Better Bull-eavit: Canes nab Forston

Earlier today around 5:30 p.m. I spoke with the mother of Northwestern defensive tackle Marcus Forston, who told me she had driven down with her son to the University of Miami campus where he announced his intentions to sign with the Hurricanes in February. This certainly is big news for Canes fans. Forston is without a doubt one of the nation's best overall recruits and quite possibly the most talented defensive tackle the school has landed since Warren Sapp. I spoke to Marcus earlier this week, thinking this might happen. But he told me he wanted to wait to make a bigger national announcement on TV. Looks like he got too excited.

For a moment today it also looked like another teammate of Forston would be joining him at UM. And at around 7:30 p.m. I reported on this blog linebacker Sean Spence would be joining Forston. But I've now been told Northwestern's star linebacker is not ready to announce his decision just yet. But he could be real close. Kids like Spece do this all the time. They want their own day in the sun and deserve it. Just don't be surprised if he announces in the next couple days.

Now, here's some of the highlights from the 20 minute interview I had with Marcus when he got home from his conditioning workouts at Northwestern on Thursday night.

Q: Tell us how it all went down this afternoon?
A: "I went down there earlier today, I was going down there just to check out the college academic-wise. I went down there with my mon and my family. When I went down there, I was talking to coach Hurtt, coach Walton and Randy Shannon and when I walked into that room, walked through that door there was just that feeling that this is home. I told you earlier I was going to wait till signing day because I had a lot of schools looking at me. But I never felt like that when I went to other colleges. Even though it doesn't have the big facilities other colleges have. So, when I went in there, they weren't even talking about football. They were talking to me about how they could help me about football. They were talking about how they could help me get a degree, they were talking about life. And that is something some colleges don't talk about. Colleges want to use me and I want use them to get a degree and be a better man because football is never promised."

Q: So how much of an influence did your teammates who are also Cane commitments -- QB Jacory Harris, OL Brandon Washington and WR Aldarius Johnson -- have in your decision today. Were they in your ear telling you to commit?
A: "No. I was pushing those guys away. But Aldarius told me when you go down there, I'm telling you, you aren't ready for it. He said Forston as soon as you get down there, you are going to want to commit right there. So, when I got down there, I said coach, is this something you set up down here just to make me feel good? Coach Shannon and Coach Hurtt said you can come down here any day unnanounced and it will be the same way. Some colleges put on a show because they want to make their program look better. So, when he told me I could come down here and it will be the same way everyday, I was like man, I got to check this out for myself. The thing that made me feel so good was that it its a college that doesn't have all the facilities and all the other things state schools have, but they're a private school and they're rebuilding things. I'm looking at the new generation and the things they want to have."

Q: You talked the other day about how you don't want to be the only superstar on a team, you want to play with 11 superstars. Can you talk about what it feels like to be a part of class like the one that is starting to come together? And can you talk about some of the guys who you play with?
A: "I'm very proud to be a part of this class. If we keep on getting these guys, like we're doing right now, this will be one of the best UM teams ever. There are a lot of hard workers in this group there that can really build this program and do some special things right there. Its hard to stop our guys. If you going up against Brandon Washington at 60-70 percent, Brandon Washington is going to throw you on your butt. Or if you don't pay attention to Aldarius Johnson, he's going to right past you. So you got to give 100 percent to even have a chance."

Q: What is about coach Clint Hurtt that makes him such a good recruiter?
A: "He's young man. The guy who likes to have fun. The thing that really got me about coach Hurtt and I know he's been through the same things I've been through, he told me he said 'Go ahead, Marcus. Go ahead and look at other colleges.' And the first thing that came to my mind was that this guy right here is not jealous. He's a coach that knows if a player wants to come to his program, he really wants to come. Every other coach would have said 'What you going there for?' Talking bad. One thing I can say UM doesn't do is say nothing about no college. Any college that something bad about another college, that right there is a turnoff to me."

Q: So are you going to be taking other trips still? What did you tell coach?
A: "I told him I'd be open to taking other trips. But I don't think I want to. I think I'm going to try and study and watch film for the next level. I'm trying to get to college, get better."

Q: So what can Canes fact expect from you in the future?
A: "A battle at defensive tackle. Out of the heart and soul of Miami comes a guy whose going to bust his butt everyday in practice and start as a true freshman."

For the complete 11-minute audio interview I recorded with Marcus, check out my interview with him right here.

OK guys, I'm done posting stuff for today.I'm still planning to interview Canes quarterback recruit Jacory Harris, who shined brightly at the Elite 11 camp in California, when he gets home later tonight. He finished 4th out of the 11 QBs and apparently impressed a lot people. I'll probably make him my topic of discussion on Friday.

Peace.

Comments

[86Cane]

Awesome breaking news Manny! Good for you and GREAT for the Canes!!!

[86Cane]

We have the POTENTIAL to have the most domninating defense by 2009 that the college football world has EVER seen! And that includes Canes teams of the past too!

