Eye on the U

B-Rad First-Team All-ACC; Football roster making space; McDermott on Rimington Watch List.

Bryan Radziewski was not his usual self during his last regular-season start, but he was amazing all season -- coming off shoulder surgery nonetheless.

The left-handed junior was among five starting pitchers named to the 2013 All-ACC First Team on Monday.

B-Rad, as he is called by his fans and teammates, ended the season ranked among the conference leaders in nearly every statistical category. He ranked third in ERA (1.64), tied for second in wins (eight), tied for second in complete games (two), third in strikeouts (96) and first in batting average against (.175).

Radziewski is one of three pitchers in the ACC averaging more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings (11.27). The former Baseball America Freshman All-American has recorded 204 Ks over 33 starts and has a 19-4 career record and career ERA of 2.64. 

Miami begins its quest for an ACC title at 3 p.m. Thursday, when it meets No. 1 seed North Carolina in a Pool A matchup in Durham, N.C.

UM lost in the title game to Georgia Tech last year.

RICARDO WILLIAMS OFFICIALLY OFF FOOTBALL TEAM

   Chris Yandle, director of communications for UM athletics, just confirmed to me that 6-5, 251-pound defensive end Ricardo Williams is no longer on the team. A redshirt sophomore, Williams is out of Homestead Senior High. Williams played in one game last year -- against North Carolina. 

   Williams' name has already been removed from the football roster.

   Wide receiver Robert Lockhart Jr., who also has been granted his release, according to Canesport.com, is still on the roster.

    "As far as Robert Lockhart, I have not been informed about anything,'' Yandle said.

   Lockhart is a 6-1, 183-pound redshirt sophomore out of Fork Union Military Academy, via West Boca Raton High.  Lockhart was a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and ESPN. As a high school senior he had 34 catches for 686 yards and six touchdowns. He chose UM over Virginia Tech. Lockhart played in two games last season -- UNC and FSU -- but sustained a season-ending knee injury.

 SHANE McDERMOTT ON RIMINGTON WATCH LIST   

     UM center Shane McDermott is one of 44 players named to the 2013 Rimington Trophy spring watch list. The award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate center.

    McDermott, a junior, missed spring practice after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.

     An All-ACC honorable mention selection in 2012 by league coaches, McDermott started all 12 games at center for UM. UM had the ACC's third-best passing offense (295.4-yards-per-game average) and fifth-best total offense (440.2). As a redshirt freshman in 2011, he played in 10 games, allowing no sacks and not being flagged for any penalties.

    McDermott is from Lake Worth. He was awarded the Walter Kichefski Endowed Football Scholarship at the most recent UM Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet. He will earn his bachelor's degree this summer.

    McDermott's younger brother (I won't say "little'' brother as he's 6-6 and approaching 300 pounds), Kc McDermott, has already pledged his commitment to UM for the Class of 2014, a huge get for the Canes.
 Kc is a four-star lineman, according to Rivals.com, and is listed as the 40th best player overall, regardless of position. He is listed as the fifth best tackle in the Class of 2014.

   Notre Dame also wanted Kc, and actually still wants him, but Kc said he's not budging from his commitment to the Hurricanes.  

     SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

UM women's tennis finishes Sweet 16 round at close to 1 a.m. EST -- but beats Northwestern to advance to NCAA quarterfinals

They did it again.

For the fifth consecutive season, the University of Miami women's tennis team has advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

The sixth-ranked Hurricanes, playing at the tournament site in Urbana, Ill., beat Northwestern 4-3. They didn't complete play until close to 1 a.m. Eastern time Saturday (match began Friday night).

The Canes get to rest on Saturday, before meeting No. 3 Texas A&M at 5 p.m. EST on Sunday.

If UM beats Texas A&M in the Elite Eight round, it would play in the national semifinals on Monday. If UM, in turn, won that match, it would advance to the national title round on Tuesday.

The Hurricanes finished as the national runner-up in 2006, but have never won a national title. 

 On Friday, it was  junior Melissa Bolivar who clinched the victory at the No. 6 spot by winning her final two games. She beat Nida Hamilton 7-6 (6), 1-6, 6-4.

 Also winning for UM were Stephanie Wagner at the No. 1 spot and Kelsey Laurente at the No. 2 spot, as well as the crucial doubles victories by Albuquerque/Riobueno and Wagner/Brittany Dubins.

 "I didn't feel comfortable throughout the match,'' Bolivar said after the match, as reported by UM sports information. "I just fought through it. You have to win, even though you're not playing your best. That's a quality we have.''

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

Hurricanes' women's tennis continues to flourish as coaches, freshman win ITA awards

The UM women's tennis team, ranked sixth in the nation, will meet No. 11 Northwestern at 6 p.m. Friday in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA National Championships in Urbana, Ill.

It's the eighth consecutive season that the Canes have advanced to the Round of 16.

On Tuesday, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced its regional award winners, and UM coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews -- already inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame -- earned Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region.

Hurricanes assistant Alex Santos earned Assistant Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region.

And freshman Stephanie Wagner, UM's No. 1 player, earned Rookie of the Year.

All three will be eligible for the same awards on the national level.

Yaroshuk-Tews' teams are always top-notch, and this one is no different. What's especially gratifying is that all eight players will return next season.

"If we don't get to the final 16 I'm not happy,'' Yaroshuk-Tews said Tuesday. "I make that known with my staff. ...To get to the Sweet 16 is tough and it's grueling, but with this talent, this is where they should be.''

The coach said her players' goal at the beginning of the season was to get at least to the semifinal of this year's nationals. Last year they lost to Florida in the quarters.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

UM dual-threat QB commit Alin Edouard wavering, as pro-style QB Brad Kaaya announces his commitment

Hialeah High quarterback Alin Edouard committed to the Hurricanes in February for 2014. Miami has been his lifelong dream school, and Edouard was ecstatic to get the offer.

The offer is still there, according to Edouard and his high school coach, Marc Berman, who said he spoke to a UM assistant coach at least twice Monday. But Edouard, a three-star quarterback rated the 16th best dual-threat QB prospect in the nation, is starting to have his doubts. He said he was offered by former assistant Mario Cristobal, who quickly left UM to join the staff at Alabama. He said new offensive coordinator James Coley had not communicated with him directly even once until Edouard received a private Facebook message from Coley on Monday.

"I'm guessing either they don't really want me or it's just something that happened,'' he said of the lack of communication since February. "It's not the same as it was before.''

Edouard said he is still committed to UM, but is also considering Louisville, where his friend Teddy Bridgewater stars as the starting QB going into his junior year.

The other schools Edouard said he is considering: USF, Syracuse and Tennessee.

Berman told me that Edouard "as of this point is committed and they are committed to him. Alin can do things with his legs that other kids can't. They'll probaby sign two quarterbacks from what I've been told, and that's the way it is around the rest of the country. It's all about competition.''

The Canes are loaded with quarterbacks, and have also offered two-star Malik Rosier of Mobile, Ala., for 2014. For now, besides senior Stephen Morris, there's junior Ryan Williams, redshirt freshmen Gray Crow, Preston Dewey and David Thompson, walk-on freshman Garrison Lassiter and incoming freshman Kevin Olsen.

 Edouard said he is not intimidated at all by competing for the QB job. He is just worried that coaches might try to switch his position to, say, receiver and he is adamant that he stay at quarterback.

  Meanwhile, Brad Kaaya of West Hills (Calif) Chaminade High, proclaimed his commitment to Miami on Monday. Chaminade is in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles. Kaaya is a three-star, pro-style prospect. He is 6-4 and 213 pounds, and rated by Rivals.com as the 19th-best  pro-style quarterback prospect.

  Kaaya completed 126 of 186 passes for 1,875 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2012 as a junior for 12-2 Chaminade, which lost the state title game to Serra Gardena. He threw his only two interceptions of the season during that game.

   Edouard completed 64 of 132 passes for 926 yards and nine touchdowns, with nine picks last season. He ran for 559 yards and seven touchdowns.

   "Brad is excited,'' Chaminade coach Ed Croson told me today by phone. "Miami had a different feel, a different flavor, and Brad liked that.''

   Croson said Kaaya also likes the way Coley wants to throw the ball around and the way the offense works. UM kicker Matt Goudis played for Croson, too, and made Kaaya feel comfortable.

    Croson said Kaaya is a great student who "never gets in trouble, works his butt off and has talent. That's the guy you're looking for.''

   One thing is for sure: recruiting can be a brutal process. And it's a long process. You can only imagine how much things might change -- and probably will change -- before signing day 2014.

   SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

Testaverde latest Hurricane headed to College Football Hall of Fame

Heisman trophy winning Hurricanes quarterback Vinny Testaverde will be one of 14 former players and coaches who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2013 class.

The National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame made the joint announcement Monday during the telecast of College Football Live on ESPN. The remainder of the 14-member FBS class will be announced Tuesday at noon press conference from the NASDAQ OMX Market Site in New York City.

Testaverde was Miami’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 1986 and led the Hurricanes to three bowl berths. He went 23-3 as a starter playing for legendary coaches Howard Schnellenberger and Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson.

The Bucs picked Testaverde as the No. 1 overall selection in the 1987 NFL Draft, and his pro career spanned 21 seasons with seven different teams. The 1998 All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection finished his NFL career seventh all-time in passing yards (46,233) and eighth in touchdowns (275).

He remains among only four Hurricanes to have their jerseys retired at Miami.

Testaverde will become sixth Miami Hurricane player and 10th overall to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame. He joins: Bennie Blades (2006), Don Bosseler (1990), Andy Gustafson (1985), Jack Harding (1980), Ted Hendricks (1987), Jimmy Johnson (2012), Russell Maryland (2011), Gino Torretta (2009) and Arnold Tucker (2008).

The 2013 College Football Hall of Fame FBS Class will be inducted Dec. 10, 2013, at the 56th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. They will be honored guests Jan. 2, 2014, at the National Hall of Fame Salute in New Orleans at the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Golden, Torretta win golf tournament, $125K scholarship

Hurricanes football coach Al Golden and 1992 Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta held off a back-nine charge from South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier and Sterling Sharpe to win the 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge.

Miami’s 11-under round was one better than the Gamecocks duo and solidified the first-place scholarship prize of $125,000. Miami finished the front nine with five straight birdies to make the turn at 8-under, one stroke ahead of two-time defending champion Georgia Tech and two shots clear of South Carolina.

The Hurricanes and Yellow Jackets played stroke-for-stroke on the back nine until Miami pulled ahead with birdies on 16 and 17. The Gamecocks went birdie-eagle-birdie over the final three holes to make a run at Miami, but fell just short when Golden holed a five-foot putt for par on 18.

“South Carolina and Georgia Tech are really good teams. We had a lot of fun down the stretch and Gino hit some big putts to keep us in it,” Golden said. “We scrambled and got lucky down the stretch.”

“Hitting that 30-footer for par on 15 and another big putt on 17 were huge. We didn’t know they were so close on our heels until we finished 17,” Torretta said. “We just tried to stay within ourselves and we kept the ball in play. It just seemed to work today.”

The Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge is the country’s premier head coach and celebrity charity golf event featuring NCAA head coaches and former athletes and celebrities from the same school competing against their rivals for a share of a $520,000 scholarship purse.

In addition to the $520,000 scholarship purse, another $144,000 was generated for charitable organizations including Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Homes foster care program. Over the last seven years, the event has contributed a total of $3.8 million in scholarship and charity, helping make the Chick-fil-A Bowl college football’s most charitable bowl game.

Bucs draft RB Mike James in sixth round

Mike James, rushed for career-best 621 yards and 6 TDs on 147 attempts as a senior for the Hurricanes, got his name called in the sixth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

The Bucs plucked James with the 21st pick, 189th overall. He was the 18th running back taken off the board. 

James was the second Hurricane to be taken in the draft. The Rams drafted cornerback Brandon McGee in the fifth round. 

The Hurricanes have now had a player taken in the NFL Draft 38 consecutive seasons. 

McGee becomes first Cane drafted, goes in 5th round to Rams

Brandon McGee's NFL dreams came true Saturday afternoon when the St. Louis Rams took him with the 16th pick in the fifth round, 149th overall.

McGee, a two-year starter at cornerback for the Hurricanes, was the first UM player taken in this year's NFL Draft. He was the 22nd cornerback taken off the board. 

STL! We On.

— Brandon McGee (@B_McGee21) April 27, 2013

McGee, a former standout at nearby Plantation High School, started all 12 games as a senior and finished tied for sixth on team with 54 tackles and tied for the team lead with two INTs. After the season he was the recipient of the Captain's Award and Plumer Award for Leadership, Motivation and Spirit.

Mike James, who rushed for career-best 621 yards and 6 TDs on 147 attempts as a senior, is likely the next Hurricane who will get drafted. So far, 13 running backs have been taken off the board through about 150 picks. 

"We're excited to see some of our guys get drafted here in the next couple days," UM coach Al Golden said earlier this week. "Our staff is working hard to make those that don't get drafted get great free agent opportunities."

Canes miss out on Michel, but tailback tandem of the future could be at Miami Central

Heralded Plantation American Heritage five-star running back Sony Michel made his college announcement Friday and it wasn't what the Hurricanes were hoping for.

Two thirds of this talented Miami Central trio -- Joseph Yearby and Trevor Darling -- are trying to convince Dalvin Cook (right) to commit to the Canes too.

Michel, considered the fifth best recruit regardless of position according to Rivals.com, chose the Georgia Bulldogs over the Hurricanes because he "wanted something different."

Michel (5-11, 205) is the second straight highly-touted running back from Broward County to choose an SEC school over the Hurricanes. In February South Plantation star tailback Alex Collins chose Arkansas over Miami. 

As disappointing as those losses may be, Canes fans shouldn't be totally heartbroken. Something different could end up being a good thing come February when Michel and the rest of the 2014 signing class has to put their commitments to paper and sign National Letters of Intent.

As it stands, the Hurricanes have Miami Central standout Joseph Yearby, the sixth-best running back in the country according to Rivals, as a 2014 commitment. And getting his teammate, Dalvin Cook, rated the fourth-best running back in the country by Rivals, to saddle up with the Canes may not be far-fetched. Cook, currently committed to Florida, said earlier this week continuing his college career alongside Yearby and UM-bound offensive tackle Trevor Darling, another Miami Central standout, is something three have been discussing plenty.

"We talk about it a lot. Playing together at the next level would be a fun experience," Cook said. "This recruiting process is crazy. Things happen. A lot of it changes. All of us are graduating early. Miami? I'm letting them recruit me. We'll see what happens."

Yearby, who has shared the backfield with Cook for the defending Class 6A state champions the last two years, sharing it in college is no big deal to him. 

"Our families want to see us stay together because they say me and Dalvin are the best duo they've seen in years," Yearby said. "They would love to see us play at the next level again. Coach Golden, too. Playing at home is very attractive. It's not like we've got to go build ourselves up. Everybody knows us and will come support us."

Of course, it's no guarantee Cook, Yearby and Darling pick Miami as the place where all three play together at the next level. USF hired their former high school coach Telly Lockette two months ago and teamming up together in Tampa isn't something the three say is out of the question.

"What's exciting about that is we could go play for a coach we had for three years, so it would be a very good choice for us to make, too," Yearby said.

Yearby (5-10, 185) said USF and USC continue to pursue him.

Cook (5-11, 195), once a Clemson commitment, also has an older brother, new Canes' basketball guard Deandre Burnett, pushing him to stay home.

Canes await Michel's announcement Friday; talented RB said he made up his mind, parents will be happy

The last time Hurricanes fans held their breath when one of the country's premier high school running backs to make his college choice on television it was only the beginning of a long, strange winding road to disappointment. 

When highly-touted Plantation American Heritage running back Sony Michel makes his decision around 4:45 p.m. on ESPN Friday we could end up down a similar path -- only this time don't expect his mother to run off with his National Letter of Intent.

Michel (5-11, 205) told me face-to-face Wednesday he expects for his parents to be happy with the school he announces for and for his pursuit by college football programs to come to a peaceful, non-dramatic end. Michel, choosing between the Hurricanes, Georgia, Florida State, Notre Dame and Florida, said he's already made up his mind. Friday is just about letting the rest of the world know.

"I went on a visit last weekend and it had me thinking. But last night and the night before I slept on it and had my decision made. [Friday is] going to be a happy day for me and my parents because I can finally make a decision and just celebrate," said Michel, who run circles around upperclassmen since he was an eighth-grade phenom to the tune of 4,819 yards and 58 touchdowns in his career.

"At the end of the day I don't care what anybody else thinks. It's about me and football and where I'm going to be happy."

Even though he won't be signing a National Letter of Intent until National Signing Day in February, Michel said he plans on shutting down his recruitment after Friday's announcement.

While that may not stop schools from recruiting him, he said the whole point of Friday's announcement is to avoid distractions and allow him to keep his focus on the football field this coming season. Heritage has had one of the best programs in Broward County each of the past two seasons, but has knocked out of the state playoffs in the first round. Michel is intent on not letting that happen again.

"I chose to get this out of the way early just so I can focus on the football season," Michel said. "That's the only way I can focus on winning that state championship ring. I don't really care about the whole stats situation. If I only get 200 yards this year I'll be satisfied as long as I got a ring. If I run for 2,000 yards and I don't get a ring I'll feel like I failed as a senior.

"Opening things back up and dragging it out to Signing Day is just not something that's been on my mind. I feel like once I commit I will be a solid commit and stop the recruiting process."

Although UM coaches have been on campus plenty this spring -- speaking to Michel's coach, former Hurricane Mike Rumph -- Georgia is considered the favorite to land Michel according to most experts.

Asked what he likes about the Bulldogs and other finalists Wednesday, Michel said: "What they did there was give both of their freshmen the opportunity to showcase their talents. That's what a player likes to see. They have a great coaching staff."

"Miami has always had a good program, great running back history. They've got a great back there now. Miami has always just been Miami. What they do with the running backs is they showcase the running back a lot.

"Florida changed their offense to pro style and just had a running back go to the NFL. They have a top running back coming in. Florida State also."

While Michel expects Friday's decision to be final, Rumph doesn't.

"To be honest, I just wish he would wait," Rumph said. "Because recruiting never ends until Signing Day. Whoever he picks you know the other guys aren't going to stop coming after him."

Terry's career finished with the Canes; Golden mum on transfer rumors

UM coach Al Golden made it pretty clear Thursday -- freshman linebacker Gabe Terry is no longer a Hurricane and won't be again.

