Eye on the U

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

May 18, 2013 | Permalink | Comments (29)

Former Bethune-Cookman star catcher O'Brien enrolled at UM, seeking waiver to play

Former Bethune-Cookman star catcher Peter O'Brien has enrolled at UM and he hopes to play for the Hurricanes as a senior once he receives a waiver from the NCAA.

O'Brien (6-4, 220) was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round last June after a stellar three-year career at B-CC. But he didn't sign with the club before the Aug. 15 deadline, allowing him to return to college.

The former standout at Miami's Braddock High wrapped up his career at B-CC playing in a total of 168 games, hitting a total of 38 home runs and 38 doubles, while racking up 154 RBI and a .336 batting average. In his time behind the plate, he collected 1038 putouts and 148 assists, for a .985 fielding percentage.

UM's sports information department said O'Brien is allowed to practice with the team, but still needs a special waiver from the NCAA to be eligible to play this coming season. Last year, UM received a waiver for USC transfer and first baseman Cade Kreuter.

August 31, 2011 in University of Miami Baseball | Permalink | Comments (13)

Aldarius Johnson's mother hires lawyer, wants explanation on why her son has been suspended indefinitely by Golden

Shantera Walker-Johnson is one angry mom and she wants someone to clarify why her son, senior receiver Aldarius Johnson, was suspended indefinitely by University of Miami football coach Al Golden on Tuesday.

Johnson, one of a dozen players fingered by imprisoned former Hurricanes booster Nevin Shapiro for allegedly taking impermissible gifts, was interviewed by NCAA investigators two weeks ago according his mother.

But unlike 13 of his teammates who heard back from the NCAA on Tuesday in regards to their eligibility, Johnson's name was nowhere to be found on the NCAA's findings and penalties report. Instead, UM sent out a press release Tuesday saying Johnson, the team leader in receptions in 2008, had been suspended indefinitely by Golden for a violation of team rules.

"What UM told me when I called is that they're waiting on the NCAA to clear him," said Walker-Johnson, who says she's hired an attorney to help get her son reinstated. "I don't see his name anywhere on the NCAA website about the case. I figure if they had the other players names up there, and what UM was telling me was true, it would say Aldarius Johnson's case is still pending. And it doesn't.

"To me, they're trying to set an example with Aldarius. But he's not the one to set an example on. I'm not going to allow it. I'm going to fight until I get some justice. He's not the fall guy. Go back at Shapiro and point the finger at him. You all let him come to your university, gave him a hall with his name on it, you had coaches taking these kids to meet this man. It's not fair to put it all on Aldarius. He is not Nevin Shapiro. He ain't did nothing."

Other news outlets -- including Yahoo! Sports investigative reporter Charles Robinson -- reported through sources that Johnson was less than forthright in two interviews with NCAA investigators while the rest of the UM players questioned by the NCAA admitted they had received impermissible gifts.

UM associate director for communications Chris Freet, however, told The Miami Herald Wednesday Johnson's suspension was not-related to the NCAA investigation, but rather the result of what Johnson did last last week. Freet said Johnson was actually suspended indefinitely on Sunday, but the announcement wasn't made until after the NCAA's ruling because the school was waiting until after the ruling for all roster news to come out at once. Freet confirmed Johnson is still enrolled at UM.

Walker-Johnson said her son told her he recently got in trouble for breaking "Team rule No. 10," a Twitter-related rule in place by Golden. On Saturday, during Canesfest, an autograph event involving players and fans at the BankUnited Center, Johnson sent out a tweet on his account (adjohnson04) asking his followers what the best strip club in Miami was. It has since been erased.

"They said it was tweeted by Aldarius, but at the time Twitter came through, he was signing autographs, taking senior pictures at Canesfest," Walker-Johnson said. "And are they really suspending him because of that? He can't practice or do nothing with the team because of that. He's got to sit in study hall and watch as his teammates practice. That's not a reason to suspend him. To me, it has nothing to do with it. What they keep telling me is he can't participate is because his case is pending. To me, they just want to make an example of him."

