Alright kids, it’s finally that time. We’ve seen a few open scrimmages. We’ve read the practice reports. We’ve been waiting for this moment since Al Golden and his staff took the reins of this program.
It’s not the same as the season opener, Labor Day night in College Park, but the Spring Game truly is the next best thing.
‘The U’ did a pretty cool thing the other day when they let a few groups help both coordinators draft teams for the Spring Game; an Orange Team and a Green Team. Word from my sources ‘inside the fences’ of Greentree tell me that the players were pretty pumped upon being split up into two teams. I think it’s a pretty ingenious idea to add some enthusiasm to this annual event and program, in general.
I could sit here and tell you what to look for tomorrow, but you aren’t dumb. You know to watch the quarterbacks. You know to look out for turnovers, penalties and the other negative things that drive the fans and coaching staff crazy.
However, I do suggest you try to keep your eye on the following guys – Jordan Futch, Jimmy Gaines, Thomas Finnie, Malcolm Bunche, Storm Johnson and John Calhoun. All have been practicing well and are due for a good outing on Saturday.
The only downer about this weekend’s event; the fact that so many guys are nicked up. It’s gotten to the point where this staff has to play injured guys (in yellow “off limits” jerseys), with both receiver and defensive line being hit especially hard.
Lastly, take into consideration that while everyone has been clamoring for this weekend, do remember that it’s only April. Should Jacory Harris throw an interception, a running back fumble or a receiver drop a pass, take it in stride and do the right thing; don’t boo.
Conversely, if a walk on or third-teamer comes up big, don’t take to the message board demanding he starts or custom-make a jersey just yet. This time of year, everything needs to be taken in moderation.
Most importantly, we’ll all be together again. Fans sporting our gear, tailgating and getting rowdy with a few “OOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH, C….A….N…E…S, CANES” chants. All those those things which bond this U Family – more than just watching at tailback bust through a hole or a defender making a bone-jarring hit. We are the #CanesFam and Saturday is more than a Spring Game; it’s another U Family reunion.
Speaking of a reunion, it feels good to see so many former players invited back this year and goes to show you that Coach Golden is serious about embracing the UM culture and all those things which makes Miami, “Miami”. Former players are being embraced and welcomed back with open arms and it’s wonderful to see.
I look forward to chilling with a lot of my old friends at Miami Prime Grill after the game and I hope to see you there too. By the way, at some point look for Chris Meyer to pinch my butt. It became a locker room ritual after games. Don’t ask me to explain it, other than to say that offensive lineman are a different breed and evidently pinching my over-padded posterior became a source of great entertainment. More great anecdotes like this to come. NSFW! LOL!
I had the chance to dial in to the conference call of our new athletic director Shawn Eichorst and I have a lot of thoughts on the hire, as well as thoughts on the AD position moving forward. That said, I’m going to wait for his introductory press conference on Tuesday before really breaking down the hire.
For those ready to talk AD, I welcome you to check out last week’s edition of allCanes Radio, where I began laying the framework for the hire, as well as getting into the power structure at ‘The U’. I also went into why Kansas State head basketball coach Frank Martin might not be the round peg in the round hole that many think he could be. As fans many of us are personally willing to sacrifice a lot to finally have a big time basketball program, UM might not be.
Lastly, a shameless product plug and perfect Spring Game shirt as allCanes just got in a slew of new Nike gear. Check out the new Nike “It’s All About The U” Local Tee. It’s available in black or orange and is big and brash, just like our fan base. Hope to see a lot of them out there tomorrow at Lockhart and for those of you who can’t make the Spring Game, tune back into allCanesBlog.com this week for the detailed recap!