[Kane07]

Yes!!! This is the strongest class I think we might ever have had... Just hope they all stick!!! Get em Randy!!!

[Esteban]

big ups Manny. got the breakin news.

[4thQtr]

Manny,you're the man. Great job of reporting. It's nice to be able to visit this site and get good info.

Thanks

[Kurt Beatty]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

He might be the most important recruit in this class.

Thanks a million Manny for the break!!

[MF2M]

THIS IS JUST MANNY BEING MANNY!!!

[Canez1]

Manny I agree totally with you. This is a huge get for us. Never really doubted it, but still exciting.

There hasn't been a dominating DT here since Vince. If we can hold on to Regis and Thompson along with the nasty LB's and DB's coming in. This D should be lights out for years to come!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[86Cane]

Nobody does the 305 like Manny! He is hard core connected that is a fact.

[Canes305]

I love that we're going to be dialed in 2009-2010 when we get our revenge games against those scumbags in Columbus, OH.

Sixteen big time verbals already? This is like Christmas. I'll be much more excited when the ink dries in February, but this is still great to hear. This program needs all the good news we can get after 2006.

They may just be verbals right now, but it's proof that the stars of tomorrow are buying into what Randy Shannon is selling. This is like Butch in the late 90s, intensified. South Florida is on lockdown. Meyer and Bowden don't know what hit 'em the day Shannon was hired!!

Manny - Check my blog. Wrote a big-time piece on Shannon yesterday:

http://www.allcanes.com/blog/2007/07/shannon-already-delivering-as-promised.html

[ObviousCane]

I love this comment -

"I did great. The only real competition out there though was Marcus Forston. I was the competition."

[SFCane]

I am pumped. Great info Manny. Forston is obviously huge.

[MDCane]

Manny U the man. Keep up the good work.

[FPToledo]

For those of us who bleed green and orange and know that it's all about the U, the commitment from the local talent to Coach Shannon is no fluke. It's like having to say no to family.

The U did the right thing in promoting its own and bringing pride to the entire South Florida community.

More to Come

[HearAcane]

There is going to be a waiting list for scholarships, the leverage to land a top class is in place.......Onion rules!

back to canespace

[Canes02]

Manny you are the man! Get us the interview for Fortson, and the info on Spence!

[rubcatcane]

It is true! I thought some1 was playin at canespace. Well, well ... hope it holds up and hope we know what to do with this boatload of talent.

Manny, you the Man(ny).....

[SFCane]

Your info is SICK. Thanks Manny, you rock!

[pb]

Real reporting, by a real reporter.

[CANE4LIFE]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!

This is turning into a DIE - NASTY! I don't know about you guys but I see a commitment "AVALANCHE" happening and the 305 is about BLOW UP!

UP NEXT: Arthur Brown,Darrell Scott, Matt Patchan,T.J. Bryant,Brandon Harris,Corey Liuget,Benjamin Jones,Damion Square,Janoris Jenkins,Travis Benjamin

[JoeCane3000]

This is great! The season hasn't even started yet and we have 17 great players and the majority are from South Florida. The U.

[bg1906]

I'm gonna pass out!

[long live ron mexico.]

hoody hoooooooooo

[TICAL]

Thanks Manny, this is out of control and unbelievable

[achaianst]

Manny you are the man, no doubt, and a true Cane!!!

[CANE4LIFE]

Hey Manny Preciate Yah Bro, Much Love and Respect for what and how your putting it out there! "U" DA MAN.

WHEEEWWW I have sign off Im feeling week in the knees. Peace out!

[norm]

This thing is catching Fire, and nobody will be able to stop it. Manny, thanks a million. Randy, keep them coming.
Go Canes!!!!!

[DallasTX Cane]

Way to break the story Manny! Awesome job!! Thanks for being on top of things and getting the info out to us fans!

[CaneSniper]

Thanks for the info Manny and your updates over on CaneSpace. You rock and the Canes will be rockin' too.

[formulacane]

Manny the super insider; thats awesome news for the Canes hopefully this will open the flood gates and draw a few more high proflie recruits to The U

[86Cane]

Manny, the Legion is with you. Do what you do and remember to pace yourself...it's gonna be a long hot summer of major recruiting announcements to the U!

Thanks for your support of the information sharing process and your partnership with Canespace. Together we are gonna STOMP the competition (and you know who I mean), just like the Canes!

[Miacinnaman23]

comment canes305 said"(Robert Marve looks to be the next Quarterback U candidate, but don't sleep on Taylor Cook - a verbal commitment for '08. Cook is #88 on ESPN's 150 and was praised for "size and athleticism." Cook is said to have, "good velocity, accuracy and overall physical tools that the potential reward far outweighs the risk" and he's just one of many superstars saying "Miami is for me."

DON:Robert Marve looks to be the next Quarterback U candidate, but don't sleep on Taylor Cook - a verbal commitment for '08. Cook is #88 on ESPN's 150 and was praised for "size and athleticism." Cook is said to have, "good velocity, accuracy and overall physical tools that the potential reward far outweighs the risk" and he's just one of many superstars saying "Miami is for me."

