The Beast : A mid-week quickie

I can’t tell you how refreshing it’s been these past few days, heading out a UM football practice and actually seeing practice. We still get kicked out for a bit, but at least we actually get to see something more than guys stretching their hamstrings.

It’s also been a treat getting to talk to whichever players and assistant coaches we want to and I give a lot of credit to both Chris Freet and his staff (including my new favorite girl on the block, LaTonya Sadler) for making sure we get who we request. It’s as if we’re suddenly back in 2006.

On that note, I got a chance to catch up with linebackers coach Micheal Barrow today. Normally I don’t seek the limelight, but I’m still waiting on ‘thank you’ cards from my fellow media types. Barrow hasn’t talked much since returning to UM, which I always thought was odd because before he became a coach, he was pretty outspoken.

More to the point, Micheal has declined a few request make during bowl practice. I requested him today and didn’t feel great about my chances as it looked like he had some things to do after practice, but I had an ace up my sleeve.

Before No. 56 came back to coach at UM, he hosted a bunch of shows on QAM and I used to host a show after him on Sunday nights, where we spent a bunch of time yakking it up during commercial breaks. Occasionally he also stuck around to join me on my show.

Without my history with him, I don’t think any of us would’ve gotten to speak to Barrow today. As he started to walk in from the practice field, he looked over at me and I reeled him in. About five seconds later, I was surrounded by every other media type covering practice.

In the past I’d have been hesitant to let people in on what could’ve been an exclusive interview, but these days I’m happy to get anything and you’ll hear the entire session, unedited, on tomorrow’s edition of allCanes Radio. Make sure to tune in.

It was great to hear Brandon Harris say that his chances of coming back for his senior season sit at about 85%. After all the other media members left the gaggle, I asked what he know about labor discussions going with the NFL and if that would impact his decision regarding coming back or moving on. He admitted he didn’t know too much about it and I really hope new head coach Al Golden gets him all the facts he needs before making such a huge life decision.

Just wrapped up interviews with women’s basketball coach Katie Meier and junior guard Shenise Johnson. They had a huge win at Ole Miss today and we offer our congrats. I know many of you are saying that it’s only women’s basketball, but for me it’s refreshing to be able to talk to coaches and players that are in the midst of a successful run and have no bones about talking to the media.

Every time I talk to Coach Meier or one of her players, I really feel like they appreciate the opportunity and you don’t always get that feeling in other places. Let’s not forget this team is 11-1, on the verge of being in the top 25 and probably heading for what I think will be one of the better basketball season we’ve seen around here in a while. Remember, if you’re all about The U, be all about The Entire U, not just one sport. That’s why it’s called a program.

We have a great show on deck for you tomorrow, so come on down and join us this holiday season. I’ll yak it up for a few hours while you fill your arms with all the Canes gear you can carry. There’s only a few shopping days left and if you’re reading this blog you probably have someone special in your life who will appreciate some orange and green schwag. I was down at allCanes today and they have some great Miami / Notre Dame bowl gear in, some new Nike sweats and a fresh batch of U Family shirts.

Remember, everything in store is 20% off if you shop during the show (7-9pm ET). C’mon down!

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