Miami Hurricanes linebacker Jordan Futch collapsed at Greentree during practice on Tuesday and was taken to the hospital for tests for what appeared to be heat exhaustion.
According to head coach Al Golden, “I think it was a case of dehydration and low sugar levels,” said Golden.
“Again, I’m not the doctor but I’m just trying to give you the idea that everything’s fine. He just felt really weak or faint. It was sneaky hot out there today to be honest with you. I don’t think we had a day like that in a couple weeks. I think it got sneaky hot, and Jordan has been limited in his activity for the last nine or ten days. So I think the combination of that and we wanted to be safe. From all accounts Jordan is doing fine.”
Futch was sidelined for last weekend’s loss at Florida State, having sustained a shoulder injury against Duke two weeks back. Golden said its doubtful Futch will be available for this weekend’s match-up at South Florida.
IN OTHER NEWS : Suspended safety Ray-Ray Armstrong has been cleared of any wrongdoing for his Prime 112 dinner with his date, the owner of a PR firm that represents professional athletes. Armstrong will play this weekend at South Florida, but will not start.
… Coach Golden talked a little about the recent Miami / Florida State match up and while not making excuses for the loss, did make a point to discuss the difference regarding depth at both programs, as well as his team’s lapses in ‘football intelligence’.
“We had three turnovers and nine penalties and really made some horrific plays in the kicking game that were a function of football intelligence,” said Golden said. “Not personal intelligence, not intellect, but just football intelligence.”
Two other less-obvious flubs that Golden pointed out. On a 2nd-and-17, running back Eduardo Clements ran out of bounds after a five-yard gain with fifteen seconds left in the first half. Later in the third quarter, wideout Allen Hurns didn’t run his route past the sticks on 3rd-and-7, only picking up five yards and forcing a punt. In the fourth quarter, Hurns also dropped a two-point conversion opportunity that would’ve cut the lead to 23-21.
“Obviously it’s easier to recruit to your core values than it is to change,” Golden said. “But that’s part of the culture and eventually that’s who we will become. We’ve all seen glimpses of it this year, but when you get in these situations, and it’s a high pressure game, sometimes [lack of intelligence] rears its ugly head, and it did Saturday.”
… On the injury front Miami could welcome Curtis Porter back at defensive tackle. Porter has missed the entire season due to a hand injury but could finally be available this weekend. (Then again, with two to three games remaining, wouldn’t a medical redshirt be a better option?) Porter is challenging freshman Jalen Grimble for playing time and getting in the rotation.
… Punt returner Travis Benjamin earned a demotion going into this weekend for his muff at Florida State last weekend. In a scoreless game, Benjamin chased down a punt that went over his head, touching it and turning it over to the Seminoles.
Miami held Florida State to three, but the Benjamin punt came on the heels of a defensive stand after a Jacory Harris end zone interception. Instead of a shot at offensive redemption, the turnover gave FSU momentum and in a four-point loss where every miscue was magnified, this was a big one. Especially considering Benjamin’s mistake was something kids earn in Optimist football.
Freshman wideout Phillip Dorsett will start in place of Benjamin, but knowing Coach Golden and motivational tactics, you have to believe Benjamin will get a shot at redemption at some point this weekend. Curious to see what he does should he get it as a good return can quickly put last week’s blunder in the rearview.
“You can’t do that in the game and not have some kind of repercussion,” said Golden. “Travis knows it. He has been communicated to. He’ll fight back. But he’s going to have to steal it now from Phillip because that gave Phillip an opportunity.”
… Defensive end Adewale Ojomo is technically a junior according to UM’s roster, but a sixth-year of eligibility still hasn’t been decided on by the NCAA. Ojomo redshirted his first season (2007), saw significant playing time year two (2008), sat out all of year three (2009) as a locker room sucker punch left him with a broken jaw, returned last season and has played this year.
UM is trying to provide documentation regarding a freshman year groin injury, which is the lynchpin to getting a sixth-year of eligibility and news should come in the next few weeks. There must be proof of the injury for the NCAA, so let’s hope the previous staff properly documented the injury.
… Offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson has earned the starting spot at right tackle, replacing Jonathan Feliciano. Golden cites Henderson’s weight being where it should be. Same with his preparation as of late.
Seems like I’ve been reading the same statement regarding Benjamin for all 4 years. Only difference is this time around he got demoted for it. Very fast athlete with a very low football IQ.
Has there been any word yet if Miami is going to face Alabama in next years home opener?