Norland duo helps Canes pick up commitments from Homestead's Waters, Burgess

A pair of future Canes landed verbal commitments from another pair of future Canes Sunday. 

Essentially, that's what Miami Norland running back Duke Johnson and linebacker Keith Brown pulled off when they convinced Homestead linebacker James Burgess Jr. (6-1, 208) and receiver Herb Waters (6-0, 177) to call UM coaches and pledge to Al Golden's 2012 recruiting class.

The four players spent the past five days together in Beaverton, Oregon as part of Nike's newest training competition, The Opening. According to Johnson, who along with Brown committed to UM as a junior, the Homestead duo might just be the first of several players they recruited during the trip out West to commit to UM over the next couple days. 

"We got two so far, but we ain't done yet," said Johnson, a 5-9, 175-pound scatback considered one of the country's Top 150 high school seniors according to ESPN. "We're very close to getting tight end [and USF commitment] Sean Price [North Marion, Fla]. [Miami Columbus safety and ESPN Top 150 recruit] Deon [Bush] too. We spent a lot of time working it, talking to [Miami Beach safety] Ricardo Louis. [Miramar cornerback] Tracy Howard. [Tampa Berkley Prep athlete] Nelson Agholor.

"Guys see what's going on at Miami and they want to be a part of it. They're excited by the fact of all the guys who are committed and they look at the talent coming in this year. If we all go together and we all keep our talent and go together we have a chance of doing something special. Herb and James saw that."

The Hurricanes now have 22 non-binding, verbal commitments as part of their 2012 signing class. Most experts expect UM to sign upwards of 30 to 35 recruits. ESPN currently ranks UM's class ninth best in the country.

"Herb always knew inside UM is where he always wanted to be," Johnson said. "It was just the fact of doing it. Herb said he didn't want to go unless his linebacker went with him. James father graduated from UM, it was just a plus. Once James decided to go ahead and commit, so did Herb."

Homestead coach Bobby McCray said he still hasn't had a chance to speak with either of his players about their commitments, but confirmed with their families that the players had pledged to UM. James' mother, Lakeisha, said her son was "happy to be a Hurricane."

Last season, Burgess finished with 132 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception for the Broncos. ESPN rates Burgess as a 4-star recruit. McCray said Burgess had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, USF and North Carolina among others.

"We had Micheal and James' father down here before," McCray said. "He has more potential than both of 'em. He can play all positions, will, mike or sam. He's athletic enough in passing situations to not have to come out of the game. I'll put it to you this way, I've put him at free safety sometimes."

Waters, considered the 49th-best receiver in the country by Rivals, has been plagued by injuries his sophomore (separated shoulder) and junior (knee sprain) seasons. But he's an all-around gifted athlete, who has played quarterback, receiver and running back in high school. McCray said Waters had offers from Oregon, Alabama, UCF and FSU.

"He's a very good technician," McCray said. "He can also be a return man. He might be rated even higher if he hadn't been hurt. He just hasn't finished the last two seasons because of injuries. We were 5-0 in '09 when he got hurt and we ended up going 6-3. Last year we were 4-1 when he was hurt and finished 5-4. The coach from Oregon saw him said he hadn't seen many kids his age run a route like that before. He showed out in the 7-on-7 game and the jamboree against American [High]. He's shown big explosiveness."

The best news about both commitments for UM is that they're already academically eligible. According to McCray, Waters has a 2.7 GPA and scored a 19 on his ACT. Burgess has a 2.6 GPA and scored a 23 on the ACT.

"We have a nice little history now of sending guys to Miami," said McCray, who coached current Canes Jojo Nicolas, Marcus Robinson and incoming freshman defensive end Ricardo Williams at Homestead.

"That's how Butch Davis built the program. He took care of Dade County, then added to it from elsewhere. It seems like that's what Coach Golden is doing. His building a champion."

