a freakin’ win against Georgia Tech. I was dating the last time the Canes beat the Jackets. I’m now five years married and will have a daughter by season’s end. How’s that for perspective?

Before Foxy drops another sound bite, I’d rather see him channel his inner Brett Romberg. Forget the media. Rally your other linemen, get in the sandpits and push a pick up truck around the Greentree parking lot, like it’s 2002 all over again. Reach out to a K.C. Jones or Richard Mercier and let some former greats coach you up.

One month until fall ball, veteran Canes. Use it wisely.

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