Information overload seems to be the case right now with all things regarding Miami Football. The local papers and their new bloggers, long time Canes-themed sites, new site popping up, old sites in overdrive. I haven’t seen anything this trendy since New Coke.
Those who’ve been reading my articles this past decade know I try to go heavy on killer and less on filler. Any writer can report the facts. I prefer to give a long-time fan’s opinion based on those facts. Some random thoughts this week:
Fall ball is underway and from the sounds of it, intense practices have again found their way back to Miami, which is great news. Depth charts gone and competition at every position. It’s all part of the new Randy Shannon attitude which will trickle down to every pore of the program. I don’t want to bash the old regime, but the way you practice is the way you’ll play and the product on both fields has been lackluster the past few seasons.
Everyone says it’s a neck and neck race for quarterback between Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman. Both QBs are working hard, putting their best foot forward and are vying for the starting job. Unless one separates himself from the pack, it still looks like Wright’s job to lose, with Freeman as the mobile, capable back up.
Personally, I’d like to see a starter named after the Marshall game and watch both QBs get significant playing time in the season opener.
I’ve heard that Calais Campbell has been a vocal leader thus far and has started screaming “New Orleans” during drills; home to this year’s National Championship game. I think it’s a little early to start worrying about a title run. Especially unranked and coming off of 7-6, but I do like the fact someone is stepping up. I mentioned weeks ago I felt Campbell could be due for an Ed Reed-like breakout season as a team leader. It’s been a while since Miami had one of those guys and I think a vocal leader is necessary to a team’s success. Hopefully this trend continues. Wanted: An offensive team leader. Someone needs to step up.
I’m curious to see how Shannon’s “National Championship or bust” approach works out. He stated at ACC media day that Miami wanted more than to just win the conference. I’m all for aiming for the stars and landing on the moon, but the current BCS system isn’t kind to teams outside the top 25. It’d take a yeoman’s effort and a slew of upsets for the Canes to reach the title game.
Personally, I’d rather have heard the goal stated as an undefeated season. Especially seeing that Miami started the 2000 season ranked #4, lost early to #15 (Washington), beat #1 (Florida State) and #2 (Virginia Tech) during the regular season and attempted to impress voters with a season ending beat down (52-6, Boston College) and still was snubbed at a title shot, while a team they beat wound up in the Orange Bowl. Should Miami lose early on and the title hopes are dashed, will the team respond in regards to secondary goals?
We keep hearing about how young wideouts Jermaine McKenzie and Leonard Hankerson are primed for breakout freshman seasons. That’s on top of all the heat our current crop of receivers have taken. While the newbies’ efforts will certainly be helpful, don’t count out Darnell Jenkins, who I believe will have a stellar senior campaign. Jenkins showed tons of promise last year as the leading receiver in all three games he played before going down injured. He had some solid grabs against Florida State and Louisville and should’ve had a breakout in 2006. He’s back for more in 2007. Healthy and sans the dreads, Jenkins knows this is his last shot to get it done and will do so, unlike Ryan Moore.
As crazy as it sounds to have a 6’4″ and 260 lb. DL/TE returning kicks, I love the message being sent by this staff by putting Richard Gordon back there. Get your playmakers on the field whatever it takes. Listed as a 3rd or 4th string TE depending on the day, Gordon has been described as freakish in size and ability.
This mindset is the complete opposite of the old regime who let kids like Devin Hester ride the pine, citing an issue to pick up the playbook. Something which hasn’t proven to be the case for the current Chicago Bear. Whether Gordon is a success at KR or not, it’s all about the attitUde of this new staff. Proactive instead of reactive.
Romeo Davis and Glenn Cook are nicked up at the linebacker position. Both are capable LBs, but neither have that ‘wow’ factor of past Miami backers. Two guys I believe do have that ‘wow’ factor are Colin McCarthy and Darryl Sharpton. McCarthy, mostly for his special teams work last year and Sharpton for how he came on late in 2006. I won’t go as far as to call this addition by subtraction as both Davis and Cook are needed, but Sharpton will step in for cook and senior Tavares Gooden will get one last go around at SLB.
Gooden has been up and down, but recently got the stamp of approval in a Canespace.com article by none other than Rohan Marley. When asked who looked impressive at camp, the former #2 stated that Gooden looked primed for a breakout season. With Sharpton in the middle, McCarthy starting weak and Gooden at strong, this has the potential to be a solid group at a position where Miami has recently struggled. Time will tell.
Speaking of time will tell, same to be said for the offensive line. Another weak point for Miami as of late, new OL coach Jeff Stoutland is doing his part to right the wrongs. Guys are shedding weight at a record pace and multiple formations are being tried out until the unit gels and players fall into place. After the Art Kehoe era and the one year Mario Cristobal stint, it’s refreshing to see Stoutland bring his Big Ten mentality to the o-line, combined with Shannon’s discipline regarding guys being in shape. Wright, Freeman and the rushing attack will only go as far as this group of guys lets them. It’s time for some accountability on the offensive line and it seems Stoutland will bring it.
Much more to come. Season is only 18 days away. Stay tuned…
.:Canes305:.