Comments

[3G Cane]

We are totally owning you on the trail, even witch half your commitmenets.
GO NOLES!

Posted by: Seminole | July 11, 2011 at 01:11 PM
------
Edgumacation is key!! Where is Brenda Monk when you need her!?

[Mephistopheles]

Recruiting LB's is just what JJ did, and what our baseball program has done through the years w/ SS's. The best athletes in HS baseball gravitate to shortstop, so Morris always signs a bunch of HS shortstops, and plugs them into other positions as needed. If you're good enough to play SS, you can probably play just about anywhere.

Same principal w/ LB's. JJ would always add to his D line w/ high school LB's. They typically have the best combo of size and speed, so they can bulk up and play the line or lean out and be a hammer at the free safety. The key is speed, and that's what JJ coveted most. Add a little physicality to that speed and you get the prototypical UM defense.

Still a long way to go, but it feels like we're on the right track to me for a change. Time will tell.

[Duuuuuuh, Arty? I's be so stupid.]

Yeah, GatardSam, which proves why preseason rankings mean nothing. OF course SEC teams are usually ranked high. It is a mindless repetition we see every year. Remember Tennessee? Ranked in the top 25 last year. They were garbage. Same for UFelony.

Before touting the Gatard trash football team, wait till they play the games. THen, in mid-October, you will be cheering for the US Women's soccer striker. That will be about all you have left.

[jra]

This is good news but just like last year if the "U" has another 7-6 or even a 8-5 season with no bowl victory many of the aformentioned recruits will take their talents to other programs. The "U" needs a strong finish to the season and 2 wins out of the 3 games versus Ohio State, Florida State and V-Tech. A road victory at Florida State or V-Tech would do wonders for the program.

['Cool 'Cat]

Hey Eudo: OK. I hate to tell U this....But, FSU is the top team in state. UF is going to be good, will have some QB problems. USF will be mediocre. UCF is good, but can't seem to win.

Within that group, I'm looking to see who's going to be the "sleeper."

[TheSpiritofBobbyBowden]

Y'all can't get enough recruits...
...to fill your stadium. What a joke!

[Eudocimus]

Of course they are!!

I was being sarcastic because I think it's ridiculous that these pathetic UM internet trolls feel the need to get into mindless back and forth with that single pathetic UF internet troll on EVERY SINGLE BLOG.

UF is not on our level. We only play UF once every 3 or 4 years. UF IS NOT OUR RIVAL!!! The only reason that UF troll dominates this blog is because there are plenty of UM trolls who enjoy the discourse.

Meanwhile our real rival is scooping up recruits behind the most aptly named coach in coaching history - a "Jimbo Fisher" up in Tallahassee is just too perfect.

[Duuuuuuh, Arty? I's be so stupid.]

'Cool Cat: "UF is going to be good, will have some QB problems?" Based on what? Like that didn't sink them last year? And this year they have a worse team, new coach, turnover at key positions, etc.?

Yeah, the Titanic was fine but had minor leakage problems. The Anthony family is a solid family except they lie a little to each other.

Wow.

[Eudocimus]

And BTW - it's refreshing to see the FSU trash talk on here, they are our rivals in real life, not "rivals" because their internet trolls have a forum in the same paper.

[dbc]

Guys,
Welcome to you and your families to the U Family! You have made a great decision!

[MontanaCane]

Well "gatorsam" first of all you balance that out nicely with cupcake out of conference schedule. FAU,UAB, and Furman must be a tough 3 wins!! so even if UF won only half of the rest the games they'd still end up going 8-4. Look at your future OOC opponents.

UF Future out of conference oppenents.
2011
UF vs FAU
UF vs UAB
UF vs Furman
UF vs FSU

2012
UF vs Bowling Green
UF @ FSU
UF vs Jacksonville State

2013
UF VS Torledo
UF @ Miami (FL)
UF vs FSU

So please stop your crying, we all know Alabama is going to dominate the SEC so all you can do is try to put down a Miami team that has under preformed recently. So see you in 2013....

