As we move forward in the countdown of the Top 60 players at UM, we look at yet another defensive back: No. 26 Demarcus Van Dyke.
> What we heard about him on Signing Day '07: When DVD decided to stick with the Hurricanes instead of jumping ship to the Gators on Signing Day, it was big news for UM. A consensus Top 25 player in the state of Florida, Van Dyke had speed to burn at Monsignor Pace. He posted a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash in high school and was rated in the Top 20 nationally among athletes by Rivals, Scout and SuperPrep. He finished his senior season with 56 tackles, 7 INTs and caught 21 passes for 417 yards as a dual threat. At 6-1, 160 pounds, the only worry was his weight and how quickly he might be able to put some for the college game.
> What he's done as a Cane: Upon arrival at UM, Van Dyke was nearly an instantaneous hit. He started the season opener against Marshall and had three tackles. He's been on a downward slope ever since. After making eight starts as a freshman and compiling 14 tackles and one pass breakup, he saw the field even less as a sophomore. He started just twice and compiled 16 tackles and one pass breakup. He enters his junior year still without an interception in his college career and still without solidifying a starting spot despite tallying a career high 5 tackles in the Emerald Bowl. This spring, incoming freshman Brandon McGee arrived and immediately began pushing Van Dyke and sophomore Brandon Harris in terms of performance Will Van Dyke answer the bell now that he's a little bigger and more seasoned? He started in the spring and had five tackles. But will we see more consistency?
> What Eye On The U expects from him in '09: DVD should start the season as the team's No. 2 corner next to Brandon Harris. We'll emphasis the word should. What he does after that remains a mystery. At 6-1, 185 pounds he ought to be able to handle bigger receivers. He certainly has the speed to keep up with most. But he has to show he can make plays consistently and not get burned (remember the Emerald Bowl and the North Carolina game). If he develops the way he should, DVD has the size and goods to be a solid starting cornerback in the ACC. But if he doesn't, he'll be the same player who sat on the sidelines most of last season.
A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST 10 PLAYERS RELEASED...
No. 60: LB C.J. Holton
No. 59: OL Tyler Horn
No. 58: DB Jamal Reid
No. 57: DE Gavin Hardin
No. 56: DT Josh Holmes
-------------------------------------
No. 30: DB Sam Shields
No. 29: LB Ramon Buchanon
No. 28: CB Brandon McGee
No. 27: DB Ryan Hill
No. 26: CB Demarcus Van Dyke
FIRST! Again...
Posted by: 86Cane | June 23, 2009 at 11:42 PM
I own this place!!!
Now, where do I claim my t-shirt???
Posted by: 86Cane | June 23, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Harris, DVD, McGee, and Shields doesnt seem to be that bad a group of corners. Granted none of them have really proven anything, there is great potential in this group. Add in Telemaque Ryan Hill and the other DB's and the secondary isn't looking as horrible as people say in my opinion.
Great to have the blog back Manny!
Posted by: UM2012 | June 24, 2009 at 01:32 AM
My guess is that DVD has at least 4 interceptions.
Posted by: '87 Canes | June 24, 2009 at 02:43 AM
I thought that Joe Wylie was gonna make some noise this year but I guess he left town with his tail tucked between his legs......When will these kids realize that u have to see your defecincies and then word harder on those to make yourdelf the best player you can be....running only makes the matter worse.
Posted by: '87 Canes | June 24, 2009 at 02:46 AM
Keep up the good work Manny.
I hope Jimmy Graham makes the top 60. I love that guy!!
Posted by: King Cane | June 24, 2009 at 08:04 AM
oye 5 weeks
Posted by: it starts | June 24, 2009 at 08:05 AM
On Cornerbacks... Maybe the toughest position to play cause ya can't get them all... It's impossible to defend against a perfect route and a perfect pass but if they can interrupt the flow with a jamb or a bat down or an INT every so often, that's all it takes to be successful.... Let's hope DVD finds that elusive "Eye of the tiger" in 09.
Posted by: Cat5Cane | June 24, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Just dont see that killer instinct in DVD. Never saw him play "tough". Plays very soft, looks as though if he thinks he can run around the field using his speed and make plays. Could be wrong, but thats just my take.
Posted by: Boss | June 24, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Van Dyke will have a good season this year.
Posted by: Hurricane fan | June 24, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Lack of interceptions is a deceptive stat. There were teams that were able to run the ball well against us last year and there's no reason to throw DVD's way when there usually a freshman on the corner. No knock on B. Harris who will be great, but he was a freshman.
Posted by: Canesjunkie | June 24, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Boss is right on. DVD and Harris are small and soft. The GT WRs blocked 'em right into the ground.
Don't all these bios sound the same? Joe Blow came in with all the potential in the world, but hasn't don't much at UM. See R Hill, DVD, J Holmes, S Shields, etc. Basically, if you are an upperclassmen at UM that's your story right there.
Posted by: ponce | June 24, 2009 at 12:09 PM
dvd sucks. I hate him!
Posted by: GB | June 25, 2009 at 06:37 AM