"Gabe was suspended before the incident and we didn't take him to the spring game. Gabe is no longer with our football team," Golden said. "It's done. Again, I apologize. I don't know what [information] was released on our end, but he's no longer with the team. He was suspended before the incident. We've separated and moved in another direction."

Terry, arrested last Friday morning after being found by police face down on the steps near his dorm with 26.8 grams of marijuana, had been suspended indefinitely according to UM's sports information department before Thursday. But it's official now -- Terry is the fourth defensive player (Eddie Johnson, Gionni Paul, Thomas Finnie) to be booted from the team since the end of last season. Golden said he handles all disciplinary issues the same.

"It's certainly case by case and it certainly has to do with the resume of the young man in terms of whether or not there were any incidents in his career here and whether or not he does all the things we ask him to do here," Golden explained.

In other news:

> Golden expects to have everybody on the roster healthy and back by Aug. 1 with the exception of defensive end Dyron Dye. "But it sounds like Dyron will have a chance to be back during training camp, which is great," Golden said.

> Golden described the situation with senior running back Eduardo Clements, who told The Miami Herald last month he was definitely coming back this fall, as "still a little tenuous."

"I know he's anxious to come back. All indications are he will be cleared," Golden said. "But in terms of the medical aspects of that I have to make sure I'm careful with that and don't overstep my bounds."

> As far as the backup running back situation is concerned, Golden said: "I was pleased with Dallas Crawford. He had a really good spring, certainly showed his interchangeable and can do a lot of things with the football... Danny Dillard made a lot progress. Gus Edwards is a big back coming in. The eight ball, the guy who threw us the curve was Mo Hagens. Mo really grew as a ballcarrier."

> Although there are rumors out there receiver Robert Lockhart may be interested in transferring, Golden said it's premature to address those because players are still taking exams and the semester hasn't ended.

"It would be premature for me to say that or speculate on that when nothing is definitive," Golden said. "It's probably prudent for me to wait until we're finished with [spring] exams and then make a release. Obviously every year at this time there are kids for a variety of reasons -- to go home, play earlier, seek transfer. The best thing for us to do is let it play out and then release it all on one day."

> Despite the loss of three linebackers from the end of last season, Golden said he's confident there is enough depth at the position and raved about the growth of freshman Alex Figueroa.

"I just kept waiting for him to hit a wall and he never did," Golden said of Figueroa. "He's a mature kid. His parents are marines. Very disciplined young man, very tough. He comes to us 6-3 and 230, very strong, physical, smart, explosive. You're talking about when this guy is all said and done he's going be 250, running and a smart player. We're excited about his progress. He's kind of thrown away the freshman tag because he doesn't act like it at all. He's started from the first practice to the last and did the same in the off-season program with his conditioning. He's on a mission right now. We're going to continue to let him grow and do his thing. "

> As for his team's new punter Pat O'Donnell, Golden said: "Pat is going to give us a great opportunity and really the experience we need, the veteran player we need," he said. "I'm excited about [Matt] Goudis. He did a lot of good things this spring to take that next step. We're going to supplement Pat with a lot of eager walk-ons that want to come in and earn a scholarship. Pat kind of bridges that gap. O'Donnell definitely gives us an opportunity to be steady because we were really steady there there the last two years."

Canes' point guard Shane Larkin plans to make announcement about his future Sunday at 6

Don’t listen to whoever put the rumor out that I declared. It isn’t true. I will make an announcement Sunday at 6 about my future.

— Shane Larkin (@SLarkin_0) April 24, 2013

Canes freshman LB Gabe Terry -- tased during his arrest -- has hearing set for May 20th

Suspended Hurricanes linebacker Gabriel Terry was tased during his arrest early Friday morning, moments after school police officers found the 19-year old freshman sleeping face down on the steps near the rear entrance of his dorm and with a Ziploc bag filled with 26.8 grams of marijuana in the left-side pocket of his shorts.

According to the arrest affidavit from the Coral Gables police department, officers woke Terry up at around 3:48 a.m. and asked him several times to stand up and put his hands behind his back, but he did not comply. Terry then began to argue and pushed an officer away with his body before police shoved him to the ground in an attempt to handcuff him. Terry, who turns 20 on Sept. 21st, was warned he would be tased according to the report, but didn't comply and was able to standup before police used the taser to subdue him. The report said Terry eventually cooperated.

Coral Gables fire rescue was called "to retrieve the [taser] prongs" from Terry's back. Terry was charged with felony possession of cannabis and resisting an officer without violence. He was released Saturday after posting $6,000 bond.

Terry, who has a troubled history as a juvenile and whose father is serving a life sentence in a Central Florida prison for a 2001 murder, has an arraignment hearing scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on May 20th.

Listed as 6-3 and 210 pounds on the spring roster, Terry played in seven games as a freshman. He finished with five tackles and blocked a punt against Virginia Tech. He was suspended for the Virginia and USF games late last season, though UM coach Al Golden never specified what Terry had done wrong.

UM has taken Terry's name off its roster online and suspended him indefinitely. UM's defense has parted ways with three underclassmen -- linebackers Gionni Paul and Eddie Johnson and cornerback Thomas Finnie -- since the end of last season following suspensions and or arrests.

Hurricanes LB Gabe Terry busted for pot (felony because of the amount) and suspended indefinitely

 

  Hurricanes linebacker Gabe Terry, a rising sophomore, was arrested Friday for possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana, a felony; and for "resisting an officer without violence.''

   He has been suspended indefinitely.

Terry, listed as 6-3 and 210 pounds on the spring roster and 6-4 and 185 pounds on the arrest report, played in seven games this past season as a freshman. He finished with five tackles, and blocked a punt against Virginia Tech.

   He was suspended late last season and missed the Virginia and USF games, though UM coach Al Golden never specified what he had done wrong.

   Terry was arrested in eighth grade for burglary and larceny and sent to Boys Town, a center for at-risk youth in Omaha, Neb. He spent more than three years there.

   “Out there I grew up,’’ he said in early November. “I was young, and I don’t even know how to say it, just a little out of control. I had to grow up and learn some social skills and learn how to carry myself like a young teenager. It really did help me.''

   Terry’s father, Clarence Terry, is serving a life sentence in a Central Florida prison for a 2001 murder. The two were huge Hurricanes fans together before Clarence went to prison.   

      --SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

Canes hoops honored in Tallahassee, sign JUCO forward James Kelly

Thursday turned out to be a pretty good day for the Hurricanes' basketball team.

Coach Jim Larranaga and athletic director Blake James were in the state capitol building Thursday and honored on the floor of the house of representatives and senate, who designated April 18th, 2013 as University of Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball Day in Florida.

That was nice, but so was seeing junior college transfer James Kelly officially sign his National Letter of Intent. The 6-7, 240-pound forward from Division II Owens Community College in Findlay, Ohio is considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com. He averaged 18.3 points and 10.1 rebounds a game last season and is know for some pretty vicious dunks on YouTube. Here are a few links (CLIP 1, CLIP 2, CLIP 3)

Kelly also had recruiting interest from Clemson, Louisiana Tech, Marshall and St. Bonaventure. He's the third player to sign with UM joining Deandre Burnett and Davon Reed, who signed in the early signing period. Running back Corn Elder, who signed a football scholarship with the Hurricanes, is also expected to play hoops this coming season for Jim Larranaga.

FORMER UM linebacker Eddie Johnson has signed to play at HInds Community College in Mississippi

UM linebacker Eddie Johnson was a talent waiting to break out in a big way. Actually, he had begun to break out already in his redshirt freshman season in 2012.

Unfortunately, from what I'm told by insiders, he began hanging out with the wrong crowd, and got himself in trouble that UM didn't want to touch. 

He's now officially a Hinds Community College Eagle, said his new head coach, Gene Murphy.  

"He'll be enrolled for the summer session and start practice in August,'' said Murphy, who also serves as the athletic director at Hinds CC in Raymond, just outside Jackson. "We're excited about it. My evaluation of him is that he's a sideline to sideline guy and he knows how to play the game.''

Other UM players who played at Hinds include first-round draft pick Jerome McDougle in 1999, a defensive end. At the same time, former UM DE Andrew Williams played there. 

The difference: McDougal and Williams played at HInds first, then transferred to Miami.

"We've had about 50 guys who have played in the NFL after starting out at HInds,'' Murphy said.

In 2012, the Eagles had a disappointing season, starting the preseason ranked sixth in the nation but ending 4-5.

"We fell off the cliff,' Murphy said.

This past season, Johnson was fourth in team tackles, while playing only eight games. Suspensions plagued him. He had 59 tackles, a sack, an interception and three forced fumbles.

Here's hoping his trouble is in the past.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

Post-spring depth chart released, Canes add punter from Cincinnati

Coach Al Golden released his team's post-spring depth chart Tuesday with one notable addition -- a new punter.

Pat O'Donnell, a graduate from the University of Cincinnati, is listed as the Canes' No. 1 punter and is also listed on the depth chart for field goals, kickoffs and placeholder. O'Donnell has signed a financial aid agreement with the University of Miami and is expected to enroll in either the summer or fall semesters according to UM. O'Donnell averaged 41.8 yards per punt on 59 attempts with the Bearcats in 2012, while dropping 23 kicks inside the 20-yard line and booting 10 kicks of 50+ yards.

UM returns 10 starters on offense and nine on defense from its 2012 squad that finished 7-5 overall and tied for first in the ACC Coastal Division with a 5-3 league mark. Several players were held out of spring practice due to injury, including LB Thurston Armbrister, RB Eduardo Clements, WR Robert Lockhart Jr., C Shane McDermott and DL David Perry. WR Malcolm Lewis, who was held out for the majority of spring practice, made his debut during the Spring Game with a scripted 75-yard TD catch - his first action since a season-ending ankle injury last September at Georgia Tech.

Freshman Alex Figueroa is listed as the Canes' No. 1 outside linebacker, the only freshman listed as a starter following spring practice.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE HOW THEY'RE LISTED (REMEMBER THERE WILL BE INCOMING FRESHMEN IN THE FALL)

Download UM_FB_2013_Post-Spring_Depth

D'Onofrio, Coley provide thoughts on Spring Game

Sometimes when you watch a game it's hard not to just trust your eyes and rush to judgement. It's like stealing the ball at half court and having the lane completely open for a slam dunk.

When it comes to spring football games, though, you can't just call it like you see it. Schemes are simplified and in UM's case Saturday with the game being televised on ESPN3 coaches made sure to keep things pretty basic on both sides.

Mark D'Onofrio's defense ran two coverage schemes -- basic man and zone. But really it was a lot of man coverage without any blitz packages, he said. Offensively, James Coley didn't want show anything either.

The difference: he had Stephen Morris, Duke Johnson and a set of receivers who are clearly better than anything UM has in its secondary when it comes to old-fashioned, beat your man one-on-one football.

And that's really what we learned from this scrimmage. When it comes right down to it, Miami's offense is way ahead of the defense. Luckily for D'Onofrio he'll get to be creative when the season starts. Plus, more help is still on the way.

"We wanted to get the guys out there and challenged a little bit, get some matchups, put some guys against some guys -- some of our corners -- that weren't going against the 1s and find out if they could do it," D'Onforio said.

"It's good to see the guys [in vanilla scheme]: Can you beat a block? And can you cover somebody?" D'Onofrio said. "At the end of the day it's not a call generated scrimmage where you're putting them in position to do something or giving them some type of advantage. At the end of the day it's can they beat the guy across from them. It's a nice way to do it."

Morris pretty much showed everyone why his senior season could be special. He picked apart a mixed collection of UM starters on defense, finishing 13 of 23 for 256 yards and four touchdowns -- all that without a healthy Allen Hurns or Phillip Dorsett out there. His backups, meanwhile, showed just how far behind Morris they really are. Ryan Williams, last year's backup, finished 10 of 25 for 123 yards, 1 TD and two bad interceptions. Gray Crow did nothing to take the backup job away from Williams either, finishing 2 of 8 for a mere 50 yards.

"I was pleased with some of the execution," Coley said. "We had the thought of throwing the ball deep today and we did it. The other scrimmages and stuff like that we we're looking at other schemes and stuff we put in [installed]. This was probably an old school type of deal. You're in pro formation and either running the ball or throwing it deep. I liked how some of the guys looked out there. [Rashawn] Scott looked good. Stephen threw the ball really well and [left tackle] Flowers blocked unbelievable. When I wanted five yards I went to the left side for five yards."

Scott, suspended for the final three games of last season, pretty much took Tracy Howard's lunch money on a daily basis this spring. Howard wanted a one-on-one matchup with him again Saturday and just couldn't ward off the 6-2, 204-pound receiver, who by my set of eyes was clearly the most impressive receiver on the field this spring. Saturday he finished with five catches for 94 yards and two scores -- both on Howard.

"I don't know what he did in the past. I just know from when I got here his focus level -- he's been challenged everyday and he's responded," Coley said. "I like him. I like 'em big like that."

> Sophomore receiver Herb Waters had three catches for 50 yards and a score before leaving Saturday's game with a shoulder injury. He was in a sling for most of the second half.

"He's fine," Coley said. "We got a look at D'Mauri [Jones] a little bit. He made some nice catches. That was a blessing in disguise. We know what we have Herb. He's had a solid spring."

Jones finished with one catch for nine yards. Redshirt freshman Jontavious Carter had a much better day. He led the team with five catches for 113 yards -- including a 48-yarder in the first quarter where he left starting corner Ladarius Gunter in the dust.

As bad as UM's corners looked Saturday, D'Onofrio said he isn't worried about his top three -- Gunter, Howard and Antonio Crawford. But that doesn't mean he's not looking for help.

"I think its improved," D'Onofrio said of his secondary, which ranked 102nd in pass defense last season. "I'm still looking for some -- we're trying to figure out the fourth, fifth corner situation. We got some guys coming in that will help us out in that area. I'm looking forward to Artie [Burns] to coming in and playing corner and see how he competes with some of those guys. I feel good about Gunter. I feel good about Crawford. I feel good about Tracy [Howard]. [Nate] Dortch (beaten plenty Saturday) had a good spring. He had a couple on him today. I thought he improved. We'll just keep looking and see where we're at.

"As far as the safeties goes, Kacy didn't play today. He was out the whole spring. We look forward to him coming back. Jamal Carter is coming in. We're looking forward to building some depth there."

MORE NEWS AND NOTES

> Linebacker Denzel Perryman had two tackles (one for loss) and two interceptions in Saturday's scrimmage. But it's clear coaches want him to raise his game this fall.

"I'm looking forward to Denzel making a lot of progress over the summer," D'Onofrio said. "I think he's capable of playing at another level than he played with this spring. I think that comes with preparation, the day in and day out competing that he's capable of. I have high expectations for him. I'll continue to challenge him because I want to get the most out of him I can."

> Freshman linebacker Alex Figueroa, praised plenty by D'Onofrio this spring, hardly made a dent in Saturday's scrimmage. But there's a reason. "He's been nursing an ankle for the last 2 1/2 weeks," D'Onofrio said. "He's a tough guy. He fought through it. He didn't miss any [practices] which says a lot. He got a tough injury in the ninth practice, before the Naples scrimmage. We limited him some, but he never really missed any time."

> Will Saturday's defensive effort sway D'Onofrio from saying this was a good spring?

"Not at all," he said. "I thought guys did a great job. I thought we had a really good spring. Again, today we broke up the teams. So on defense we were broken up. It wasn't necessarily the first team or second team defense. We had a lot of mix and match in there, not necessarily a lot of guys who had played together in the spring. [The other two] scrimmages is where we controlled it. We tried to take a look at the top of guys. We didn't get past maybe 16 guys who were in there one time.

"I was really pleased -- particularly the second scrimmage. I'm really happy with where we're at. We'll look at this tape and look at the individuals. But kind of how this spring went, very happy with where we're at out there. Guys did a great job."

> Dallas Crawford had three catches for 33 yards and nine carries for just 19 yards and a touchdown Saturday, but it's safe to say he's earned the job as Duke Johnson's backup this spring.

"I love Dallas. Dallas gives so much," Coley said. "He's a guy that can play a lot of things for us. He's the guy."

> Tight end Beau Sandland, UM's most hyped new arrival on offense, finished with three catches for 30 yards Saturday. Although he didn't have an overwhelming spring, Coley saw progress.

"It's always hard when you're learning a system," Coley said. "You got to play fast because you're playing against faster folks. Now he's picking it up, processing it and starting to play fast. And guess what spring is over with. Let's take that over to fall and hopefully he'll get going."

FINAL STATS

SCORING PLAYS
Orange: Herb Waters 13 pass from Stephen Morris (Matt Goudis kick)
White: Garrett Kidd 13 pass from Ryan Williams (Ricky Perez kick)
Orange: Malcolm Lewis 75 pass from Stephen Morris (Matt Goudis kick)
Orange: Rashawn Scott 15 pass from Stephen Morris (Matt Goudis kick)
Orange: Rashawn Scott 14 pass from Stephen Morris (Matt Goudis kick)
White: Ricky Perez 26 FG
White: Andre Johnson 45 pass from Gino Torretta (Ricky Perez kick)
Orange: Dallas Crawford 2 run (Matt Goudis kick)
White: Ricky Perez 40 FG

PASSING: Stephen Morris 13-23-0-256 4 TD; Ryan Williams 10-25-2-123 1 TD, Gray Crow 2-8-0-50.

RUSHING: Duke Johnson 10-120, Maurice Hagens 8-39, Dallas Crawford 9-19 1 TD, Danny Dillard 8-16, Stephen Morris 1-2.

RECEIVING: Jontavious Carter 5-113, Rashawn Scott 5-94 2 TD, Herb Waters 3-50 1 TD, Dallas Crawford 3-33, Beau Sandland 3-30, Garrett Kidd 3-19 1 TD, Malcolm Lewis 1-75 1 TD, D’Mauri Jones 1-9, Stephen Sweeney 1-6.