Of the 12 players named by Shapiro in the Yahoo! report, Johnson had the most allegations against him. Shapiro claimed he provided Johnson with dinner at Benihana in 2008 followed by VIP access and approximately $5,000 in entertainment and drinks for Johnson and other players at The Cheetah Gentlemen’s Club in North Miami Beach.

Shapiro also alleged that he gave Hurricanes equipment staffer Sean Allen $150 to have Johnson’s car removed from a towing lot, and providing Johnson with multiple cash gits totaling in thousands of dollars.

“Aldarius was always calling me if his mother couldn’t pay the bills, or the cat had a problem or the dog ate his homework," Shapiro told Yahoo! "I just gifted him money at least 10 times, from the low end being like $50 [to] the high end being probably like $300 to $400. I’d say he took a couple grand from me over the course of time.

“He just became very heavy maintenance – high maintenance. I inevitably just broke the chain because I couldn’t take the calls from him anymore. It was always about wanting something.”

Asked if her son lied to NCAA investigators, Walker-Johnson said: "That's not true. For one, you can't make him say he was somewhere and he wasn't. That's the issue. You're going to make him lie? He's not supposed to be lying. Here's a convict who did lying for a living and the school would say Nevin Shapiro is not lying, but you are Aldarius? I don't think so. If the NCAA felt that way then why wouldn't they have ruled a punishment like they did to other kids?"

Walker-Johnson said her hope in the end is to get her son reinstated so he can finish his senior year at UM. Johnson, who came to UM as the all-time leading receiver in Miami-Dade County after a stellar career at Miami Northwestern, had been trying to make a comeback after two disappointing seasons after a solid freshman year. His name, however, is no longer even listed on UM's roster.

"He graduates in 12 weeks," Walker-Johnson said. "My main concern is in a couple weeks he will be walking across the stage, getting his degree at the University of Miami. But he didn't just come to UM to get a college degree -- he came to play college football. How are you going to take that from my son when he needs a breakout year to go pro? If this got anything to with the NCAA, he should be able to practice and do everything else but play in a game.

"My son has been doing everything he was supposed to do to better himself, even more than what he was supposed to be doing. That's what he don't get. 'Mama, I done everything they've told me to do. You mean to tell me football is over?' Do you know what that means to hear from my child? It ain't over son. It's not over.'"

August 31, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (87)

Golden: QB competition will continue after Maryland; Highsmith will serve as emergency QB

Stephen Morris will start for the Hurricanes at quarterback when they open the season Monday night at Maryland.

But when the Canes return home, UM coach Al Golden said the fight for the starting quarterback job between Morris and senior Jacory Harris that "had to be aborted" will re-open during UM's bye week.

"We have two or three practices during the bye week there so we'll let them compete," Golden said of Morris and Harris, one of eight players suspended for the season-opener at Maryland by the NCAA for taking gifts of more than a $100 from former booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro.

"The competition was really close and then got skewed toward the stretch because it looked like one was going to be ineligible and we didn't know if he was going to be reinstated. That competition ended. So we'll continue it after this game."

With Harris out for the opener, Golden said former backup quarterback and current backup safety A.J. Highsmith will serve as an emergency third quarterback behind former walk-on and usual third-string senior Spencer Whipple Monday. Golden said Highsmith will still serve as a backup at safety and play on special teams Monday.

"AJ has played quarterback for two years," Golden said. "AJ is a bright kid, can move his feet. He played the position for two years. So we'll have three ready and three at the game. Whip is smart, a coaches' son who carries it over to the game. He's the kind of guy who didn't get as many reps during the preseason, but he's been getting a lot of reps the last five or six practices. He can operate despite not getting the reps because he knows it so well and because he's a quick learner and smart."

Golden was asked who might have been named UM's starting quarterback had the competition not been halted by the NCAA's investigation. "That's impossible to answer," Golden said. "We hadn't had our second scrimmage and news started breaking and Jacory's name had been mentioned. We had to abort the competition and make sure Stephen was ready.

"Stephen was certainly up to the challenge. They were neck and neck. I think anybody on the team will tell you that. The players themselves felt whoever the selection was we can win with. The bottomline was Stephen really came on strong last four or five practices, certainly the last scrimmages and really we turned the reigns over to him all of last week and clearly this morning once the news came down."