DON'T FORGET JACORY HARRIS FROM DA WEST. THE #1 HIGH SCHOOL IN THE NATIONAL MIAMI NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL. HE'S SMART KNOW HOW TO PLAY THE POSITION AS A QUARTERBACK 6'4". LAST YEAR HE THROW OF 3,542 YARDS, AVG 18 PER YARDS AND 35 TOUCHDOWN. SO, PLEASE DON'T START THAT COOK SHOULD BE THE ONE. LET ME REFRESH YOUR MIND, "OHIO STATE VS. MIAMI, CANES 4 DOWN ON THE 10/20 YARD LINE DORSEY GOT HIS HEAD KNOCK OUT. COACH PLACE CRUDDY IN FOR DORSEY. HE MADE THE FIRST DOWN, COACH COKER PLACE DORSEY BACK IN THE GAME, AND FUMBLE THE BALL. GAME OVER CANES FAN WAKE UP. INSTEAD WE HAVE FIVE NATIONAL CHAMPS RING WE SHOULD HAD SIX NATIONAL CHAMPS RING!!

[OCALACANE]

Right on Manny~!
Thanks for Keepin all us Canes in Lizard Land up to date!!!!!!!
Go Canes!!!!!!!!!

[formulacane]

It appears the Forston has a good head on his shoulders this is a great day to be a Hurricanes fan

[LAcanefan]

Manny,

Way to get the info when its hot. I nearly burned my fingers on it. YOW! This class is going to be special. Here's why:

"Out of the heart and soul of Miami comes a guy whose going to bust his butt everyday in practice and start as a true freshman."--Marcus Forston

5 national championships in the last 24 years and the best part? The Canes look like there going to reach even greater heights in the future. One thing I know, Randy is NOT going to jump ship like all of our past successful coaches (still love them, though). Randy is going to build something even more special than we've ever had in Coral Gables. Welcome aboard, Marcus, you just made the week (and Aldarius too) of every Cane fan.

[LAcanefan]

Manny,

Way to get the info when its hot. I nearly burned my fingers on it. YOW! This class is going to be special. Here's why:

"Out of the heart and soul of Miami comes a guy whose going to bust his butt everyday in practice and start as a true freshman."--Marcus Forston

5 national championships in the last 24 years and the best part? The Canes look like there going to reach even greater heights in the future. One thing I know, Randy is NOT going to jump ship like all of our past successful coaches (still love them, though). Randy is going to build something even more special than we've ever had in Coral Gables. Welcome aboard, Marcus, you just made the week (and Aldarius too) of every Cane fan.

[Hurricane Mitch]

Twenty dollars says Manny delivers just as good news if not better tomorrow. Forston commits. Let the new dynasty begin.

[86Cane]

Mitch...where you been? I got ya' for the $20, now just tell us what you know and then we can all rest easy...

[86Cane]

Manny...great interview and nice work today. If this keeps up the Canes are gonna rock the ACC and the NCAA and any other 3 or 4 letter conglomeration that wants to get in it's way!

[OCALACANE]

Manny,
Top shelf!

[tejas]

Thank you Sir!!!! U the MAN... I think that these kids see the train is filling up and they don't want to loose a seat. GO CANES!!!!

[vlady]

Manny:
Please tell these kids who are coming to the U that as a whole, as a community, we thank them for representing our love, our passion and our city. Historically, the Canes are what best represents MIAMI.We wish you ALL health, because the championships will come!!!I hope Marcus meets Rusell Maryland one day,since he's a great guy!!!WHOAAAAA C-A-N-E-S CANES>CANES>CANES!!!!!!!!!!!

[86Cane]

Manny...let's just assume for now that Spence is a strong lean to UM. Who else on the target list do you think UM feel is CRITiCAL to this class?

Many say Patchan is a lock. Streeter also. So who is really on the fence that we really need badly?

[KLCaneFan]

Manny as always, great info and insight. I love it that these kids have all kinds of respect for Coach Shannon... I can't wait for this season to start!

[Montreal-Cane]

Fantastic job Manny!

Miacinnaman I agree with you about Taylor Cook and remember he was heavily recruited by Patrick Nix...He knows quaterbacks...

[86Cane]

Now for your viewing pleasure...

2001 Hurricanes
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gNlVvkcq8sQ

MIAMI's RETURN
http://uncutvideo.aol.com/videos/1099fa0ed69c52a518d1abccf07146d6?index=0

MIAMI ENDURETH
http://uncutvideo.aol.com/videos/9cbe72742935b3ab333736773078e86e?index=0

[ObviousCane]

Good job Manny!!!

[Matt in LA]

Manny as a longtime legionaire this is great stuff! I am stoked that we have Forston! Keep the info coming!

[rubcatcane]

second read...just savoring the news again. Thanks Manny. cant wait for the rest of the story...

[Cavaleer]

Bravo Manny and bravo Team Shannon!

These kids already see it. We'll see it this fall.