TACKLES: Ladarius Gunter 5, Tracy Howard 5, Shayon Green 4, Rayshawn Jenkins 4, Tyrone Cornileus 4, Larry Hope 4, Deon Bush 4, Nantambu Fentress 3, Earl Moore 3, Jalen Grimble 3, Corey King 3, Tyriq McCord 3, Jordan Tolson 3, Denzel Perryman 2, Raphael Kirby 2, Luther Robinson 2, AJ Highsmith 2, Jimmy Gaines 2, Ronald Regula 2, Nate Dortch 2, Dequan Ivery 2, Anthony Chickillo 1, Olsen Pierre 1, Curtis Porter 1, Ricardo Williams 1, Brandon Yosha 1, Akil Craig 1

SACKS: Luther Robinson 2 (-14), Anthony Chickillo 1 (-11)

TACKLES FOR LOSS: Luther Robinson 2 (-14), Anthony Chickillo 1 (-11), Shayon Green 1 (-5), Denzel Perryman 1 (-2), Curtis Porter 1, (-1), Ladarius Gunter .5 (-2), Larry Hope .5 (-2).

FORCED FUMBLES: Corey King 1

FUMBLE RECOVERIES: Tyriq McCord 1.

PASSES DEFENDED: Ladarius Gunter 2, Nate Dortch 1, Raphael Kirby 1.

INTERCEPTIONS: Denzel Perryman 2 (45 yards)

KICKING: Ricky Perez 2/2 FG (Long: 40), 2/2 PAT; Matt Goudis 0/1 FG, 5/5 PAT

PENALTIES: Orange 6-50, White 2-10

Video of staged touchdown pass to Canes receiver Malcolm Lewis during Saturday's spring game

OK, so it wasn't exactly original. But the Canes still provided a nice moment for fans and receiver Malcolm Lewis on Saturday when they scripted a 75-yard touchdown pass to him from Stephen Morris.

Miami's defense let Lewis catch the pass uncovered and then jogged behind him to celebrate with him and the rest of the team in the end zone.

Nebraska's football team did something similar last week for a young boy battling cancer.

Lewis, who dislocated his ankle in what really was a gruesome season-ending injury at Georgia Tech last September, has been ahead of schedule in his rehab. He said last week he expected to be ready for contact in the fall.

Scripted as the touchdown to Lewis may have been, the emotions teammates and coaches shared with Lewis in the end zone were real.

Here is the video courtesy of Hurricanesports.com

Donnie Sol, Ken Dorsey, other UM greats to be enshrined tonight in UM Sports Hall of Fame

Tonight's the night for some UM classics to be immortalized in the UM Sports Hall of Fame.

The list of UM greats to be inducted at Jungle Island: baseball player Ed Contreras, quarterback Ken Dorsey and his center Brett Romberg, diver Bryan Gillooly, golf coach Norm Parsons, pitcher Jay Tessmer and RB coach Don Soldinger.

I spoke at length to former RB coach Don Soldinger, who is extremely excited about the honor, and he should be. Great coach, super guy. 

I also spoke to quarterback wonder Ken Dorsey as he was driving from Charlotte to pick up his wife (former UM soccer player Jordan Sims) to drive to Miami. He's also very pumped.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard I was voted in,'' Dorsey told me.  “I’ve been a Heisman Trophy finalist two times, won the Maxwell Award and played in the NFL. But this is by far the biggest thrill I’ve ever had.

"I love that place. I love the city of Miami. I love the people there -- they are diehard Canes fans. Beautiful campus and the teachers are the best in the country. When you go into the UM Hall of Fame it's not just about UM but the whole city.''

I asked Dorsey, the new quarterbacks coach for the Carolina Panthers, if he would ever like to coach at UM -- as a head coach, quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator, whatever.

"One day,'' he said. "It's not for lack of trying. If that's something they'd ever be interested in, that's something I'd definitely be interested in, for sure. I think everybody there knows I'm involved in coaching and everything like that. I'll just leave it at that.''

Dorsey and Soldinger will see lots of their old friends tonight. 

Should be fun.

I was told, by the way, that it's too late to buy tickets for tonight's event.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

 

 

Canes sophomore middle linebacker Raphael Kirby making impression this spring

It wasn't quite as memorable as Micheal Barrow's hit on Florida State's Tamarick Vanover or even as bone-jarring as Jonathan Vilma's blow to Nebraska's Ben Zajicek.

But when sophomore middle linebacker Raphael Kirby laid out freshman tight end Standish Dobard with a vicious hit during last Friday's scrimmage in Naples it definitely evoked memories of the days when the Hurricanes had a nasty presence in the middle of its defense.

Kirby (6-0, 230) celebrated his hit by raising his arms in triumph while Dobard (6-4, 255) laid on the ground waiting for trainers to come check him out and escort him off the field. Except for the 15-yard penalty Kirby would have received for taunting on the hit, UM coach Al Golden said Tuesday he's liked just about everything he's seen from his sophomore middle linebacker this spring.

"Kirb is going to be good," Golden said. "He's a bright kid and he's a hard worker. He's got to get to the point where it's second nature and he's not thinking. He's getting there. He's made a lot of progress this spring. He's been in a black shirt the majority of the time.

"He shows up at scrimmages. He had three or four physical plays the other night. You know, the taunting notwithstanding, which obviously, in that situation we taunt, we give them 15 yards and it turns into a touchdown or whatever. And that's a lesson for the whole team. But that notwithstanding they played really physical the other night and we've just got to continue to move him forward. But I'm excited about Kirby."

Kirby, an early enrollee as a freshman, was well on his way to making an immediate impact last season when he injured his right knee during a fall scrimmage. He came back for the final seven games of the season and tallied just 16 tackles.

"When I came back I was probably like 75 percent," Kirby said Tuesday. "I pushed through it, played when they called my number and got the experience."

But playing at 75 percent was definitely frustrating. Kirby would often limp around and favor his left leg. Now at 100 percent, he's been splitting reps with senior Jimmy Gaines at middle linebacker.

He said he gained 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season and now bench presses the NFL-testing standard of 225 pounds a total of 28 reps (junior Denzel Perryman is tops among linebackers with 33 reps).

"This spring I've just been working on being more vocal and being very physical, playing attached, getting guys lined up and being a leader in the middle," Kirby said.

"My goal [in Saturday' spring game] is to go out and have fun, play fast and get to the football and make plays."

Kirby did that last Friday. Aside from his crushing blow on Dobard, he tallied five tackles and had a pass deflection in pass coverage. But that hit Dobard definitely left an impression. Coaches made Kirby run sprints for the final portion of the scrimmage after the hit. Kirby said he apologized to Dobard afterward and said there is no bad blood.

"I believe I can be that type of player," Kirby said of being a vicious hitter in Miami's defense. "You just have to play balls to the wall every play. You can make a lot of plays and be dynamic when you stick to your assignment."

> Defensive end Jelani Hamilton injured his knee during Tuesday's practice according to Golden.

"He got hurt in a warm up drill, went down to pick up a fumble and got hurt," Golden said. "I really have no idea [how long he will be out]. Non-contact injury. Obviously we're concerned about it. It's unfortunate. We're trying to reach his family to get an MRI. Definitely an injured leg."

> Former Hurricanes recruit Angelo Jean-Louis, now at Marshall, was arrested Tuesday morning on felony charges of using a stolen credit card to purchase roughly $25 worth of food at a 7-11.

Eduardo Clements says he will be ready for contact this fall

NAPLES -- Hurricanes tailback Eduardo Clements was wearing a headset during Friday's scrimmage at Naples High. But he expects that -- and the neck brace he's been wearing for months -- to be replaced with a football helmet soon.

The 5-9, 192-pound senior from Booker T. Washington High, whose health and future with UM has been in question, said Friday he will have his brace taken off in the next two weeks and expects to be full-go when fall practice rolls around.

"I'm really happy that I will be getting this thing off," Clements said Friday. "At first they thought it was a stinger, but then they realized I had to have surgery for a herniated disk. I'm really going to be excited to be back out there with the guys soon."

Clements' return will provide experience behind ACC Freshman of the Year Duke Johnson as well as depth alongside sophomore Dallas Crawford.

Redshirt freshman Danny Dillard (6-2, 210) appeared to injure his shoulder during Friday's action. But he got praised by UM coach Al Golden for his work after Friday's scrimmage when asked how Johnson's backups have been performing.

"We're giving the ball to Maurice Hagens more. He's answering. Mo is a physical runner, has a good lateral cut. He's showing some niftiness. I'm excited about it," Golden said. "I thought Danny ran hard on the goalline," Golden said. "I think Danny Dillard is starting to understand who he is. He's got to be a big back and wear people down. What can you say about Dallas? He's having arguably the best spring on the offensive side of the ball."

Scott, Chickillo shine in Canes' second scrimmage out in Naples

NAPLES -- Things didn't exactly go as planned for Anthony Chickillo or Rashawn Scott last season. 

So far this they're showing signs their sophomore struggles could be behind them.

Chickillo tallied three sacks and batted two passes at the line of scrimmage and Scott hauled in nine passes for 128 yards and a touchdown as the Hurricanes wrapped up their second scrimmage of the spring in front of about 3,000 people at Naples High Friday night.

"I thought we were crisp," said UM coach Al Golden, who estimated his first team units got about 60 reps and his second team units about 55. "We completed some throws, did some good things on both sides of the ball, kicked the ball fairly well. It was much better [than the first scrimmage two weeks ago]. We had a good tempo. I thought the guys were in better condition, not as many mental errors and I thought we got a lot done."

The Hurricanes, who produced just 13 sacks last season on defense, tallied seven sacks and three interceptions in all Friday. Chickillo picked up the first two sacks before senior Kelvin Cain (two sacks and an interception), redshirt freshman Dwayne Hoilett (one sack), sophomore Tyriq McCord (one sack) started getting pressure on the quarterbacks, too.

"I think we are doing better," Chickillo said of UM's defense, which set all kinds of records last season for futility. "We're playing the run better. Guys are staying in their gaps and a lot of the sacks come from good coverage. Guys aren't blowing coverage assignments. We just have to keep working."

Scott, the team's second leading receiver a year ago before he was suspended for the final three games of the season for undisclosed reasons, made a handful of spectacular catches. He had a lunging nine-yard grab on third down to keep the offense's first scoring drive alive and then added a 32-yard catch later by fighting off cornerback Tracy Howard for the football as he fell to the ground.

Later in the scrimmage, Scott yanked in another 19-yard pass on third down to setup a Stephen Morris to Allen Hurns 8-yard touchdown pass two plays later. But Scott's highlight of the night was catching a short pass in the flat from Ryan Williams and turning it up field for a touchdown that spanned 27 yards.

"I think this is a big step for him," Golden said. "He practiced well, didn't have a great first scrimmage, but took care of business today. I'm pleased with what he's doing."

Said quarterback Gray Crow of Scott: "It's just a complete 180 with his attitude on and off the fld. He's willing to do anything. He's coachable. I just feel like there's a difference compared to last year."

Crow, embattled with Williams for the backup quarterback position, finished 8 of 17 passing for 72 yards one touchdown and an interception. But he stood out by engineering a 12-play, 99-yard scoring drive by going 6 of 8 for 67 yards on the drive. Williams finished 6 of 12 for 93 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Morris went 20 of 33 for 133 yards and two scores. 

"That's a battle," Golden said of the backup quarterback job. "Gray led a nice drive from a backed up position and Ryan answered [with a field goal]. We'll look at both of them, evaluate them more thoroughly. But there's a good competition brewing with for the two-spot right now."

> The three touchdown passes to Scott, Hurns and Dallas Crawford (a 12-yarder from Crow) were the only scores for the offense during non red-zone work. The running game never really got going. Duke Johnson finished with 15 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown in red zone work. Crawford had 10 carries for 20 yards and a rushing touchdown in red zone work. 

> Kicker Matt Goudis made a 20-yard field goal but missed a 41-yarder later. He finished 3 of 5 later in field goal work (makes of 49, 41 and 45 and misses of 41 and 53).  

> Redshirt freshman cornerback Nate Dortch and walk-on Alex Irastorza had interceptions.

Road trip! Who's heading to Naples for spring scrimmage No. 2? The Canes expect a standing-room only crowd.

Road trip!

Who's going?

The Canes, like last season, will conduct their second spring scrimmage on the West Coast of Florida.

Last year it was at Fort Myers Bishop Verot Catholic High, with a standing-only crowd.

This year -- at 7 p.m. Friday -- it's at Naples High School, and expects an even bigger crowd, Naples High athletic director Ernie Modugno and head football coach Bill Kramer told me by phone.

 Modugno said the stadium seats 4,000, but temporary bleachers will bring capacity to about 5,000, with up to several thousand fans expected to stand.

    “Naples has very strong support,’’ Modugno said. “We have a lot of UM fans and graduates in the area.’’

  Kramer coached at Hialeah American High for 11 years, the last three (1995-97) as head coach before he took over at perennial power Naples. The Golden Eagles, who were host to and got beaten by Miami Central in a 2012 Class 6A state semifinal, have averaged more than 10 wins a season for the past 14 years.

    They’ll be watching the Hurricanes.

    “Heck yes, we’re excited,’’ Kramer said. “I’m confident it will be standing-room only. This is big-time Division I football. We sell out our high school games. Folks want to see the University of Miami. How often do you get to be this close to an elite program?’’

   Kramer said that last year he “took a busload of players’’ to watch UM in Fort Myers. “It really was great,’’ he said. “We want our kids to get a sense of possibility and a realistic snapshot of what college football looks like and sounds like.

    “I know it’s a controlled scrimmage, but the size and speed of those guys, you really have to be there.

    “And it’s good for the parents, too. When they’re trying to find out why their 5-10, 190-pound lineman son doesn’t have offers from BCS schools, they’ll start to get an idea why – kind of a reality check.’’       

    Basically, one more week of practices before the Spring Game at 3 p.m. on April 13 at Sun Life Stadium (ESPN3).

   But before that, here's the info for Friday night's scrimmage at Naples High:

   Admission: Free.

   Directions: Take I-75 to Alligator Alley and get off exit No. 105, which is Golden Gate Parkway (note that the first exit after the toll plaza is exit No. 101; and exit 105 is after that one). Stay on Golden Gate Parkway (you'll be going west) for about four miles (about 10 or so minutes of driving -- be careful, I'm told, because the police like to give tickets for speeding) until you see school on right.

   Gates open: 5:30 p.m.

   Strong suggestion for parking: There is barely any parking at the school, so fans park directly across the street at Coastland Center Mall. I'm told Police will be there to help direct traffic and to escort fans across the street.   

  Friday’s scrimmage will also feature a family- and kid-friendly “Fan Zone” that features inflatables and a football toss. In-game, Sebastian the Ibis and the Miami cheerleaders will throw T-shirts and hand out posters to fans in attendance.

   SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

Lewis' recovery ahead of schedule

Even though watching the replays of his season-ending ankle injury last fall at Georgia Tech might induce others to feel sick to their stomachs, Hurricanes receiver Malcolm Lewis said he doesn't cover his eyes or even wince in disgust when he sees it.

According to the sophomore standout from Miramar High, he's taken the video of his pain and suffering and used it both as a learning tool and as motivation when he fully recovers to keep playing the game the way he always has.

"I watch it and see what I could've [done] to prevent the injury," Lewis said Tuesday -- about a month since he began individual work and route running on his own.

"I should have kept my feet chopping instead of letting it sit in the ground and roll... It was just a football play -- fighting for extra yardage. Something tragic happened. But there's nothing you can do. I'm still going to be the same player, fight for extra yards every time."

Last week UM coach Al Golden called Lewis' return "a medical miracle." Truth is, Lewis said, he's about a month ahead of schedule. Doctors first told him at the end of September it would take him about eight months before he would finish rehab.

He said while his teammates have been practicing this spring he's been lifting light weights while gaining strength back in his ankle. He said he's progressively been lifting heavier weights over the last few weeks as his ankle strength has improved.

"It felt weird [at first]," Lewis said of running routes at the start of camp. "Now that things have been going on and on I've been feeling better."

He said he expects to be fully cleared for contact next month and ready to go in the fall.

"It's a blessing just to be back on the field and doing what I can," Lewis said. "[Doctors] didn't know it wouldn't be happening this fast. I shouldn't be running this quickly. I should be rehabbing right now. But my leg is feeling stronger.

"I'm just going to try to pick up where I left off, do the best I can."

> Golden said defensive end Dyron Dye has an Achilles injury, but didn't rule him out from returning this coming season.

Golden letting the good times roll this spring for Canes because team has showed maturity

They filmed their own Harlem Shake video and have spent all spring bobbing their heads to music throughout practice.

Thursday morning the fun continued for the Miami Hurricanes as coach Al Golden ended practice by having his offensive and defensive linemen line up and try to catch a simulated punt from a jugs machine.

After 10 embarrassing and rip-roaring moments of laughter, defensive lineman Luther Robinson saved the team from sprints with a bobbling catch and a 50-yard dash and dive into the end zone with a happy team chasing him from behind.

"We capture that film now, hold it until the perfect time to show them," Golden said with a smile. "All those guys who think they're great athletes, AAU basketball players, the truth is revealed."

As tough as the past two years have been with an NCAA investigation hanging over the program's head and players getting themselves suspended with off-the-field issues, Golden said he's allowed the team to cut loose a little this spring because they've earned it.

"This is a very mature team," Golden said. "Every year is different. These guys go to work and they make it fun. They make it fun because they're where they need to be. There's not a lot of list guys. They got a purpose and a focus about them. When you have that you can really enjoy the journey."

Tight end Beau Sandland, one of the Hurricanes' most prized new additions, said he's been blown away by how much fun Golden and his staff have had this spring -- while also getting the important work done they need to get done.

"I'm so happy I'm here right now," Sandland said. "Coach Golden's been in our shoes. He played tight end, played in the league. He knows how tough it is. The vast majority of teams aren't going to have a three-day weekend on Easter and a barbeque. You saw there at the end we were supposed to run and he gave us every opportunity at the end to not make us run. It's definitely exciting to have a real close-knit team."

Part of that closeness, Golden pointed out, is built by having the team's out-of-state players like Sandland spend Easter weekend with their Florida-native teammates. Inside the team's locker room, Sandland said, is a list dubbed: "No Player Left Behind."

"Our parents are great," Golden said. "Kacy Rodgers' mom and Duke Johnson's mom cooked for players last Thanksgiving. Parents step up and say bring so-and-so over and will cook for them and spend the weekend and it's fun."

> Hundreds of local recruits and coaches attended Thursday's practice and were treated to a barbecue with the team afterward.

"It's great," Golden said. "What can be more revealing, an honest look at your program than having them watch you coach, interact with the players? We must have had 400, 500 people out here today including coaches, family."

THIS AND THAT

> Golden said Ryan Williams is continuing to fight off redshirt freshman Gray Crow for the backup quarterback job behind Stephen Morris. Williams has shown better arm strength and speed in the pocket.