[MontanaCane]

@3G Hey who is all reportedly suspended? I saw 3 players transferred including Storm Johnson!

As long as Miami cuts back its penalties and turnovers I don't see why Miami can't have a decent 9 or 10 win season! The only holes right now are DT's and CB's. It would also help if Miami could find another go to WR like Hankerson.

[Eudocimus]

Seantrel Henderson is reportedly one of them, but Golden isn't confirming any names.

[UFelony30andmore]

Seminole = gator trash to embarrassed to admit that are trailer trash.
gatorsam, key words in your worthless argument are pre-season & projected, now craw back to your uf page that no one wants to write blogs for because nothing is happening for ufelony.

[Weezy]

Hahaha. Gators making excuses about the schedule already.

[ed reed]

I think A.G. and the canes will shock some people this year. The talent has always been there. I hate so say it but RS just couldn't get it done. I think if they ran the ball more last year we would've won 2 or 3 more games. I think Golden and his crew can get it done. If the new players are trying bring in more talent the canes are on their way. GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!! NC in 2yrs.

[sidcane]

Gator sam ... the gators i beleive only play 5 teams this season with an above .500 season last year.UM plays 9 with a winning season last year. Therefor Ufelons should have a better season but i still dont see it. look around before you talk trash.

[Sec? lol]

Eudocimus may have a UM degree but he is an apologist.

Gth if you think we are going to sit back and let gator trolls spew their pseudo stats and racial crp

Fsu is truly our rival, but son, I was hating me some turds before you learned what that thing between your legs was for. you don't come here and criticize fellow canes you beeothc. You are probably a rich little mommas boy who grew up with a silver lined yamulcha and don't have en effen clue about the real cane fans down and dirty in dade, broward, pb counties. You know, those of us who used to pay $20 for the cheap seats in the ob

How dare you criticize fellow canes and talk smack to us? You an your love affair with cool cat is getting weird

So what if Bryan Pata came to your frat house to play halo with your panzie frat brothers?

To those who care: coach d was quite evasive with me about the 3-4. I bet it will be phased in. Lol at recruiting. Lots of tall lbs, d-ends, lobs etc

[Eudocimus]

Your dislike for gators fans has everything to do with you talking to them every day on the internet and nothing to do with football. I find it absurd and distasteful.

Agree to disagree.

[gatorsam]

Manny how can you call yourself a reporter and how can the Herald call itself a newspaper? This scUM bag was sentenced on June 9th and not a word in the Herald. This is a Miami Beach resident who stole millions from locals and UM took money from this criminal and put his name on campus buildings. Not to mention the article which specifically mentions that he gave money to college athletes. How is the NCAA not swarming all over Coral Gables?

BULLETIN: Nevin Shapiro, the Florida-based operator of a bizarre “grocery” Ponzi scheme that gathered nearly $1 billion and caused losses approaching $100 million, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

Shapiro, 42, was charged by federal prosecutors in New Jersey last year after investigations by the FBI and the IRS. He pleaded guilty in September to one count of securities fraud and one count of money-laundering. All in all, the scheme brought in $930 million, prosecutors said.

The SEC also sued Shapiro.

“Nevin Shapiro used other people’s money to live a fantasy life built on false promises to unsuspecting victims,” said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.

Elements of the case were brought by the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force established by President Obama in November 2009.

Shapiro operated a company known as Capitol Investments USA Inc., which purported to be in the wholesale grocery business.

In reality, prosecutors said, Capitol “had virtually no income-generating business” between January 2005 and November 2009 — and Shapiro was running a colossal Ponzi scheme to fund his extravagant personal spending and penchant for gambling.

