Thursday was Pro Day at the University of Miami, with twenty-five former Hurricanes working to impress scouts, assistants and coaching personnel from NFL teams at Greentree.
Two who are said to have impressed the most? Offensive lineman Brandon Washington and defensive lineman Olivier Vernon, both who re-ran the 40-yard dash, in effort to improve on their times in Indy. Vernon recorded a best time of 4.68 seconds (after a 4.80 at the NFL Combine) while Washington went from a 5.1 to a 5.07.
Strength and Conditioning coach Andreu Swasey feels a handful of guys really increased their worth on Thursday. Aside from Washington and Vernon, Swasey praised receivers LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin, tight end Chase Ford and quarterback Jacory Harris.
Defensive back Lee Chambers was another standout, leading the Canes with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.41 forty time. Byrd was the next closest at 4.46.
Running back Lamar Miller is still recovering from left shoulder surgery, but recorded a 35.5-inch vertical leap and had the fastest U “L Drill” time of 6.94. Benjamin was next with a 6.96.
Harris and his Northwestern teammates – Washington, Sean Spence, Tommy Streeter and Marcus Forston – welcomed back receiver Aldarius Johnson, who won a high school national championship with them, but was dismissed from the Canes last season. Coaches allowed Johnson to participate in Pro Day, in effort to up his draft stock and Harris talked about relishing one last opportunity together.
“At the end, we had us a little prayer together,” said Harris, who threw to receivers as they showed off their route-running. “We were just like, ‘Man, this might be our last time playing with each other all together on the same field. So we’re just going to cherish this moment.’
“We had a good time and a good run. Now it’s time to embark on the future.”
Wishing all these kids a bright future, though the early departures – and 6-6 record last season – will forever remain a head-scratcher. – C.B.
Man, it was disappointing listening to Brandon Harris on your show. That class had no loyalty to anyone but themselves. I love my Canes but that 2008 class was like the eccentric uncle you love but don’t really want to be around.
I hope AG changes that culture. We don’t need any more kids that think Miami is just a way to get to the NFL and nothing else.
Said it in another thread, but yes that 2008 class was a bit self-absorbed and proved to be out for themselves, once the going got tough.
Had Miami improved on their watch and this team turned into something the past few years, maybe some of these guys would’ve turned out different and stuck around for 2012. But once this program went into *rebuild* mode, a lot of guys chose to look out for themselves, as opposed to the team, and jumped ship.
Good luck, fellas. Time for UM to move on, with Al recruiting the right kids and putting this thing back on track.