"Stephen needs to understand his competition is not necessarily here" Golden said. "He's competition might be at Texas or USC. He has to understand if he wants to be the best he has to compete against the best in college football."

> Golden said the areas of improvement he wants to see in the team's next scrimmage a week from Friday in Naples is "goal-line offense and short-yard offense."

"We didn't finish drives as well as we needed to," he said. "Our tackling needs to improve dramatically on defense. I thought we did a much better job on defense of eliminating the explosive plays. But we didn't get the ball down the field enough on offense either."

> Golden said the biggest surprise of the spring at tight end has been redshirt freshman Jake O'Donnell.

"Now you're talking about five guys competing for playing time," Golden said. "It's raised Clive [Walford's] game. It's raised Asante [Cleveland's] game. I said last week Asante is having as good a spring as anybody. It gives us a chance to go with two tight ends on the field or in Clive's case deploy him, flex him out and get him the football more than we have the last two years."

Canes head to DC, Sweet 16 without Reggie Johnson

The Miami Hurricanes boarded a bus for the Sweet 16 on Tuesday evening without the biggest player on the roster and its top rebounder.

Center Reggie Johnson will not be making the trip to Washington, D.C., two teammates confirmed, because of a knee injury. UM later released a statement saying Johnson (6-10, 292) sustained a lower extremity injury in the win over Illinois Sunday and his timetable for a return is uncertain.

"We're all just going to have to step up," said sixth-year senior forward Julian Gamble. "Hopefully we get him back for the Final Four."

UM coach Jim Larranaga didn't discuss the injury before the news began to spread as players and coaches began boarding a bus bound for the airport in front of the BankUnited Center. By the time reporters began asking questions to players who were signing autographs and taking pictures with fans, Larranaga was already on the bus. 

UM faces Marquette Thursday night. Johnson, who is averaging 6.9 points and leads the team with 7.0 rebounds a game, is averaging 2.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and shooting 28.9 percent from the field (13 for 45 field goals) in 13.3 minutes per game over his last 12 games.  

"I've said this before and I know you guys make a lot more of it than we do, but we've had great performances from our big guys," Larranaga said when asked about Johnson earlier in the afternoon. "They combine to do what we need done."

The Hurricanes have been starting Gamble and Kadji in the post. Gamble is averaging 6.5 points and 4.9 rebounds a game. Kadji, a stretch-four, is averaging 13 points and 6.9 rebounds a contest. 

With Johnson out, UM will count on freshman Tonye Jekiri (1.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg) and junior Erik Swoope (1.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg) for more production.

Golden calls Tuesday's practice best since he's been coach; Dyron Dye, M. Lewis, Jontavious Carter news

The University of Miami did not release a new depth chart following its first football scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, but its safe to say whoever failed to perform to the level expected of them brought their A-games on Tuesday.

Hurricanes coach Al Golden called Tuesday's practice: "the best since I've been a Miami Hurricane coach."

Why so good? According to Golden the team's most talented players didn't play their best Saturday and a lot of them came out with "pride because they didn't live up to their own expectations or they felt a little heat from somebody."

"There were a lot of guys in that scrimmage the other day that either weren't happy with their performance or got a sniff of it or two and are now running with the [first team]. I think the whole competition level rose today and guys responded," Golden said. "It had all the elements of a great practice. It had very few mental errors and had a great approach from the get-go. They started fast and competed. I had to keep looking at my watch because it was moving so fast. We got a lot done."

> Despite acknowledging that a leg injury to Dyron Dye on Saturday is "significant," Golden wasn't ready to release any more news on the fifth-year senior defensive end on Tuesday "until I hear from the medical people."

"It's terribly disappointing. It was basically a non-contact [injury] if you will, just running," Golden said. "We're all praying for him. Hopefully we'll have some good news here."

While Dye's injury doesn't appear to be good, Golden said every other player dinged up on Saturday was back at practice Tuesday. One guy who isn't practicing, but showing positive signs coming off injury is sophomore receiver Malcolm Lewis.

"I don't know if you were at the scrimmage the other day but he was out pregame running routes, which I didn't okay and was surprised as anybody to see it," Golden said. "But if he's out there it's because the trainers said it was okay for him to do it. I was just shocked to go out there and see him coming out of a break.

"That's amazing. That is an amazing feat, really a medical miracle that he's able to do that. We'll be careful with him until June, keep his weight down and then condition him on the bike and get him stronger. We're really excited for him to have a full recovery."

> With the number of scholarship running backs a bit low, Golden said the focus this spring has been to get sophomore Duke Johnson to learn to carry the load "and teaching him to be a 20-carry guy" while also being careful with his reps.

In the meantime, Golden said: "The guy that is probably having the best spring right now is Dallas Crawford. We don't have a final word yet on Eduardo [Clements] so we don't know where he's at. But certainly Dallas stepping up and [redshirt freshman] Danny Dillard stepping up has helped a lot. We have Gus [Edwards] coming in. I think we'll be okay."

Golden said UM plans on recruiting two to three running backs in its next signing class.

> Golden said redshirt freshman receiver Jontavious Carter (6-2, 208) had too many plays on Saturday where he didn't finish.

"He's got to learn to play big," Golden said. "He's not Phillip. He's not Malcolm. He's got to learn to play big. Big receivers catch slants. Big receivers show up in the red zone. Big receivers are blocking and cracking and distorting safeties and outworking people. Once he understands that and does it everyday then he can be fine."

> Golden once again had high praise for freshman linebacker Alex Figueroa (I'll have a story on him in Wednesday's paper) and kicker Matt Goudis, who booted a 49-yard field goal Saturday. A scout on hand Tuesday told me he thinks Figueroa is a future NFL linebacker.

> Despite tallying a handful of sacks Saturday, defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said a big reason for the success was having three guys out on the offensive line.

"I think we're getting better there, but that scrimmage shouldn't be the one indicator we're improving," D'Onofrio said. "I think the guys we've recruited -- [Al-Quadin] Muhammad and [Ufomba] Kamalu are going to make a big impact with the group."

> UM's receivers had about eight to 10 drops on Saturday and both Phillip Dorsett and Allen Hurns said that needs to improve.

"Every third down we've got to make the catch," Hurns said.

Said Dorsett: "We got to get better, show more effort."

> Hurns absolutely crushed safety Deon Bush during 7-on-7 work Tuesday.

"I wasn't supposed to do it. I was just caught up in the moment," he said afterward. "I have to apologize because that's not what we're supposed to do as teammates."

Hurns, who has taken a lot of big hits in his career, said it felt good though to dish out a little punishment. And Bush didn't seem to mind.

"It's all part of the game. It's nothing personal," Bush said. "It's a good sign to see that [from Hurns]. That's good that all the receivers they're really trying to get control of the blocking and stuff like that."

B-Rad named Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week; Send off Canes' basketball team Tuesday

Congratulations to left-handed junior pitcher Bryan Radziewski, who was named ACC Pitcher of the Week on Monday.

After off-season surgery, B-Rad made his weekend rotation debut Saturday in a 2-0 win over Virginia Tech, and delivered the first complete game shutout for a UM pitcher since Carlos Gutierrez did it in 2009.

Radziewski, a former Baseball America Freshman All-American, tied for the sixth-most single game strikeouts for any Hurricanes pitcher in program history, striking out 16 Hokies. He gave up a double on his first pitch Saturday, but didn't allow another hit until a single in the eighth.

Radziewski is averaging more than 16 strikeouts per nine innings this season, and has a 0.42 ERA and 3-0 record. Pretty amazing. His 16 strikeouts were the most by a Miami pitcher in a single game since March 17, 1989, when Joe Grahe struck out 18 in a victory over Maine.

The Hurricanes (19-8, 4-5 ACC), who dropped the series finale Sunday, return to play Wednesday against FAU at Alex Rodriguez Park. The game will begin at 6 p.m.

SEND OFF CANES HOOPSTERS

Help send off the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball players as they depart for the Sweet 16.

The Sunday win against Illinois ensured Miami's second trip to the Sweet 16 and the first since the 2000
season.

The Hurricanes will leave Tuesday at 5 p.m. from the BankUnited Center. Fans are encourage to arrive early (4:45 p.m.). Miami, a No. 2 seed in the East Region, will face No. 3 Marquette at 7:15 p.m. ET (CBS) Thursday in Washington, D.C.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

Julian Gamble discusses UM's run to the Sweet 16

** Courtesy of fellow Marlins beat writer Clark Spencer who was in Austin, Texas covering the tournament with Michelle Kaufman.

Miami Hurricanes complete first spring scrimmage of 2013 (with our take, plus quotes & stats)

Good afternoon everyone!

I am nursing a pretty bad cold/sinus infection/sore throat -- overall sickness and sent correspondent David Furones to today's scrimmage at Traz Powell.

He was kind enough to write a recap for the blog, so read below for his take on the scrimmage. I'm going to try to sleep, as four hours a night is not working. I've been on
Sony Tennis while MIchelle Kaufman covers the NCAA hoops tourney, and will be back there tomorrow, hopefully, if I can get any sleep.

Here's David's scrimmage recap. He also kept stats on the sideline.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

I heard from a few folks that Stephen Morris struggled a bit today, but also that it was so windy that it was hard to tell how much was him, how much was the wind (and of course, how much was his receivers, rest of offense, etc.).

I also heard that young linebacker Alex Figueroa looks really good. And how can you not love Duke Johnson's quote (all the way down below) on a hit he took from Figueroa. Duke is the ultimate team player.

Please let us know what you thought of today's performance and who you thought did very well -- or who might have disappointed you.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

By David Furones

The UM football team took the field in front of fans
for the first time since the 2012 season finale at Duke.

About 4,000 fans came out to Traz Powell Stadium to
see the first of three spring scrimmages the Hurricanes will play. Coach Al Golden looked to get about 100 plays in, splitting them as evenly as he could between the first team and backups in an hour-and-a-half long scrimmage.

All in all, the scrimmage victor, if there even is
one, would have to be the defense.

Outside of goal-line reps, the Hurricane offense
only scored one touchdown, a three-yard pass from Stephen Morris to Herb
Waters, who was active with four catches for 40 yards.

Even on drives beginning beyond the 50-yard line,
the defense would hold the offense to field goal attempts. Projected starting
kicker Matt Goudis connected on all three of his attempts (37, 25, 49) while
walk-on Ricky Perez missed a pair of attempts from 49 and 50 yards out.

Morris was sporadic with his passing. In windy
conditions Saturday, he overthrew a few of his targets and toward the end of
the day began underthrowing almost as if he was overcompensating.

Overall, he completed 17 of 31 passes for 171 yards,
two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both Morris and Golden were pleased with
his decision-making despite some of the errant throws.

“Stephen’s sharp now,” Golden said. “I think we were
just a little bit off, but in terms of where the ball should go, Stephen was really on top of it today. He rushed a couple of throws, throws that weren’t as crisp as you’d like to be and he just sailed or was a little bit short on
depth, but in terms of his mind and knowing where the ball should go, I think he was right on. His completion percentage is really going to jump from this
scrimmage to the next one.”

Added Morris: “Overall, I feel like I did pretty
well. My reads were right, a couple of times I let my mechanics get to me, balls got a little high or a little too low. Those are all things that you can watch film and improve on.”

Morris’ first interception came on a ball tipped at
the line of scrimmage by defensive end Anthony Chickillo, who then got under it and caught it, and his second pick was an underthrow on a sideline pattern that
cornerback Antonio Crawford cut off on the last play of the scrimmage.

Morris hit junior college tight end transfer Beau
Sandland for a one-yard touchdown in goal-line drills. Running backs Duke Johnson and Danny Dillard ran for touchdowns in those same situations.

You couldn’t tell it was just a scrimmage by the
intensity the defense was playing with. Alex Figueroa set the hard-hitting tone early by knocking Johnson backward on a goal-line carry.

The defensive line was able to get a push up front
against a UM offensive line riddled by injury this spring with center Shane McDermott and guard Brandon Linder being held out. Kelvin Cain had 2.5 sacks,
and Dwayne Hoilett had a pair of sacks himself.

The Canes came out of the scrimmage relatively
healthy. The only apparent major injury came to fifth-year senior defensive end Dyron Dye, who’s moving back to his original position this season after playing tight
end the last two seasons. Dye was helped off the field with some type of leg injury (Achilles' related, possibly).

“I’m worried about Dyron Dye, but I’m just going to
reserve [judgment] until we know more,” Golden said. “Other than that, I think we’re fine.”

Phillip Dorsett also laid on the field for about a
minute after dropping a pass in the end zone, but he eventually got up on his
own power.

Post-game, Golden praised the work of redshirt
freshman guard Danny Isidora, who has cut his weight down to 308 pounds after coming in out of Weston Cypress Bay High School at 350. Isidora has been
working with the first team this spring with injuries on the offensive line.

 

Stats

Passing

Stephen Morris: 17 for 31, 171 yards, 2 TDs (one of
them in goal line drill), 2 INTs.

Ryan Williams: 7 for 14, 69 yards.

Gray Crow: 2 for 5, 16 yards.

Preston Dewey: 2 for 2, 16 yards

 

Rushing

Duke Johnson: 8 carries, 54 yards; in goal line
drill: 4 carries, 5 yards, TD

Dallas Crawford: 12 carries, 54 yards; goal line:
carry, -1 yard

Danny Dillard: 8 carries, 18 yards; goal line:
carry, 2 yards, TD

 

Receiving

Allen Hurns: 4 receptions, 45 yards

Herb Waters: 4 receptions 40 yards, TD

Phillip Dorsett: 4 receptions, 43 yards

Rashawn Scott: 3 receptions, 21 yards

Garrett Kidd: 3 receptions, 39 yards

Beau Sandland: 1 reception, 1 yard, TD

 

Defensive

Sacks: Jelani Hamilton, Dwayne Hoilett (2), Jalen
Grimble, Kelvin Cain (2.5), Dequan Ivery (.5).

Interceptions: Anthony Chickillo, Antonio Crawford

Pass Deflection: Jimmy Gaines

 

Quotes (gathered by David)

WR
Herb Waters on the offense: “We got a long way to
go, but we’re still getting better every day, so I can’t complain about that.”

On the velocity on Stephen Morris’ passes: “Since
last year, it feels like the ball got faster, so he’s getting stronger as we’re getting stronger.”

Offensive
coordinator James Coley on his new team: “I love
everybody. From the players, to the strength coaches, to the assistant coaches, the kids, they give it their all. They’re hungry; they want to win. This is a
team that has a lot of potential.”

On what he wants to work on with offense: “I would say
finishing. It looks good the way the play is developing. Now we have to put that period at the end of that sentence. I love the explosive plays by the
receivers and the running backs. Let’s learn how to score. Let’s get strong in the red zone, in the tight zone. Let’s get in there.”

QB
Stephen Morris on working with Coley: “I think the
biggest thing was he made the adjustments for us, and he really made himself available for the players and he really [was] just able to make this offense understandable for everybody, for us to pick up just so we could play fast.”

On the defense: “They just played fast, and they
played great. They were great tacklers today. The coverages were really good and really sound.”

Coach
Al Golden: “I think we learned a lot about some guys. Herb Waters stepped up; Dallas Crawford stepped up.”

On the defensive line: “There’s a good group of guys
that are back. I thought they played strong. I thought Olsen Pierre played strong, [Anthony Chickillo] played strong, Tyriq McCord showed up on the goal
line.”

On Alex Figueroa hit on Duke Johnson at goal line:
“You want to talk about setting the tone early, there’s a young man that said we’re going to sell out, and you can tell right now there wasn’t anybody here that wouldn’t look at that play and say, ‘That thing must mean a lot to that kid.’”

RB
Duke Johnson on offense: “We’re coming together
pretty well. We’re missing three starting O-linemen. The guys that stepped into their place are doing a good job.”

On hit from Figueroa: “That’s what we need from the
defense. We need them to execute on the goal line like that. If we need them to show us how to do it, then that’s fine with me.”

 

UM Canes football scrimmage at 10 a.m. Saturday at Traz Powell; Hurtt put on administrative leave

Hurricanes to Host Spring Scrimmage at Traz-Powell Stadium
 

Saturday scrimmage will begin at 10 a.m.

 CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Six practices into their spring practice schedule, the Miami Hurricanes will host the first of their three spring scrimmages Saturday. The Canes’ first spring scrimmage will be held at Miami’s Traz-Powell Stadium, beginning at 10 a.m.

The Canes, according to UM, will then have four more practices before their second spring scrimmage of 2013 – an April 5 trip to Naples High School in Naples, Fla. (7 p.m. start). Miami’s annual Spring Game will conclude spring practice April 13 at Sun Life Stadium (3 p.m.) Admission to all three spring scrimmages is free and open to the public.

Head coach Al Golden and his Hurricanes squad opened their spring practice slate March 2, holding four practices before Spring Break.

Per NCAA rules, NCAA Division I football programs may conduct a spring practice segment in which a maximum of 15 practice sessions may occur. The segment must be conducted over a span of 34 consecutive days, excluding institutional vacation periods and exam days.

 CLINT HURTT PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

 LATEST ON HURTT, PER AP REPORT

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Louisville defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has been placed on administrative leave while preparing to answer allegations of violations the NCAA says he committed while he was a Miami Hurricanes assistant.

Cardinals coach Charlie Strong said Friday Hurtt has been given time away from the program so he "can concentrate on his case."

Hurtt, 34, faces allegations of receiving and providing impermissible benefits while at Miami. The NCAA last month sent Hurtt and Louisville a letter stating that he received a $2,500 loan and provided perks to Hurricanes recruits.

The NCAA also said Hurtt provided false and misleading information during the investigation.

Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich said last month Hurtt would remain on the Cardinals' staff while his case is pending but stopped short of saying he'd be with the program next season.

Hurtt has until May 20 to respond to the allegations.

Strong is handling Hurtt's defensive line duties during spring drills, which began on Wednesday. The coach also said Hurtt is not recruiting for Louisville while he prepares his response to the NCAA.

"We've given him that time and I think it's good that he's doing that," Strong said. "With the many distractions, he just can't do the job that we're asking him to do right now."

Hurtt, who played at Miami, was a Hurricanes assistant for eight seasons between 2001-09. He came to Louisville in 2010, Strong's first season as the Cardinals' coach.

Hurtt is one of three former Miami assistants the NCAA believes misled investigators during the Miami probe. Aubrey Hill and Jorge Fernandez were also accused of violating "principles of ethical conduct."