At least $5 million evaporated when Shapiro stole from investors to pay illegal sports bets. He stole $26,000 a month to pay the mortgage on his Miami Beach home, which has been appraised at $5 million. Meanwhile, he stole $400,000 to pay for floor seats to watch the Miami Heat play basketball, while stealing $7,250 a month to make payments on his yacht and $4,700 a month to make payments on a leased Mercedes.

Shapiro also lavished celebrities and sports figures, including college athletes, with gifts, prosecutors said.

By the time the scheme collapsed and investor losses were totaled, Shapiro had stolen more than $82 million. He was ordered by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to make restitution in the amount of $82.6 million.

[Eudocimus]

Almost forgot - just saw this relatively unedited video of all Ed Reed's picks from last year, amazing what he did after missing the first 6 weeks of the season:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bxj286Bn0Q

[gatorsam]

Manny how can you call yourself a reporter and how can the Herald call itself a newspaper? Shapiro was sentenced on June 9th and not a word in this newspaper. He scammed of innocent people of millions of dollars and UM put his name on a campus building. And the article infers he paid monies to college athletes. How is the NCAA not camping out in Coral Gables?

BULLETIN: Nevin Shapiro, the Florida-based operator of a bizarre “grocery” Ponzi scheme that gathered nearly $1 billion and caused losses approaching $100 million, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

Shapiro, 42, was charged by federal prosecutors in New Jersey last year after investigations by the FBI and the IRS. He pleaded guilty in September to one count of securities fraud and one count of money-laundering. All in all, the scheme brought in $930 million, prosecutors said.

The SEC also sued Shapiro.

“Nevin Shapiro used other people’s money to live a fantasy life built on false promises to unsuspecting victims,” said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.

Elements of the case were brought by the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force established by President Obama in November 2009.

Shapiro operated a company known as Capitol Investments USA Inc., which purported to be in the wholesale grocery business.

In reality, prosecutors said, Capitol “had virtually no income-generating business” between January 2005 and November 2009 — and Shapiro was running a colossal Ponzi scheme to fund his extravagant personal spending and penchant for gambling.

At least $5 million evaporated when Shapiro stole from investors to pay illegal sports bets. He stole $26,000 a month to pay the mortgage on his Miami Beach home, which has been appraised at $5 million. Meanwhile, he stole $400,000 to pay for floor seats to watch the Miami Heat play basketball, while stealing $7,250 a month to make payments on his yacht and $4,700 a month to make payments on a leased Mercedes.

Shapiro also lavished celebrities and sports figures, including college athletes, with gifts, prosecutors said.

By the time the scheme collapsed and investor losses were totaled, Shapiro had stolen more than $82 million. He was ordered by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to make restitution in the amount of $82.6 million.

[Eudocimus]

Must admit I didn't see the story. Still that guy comes off as a pissant jock sniffer. He gives money to the program, he has these kids making nice to the donor, and then his feelings are hurt when they leave for the NFL and stop talking to him.

He never implied he gave players money. If he had, it would be a story, lord knows ESPN isn't in on the coverup.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/29/1797096/new-book-to-allege-violations.html#storylink=misearch

[GatardSam luvs him some boys]

GatardoucheSam, Scott Rothstein gave millions to that trash public diploma mill in Gainesville. Maybe the Herald should write a story and cover that angle.

Remember, if it's Gator, it has to be trash

[GatardSam luvs him some boys]

Canesrule 21 'Ships
July 11, 2011 at 8:43 pm
LOL it never ends. If Trailertrashtown wants peace, we must have justice! No more ducking of The U by the upstart hillbillies in Gainesville. Muschump has proven he has more character than Urban Liar and Timmy Foley by dumping Thug Jenkins after his third arrest. Muschump should do the honorable thing and demand that UF stop bellyaching about playing Vandy, the two Ole Mrs.sippis, Lametucky and other assorted SEazy patsies and schedule The U home and away.
The oldest and most bitter rivalry in Florida can be saved, even with yellow bellied Foley running the show from a double wide.

[DNix]

keep up the good work coach!!

