Last week was absolutely crazy. We had the conclusion to the men’s and women’s basketball seasons. We had baseball galore, football practice resuming, Hall of Fame inductions and of course the autograph signing session at allCanes. This week, a little less hectic, but we’re all filled with excitement as we’ll get to see some live action football this Saturday in Boca.
For starters, let me thank everyone that came by allCanes on Saturday to meet-and-greet Orlando Franklin, DeMarcus Van Dyke, Damien Berry, Leonard Hankerson and Colin McCarthy.
As I stood by the front of the line, you could tell everyone got a lot out of the experience. The fans were up close and personal with kids they’ve been rooting for the past few years and the players got to feel the love that the U Family has for our own.
It was a great overall experience and I was thrilled to see so many fans showing up. Even after a sub par 7-6 season, there was no lack of enthusiasm and it just goes to show that those who bleed the orange and green will always support the kids who give their blood, sweat and tears to this program.
On the flip side, it was a tough weekend for baseball as the Canes were swept at A-Rod Park for the first time in years. I still have faith that this team will make it to the post-season, but they’re lacking the bats right now. On top of that, the injury bug has bitten some key guys. Nathan Melendres is battling a hand injury, Stephen Perez is out with a deep thigh bruise and Chris Pelaez has been slowed by a shoulder injury all season.
Those are three of Miami’s top four returning starters and there aren’t too many teams around who can handle that type of hindrance. Good news for the Canes comes in the form of solid starting pitching. The bullpen has been up and down, but hopefully by the time May rolls around, the arms have straightened out.
Jim Morris is still one of the best coaches in the game and there’s no one else I’d want at the helm as this team works to turn things around these next few months.
In the coming days we’ll talk about scrimmage expectations as the Canes take the field this weekend. One major thing I’m looking forward to is seeing the schemes at work on both sides of the ball. Both Mark D’Onofrio and Jedd Fisch have remained coy when asked to go into detail about what they’re planning to run, so Saturday should be exciting when game plans begin to unfold.
I had a chance to catch up with Coach D’Onofrio today and you’ll hear that exclusive with him, as well as my one-on-one with Jacory Harris, on tonight’s edition of allCanes Radio. These are definitely two interviews you don’t want to miss.
Also on the show I’ll announce our allCanes Radio Twitter contest and in order to get the details, you’ll have to check out the show – either live or via our archives.
There will also be some good NFL Draft talk on tonight’s show as you’ll hear from several guys that have been getting ready for April. No. 85 didn’t talk with too many members of the media after his pro timing day workout last week, but he granted us a great one-on-one interview in store on Saturday – yet one more reason to tune in.
Lastly, a funny story from last weekend’s signing session. Leonard was running a little bit and his agent got a hold of him, moments before the Hankerson family blew through the back door.
I’m looking at his agent and I know that I know him from somewhere. In talking to allCanes GM Harry Rothwell, I let him know that I needed a few minutes with Leonard for the show and Harry said to speak with his agent, Chafie Fields.
I thought I heard Harry correctly, but after years of playing the drums for years, my hearing is going and I figured he said something else. Moments later, I meet the agent and sure enough it’s Chafie – who was more than happy to set up our chat with Leonard.
I mosey back into the office, asking Harry if he connected the dots and he hadn’t. I said, “Penn State. 1999. Mike Rumph. Ed Reed. Bye bye, Chafie Fields” to who which Mr. allCanes said, “Oooohhh, that Chafie Fields.” As if there could be another, Harry.
A post-script to that notorious play, the morning after when in Hecht waiting on Sunday comments from Butch Davis, No. 20 was in the office with Greg Schiano getting torn a new one. Someone absolutely shouldn’t have cheated on that play.