Several other former Miami coaches are named in the allegations as well, including one-time men's basketball assistant Jake Morton, who the NCAA said, among other things, accepted "supplemental income" of at least $6,000 from Miami former booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro.

Morton is now on the staff at Western Kentucky.

Miami is charged with a lack of institutional control, one of the worst allegations the NCAA can levy against a member school.

The NCAA has also revealed internal problems with its own investigative staff's handling of the Hurricanes' probe.

NCAA President Mark Emmert said in January that the organization discovered "a very severe issue of improper conduct" — specifically that the attorney for Shapiro was used "to improperly obtain information ... through a bankruptcy proceeding that did not involve the NCAA."

At least one of the people deposed by attorney Maria Elena Perez as part of Shapiro's bankruptcy case appeared under subpoena, and his testimony would not have been otherwise available to NCAA investigators. College sports' governing body does not have subpoena power.

The investigators who were involved are no longer with the NCAA.

 

2013 Hurricane Club football Spring Tour, with Al Golden, announced: 5 Florida Cities and NYC

The Hurricanes just announced their "Hurricane Club #BuildingChampions Spring Tour,'' which will encompass five Florida cities and New York city during April and May. Football coach Al Golden will attend each event.

Women's hoops coach Katie Meier will appear May 8 in Tampa, and Olympic track coach Amy Deem will be in NYC.

Additionally, the UM Alumni Club of Chicago and Hurricane Club will co-host the annual Chicago Coaches Dinner on Thursday, May 23, at the Westin River North in Chicago.

For questions about any of these events, please call the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699.

2013 HURRICANE CLUB #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS SPRING TOUR AND SITE INFO

 

Saturday, April 6
Hurricane Club Southwest Florida Golf Classic and Luncheon in Naples (Register)
Registration at 7 a.m., shotgun start at 8 a.m.
Attendance: 128 golfers maximum, sponsorships available
Location: 9800 Treviso Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34113

Friday, April 26
City Fish Market in Boca Raton, Fla. (Register)
Registration at 11 a.m., luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m.
Pre-RSVP Hurricane Club members: $50; Non-Hurricane Club members: $75
Location: 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33434

Wednesday, May 8
Brickhouse Tavern & Tap in Tampa, Fla. (Register)
Hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., reception at 7:30 p.m.
Pre-RSVP Hurricane Club members: $25; Non-Hurricane Club members: $40; Day-of entry: $50
Location: 1102 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607

Thursday, May 9
Panama Jack in Orlando, Fla. (Register)
Hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., reception at 7:30 p.m.
Pre-RSVP Hurricane Club members: $25; Non-Hurricane Club members: $40; Day-of entry: $50
Location: 724 Franklin Street, Orlando, FL 32801

Friday, May 10
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Jacksonville, Fla. (Register)
Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
Pre-RSVP Hurricane Club members: $50; Non-HC members: $75
Location: 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

Thursday, May 16
Brother Jimmy’s in New York (Register)
Hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., reception at 7:30 p.m.
Pre-RSVP Hurricane Club members: $40; Non-HC members: $60; Day-of entry: $60
Location: 181 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10016 

 

 

 

Copy of Administrative Order by U.S. District Judge Moreno to review conduct of Nevin Shapiro's lawyer

 Click on the link below for the exact document that U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno filed that has initiated a review of the conduct of Maria Elena Perez, the lawyer of former UM booster Nevin Shapiro. 

   "Recently, the Court has learned that Ms. Perez has engaged in conduct that warrants additional review by the Committee,'' it says in the order. "The specific issue is whether Ms. Perez acted unethically in accepting monies from the National Collegiate Athletic Association for her work on three depositions in the bankruptcy case of'' Shapiro.

   A group of U.S. District judges will recommend by May 8 what to do, if anything, in this matter.

   Click here for Court Order

Update on Florida Senator Joseph Abruzzo's quest for Attorney General to initiate investigation of NCAA

   I just spoke with Florida Senator Joseph Abruzzo, who asked Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch an investigation "into the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) actions during its probe of the University of Miami's athletic program, per a letter dated Feb. 20.

   Abruzzo said he met with Bondi late Thursday afternoon. He said she has gotten a copy of the 52-page report that came out after the NCAA's external review of its own improper conduct. The report details the NCAA's wrongdoings in the Miami investigation. 

  "She just received the internal report that the NCAA president issued,'' Abruzzo said by phone. "They gave me a copy, too.''

   Abruzzo said Bondi wants to review the report before they meet again next week.

   "Then we'll discuss what’s going to occur at that point,'' the senator said. "She understands my concerns and didn’t brush it off by any means. But she wants to completely familiarize herself with it.

    "We'll set a time to meet later in the week.''

    Abruzzo's Feb. 20 letter to Bondi said that "NCAA Enforcement Staff violated its own rules and engaged in corrupt behavior in an attempt to manufacture misdeeds against the University of Miami. In so doing, the NCAA has demonstrated a lack of institutional control and may have engaged in unfair trade practices in violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), Chapter 501, Florida Statues.

   "...I strongly feel that the NCAA's abuse of power and payoffs must be scrutinized to the fullest extent, especially considering the NCAA's role as a regulatory institution of more than 400,000 students across the nation.''

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN 

 

UM Pro Day Info, Times, per University of Miami

 

Recapping Miami’s 2013 Pro Timing Day
30 of 32 NFL teams represented

 

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Scouting personnel for 30 NFL teams and two CFL teams ascended upon the University of Miami's Hecht Athletic Center for UM's Pro Timing Day held Thursday. Seventeen athletes participated in drills, including 12 Miami Hurricanes seniors.

 

UM Pro Day began at noon, shortly after the Miami Hurricanes concluded their fourth spring practice and final session prior to Spring Break. Hurricanes players also entertained the NFL scouts while shooting a Harlem Shake video that is expected to drop soon.

 

Before workouts began, participants underwent physical testing in the weight room for height, weight, vertical jump, broad jump and 225-pound rep test. The second portion of UM's Pro Day featured the 40-yard dash, 20- and 60-yard shuttle runs, L drills and position drills.

 

FAMILIAR FACES
Several familiar faces dotted the sideline at GreenTree for UM's Pro Day, including alums Olivier Vernon, Sean Spence, Brandon Washington, Travis Benjamin, Darryl Sharpton, Jacory Harris and Graig Cooper.

 

VERTICAL JUMP
S Vaughn Telemaque recorded the highest vertical jump at 36 inches. WR Kendal Thompkins had the second-highest leap at 35 inches, while both LBRamon Buchanan and Brandon McGee posted 34-inch jumps.

 

BENCH TEST
DL Darius Smith was the lone participant to break the 30-rep plateau, recording 33 reps of 225 pounds. The next closest mark was OL Jeremy Lewis, who tallied 27 reps. Buchanan had the third-best performance at 20 reps.

 

40 FLASH
Both RB Mike James and DB Brandon McGee took their official NFL Combine 40 times. Thursday's best 40 time came from WR Kendal Thompkins, who was officially clocked at 4.37. Buchanan recorded a 4.55 and DB Andrew Swasey came in at 4.66.

 

BIG JUMPS
Buchanan tallied a UM Pro Day-best broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches. Thompkins came in second at 10 feet, 4 inches.

 

NAME	POS	HT	WT	40 DASH	VERTICAL	BENCH	L DRILL	BROAD
Dalton Botts	P	6-3.4	208	4.85	29	14	-	-
Ramon Buchanan	LB	6-1.5	215	4.55	34	20	7.29	10-8
Mike James	RB	5-10.6	217	Combine	Combine	Combine	6.98	-
Davon Johnson	WR	5-10.3	193	-	-	-	-	-
Ben Jones	OL	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Jeremy Lewis	OL	6-2.7	321	5.13	29.5	27	7.69	8-11
Brandon McGee	DB	5-11.2	191	Combine	34	Combine	-	9-11
Darius Smith	DL	6-1.4	334	5.55	23	33	8.52	8-2
Andrew Swasey	DB	5-8.7	198	4.66	31.5	18	7.03	9-1
Vaughn Telemaque	DB	6-1.2	200	4.70	36	11	6.97	9-7
Kendal Thompkins	WR	5-9.7	176	4.37	35	11	7.06	10-4
Jake Wieclaw	K	6-1.0	196	4.89	29.5	10	-	-

 

**Other measurements:

Ray Ray Armstrong (6-30, 216, Bench: 18, Vertical: 34.5, 40: 4.65, Broad: 9-8, L Drill: 7.23)

Ben Bruneau (5-11.3, 202, 40: 4.45, L Drill: 6.95)

Theron Collier (5-8.1, 193, 40: 4.67, L Drill: 7.17, Broad: 8.11)

Graig Cooper (5-10.4, 211, 40: 4.72, L Drill: 7.08)

Marcus Robinson (6-0.7, 252, 40: 4.75, L Drill: 7.20)

 

30 of the NFL's 32 teams were represented during Thursday's Pro Day in Coral Gables, including Hurricanes legend and Green Bay Packers scout Alonzo Highsmith, Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

 

TEAM	SCOUT/COACH	TEAM	SCOUT/COACH
Arizona Cardinals	Luke Palko	Minnesota Vikings	George Paton
Atlanta Falcons	Marvin Allen	New England Patriots	Bill Belichick
Baltimore Ravens	Joe Hortiz	New England Patriots	Frantzy Jourdain
Buffalo Bills	Tom Roth	New Orleans Saints	Mike Baugh
Carolina Panthers	Jeff Beathard	New York Giants	Chris Mara
Cincinnati Bengals	Mark Carrier	New York Giants	Joe Collins
Cleveland Browns	Chisolm Opara	New York Jets	Brian Smith
Dallas Cowboys	Walter Juliff	New York Jets	Jay Mandolesi
Denver Broncos	Nick Schiralli	Oakland Raiders	Zack Crockett
Detroit Lions	Sheldon White	Oakland Raiders	Joey Clinkscales
Detroit Lions	Shack Harris	Philadelphia Eagles	Ed Marynowitz
Green Bay Packers	Alonzo Highsmith	Pittsburgh Steelers	Dave Petett
Houston Texans	Mike Maccagnan	San Diego Chargers	Jim Jauch
Indianapolis Colts	Todd Vasvari	San Francisco 49ers	Matt Malaspina
Indianapolis Colts	Roy Anderson	Seattle Seahawks	Scott Fitterer
Jacksonville Jaguars	Chris Driggers	St. Louis Rams	Brad Holmes
Kansas City Chiefs	Brett Veach	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Mike Yowarsky
Miami Dolphins	Jeff Ireland	Tennessee Titans	Tim Ruskell
Miami Dolphins	Brian Gaine	Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)	Dan McManus
Miami Dolphins	Cody Rager	Montreal Alouettes (CFL)	Uzooma Okeke
Miami Dolphins	Chase Leshin
Miami Dolphins	Chris Grier
Miami Dolphins	Chris Buford
Miami Dolphins	Lou Anarumo
Miami Dolphins	Jeff Nixon

 

Canes do the Harlem Shake

Canes Pro Day tomorrow: (Jacory, Ray-Ray on list); UM Sports Hall of Fame Banquet; More Baseball

The Hurricanes are off from football practice today, but resume tomorrow morning.

Pro Day is also taking place tomorrow at Greentree Field and inside the weight room at the Hecht Athletic Center. It's closed to the public.

The recently departed Hurricanes who will be working out tomorrow are, in alphabetical order, punter Dalton Botts, linebacker Ramon Buchanan, running  back Mike James, receiver Davon Johnson, offensive lineman Ben Jones, offensive lineman Jeremy Lewis, cornerback Brandon McGee, defensive tackle Darius Smith, defensive back Andrew Swasey, safety Vaughn Telemaque and kicker Jake Wieclaw.

The other list of former Canes includes names you know well: safety Ray-Ray Armstrong, receiver Ben Bruneau, receiver Thearon Collier, running back Graig Cooper, quarterback Jacory Harris, long snapper Chris Ivory, defensive lineman Marcus Robinson and defensive lineman Andrew Smith.

2013 UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME BANQUET

   Tickets are on sale for the 2013 UM Sports Hall of Fame banquet, set for April 11 at Jungle Island. Doors open for cocktails at 6 p.m, followed by dinner at 7.

    Individual tickets are $100 each, with tables for 10 available for $1,000.

    The Class of 2013: QB Ken Dorsey (football 1999-2002), OL Brett Romberg (football 1999-2002), Don Soldinger (football assistant coach 1984-88 and 1995-2006), Jay Tessmer (baseball 1994-1995), Ed Contreras (baseball 1957-1959), Bryan Gillooly (diving 1994-1998) and Norm Parsons (administration/coaching 1972-2012).

    To purchase tickets, you can order online at www.UMsportshalloffame.com, or call 305-284-2775.

MIAMI BASEBALL BEATS MAINE, BACK TONIGHT VS. UCF

   Kudos to freshman pitcher Thomas Woodrey, who got his second win of the season by holding Maine to three hits and one run through eight innings last night. The Hurricanes won 6-2 and improved their record to 11-2.

    The Canes meet UCF at 6 tonight at Mark Light Field. The Knights (7-5) lost to North Florida 9-5 yesterday.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

Sileo gone, Canes back at football, baseball tonight and Al Golden talks about QB/1B David Thompson.

My story from today is below-- what do you all think of Sileo's departure? I was playing his rant after Kansas State on YouTube yesterday and my husband was in the kitchen at the other end of the house and asking me who in the world (well, he didn't exactly ask it that way) was on the phone with me! Funny. 

    Dan Sileo finally wore out his welcome -- just a lot later than many had hoped.
   The WQAM-560 sports talk host, who began his stint in South Florida last April, was fired by the station and was not on the air in his usual daily time slot Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
   “We parted ways with him and we wish him well,’’ program director Jorge Sedano said of Sileo, adding that Kevin Rogers and Brandon Guzio will temporarily fill that slot until a permanent replacement is found. 
    John "The Freak" Renshaw, a Saturday host on WQAM and occasional weekday fill-in, is believed to be a front-runner to replace Sileo. 
   Sileo, a UM defensive lineman in 1986, infuriated UM fans with his tirades about the Canes’ football inadequacies — including a three-minute doozy in September after UM’s 52-13 loss at Kansas State. In that rant, which has topped 182,000 hits on YouTube, he urged players to “pull a knife” on the opposing quarterback, “and stick him! Gouge his eyes” and “kick him” in a certain body part. 
   “FIRED FOR SPEAKING MY MIND BABY!!!! Love it!!’’ Sileo posted on Twitter.
    Sileo was suspended for two days in January after posting on Twitter a series of sexist insults about Fox broadcaster Erin Andrews, including, “Love Erin Andrews either naked or in a porn. Not at a sports desk.”

 BACK AT FOOTBALL PRACTICE

   The Canes have resumed spring practice and are in the midst of third third of 15 sessions. Another gorgeous day at Greentree Field in Coral Gables. We get to watch the first 15 minutes of stretching and warmups and a few drills, and then we leave until interviews later. Be back later with update.

BASEBALL (AND DAVID THOMPSON) RESUMES TONIGHT

   Miami meets Maine tonight at The Light to begin a seven-game homestand against Maine.

   The Canes began the season 10-0 for the first time since 1981, but lost the last two against the Gators in Gainesville. On Wednesday night, Miami plays UCF, then goes into the weekend with its opening three-game ACC series against Duke.

   The UM homestand continues with two games against Illinois State March 12 and 13. 

  Freshman David Thompson, who doubles as a football scholarship quarterback during football season, leads the team and is fourth in the ACC with 16 RBI's.

    Thompson has at least one RBI in every game but two this season, and smacked his third game-winning hit of the season in Miami's 3-2 win over Florida last Friday. 

     I asked UM football coach Al Golden on Sunday about Thompson's accomplishments on the baseball field. Golden is well aware.

    "Tremendous,'' Golden said. "I got a text from him yesterday because I congratulated him. I happened to be in the car coming back [from a clinic] when he hit the game-winning RBI Friday night. His hand-eye is excellent, [he's] poised and again, a lot of confidence in that  young man. I'm really proud of him.     "I'm happy for him.''

    When asked by someone if he still expected Thompson to come back and play football, Golden said, "Oh, sure. I expect him to play good football. He's that kind of kid. He's a kid who just figures it out. He's a winner. He's going to help us...''

    SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN  

 

Day 2 of UM Hurricanes spring football practice: Tyriq McCord, Deon Bush, Phillip Dorsett, Tracy Howard

It was another beautiful day at Greentree Field on Sunday, with Day Two of spring practice in the books.

Coach Al Golden seemed pleased, saying the team "got a lot done'' and had "good energy again.''

Golden said he is now the special teams coordinator, taking the place of Micheal Barrow, who remains the linebackers coach. "I've been working with special teams my whole career,'' Golden said. "We wanted to free up Micheal to continue to recruit the way he recruits down here and also focus on the linebackers. A lot of them are very young, and they're going to have a lot to do.''

*Tyriq McCord has made the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker. Golden said "it's really not much of a departure for him'' because "he worked at open-side end or [strong-side] linebacker for us, and then obviously rushed the passer for us on third down.''

Last October, McCord, then a freshman, said sometimes he got "pushed around'' because he had only 232 pounds on his 6-3 frame. He started the 2012 season weighing 227, he told us Sunday. Today, he said he weighs 236 and would eventually like to hit 245.

 He said he's eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to keep his weight up.

He said he "took the challenge'' of changing positions to "help out my teammates.''

"The reaction time is much faster'' being a linebacker, said McCord, who had 15 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a fumble recovery last season. "I really see how fast the game is going because I have to read everything. I get to play out in space and sometimes I get to put my hand in the dirt -- I move the D-line sometimes. I get to run around and use my speed a little bit more.''

*Herb Waters, a rising sophomore receiver, had 10 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns last season for a team-high 22.7-yards-per-catch average. He said quarterback Stephen Morris is looking very strong. "Better than ever,'' said Waters, who, according to Golden, had one of the best off-seasons. "I just worked out with my [more experienced] receivers and they've been helping me get better time-wise and in the weight room.''

*Safety Deon Bush, another rising sophomore, said this spring "feels very different having a year under my belt. Now I feel more comfortable out there and got adjusted to the speed. Sometimes it was difficult last year not knowing what was going on but I just had to learn quick.

    Bush, who had 34 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2012, struggled with stingers last year, but said his "neck is stronger than ever. I've been rehabbing it in the offseason and just working hard getting bigger and stronger.'' He is listed as 6-1 and 201 pounds.