[R]

Yeah because James Burgess Jr. needed so much convincing.

[# 20]

U got Soccer ?

futbal neither ?

bb ?

base n basket ?

.

U got Ft. Lauderdale Stadium though ...

wow ... FAU plays @ home this year ... remember them days ?

yeah, bet U wanna be Goldie, U do .

U've no ideah

[R]

LOL, this is like your 2008 class, or 2010 class, which were both failures. Watch and learn from how the noles play and recruit. We are totally owning you on the trail, even witch half your commitmenets.
GO NOLES!

Posted by: Seminole | July 11, 2011 at 01:11 PM

Seriously, who are you talking sh*t to? You suck, you idiot. What? Because you had a good recruiting class last year? This is what amounts to victories now in Tallahassee? God, you're sad.

[UFelony30andmore]

gatorsam, the two big words that make your argument bogus are "projected" and "preseason". Get a clue diploma mill fan.

[GatardSam luvs him some boys]

Officer Pignin charge of Costco frozen foods reporting for duty, sir. I can only post after midnight, sir.

And in banal rhetorical questions?

Like this?

I am a loser?

You have no idea?

[Hurricane Stu]

Now we just need to make sure we have 'the beef' on both sides of the ball. Make sure we have the beef! Al Golden for President!

[timeless]

what a sad class if you ask me.. less than 25% of your recruits are in the ESPN 150. And you all are talking about a NC in 2-3 years?? you Miami fans are so pathetic. Golden is recruiting like he's still at Temple, grabbing reaches and projects when he needs to load up on talent that can play from day one. Because after the 2011 season (8+ wins) you lose 21 seniors & 35% of your huge 2010 class is already gone, your looking at one of your worst years yet.. So read the facts and stop thinking your better than da Temple. Golden Era .. lol he hasnt coached one game.

[JP]

SWAG! .............Won't win games. Talent does. And the U has little of that.

[TomahawkNation]

I don't see Miami oversigning, but they are taking commitments from 3X the amount of NON-rivals250/ESPNU150/Scout300 kids than FSU or UF are. Way too many projects.

[My beloved U]

Doesnt matter "timeless" and tomahawk- The U has made history whippin your semien holes with 3 star recruits. In fact one, Ed Reed owned you in 2000 and 2001. So get used to 2000 all over again beeeotches because the U is comingback and you'll have more to worry about than the gatrs beating up on you... or for that matter, NC state and Wake Forest, as they not uncommonly have done in the past 5 yrs.

And for the genius who speculated that the U will go 7-6 and will lose 21 to transfers,... at least they wont lose 21 to arrests like they do up yonder in nort and north central fla!

[Duuuuuuh, Arty? I's be so stupid.]

How does Tomahawk Nation know that these are projects? The class is ranked in the top 10. If you dismiss this ranking, then also do so for FSU and UFElony for consistency and then base everything on head-to-head and on the field performance.

What a concept.

[Bob]

LOL...yeah because the noles haven't gotten anyone from S. FL....smh

[They give rings for that?]

fsu = the goat 4 loss team and they have the rings to prove it.......

[Sumicodue]

Welcome to The U - now can we PLEASE talk about the Florida Gators???

Posted by: Eudocimus | July 10, 2011 at 06:14 PM

Now why would you want to do that? We are talkig about our recruits, not the Gators.

[Sheep herder]

He is a follower of PUD ELLIOTT at a uber homer nole site. The guy thinks he's a clairvoyant that can predict a teams record three years down the road. He has a MAJOR case of penis envy when it comes to the Canes. 5 > 2 will do that to you.

[Ed Reed]

I ain't coming back throUgh dat door anytime soon ..

* * U

[360cane]

There sure is a lot of jealousy going on in here...
Envy the Past
Fear the Future!

GO CANES!!!

[ohiocane]

can anyone tell me whats the status on LaTwan Anderson? The kid has considerable talent, I hate to see him go.