The Beast : A little more "this & that"

“TATE, WE NEVER GOT TO KNOW YOU” – I’m not sure he was ever officially a Miami Hurricane, nor did quarterback Tate Forcier sign anything to say he was part of the U Family, but regardless he’s gone and his saga moves to some other campus.

I won’t sit here speculating what the ‘personal reasons’ were regarding his decision to not head south to Coral Gables, though many have said that his transcripts were in rough shape.

It’s been put out there that Mr. Forcier is a rather ‘unique’ individual (re: see the Forcier family website) and some have reported that TF had decided against Miami even before Ryan Williams transferred in from Memphis.

Regardless, it’s time for Miami fans to move in. This is a kid that never stepped foot on campus, outside an initial meeting to talk with head coach Al Golden, so shedding a tear for an ‘almost’ doesn’t seem like a good use of time. Those who want to read more on the Forcier saga, check out this piece.

Stephen Morris will return for his junior season next year and Miami already has two verbal commitments for the 2012 class in Clearwater product Gray Crow and Westminster Christian’s David Thompson, a two-sport star who will play baseball, as well (barring he doesn’t chose MLB over college over the next year.) Outside of that, Coach Golden and staff will have to continue hitting the recruiting trail, building depth and promoting competition at the quarterback position.

There’s no use getting breathless about Forcier and there’s no use in bashing the kid. Tate, we didn’t get to know you. Time to move on.

“WE GOT A GOOD ONE” – A very good friend of mine happens to be friends with coaching legend Larry Brown. This same friend tried to get Larry’s name in the mix for the Canes hoops coaching job, which I don’t believe ever materialized. What did come up; Coach Brown’s opinion on new Miami head coach Jim Larranaga, who he gives two thumbs up. Larry feels that Coach Larranaga is one of the best coaches around and thinks the Canes will be in very good shape with Coach L at the helm with the current talent on campus. Considering Larry Brown is one of the few coaches that has had success at both the college and NBA levels, this is an opinion worth trusting.

“1 of 3” – Miami baseball went up to Charlottesville and took one of of three from arguably the best team in college baseball, the Virginia Cavaliers. The Canes lost two games by one run and managed to move up a few spots in the RPI, despite not winning the series. The goal is always to finish the year in the top 8 in the RPI and I’m not sure that’s going to happen with only four games left in the regular season. One would hope this team makes a nice run at the ACC baseball tournament.

Regardless, there were a group of people that a few months ago thought this team wouldn’t make the post-season. I’m still shaking my head. We will have post-season baseball kids, and remember, you got to be in it to win it.

“U TOUGH CONTINUES” – I’m sitting here in front of my computer watching football player after football player tweet their “excitement” for the U TOUGH offseason workouts that will start here in a few days.

Last week in Jacksonville, Coach Golden told upwards of 200 fans that this team better put it in the bank now, because this season’s schedule is unforgiving. Good coaches realize that championships are won in the offseason and it’s their job to drive that point home to their kids.

Anyone who’s been through college knows that after the fall and spring grind, you’re looking forward to your summers off; especially with ‘real life’ around the corner when you graduate.

As a football player with championship aspirations at a high-level program like “The U”, summer break will last about a week. Teams that are the best – they embrace the extra work and if there’s a hump in the process of winning, this is usually it.

We’ve all heard the legendary stories of the fierce 7-on-7 competitions while the ‘BIGS’ were pushing around pick-up trucks, beds loaded with mammoth-sized teammates.

The Miami Hurricanes won’t have a truly successful fall until they learn the art of a successful summer. Are they truly ready to turn that corner? Guys are giddy on Twitter, but will they still be in it to win it on a sweltering June afternoon when their bodies are breaking down?

That’s your million dollar question, Hurricane Nation. It’s not about who is under center come fall, or who is starting middle linebacker. Will these guys overcome the mental and physical pain that separates the best from the rest this summer?

Looking forward to a great show this Wednesday on allCanes Radio. We’re not back on iTunes just yet, so please make sure to listen live online, to check the archives or to stream through your allCanes iPhone app. We’re going live at 7pm ET this Wednesday and hope you’ll all tune in for another great two hours of all things “The U”.

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