*Phillip Dorsett, a 5-9, 185-pound rising junior out of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas High, was the leading receiver last season with 58 catches for 842 yards and four touchdowns.

    He said competing in track has "helped me get in way better condition than last year.'' He also has put on five pounds since last season, weighing in now at 184 -- nearly 20 pounds heavier than as a freshman. 

* And Tracy Howard, a rising sophomore cornerback out of Miramar High, seemed contented and happy Sunday.

Howard is back in the coveted black jersey worn by defensive starters, and ready to replace his mentor, departed cornerback Brandon McGee.

     “The key is, he just had to live up to our expectation, not what the outside’s expectation was for him,’’ defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio said Sunday. “Once they become comfortable and understand that they don’t have to, Day One, come in and be the best corner that ever played… That’s unrealistic, and it’s really not fair.

    “He’s improved because he’s doing exactly what we’re asking him to do. He’s improved because he’s [doing] the same thing that got him here. The reason why he had such success in high school is because he really loves and game and he will work really, really hard at it.’’

     Howard ended his first season with 17 tackles and four pass breakups. He played in all 12 games and started the final one at Duke. He’s now listed as a starter opposite junior Ladarius Gunter, who had 27 tackles in 12 games (five starts) last season, plus an interception, two fumble recoveries and six pass breakups.

        “I learned to be more patient,'' he said of last year's experience. Everybody wants to come in and be very dominant. But at the cornerback position it takes a lot of learning.”

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

Day 1 of Hurricanes' spring football: Golden & James Coley, Hurlie Brown, Larry Scott sign in

 

Notes from Day One of UM spring practice at Greentree Field, where it was a brisk morning in the mid 50s and there was lots of loud music, including the Harlem Shake (players started doing the Shake during stretching) that blared from the loudspeakers:

Golden on...

*How the changes in the offensive coaching staff (new OC James Coley, new tight ends coach Larry Scott and new RB coach Hurlie Brown) have changed things: "Very little. Coach Coley and the offensive staff have done a great job of keeping the nomenclature, keeping the terminology, so that it's not a radical change for [the players]. That's very unselfish on their part, putting the players' first.

*Coley: "He brings a lot of energy, a lot of knowledge and passion. He's really done a great job taking over. He's put his ego aside because we really didn't want to mess with the quarterbacks and offense too much in terms of the terminology. He has adapted and learned some new terminology. He's putting his spin on things, which is great. He needs to do that. He needs to own it. We're very pleased with the way things are going.''

*Scott: "Larry is the consummate professional, just really brings a depth of experience to that position. I'm really pleased that we got off as well as we did today on offense, despite all the transition.''

*2013 schedule (which appears to be much easier than last year's): "I don't worry about that. We're going to play them one way or the other.''

*Who impressed him during the UTough off-season strength and conditioning program: WR Herb Waters, "RB Dallas Crawford, FB Maurice Hagens, TEs Clive Walford and Asante Cleveland, OL Sunny Odogwu, OT Seantrel Henderson, G Jon Feliciano, DT Curtis Porter, DT Olsen Pierre, LB Alex Figueroa, LB Raphael Kirby, CB Tracy Howard, CB Ladarius Gunter ("He might have had the best offseason of anybody'') and "Highsmith and Kacy were steady as always.''

 *Here's who we saw on crutches: linebacker Gabe Terry (right foot in boot), defensive end David Perry (he was recently switched from tight end and had his left foot in a boot).

* We knew those two would be missing spring football, but we didn't know Kacy Rodgers II would come into spring football injured. Rodgers, not listed on the two-deep spring depth chart at safety, is recuperating from minor knee surgery, according to Golden. Rodgers was on the sideline and could not bend his left leg, keeping it very stiff when he walked. "That could be a little while longer, but we expect him to return.''

* Safety A.J. Highsmith, atop the depth chart, wore a red jersey Saturday for no contact. Golden said he has a "little hamstring" injury, but had a "tremendous offseason" and should be back when he's healed.

* Golden confirmed that linebacker Eddie Johnson is still suspended, and that he did not take part in the offseason UTough strength and conditioning program. Golden said he is "hopeful'' that Johnson will return, but unfortunately, the talented redshirt sophomore doesn't have a great track record.

   "I'm hopeful. I pray for him everyday that we'll get through this and we'll make it back but it's on him to be honest with you. He has been suspended. He's on campus but he's suspended.'

* Position changes: former DE Tyriq McCord to outside linebacker -- "That's pretty much what he was before. He worked at open-side end or strongside-linebacker for us, and then obviously rushed the passer on third down.'' TE Dyron Dye to DE, where he started his career at UM -- "He had a really good offseason and he's really serious and focused right now.'' TE to DE David Perry -- "Perry is out right now, but he's a welcomed addition to defensive line. We couldn't do that a year ago because we couldn't do that a year ago because we didn't have [former DE and now TE) Jake O'Donnell over there and Beau Sandland and Stan Dobard over at tight end.

 *RB Eduardo Clements: "We're hopeful [he returns]. Everything we understand is that he is healing and he should be able to return to the action, but that's out of my hands.''

*Rashawn Scott (previously suspended): "He did a good job and earned an orange shirt.''

*Stephen Morris: "Tremendous first day. He really must be studying the playbook like crazy. There's a self-assuredness, there's a confidence and there's a poise about him that he probably didn't have at this time last year.''

James Coley, the new offensive coordinator:

* On whether he is resorting back to the playbook they used last year or is incorporating his own plays: "It’s a little dabble of both. Football is football. We brought some new things in on Day One and kept some terminology to make it easier for the transition. But obviously we’ll be doing things the way it’s best for this team. So, as far as scheme, we’re going to use our personnel."

*On QB Stephen Morris: "Phenomenal. Sharp kid, a real good qb, a great leader. Things get taught and then he reteaches them."

*On RB Duke Johnson: "If you don’t use him you’re crazy. He’s a dynamic player. He’s explosive. He’s what you want in a guy with the ball in his hands. He changes the scoreboard."

* On any good natured ribbing from friends because he made the switch from FSU: "You can just imagine. It’s been crazy. But it’s all fun. I don’t take it personal. This is my team now and these guys are my players, our players. This is my family now."

*On being back where he grew up in Miami: "Great. I wish the Orange Bowl was still around. That’s a sentimental deal for me. It’s crazy driving by 95 and not seeing the Orange Bowl, you know what I mean? But it’s been good being back home. My dad came to practice today and that’s something I haven’t experienced in about seven years."

*On what his offensive philosophy might be with the Hurricanes: "I think it’s important, especially here, to create a vertical passing game because you have a big offensive line and you can create a vertical running game so I think they go hand in hand rather than dinking and dunking. I think there’s places for a dink and dunk offense but I think this offense needs to be an explosive offense.’’

Tight Ends coach Larry Scott: 

 *On his lineup of TEs: "They're talented. They do a good job of retaining information. [New junior-college transfer Beau Sandland] "catches the ball well, runs around well and he's focused.'' [Freshman Standish Dobard], as far as raw talent, it's all there. Once he gets it all and continues to learn and develop and mature he's going to be really good.''

Running backs coach Hurlie Brown: 

*On Dallas Crawford: "Dallas is one of the hardest working guys I've been around. He works his butt off, he's extremely smart, he's up for it. He's very competitive and loves the game.''

 *On transitioning from being a former DB coach: "Attention to detail. Coaching is coaching. As long as you're organized, and that's the biggest key, understanding what your role is and allowing those guys to perform. And teach -- I've got to study a lot more because it's new to me, but that's what you do as a coach.''

 SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN (and thanks to correspondent Steph Rogers for plenty of help today!)

 

Miami Hurricanes' spring practice has sprung: Harlem Shake, crutches and black jerseys

We just witnessed our first 15 minutes of University of Miami's spring practice.

With a considerable chill in the air (temps in the mid 50s), the Hurricanes were outside far before the 9 a.m. time that was given as the starting time (if you're on time, you're late).

Everyone seemed excited to be starting, including defensive end Anthony Chickillo and company, who began dancing to the Harlem Shake during stretching. It didn't last very long, and it was the most entertaining part of our 15 minutes. Chickillo looks like he has the moves.

Here's who we saw on crutches: linebacker Gabe Terry (right foot in boot), defensive end David Perry (he was recently switched from tight end and had his left foot in a boot).

We knew those two would be missing spring football, but we didn't know Kacy Rodgers II would come into spring football injured -- or it sure seemed that way. Rodgers, not listed on the two-deep spring depth chart at safety -- was on the sideline in gray sweats and a red (injured) jersey, and walked with his left leg completely stiff and seemingly unable to bend.

The coveted black jerseys were back, and the ones I noticed (there might have been more) were worn by  Chickillo, incoming freshman linebacker Alex Figueroa, cornerback Ladarius Gunter, cornerback Tracy Howard, defensive end Shayon Green, linebacker Jimmy Gaines, defensive tackle Curtis Porter, linebacker Denzel Perryman and Rayshawn Jenkins, who wore No. 29 but is listed on the roster as No. 26.

Be back after we talk to Al Golden and assistant coaches and some players after practice.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

Football is upon us! Miami Hurricanes release first depth chart for spring practice -- mostly based on offseason program

Could it be football season already?

Not exactly, but it's the closest thing Hurricanes fans will have until fall camp opens in August.

University of Miami coach Al Golden released his first depth chart Friday going into the start of spring practice (at 9 a.m. Saturday and closed to the public). Please keep in mind that the first depth chart is mostly based on the offseason, UTough strength and conditioning program. For example, Golden's first spring depth chart two years ago had Spencer Whipple as the No. 1 quarterback, followed by Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris.

Per UM: Eight players will be held out of spring practice: LB Thurston Armbrister, RB Eduardo Clements, LB Eddie Johnson (suspended indefinitely), WR Malcolm Lewis, WR Robert Lockhart Jr., C Shane McDermott, DL David Perry and LB Gabe Terry.

Here it is, folks (AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CURRENT DEPTH CHART IS THE FINAL DEPTH CHART OF LAST SEASON):

2013 OFFENSE (PRO)

WR 1 ALLEN HURNS 6-3, 195, Sr.
80 Rashawn Scott 6-2, 204, Jr.

LT 79 MALCOLM BUNCHE 6-7, 327, RJr.
74 Ereck Flowers 6-6, 315, So.

LG 70 JONATHAN FELICIANO 6-5, 318, Jr.
64 Hunter Wells 6-4, 310, So.

C 75 JARED WHEELER 6-5, 317, Sr.
54 Hunter Knighton 6-5, 278, Fr.

RG 65 BRANDON LINDER 6-6, 317, Sr.
63 Daniel Isidora 6-4, 308, RFr.

RT 77 SEANTREL HENDERSON 6-8, 340, Sr.
66 Sunny Odogwu 6-8, 318, Fr.

TE 46 CLIVE WALFORD 6-4, 259, Jr.
82 Asante Cleveland 6-5, 258, Sr.

FB 33 MAURICE HAGENS 5-11, 247, Sr.

QB 17 STEPHEN MORRIS 6-2, 214, Sr.
11 Ryan Williams 6-5, 228, Jr.

RB 8 DUKE JOHNSON 5-9, 194, So.
25 Dallas Crawford 5-10, 196, So.
32 Danny Dillard 6-2, 210, RFr.

WR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, Jr.
86 Herb Waters 6-2, 188, So.

2013 SPECIALISTS

P 18 MATT GOUDIS 6-0, 172, So.
27 Ricky Carroll –OR– 6-3, 192, Sr.

88 Zach Costa 6-2, 290, So.

FG 18 MATT GOUDIS 6-0, 172, So.

46 Ricky Perez 5-8, 178, So.

KO 18 MATT GOUDIS 6-0, 172, So.
46 Ricky Perez 5-8, 178, So.

H 11 RYAN WILLIAMS 6-5, 228, RSo.
17 Stephen Morris 6-2, 214, Jr.

LS 61 PAUL KELLY 6-1, 262, RSr.
60 Sean McNally 5-10, 205, RJr.

SS 61 PAUL KELLY 6-1, 262, RSr.
65 Brandon Linder 6-6, 317, Sr.

PR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, Jr.
8 Duke Johnson 5-9, 194, So.

KR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, Jr.
8 Duke Johnson 5-9, 194, So.

2013 DEFENSE (4-3)

DE 71 ANTHONY CHICKILLO 6-4, 269, Jr.
92 Jalen Grimble 6-2, 290, Jr.

DT 96 CURTER PORTER 6-1, 312, Sr.
72 Earl Moore 6-1, 300, So.

DT 91 OLSEN PIERRE 6-4, 300, Jr.
67 Corey King 6-1, 295, So.

DE 51 SHAYON GREEN 6-3, 262, Sr.
49 Dyron Dye 6-5, 261, Sr.

SLB 36 ALEX FIGUEROA 6-3, 231, Fr.
17 Tyriq McCord 6-3, 236, So.

MLB 58 RAPHAEL KIRBY 6-0, 230, So.
59 Jimmy Gaines 6-3, 235, Sr.

WLB 52 DENZEL PERRYMAN 6-0, 236, Jr.
31 Tyrone Cornileus 6-2, 215, Sr.

CB 37 LADARIUS GUNTER 6-2, 196, Jr.
11 Larry Hope 6-0, 183, RFr.

S 26 RAYSHAWN JENKINS 6-1, 215, So.
57 Nantambu-Akil Fentress 5-9, 205, Jr.

S 30 AJ HIGHSMITH 6-0, 210, Sr.
2 Deon Bush 6-1, 201, So.

CB 3 TRACY HOWARD 5-11, 184, So.
35 Nate Dortch 5-11, 175, RFr.

 

FYI, for comparison, here is the final 2012 chart 

2012 OFFENSE 

WR 86 HERB WATERS 6-2, 185, Fr.

1 Allen Hurns 6-3, 192, Jr.

87 Garrett Kidd 6-2, 186, RFr.

LT 79 MALCOLM BUNCHE

–OR– 6-7, 325, RSo.

74 ERECK FLOWERS 6-6, 314, Fr.

LG 70 JONATHAN FELICIANO 6-5, 314, RSo.

68 Jeremy Lewis 6-4, 316, RSr.

C 62 SHANE MCDERMOTT 6-4, 295, RSo.

75 Jared Wheeler 6-5, 314, RJr.

RG 65 BRANDON LINDER 6-6, 308, Jr.

63 Daniel Isidora 6-4, 320, Fr.

RT 77 SEANTREL HENDERSON 6-8, 340, Jr.

74 Ereck Flowers 6-6, 314, Fr.

TE 46 CLIVE WALFORD 6-4, 250, RSo.

82 Asante Cleveland 6-5, 263, Jr.

49 Dyron Dye 6-5, 255, RJr.

FB 33 MAURICE HAGENS 5-11, 240, Jr.

43 Sean Harvey 6-4, 262, RSo.

QB 17 STEPHEN MORRIS 6-2, 214, Jr.

11 Ryan Williams 6-5, 221, RSo.

RB 5 MIKE JAMES 5-11, 220, Sr.

8 Duke Johnson 5-9, 188, Fr.

25 Dallas Crawford 5-10, 192, RFr.

WR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, So.

83 Kendal Thompkins 5-10, 182, RSr.

2012 SPECIALISTS

P 13 DALTON BOTTS 6-3, 205, Sr.

40 Jake Wieclaw 6-2, 193, RSr.

FG 40 JAKE WIECLAW 6-2, 193, RSr.

18 Matt Goudis 6-0, 170, RFr.

KO 40 JAKE WIECLAW 6-2, 193, RSr.

18 Matt Goudis 6-0, 170, RFr.

H 13 DALTON BOTTS 6-3, 205, Sr.

11 Ryan Williams 6-5, 221, RSo.

LS 61 PAUL KELLY 6-1, 262, RSr.

59 Jimmy Gaines 6-3, 230, Jr.

SS 61 PAUL KELLY 6-1, 262, RSr.

65 Brandon Linder 6-6, 308, Jr.

PR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, So.

8 Duke Johnson 5-9, 188, Fr.

KR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, So.

8 Duke Johnson 5-9, 188, Fr.

2012 DEFENSE (4-3)

DE 71 ANTHONY CHICKILLO 6-4, 262, So.

99 Jelani Hamilton –

OR– 6-5, 271, Fr.

90 Ricardo Williams 6-5, 240, RFr.

DT 96 CURTIS PORTER 6-1, 305, RJr.

67 Corey King –

OR– 6-1, 295, RFr.

72 Earl Moore 6-1, 300, Fr.

DT 91 OLSEN PIERRE 6-4, 300, So.
93 Luther Robinson 6-3, 288, RJr.

DE 51 SHAYON GREEN 6-3, 260, RJr.

17 Tyriq McCord 6-3, 236, Fr.

94 Kelvin Cain 6-3, 245, Jr.

OLB 34 THURSTON ARMBRISTER 6-3, 222, So.

44 Eddie Johnson 6-1, 234, RFr.

MLB 59 JIMMY GAINES 6-3, 230, Jr.

56 Raphael Kirby 6-0, 218, Fr.

OLB 52 DENZEL PERRYMAN

–OR– 6-0, 229, So.

36 GIONNI PAUL 6-1, 230, So.

31 Tyrone Cornileus 6-2, 210, Jr.

CB 37 LADARIUS GUNTER 6-2, 198, Jr.

3 Tracy Howard 5-11, 185, Fr.

20 Thomas Finnie 5-10, 183, So.

S 29 RAYSHAWN JENKINS

–OR– 6-1, 203, Fr.

30 AJ HIGHSMITH 6-0, 202, RJr.

S 22 KACY RODGERS II 6-2, 210, Jr.

7 Vaughn Telemaque 6-2, 204, RSr.

2 Deon Bush 6-1, 190, Fr.

CB 21 BRANDON McGEE 6-0, 194, Sr.

39 Antonio Crawford 5-11, 188, Fr

 FYI: The Canes' three open scrimmages are at  10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Traz Powell Stadium; at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Naples High School; and at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13 for the Spring Game finale at Sun Life Stadium.

The Canes practice four times before spring break (March 10-16) and six times before their first scrimmage.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

New UM Canes football roster: Eddie Johnson's name removed from roster

The University of Miami has posted a new football roster with the newest players and jersey numbers, in anticipation of spring football, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday (closed to the public).

Linebacker Eddie Johnson is still suspended indefinitely. His name was mistakenly added to the new roster, then removed in the afternoon by UM.

