The Beast : Camping to Success

There’s been a lot made of the Al Golden football camps recently, and there should be. Coach Golden has turned what had become a mundane thing at The U into an opportunity for both the Canes and players that attend these one-day camps.

I love the first-year head coach’s approach here. Instead of the standard three- or four-day camp once during summer, Coach has brought his one-day camp philosophy down from Temple. The concept; host several one-day camps to reach as many players as possible.

The cost is low – about $55 per head – and because there are several weekends when camps are held, kids have many options when it comes to booking a weekend in Coral Gables.

The camps have already paid dividends for ‘The U’ as Miami has picked up a handful of commitments from attendees.

In hearing Coach Golden talk about his camps, he is quick to explain that he only needs a few hours to get a good feel for a kid. Golden and staff look for kids who run to the front of the line and kids that sprint from drill to drill. The new UM coaches are seeking out kids who can handle the constructive criticism receivers from camp instructors.

Golden and staff obviously want to see the players’ skill set, but it’s more than that; it’s about the intangibles. The things that aren’t measured on recruiting websites and aren’t noticeable on YouTube highlight reels.

The Golden Philosophy; why host a four-day camp with what can be accomplished in one (or even in a few hours)? Because of these mini-camps, UM will have upwards of 1,500 kids on campus this summer – with a goal of 2,000 in years to come.

When you sit back and think about it, what a great recruiting tool this is. Over a thousand players – some of the best in state and across the nation – meeting and getting coached up by Miami’s staff, working out on UM’s practice field and allotted the opportunity to explore the campus.

Plus, when you’re talking about ‘The U’, you never know which alum or past great will show up. This past weekend Andre Johnson was in the house and in the past, guys like Lamar Thomas and other former players have helped out. When you’re talking about NFL U, this can only be a good thing.

When you look at these camps, recent recruiting efforts, strides made with local high school coaches and the successful statewide meet-and-greets, it’s safe to say so far, so good with Coach Golden. That said, it should all be taken in stride as the Golden-led Canes are yet to play a game yet.

Should Miami lose to an Ohio State team playing with one arm tied behind its back, I’m not so sure this fan base will be glowing in regards to football camps and glad-handing. Once September hits, wins and losses are all that matters.

Coach Golden keeps reminding this fan base to keep its expectations high and he can rest assured that will be the case. Let’s just hope that this team follows suit and rises to the occasion, starting fast and finishing strong.

IN OTHER NEWS : We found out today that Miami baseball assistant coach Joe Mercandante submitted his letter of resignation to head coach Jim Morris. While we all with Coach Mercandante the best in his future endeavors, it makes sense that there’d be some staff changes made this off-season.

It’s no secret that the position of hitting coach had to be upgraded and the search for a new coach is underway as we speak. I would imagine there will be some good candidates for the opening and I personally wonder if Coach Morris gives his old friend Gino DiMare a call …

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