Some new players with their jersey numbers: Fr TE Standish Dobard, 5 (Mike James' old number); Fr QB Garrison Lassiter, 16; Fr LB Alex Figueroa, 36; Fr OL Sunny Odogwu, 66 (same as Dequan Ivery's); Jr TE Beau Sandland, 85 (same as David Perry).

David Perry, who was a tight end, is now officially listed as a D-lineman.

Dyron Dye, who also was a tight end, is now also listed as a D-lineman, and keeps his former No. 49.

Also, former D-lineman Jake O'Donnell has changed his jersey number from 95 to 83. O'Donnell is now a tight end.

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins has changed his number from 29 to 26 -- that of the late, great Sean Taylor.

The depth chart for tomorrow's first practice is expected to be released today.

HERE'S THE FULL ROSTER, COURTESY OF UM:

1   Allen Hurns WR 6-3 195 Sr. Miami, Fla. (Carol City HS) 2   Deon Bush DB 6-1 201 So. Miami, Fla. (Columbus HS) 3   Tracy Howard DB 5-11 184 So. Miramar, Fla. (Miramar HS) 4   Phillip Dorsett WR 5-9 187 Jr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) 5   Standish Dobard TE 6-4 255 Fr. Belle Chasse, La. (Edna Karr HS) 6   Robert Lockhart Jr. WR 6-1 183 So. Delray Beach, Fla. (Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy) 8   Duke Johnson RB 5-9 194 So. Miami, Fla. (Miami Norland HS) 9   Malcolm Lewis WR 6-0 195 So. Miramar, Fla. (Miramar HS) 11   Larry Hope DB 6-0 183 RFr. Miami, Fla. (American Senior HS) 11   Ryan Williams QB 6-6 228 Jr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Memphis) (Miramar HS) 12   Preston Dewey QB 6-2 208 RFr. Austin, Texas (St. Andrew's Episcopal) 13   Gray Crow QB 6-3 224 RFr. Clearwater, Fla. (Countryside HS) 15   D'Mauri Jones WR 6-4 192 RFr. Leesburg, Fla. (Leesburg HS) 16   Garrison Lassiter QB 6-2 210 Fr. High Point, N.C. (West Forsyth HS) 17   Tyriq McCord DL 6-3 236 So. Tampa, Fla. (Jefferson HS) 17   Stephen Morris QB 6-2 214 Sr. Miami, Fla. (Monsignor Pace HS) 18   Chad Barnes WR 5-8 170 RSr. Weston, Fla. (Cypress Bay HS) 18   Matt Goudis K 6-0 172 So. West Hills, Calif. (Chaminade-Madonna College Prep) 19   David Thompson QB 6-2 210 RFr. Miami, Fla. (Westminster Christian) 21   Antonio Crawford DB 5-11 185 So. Tampa, Fla. (H.B. Plant) 22   Kacy Rodgers II DB 6-2 212 Sr. Southlake, Texas (Southlake Carroll HS) 23   Eduardo Clements RB 5-9 192 Sr. Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS) 24   Joey McNeill WR 5-10 172 Jr. Newton, Pa. (The Pennington School) 24   Stephen Sweeney WR 5-11 180 So. Ridgewood, N.J. (New Hampshire) (Don Boscoe Prep) 25   Dallas Crawford RB 5-10 196 So. Fort Myers, Fla. (South Fort Myers HS) 26   Rayshawn Jenkins DB 6-1 215 So. St. Petersburg, Fla. (Admiral Farragut Academy) 27   Ricky Carroll P 6-3 192 Sr. Mission Viejo, Calif. (Orange Coast College) 27   Jameson Labady RB 5-11 220 Sr. North Miami, Fla. (North Miami) 28   Brandon Yosha RB 6-0 188 So. Carmel, Ind. (Cathedral) 30   AJ Highsmith DB 6-0 210 Sr. Missouri City, Texas (Hightower HS) 31   Tyrone Cornileus LB 6-2 215 Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson HS) 32   Danny Dillard RB 6-2 210 RFr. Bradenton, Fla. (Venice) 33   Maurice Hagens FB 5-11 247 Sr. Riverview, Fla. (Tampa Bay Tech HS) 34   Thurston Armbrister LB 6-3 220 Jr. Hollywood, Fla. (Hollywood Hills HS) 35   Nate Dortch DB 5-11 170 RFr. Fort Myers, Fla. (South Fort Myers) 36   Alex Figueroa LB 6-3 231 Fr. Stafford, Va. (Brooke Point HS) 37   Ladarius Gunter DB 6-2 196 Jr. Montgomery, Ala. (Jefferson Davis) 37   Alex Irastorza WR 6-3 192 Sr. Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS) 38   Jordan Tolson DB 6-1 195 Jr. Inglewood, Calif. (Harvard-Westlake School) 40   Keion Berry DB 6-0 178 Unk West Palm Beach, Fla. (Berean Christian HS) 41   Wyatt Chickillo DB 6-0 200 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Palmetto HS) 43   Sean Harvey TE 6-4 265 Jr. Largo, Fla. (Indian Rocks HS) 46   Ricky Perez K 5-8 178 So. Miami, Fla. (Dr. Krop HS) 46   Clive Walford TE 6-4 259 Jr. Belle Glade, Fla. (Glades Central HS) 47   Akil Craig LB 6-1 226 Sr. Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Jesuit HS) 48   Hugo Delapenha Jr. DB 5-11 189 Sr. Cape Coral, Fla. (Bishop Verot HS) 49   Dyron Dye DL 6-5 261 Sr. Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS) 51   Shayon Green DL 6-3 262 Sr. Tifton, Ga. (Tifton County HS) 52   Denzel Perryman LB 6-0 236 Jr. Coral Gables, Fla. (Coral Gables HS) 54   JaWand Blue LB 6-0 225 RFr. Boca Raton, Fla. (West Boca Raton HS) 54   Hunter Knighton OL 6-5 278 Fr. Pottstown, Pa. (The Hun School of Princeton) 55   Frank Gabriel LS 6-3 215 So. Monmouth Beach, N.J. (Red Bank Catholic HS) 56   Raphael Kirby LB 6-0 230 So. Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson HS) 57   Nantambu-Akil Fentress DB 5-9 200 Jr. Nashville, Tenn. (The Ensworth School) 58   Gabe Terry LB 6-3 210 So. Wellington, Fla. (Palm Beach Central HS) 59   Jimmy Gaines LB 6-3 235 Sr. Getzville, N.Y. (Canisius HS) 60   Sean McNally LS 5-10 205 Sr. Bakersfield, Calif. (Garces Memorial HS) 61   Paul Kelly LS 6-1 250 Sr. Davie, Fla. (Archbishop McCarthy HS) 62   Shane McDermott OL 6-4 296 Jr. Lake Worth, Fla. (Palm Beach Central HS) 63   Danny Isidora OL 6-4 308 RFr. Weston, Fla. (Cypress Bay HS) 64   Hunter Wells OL 6-4 310 So. Canton, Ill. (Canton HS) 65   Brandon Linder OL 6-6 317 Sr. Southwest Ranches, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) 66   Dequan Ivery DL 6-1 302 So. Lake City, Fla. (Florida Columbian HS) 66   Sunny Odogwu OL 6-8 318 Fr. Baltimore, Md. (Hargrave Military Academy) 67   Corey King DL 6-1 295 So. Boca Raton, Fla. (West Boca Raton HS) 69   Ryan Shiver OL 6-2 226 Fr. Weaverville, N.C. (North Buncombe HS) 70   Jon Feliciano OL 6-5 318 Jr. Davie, Fla. (Western HS) 71   Anthony Chickillo DL 6-4 269 Jr. Tampa, Fla. (Alonso HS) 72   Earl Moore DL 6-1 300 So. Tampa, Fla. (Hillsborough HS) 74   Ereck Flowers OL 6-6 315 So. Miami, Fla. (Miami Norland HS) 75   Jared Wheeler OL 6-5 317 Sr. Hollywood, Fla. (American Heritage HS) 76   Taylor Gadbois OL 6-8 312 RFr. Dallas, Ga. (East Paulding HS) 77   Seantrel Henderson OL 6-8 345 Sr. St. Paul, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall HS) 79   Malcolm Bunche OL 6-7 327 Jr. Newark, Del. (Newark HS) 80   Rashawn Scott WR 6-2 204 Jr. Melbourne, Fla. (Melbourne Central HS) 81   Jontavious Carter WR 6-2 208 RFr. Cordele, Ga. (Crisp County HS) 82   Asante Cleveland TE 6-5 258 Sr. Sacramento, Calif. (Christian Brothers HS) 83   Jake O'Donnell TE 6-6 250 RFr. Doylestown, Pa. (Central Bucks East HS) 85   David Perry DL 6-7 262 Jr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. (University School HS) 85   Beau Sandland TE 6-6 255 Jr. Woodland Hills, Calif. (Pierce College) (Simi Valley HS) 86   Herb Waters WR 6-2 188 So. Homestead, Fla. (Homestead HS) 87   Jacoby Briscoe DL 6-5 302 RFr. Lafayette, La. (Carencro HS) 87   Garrett Kidd WR 6-2 188 So. Midland, Mich. (Herbert Henry Dow HS) 88   Zach Costa K/P 6-2 209 So. Hillsdale, N.J. (Pascack Valley HS) 88   Ronald Regula LSLB 6-2 234 Jr. Miami, Fla. (Palmetto) 90   Ricardo Williams DL 6-5 251 So. Homestead, Fla. (Homestead Senior HS) 91   Olsen Pierre DL 6-4 300 Jr. Rahway, N.J. (Fork Union Military Academy) (Rahway HS) 92   Jalen Grimble DL 6-2 292 Jr. Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS) 93   Luther Robinson DL 6-3 290 Sr. Fort Pierce, Fla. (Westwood HS) 94   Kelvin Cain DE 6-3 242 Sr. Clovis, Calif. (Buchanan HS) 96   Curtis Porter DL 6-1 312 Sr. Charlotte, N.C. (Victory Christian HS) 97   Dwayne Hoilett DL 6-3 240 RFr. Vero Beach, Fla. (Vero Beach HS) 99   Jelani Hamilton DL 6-5 280 So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS)

 

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SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN 

 

Hurricanes (9-0) baseball to meet Gators (3-6) in three-game series at Gainesville

You'd have to go back three years (or almost three years) to find the last time the Miami Hurricanes baseball team defeated the Florida Gators -- March 6, 2010, a 9-6 UM victory in Coral Gables, when Miami was ranked 10th and the Gators, fifth.

Since then, 11 consecutive losses against the nemesis Gators. 

Now, the Canes, who traveled by bus to Gainesville Thursday, go into hostile territory with a 9-0 record -- while the Gators are an uncharacteristic 3-6 after an extra-inning loss to North Florida Wednesday night.

“I’m just a little disappointed,” Gators head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said in a story on GatorZone.com. “This is not a time to panic or start pointing fingers; we just have to play better. It’s like we’re playing back on our heels a little bit, and that’s what’s disappointing. We spent a lot of time the last few days talking about that issue and we just have to play a little bit better. We’re just not playing very well and we need to get it going. We have to learn from our mistakes. We have to move on. We’re going to coach them up and be ready to play Miami.”

Meanwhile, UM coach Jim Morris is not about to apologize for an exceptional start -- even if some of those wins came in late comeback situations against teams of lesser talent or in lower divisions or from the snowy north.

"We're a pretty young club and we still have some questions to be answered,'' Morris said, "but it's a good start for us. I'm looking forward to the challenge of going up to Gainesville.''

Morris said pitchers Bryan Radziewski and Eric Whaley, who both pitched for the first time in a game Tuesday after shoulder surgery, will continue to be eased in during relief stints. 

 The coach said his team's defense has impressed him the most at this point, considering three of the players in the infield are new (first baseman David Thompson, shortstop Brandon Lopez and second baseman Alex Hernandez). He said he's also impressed with the starting rotation of Chris Diaz (1-0, 0.75 ERA), Javi Salas (2-0, 0.00) and Andrew Suarez (1-0, 1.80). 

   "Offensively,'' Morris said, "we've done a good job of doing little things to win games -- moving runners over or putting the ball in play to make things happen.''

   Morris was asked about the nine-game win streak, and how he keeps it in perspective, knowing the competition the Canes have faced and what they have ahead. The Atlantic Coast Conference schedule begins March 8 against Duke.

   "Typical games we've played,'' Morris said, "whether it's a Rutgers or FAU. The people we've played... are the same people we play every year [to begin the season].

   "That's part of getting ready, When you play an inner-squad game, it's hard to tell about your team. Everybody we face, we face their ace -- whether it's last night against Barry. We face good pitching.''

    Right fielder Chantz Mack (.303), a senior, said the Canes "really want to turn this over, get over the hump, get over this losing streak we have against Florida. ...Yesterday, after the game in the locker room we kind of talked about that we need to change things, and we're ready this year. Everyone was pumped up, everyone was riled up. We have a good winning streak going and we just want to keep it going.''

    Mack said of his team's flawless record, "People think we haven't really played anyone, but the way we've won games and the way that different people have stepped up and the trust we've begun to gain in each other -- guys you wouldn't even expect to get the clutch hit and make the big play, they're doing it -- and that's really big for our momentum, for our psyche, for our chemistry.''

  Freshman David Thompson is on a tear, hitting .323 with a team-leading 14 RBI and six doubles, while getting accustomed to playing first base.

"It's been a good start so far,'' Thompson said. "The season is still real young. I've still got to get a lot better. Our team is playing real well right now, a lot of guys stepping up in different spots.

 "It's a lot different [from high school],'' he said. "Obviously the pitching is way better. You've really got to earn your hits now.''

   Thompson was asked his mindset when players are on base and he's at bat. "Still just try to drive the ball up the middle and take what the defense gives you.''

  The first two games of the weekend series will be televised -- Friday night's 7 p.m. game by Sun Sports/FOX Sports Florida; and Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. game by Sun Sports. 

  SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

Previewing Spring Practice for the Canes

With spring football practice set to begin Saturday (scrimmages are set for March 23rd at Traz Powell, April 5th in Naples and April 13th at Sun Life Stadium) here is a look at the top story lines at each position entering camp. (FYI, UM is expected to release a new spring depth chart in the coming days.)

OFFENSE
- Only five seniors who appeared on the two-deep were lost to graduation: running back Mike James, offensive tackle Ben Jones (one start), backup left guard Jeremy Lewis and receivers Kendal Thompkins and Davon Johnson. 

That hardly seems tough to replace, but the big transition here is coaching. Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch (Jacksonville Jaguars) is gone along with receivers coach George McDonald (Syracuse) and running backs coach Terry Richardson (Jacksonville Jaguars). James Coley comes over from Florida State with only one year of play-calling experience to take over for Fisch as offensive coordinator. UM promoted Hurlie Brown to running backs coach and hired Larry Scott away from USF to coach tight ends after Brennan Carroll made the move over to receivers coach. UM ranked 37th in total yardage offense (25th in passing; 87th in rushing) and averaged 31.2 points per game in 2012 (49th out of 120 FBS schools).

QUARTERBACKS
Returning starter 
17 Stephen Morris (6-2, 214, Sr., Miami Monsignor Pace) 
Backup 
11 Ryan Williams (6-6, 223, Jr., Miramar High)
Redshirted/Reserves
13 Gray Crow (6-3, 222, R-Fr., Clearwater Countryside)
12 Preston Dewey (6-2, 208, R-Fr., Austin, Tex.)
19 David Thompson (6-2, 207, R-Fr., Miami Westminster Christian)
Fall arrival
Kevin Olsen (6-3, 196, Fr., Wayne Hills, N.J.)

> STORYLINE: There is no reason to be worried about the starting spot here as it looks like Morris and Coley are hitting it off. But it will be interesting to see who among the returning freshmen catches the eye of UM's new offensive coordinator. David Thompson will not be around because he's playing baseball, but Gray Crow and Preston Dewey will. With Kevin Olsen set to arrive in the fall and 2014 commitment Alin Edouard (Hialeah High) already handpicked by Coley the pressure will be on for Crow and Dewey to do something this spring. If they don't, don't be surprised if they end up elsewhere. 

RUNNING BACKS
Returning starters
 8 Duke Johnson (RB, 5-9, 188, So., Miami Norland) 
33 Maurice Hagens (FB, 5-11, 238, Sr., Tampa Bay Tech) 
Backups 
23 Eduardo Clements (5-9, 192, Sr., Miami Booker T. Washington) 
25 Dallas Crawford (5-10, 190, So., South Fort Myers) 
Redshirted/reserves 
32 Danny Dillard (6-2, 225, R-Fr., Venice) 
Walk-ons 
27 Jameson Labady (5-11, 215, Sr., North Miami) 
48 Brandon Yosha (6-0, 183, So., Carmel, Ind.) 
Fall arrivals
Augustus Edwards (6-1, 222, Fr., Staten Island, N.Y.)
Cornelius Elder (5-11, 170, Fr., Nashville, Tenn.)

> STORYLINE: Coming off a fantastic freshman season Johnson should look even bigger and better coming off off-season workouts. The concern here is who backs him up moving forward with Mike James gone. Clements (neck) has health concerns. Crawford carried the ball just six times for 23 yards last season. He will be given first shot and we also should get a good look at Dillard in camp. But those are just two names. Incoming freshmen Gus Edwards and Cornelius Elder won't arrive until the fall. But if Crawford and Dillard don't impress in the spring, Edwards and Elder may actually come in and compete for playing time right away. 

OFFENSIVE LINE
Returning starters
79 Malcolm Bunche (LT, 6-7, 323, R-Jr., Newark, Del.)
70 Jon Feliciano (LG, 6-5, 314, R-Jr., Davie Western)
62 Shane McDermott (C, 6-4, 296, Jr., Palm Beach Central)
65 Brandon Linder (RG, 6-6, 312, Sr., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)
77 Seantrel Henderson (RT, 6-8, 340, Sr., St. Paul, Minn.)
Backups 
74 Ereck Flowers (LT/RT, 6-6, 314, So., Miami Norland)
63 Danny Isidora (RG, 6-4, 312, R-Fr., Weston Cypress Bay)
75 Jared Wheeler (C, 6-5, 312, Sr., Plantation American Heritage)
64 Hunter Wells (OL, 6-4, 300, So., Canton, Ill.)
Redshirted/reserves 
76 Taylor Gadbois (OL, 6-8, 310, R-Fr., Dallas, Ga.) 
Spring arrivals 
Hunter Knighton (6-5, 265, Fr., Pottstown, Penn.)
Sunny Odogwu (6-8, 311, Fr., Baltimore, Mary.) 
Fall arrivals
Alex Gall (6-5, 295, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio)

> STORYLINE: The huge bright spot entering camp and the season is the return of all five starters on the offensive line as well as four solid backups in Flowers, Isidora, Wheeler and Wells. Will any of those guys push for a starting spot? Flowers and Isidora probably could. The stories to follow this spring are newcomers Sunny Odogwu and Hunter Knighton. Golden is thrilled about both. They need to show they can be ready by 2014. 

TIGHT ENDS
Returning starters
46 Clive Walford (6-4, 248, Jr., Belle Glades Glades Central)
Reserves
82 Asante Cleveland (6-5, 260, Sr., Sacramento, Calif.)
Walk-ons
43 Sean Harvey (6-4, 260, Jr., Largo Indian Rocks, Fla.)
Position switch
95 Jake O'Donnell (DE, 6-6, 243, R-Fr., Doylestown, Penn.) 
Spring arrivals
Standish Dobard (6-4, 255, Fr., Belle Chasse, La.)
Beau Sandland (6-6, 255, Jr., Woodland Hills, Calif.)
Fall arrivals
Ryheem Lockley (6-4, 217, Fr., Middlesex, Va.)

> STORYLINE: Al Golden told our Barry Jackson earlier this month Dyron Dye and David Perry were being switched to defensive end. Why? Because he was bringing in two studs in Dobard and Sandland, considered the top JUCO tight end in the country. Both should look good alongside Walford (25 catches, 451 yards, 4 TDs) as pass-catching tight ends moving forward. 

RECEIVERS
Returning starters
4 Phillip Dorsett (5-9, 187, Jr., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)
1 Allen Hurns (6-3, 195, Sr., Miami Carol City)
80 Rashawn Scott (6-2, 202, Jr., Melbourne Central High)
86 Herb Waters (6-2, 185, So., Homestead)
Backups
9 Malcolm Lewis (6-0, 192, So., Miramar)
6 Robert Lockhart Jr. (6-1, 188, So., Delray Beach)
Redshirted/Reserves
81 Jontavious Carter (6-2, 203, R-Fr., Cordele, Ga.)
15 D'Mauri Jones (6-4, 190, R-Fr., Leesburg, Fla.)
Walk-ons
18 Chad Barnes (5-8, 170, R-Sr., Weston Cypress Bay)
37 Alex Irastorza (6-3, 190, Sr., Miami Columbus)
87 Garrett Kidd (6-2, 186, So., Midland, Mich.)
24 Joey McNeill (5-10, 172, Jr., Newton, Penn.)
24 Stephen Sweeney (5-11, 184, So., Ridgewood, N.J.)
Fall arrivals
Derrick Griffin (6-6, 215, Fr., Rosenberg, Tex.)
Stacy Coley (6-1, 175, Fr., Oakland Park Northeast)

> STORYLINES: Dorsett (58 catches, 842 yards, 4 TDs) proved to be the go-to target for most of the 2012 season and will once again enter camp as that guy. The players to watch will be Scott, who was suspended indefinitely after nine games and was having a stellar season (35 catches, 512 yards, 3 TDs) before that and Lewis, who of course was having a great freshman season before dislocating his left ankle and fracturing his fibula. Lewis, I'm told, will not participate in team drills during the spring but will be around.

DEFENSE
-- There are only three seniors from the two-deep that are gone: starting cornerback Brandon McGee, backup defensive tackle Darius Smith and backup safety Vaughn Telemaque. But there were other losses. Cornerback Thomas Finnie was booted off the team after being involved in a laptop theft on campus, third-leading tackler Gionni Paul was booted from the team, and fourth-leading tackler and talented outside linebacker Eddie Johnson remains suspended indefinitely.

The Hurricanes had a horrific season in 2012 on defense statistically, ranking 116th in total yardage, 112th against the run, 102nd in pass defense and 82nd in scoring defense (30.5 ppg). They also produced just 13 sacks in 12 games. The good? UM produced 22 turnovers on defense -- 11 INTs and 11 fumbles.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Returning starters
71 Anthony Chickillo (DE, 6-4, 265, Jr., Tampa Alonso)
91 Olsen Pierre (DT, 6-4, 296, Jr., Rahway, N.J.)
96 Curtis Porter (DT, 6-1, 308, Sr., Charlotte, N.C.)
51 Shayon Green (DE, 6-3, 260, Sr., Tifton, Ga.)
Backups
94 Kelvin Cain (DE, 6-3, 245, Sr., Clovis, Calif.)
99 Jelani Hamilton (DE, 6-5, 271, So., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)
17 Tyriq McCord (DE, 6-3, 236, So., Tampa Jefferson)
92 Jalen Grimble (DL, 6-2, 292, Jr., Las Vegas, Nev.)
66 Dequan Ivery (DT, 6-1, 303, So., Lake City, Fla.)
67 Corey King (DT, 6-1, 292, So., West Boca Raton)
72 Earl Moore (DT, 6-1, 300, So., Tampa Hillsborough)
93 Luther Robinson (DT, 6-3, 290, Sr., Fort Pierce Westwood)
90 Ricardo Williams (DE, 6-5, 251, So., Homestead)
Redshirted/reserves
87 Jacoby Briscoe (DT, 6-5, 312, R-Fr., Lafayette, La.)
97 Dwayne Hoilett (DE, 6-3, 247, R-Fr., Vero Beach)
Position switch
49 Dyron Dye (6-5, 258, R-Sr., Sanford Seminole, Fla.) 
85 David Perry (6-7, 265, Jr., University School) 
Fall arrivals
Al-Quadin Muhammad (6-4, 225, Fr., Ramsey, N.J.)
Ufomba Kamalu (6-5, 280, Jr., Butler Community College, Kan.)

> STORYLINE: UM's run defense was a complete joke for most of the season -- surrendering 217.92 yards per game. But over the final three games, the Canes allowed an average of just 137 (that would have ranked 32nd as a season average). The common denominator? A healthy Porter at defensive tackle. He played in just four games last season, starting the final three alongside Pierre. Porter has played in just 15 games over his four years at Miami. Aside from him, it will be interesting to see how Chickillo (team-leading four sacks) bounces back from an average sophomore season. Will he get pass rushing help from any of the sophomores or redshirt freshmen? McCord produced 3.5 sacks last season. Believe it or not, he and Cain (1 sack) were the only other defensive ends to sack the quarterback. Dye and Perry move over from tight end and will attempt to become pass-rushers themselves.

LINEBACKERS
Returning starters
59 Jimmy Gaines (6-3, 232, Sr., Getzville, N.Y.)
34 Thurston Armbrister (6-3, 222, Jr., Hollywood Hills)
52 Denzel Perryman (6-0, 230, Jr., Coral Gables)
Backups
31 Tyrone Cornileus (6-2, 215, Sr., Stone Mountain, Ga.)
56 Raphael Kirby (6-0, 223, So., Stone Mountain, Ga.)
58 Gabe Terry (6-3, 215, So., Palm Beach Central)
Redshirted/reserves
54 JaWand Blue (6-0, 210, R-Fr., West Boca Raton)
Suspended indefinitely
44 Eddie Johnson (6-1, 234, R-So., Stone Mountain, Ga.)
Walk-ons
47 Akil Craig (6-1, 226, R-Sr., Tampa Jesuit)
57 Nantambu Fentress (5-9, 205, Jr., Nashville, Tenn.)
Spring arrivals
Alex Figueroa (6-3, 225, Fr., Stafford, Va.)
Fall arrivals
Jermaine Grace (6-1, 196, Fr., Miramar)
Devante Bond, 6-3, 230, Jr., Sierra Community College, Calif.)

> STORYLINE:  Losing Eddie Johnson could hurt the Canes immensely despite the return of a couple of other veterans. Gaines, Kirby and Perryman are all coming off injury-plagued seasons. It will be interesting to see what they can do when fully healthy and recovered and coming of a good off-season. The new arrival -- Figueroa -- has a chance to put himself in position to compete for playing time. It will be interesting to see just how much talent he has along with Blue and Terry.

SECONDARY
Returning starters
2 Deon Bush (S, 6-1, 195, So. Miami Columbus)
37 Ladarius Gunter (CB, 6-2, 196, Jr., Montgomery, Ala.)
30 AJ Highsmith (S, 6-0, 208, Sr., Missouri City, Texas)
29 Rayshawn Jenkins (S, 6-1, 203, So., St. Petersburg Admiral Farragut)
22 Kacy Rodgers II (CB/S, 6-2, 212, Sr., Southlake, Texas)
Backups
21 Antonio Crawford (CB, 5-11, 188, So., Tampa Plant)
3 Tracy Howard (CB, 5-11, 185, So., Miramar High)
Redshirted/reserves
35 Nate Dortch (CB, 5-11, 175, R-Fr., South Fort Myers)
11 Larry Hope (CB, 6-0, 183, R-Fr., Miami American)
Walk-ons
38 Jordan Tolson (6-1, 192, Jr., Inglewood, Calif.)
Fall arrivals
Jamal Carter (6-1, 175, Fr., Miami Southridge)
Artie Burns (6-0, 183, Fr., Miami Northwestern)
Ray Lewis III (5-10, 192, Fr., Lake Mary Prep) 

> STORYLINE: The cornerback position has just one proven starter back in Gunter, but plenty of talent and potential with Howard and Crawford coming back after playing a lot as freshmen. That trio will be interesting to watch throughout camp along with the progress of Dortch and Hope, who were both redshirted last season. The safety position appears to be in much better hands in terms of experience. Can Jenkins and Bush push Highsmith and Rodgers out of the starting lineup for good? Strong reinforcements will arrive in the fall in terms of Carter, Burns and Lewis III. 

SPECIAL TEAMS
18 Matt Goudis (K, 6-0, 172, So., West Hills, Calif.)
Walk-ons
46 Ricky Perez (K, 5-8, 182, So., Miami Krop)
88 Zach Costa (K/P, 6-2, 209, So., Hillsdale, N.J.)
88 Ronald Regula (LS/TE, 6-2, 225, Jr., Miami Palmetto)
27 Ricky Carroll (P, 6-3, 185, Sr., Mission Viejo, Calif.)

> STORYLINES: You can't underestimate the losses of kicker Jake Wieclaw and punter Dalton Botts. Both were among the best in the ACC at their respective positions. Now Goudis, who participated in just three kickoffs, is the likely front-runner to handle both of those duties.

UM hires Craig Anderson as its new compliance director

The University of Miami announced the hiring of Craig Anderson as the athletic program's new Associate Athletic Director for Compliance on Wednesday.

Anderson will begin in March. He spent the previous two-plus years at NC State as the Assistant AD for Compliance. At NC State, he was charged with many roles, including monitoring all amateurism and eligibility issues, serving as the liaison to the academic support program for student-athletes, monitoring all initial eligibility/continuing eligibility processes and conducting NCAA rules education for coaches, staff, boosters and general public according to a UM press release.

"Craig brings tremendous experience as a compliance professional, having spent several years within the ACC," Senior Associate AD for Administration and Student Excellence Jennifer Strawley said in the statement released by UM. "He shares our philosophy that compliance focuses on building trust and operating with integrity in all we do. Craig is a rising star in the compliance profession and we are thrilled that he will be overseeing the day to day operations of our compliance staff."

Anderson replaces David Reed, who left for the University of Kansas back in November. Anderson also spent three years at Virginia and began his career at UNLV.

New OC Coley flips '14 star RB Yearby from FSU to UM

Joseph Yearby, a 5-9, 190-pound All-State running back from state champion Miami Central, switched his non-binding oral commitment from Florida State to the University of Miami Miami on Tuesday, adding his name to what is becoming a stellar 2014 recruiting class for the Hurricanes.

Yearby, a Seminoles commitment since May 2012, said he flipped to the Canes because of his connection to former Florida State offensive coordinator James Coley, who took over the same title at Miami last month.

Ranked as a four-star prospect by 247Sports.com and ranked the 66th best player in the country in the 2014 class, Yearby ran for 2,160 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore. He followed it up by rushing for 1,448 yards and 20 TDs in leading the Rockets to the state title in December.

Miami Central coach Telly Lockette, interviewed by Miami for its vacant running backs job earlier this month before the team promoted Hurlie Brown to the position, was surprised to learn of the news Tuesday. He said he's up in Oregon for a coaching convention.

"I was surprised to hear it," Lockette said. "Obviously we all know what a great kid and what a great talent Joe is."

UM now has four highly touted commitments as part of its 2014 class -- all of them are local. The others: Miami Central offensive tackle Trevor Darling (6-5, 300), Hialeah quarterback Alin Edouard (6-2, 180) and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman receiver Travis Rudolph (6-1, 185).

ACC releases 2013 football schedule for Miami Hurricanes and all league teams

Finally.

The Atlantic Coast Conference schedule is out.

The Hurricanes will face FSU in Tallahassee on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The Canes open and close the season on a Friday! They open at Sun Life against FAU. They close at new ACC Coastal member Pittsburgh the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. The Pitt game will be nationally televised by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

UM doesn't leave the state until Thursday night, Oct. 17, at North Carolina.

Virginia Tech comes to Sun Life for the second year in a row - this time on Nov. 9.

UM's open dates are Sept. 14 and Oct. 12.

The Sept. 14 date, a Saturday, falls on the holiest day of the year for Jews -- Yom Kippur.

Here's the sched (we still don't know times):

2013 MIAMI HURRICANES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 (Fri.): FLORIDA ATLANTIC

Sept. 7: FLORIDA

Sept. 14: OPEN

Sept. 21: SAVANNAH STATE

Sept. 28: @South Florida

Oct. 5: GEORGIA TECH

Oct. 12: OPEN

Oct. 17 (Thu.): @North Carolina

Oct. 26: WAKE FOREST

Nov. 2: @Florida State

Nov. 9: VIRGINIA TECH

Nov. 16: @Duke

Nov. 23: VIRGINIA

Nov. 29 (Fri.): @Pittsburgh

Home games in CAPS

So, what do you all think?

I think it's a terrific schedule if you're a Canes fan, other than a game that promises to be FREEZING cold on Nov. 29. But I've seen the Canes take care of business at Pitt in the freezing cold before.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

 

Miami Hurricanes 2013 football schedule

Aug. 30​: vs. FAU
Sept. 7​​: vs Florida
Sept. 14​: Open
Sept. 21​: vs. Savannah State
Sept. 28​: at South Florida
Oct. 5: vs. Georgia Tech
Oct. 12​: Open
Oct. 17​: at North Carolina (Thursday), ESPN
Oct. 26​: vs. Wake Forest
Nov. 2​: at Florida State
Nov. 9​: vs. Virginia Tech
Nov. 16​: at Duke
Nov. 23​: vs. Virginia
Nov. 29​: at Pittsburgh (Friday), ABC, ESPN or ESPN2

Larry Scott hired to be Canes new tight ends coach

Former USF assistant Larry Scott has accepted the job to become UM's new tight ends coach. Scott will replace Mario Cristobal's spot on the staff. Cristobal left UM for Alabama last week after just a month on the job.

The news was first reported by The Associated Press.

Scott, who was part of the first recruiting class at USF in 1996, has plenty of experience recruiting in South Florida. He was a big part of USF's highly-touted 2009 signing class. He served as tight ends coach at USF for four seasons, offensive lien coach in 2010 and most recently running backs coach in 2012.

Here is Scott's bio:

A member of USF's original recruiting class in February 1996, Larry Scott returned to USF in 2005 as director of high school operations, before first moving into coaching as a graduate assistant in 2006 and later as the tight ends coach, a position he accepted on Jan. 23, 2007.

Scott coached the tight ends in 2008 before switching to the offensive line in 2009. Scott returned to the tight ends in his sixth year with the program in 2010 and took over as running backs coach in 2012.

In his return to the tight end position, Scott and his group helped USF to its fifth-straight eight-win season, making it one of only 15 programs nationally and one of just 10 in BCS leagues that had accomplished the feat.

The offense saw tremendous improvement in 2011 as USF improved its national ranking in total offense 75 spots from 2010 to 2011, the largest jump of any school in the country. The most dramatic improvement came in the passing game, where USF improved by 85 yards per game. Only two teams saw a greater jump in the passing offense national rankings, as the Bulls improved 59 spots. In addition, the Bulls finished first in the BIG EAST in rushing and sacks allowed.

As the offensive line coach, Scott helped mentor center Sampson Genus to a second-team All-BIG EAST honor in 2009 as voted on by the coaches. Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews called Genus the best center they had seen all season.

In addition, redshirt freshman tackle Mark Popek was named Freshman All-America by both Sporting News and ESPN, while guard Zach Hermann earned third-team honors by Phil Steele.

A unit that had to replace a lot of experience lost from the 2008 team, the 2009 offensive line turned out to be one of the team's strengths after facing question marks across the line coming into fall practice.

In his first full season, USF saw the development of Cedric Hill into one of the most feared tight ends in the BIG EAST. He continued to help the offense and his position group excel in 2008. Hill earned second-team All-BIG EAST honors, while Ben Busbee stepped into a prominent role alongside Hill.

Where Scott has made arguably the biggest impact on USF is in recruiting. His work in Miami and throughout Dade and Broward counties has helped USF reel in a string of highly-regarded classes. In fact, many considered the 2008 class among the best in program history. Then, Scott and the entire coaching staff went out and signed a 2009 class that was ranked as high as No. 21 nationally and was praised again as the best in program history.

Scott first started coaching at Wharton High in Tampa, where he was offensive line coach and run game coordinator from May 2001 to August 2001, when he moved to Freedom High as offensive coordinator and line coach from August 2001 to November 2003.

During the 2004-05 school year, he returned to his high school alma mater - Sebring - where he was an exceptional education teacher and the co-offensive coordinator.

Scott was a three-year letterman (1997-99) as an offensive tackle for the Bulls and a member of the first recruiting class that began practicing in 1996, the year before the first USF football game. Scott arrived at USF after a successful three-sport career at Sebring High School. He was a four-year letterwinner for the football team, playing on Sebring's offensive line, and also earned a pair of varsity letters in baseball his freshman and sophomore years and in wrestling his junior and senior seasons.

Scott and his wife, Shakiera, have three children, sons Larry and Jalen and daughter Jurnee. Scott was born in Sebring, Fla.