> It sounds unlikely UM will try to appeal any of the eight suspensions handed down by the NCAA Tuesday. Golden said at the moment UM isn't trying to appeal anything and in the end, it's "up to the individual and their family" if they want to appeal.

> When asked if he felt the NCAA penalties UM was handed fit the rule violations, Golden said he simply supported the NCAA and its investigation.

"How do I feel about the penalties they got? I have no idea what the young people said, what actually transpired. The NCAA felt that was just, they reinstated five our young people and others have to serve a game or multiple games and make repayment," Golden said. "I support that and I'm glad we have a chance to move on. But I'm glad how our young people handled the situation and they're honesty. I know the NCAA has said that as well."

> Asked if he's relieved only three players will be suspended more than one game, Golden said: "I think that's fair. I think that's absolutely a correct assumption. We had five guys reinstated and five guys I believe are just serving one game. Again, I don't know the extent of the conversations or what the NCAA garnered from their conversations with our young people. But I feel that what these young people did is clearly a reinstatement case. So it's restitution of payment, serve a game and then be reinstated. From that standpoint, it's clear cut."

> As for his game plan Monday night, Golden said everybody in the two-deep will get to play and that starters will not be leaned on more than usual.

"We work under the philosophy you bring your two deep and continue to rotate," Golden said. "We'll bring our guys and rotate throughout the game. It's a great opportunity. I'm disappointed some of our guys because they're seniors are suspended for this game. But at the same time there's a lot of younger guys who are getting an incredible opportunity and I know they're going to make the most of it."

August 31, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (37)

Maryland coach Randy Edsall expects to see 'eager, hungry' Canes Monday night

Maryland coach Randy Edsall was asked Wednesday if facing a Hurricanes team minus nine suspended players including seven starters makes him feel like the Terrapins should be favored to win Monday's season opener at Byrd Stadium.

Edsall hardly took the bait. "All I know is all those players Miami is going to bring up here are very talented, very fast, athletic and physical," Edsall said.

"Even though there are going to be some of those young men who aren't going to be coming with them as they make the trip north on Sunday to play Monday, those other young men who are going to step in have been very eager and very hungry to go in and play. So, we just need to make sure we take care of ourselves and go out and perform... that's how we're going to approach it."

Edsall, who went 74-70 at UConn including 33-19 over his final four seasons, was also very complimentary of Hurricanes coach Al Golden, who told us Tuesday he called Edsall to keep him abreast of the situation involving his team as a courtesy. While it might be unusual to hear from an opposing coach the week before you face his team, Edsall said he was appreciative of Golden's phone call.

"I would have done the same thing if I was in that same situation," Edsall said. "Again, that's the right thing to do.

"I've gone against Al and have a lot of respect for Al and what he did at Temple and what he's going to do there at Miami. As a coach, it's unfortunate he inherited that situation. He didn't cause the problem. I just told him keep looking forward, keep doing what you're going to do and you'll be fine. That's really all he can do or anybody in that situation can. That's all they can do. I think what he did was make sure his people were up front and honest with the NCAA and the people at the university. That's what I would always expect from Al and the way Al has always been. We were in contact with Al. I was in total agreement with how we were going to handle the situation. Again, it was a mutual respect between two coaches."

> Edsall said he's very aware of the success UM quarterback Stephen Morris had against Maryland last season and respects him. Morris led UM to a come-from-behind win over the Terrapins in his first start for the Canes, tossing the go-ahead 35-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds left.

"When you take a look at his numbers and how he performs he's, an elite quarterback," Edsall said. "He's a young man that has the ability to beat you in a couple different ways. We're very aware of him. It's good we do have some film on him, we can study him. Now, he's going to be in a new offense. But again, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he can do. Our guys know he's a guy who beat us a year ago."

> The Hurricanes won't be the only team playing Monday night with suspensions. Edsall said Maryland running back D.J. Adams and offensive lineman Cody Blue will be held out of the game for violating team rules.

Adams had been listed as the tailback behind Davin Meggett. Blue had been a backup tackle. Adams played in nine games as a reserve tailback in 2010, finishing third on the team in rushes (67) and rushing yards (239) and had a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns, a Maryland freshman record.

August 31, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (16)

UM releases depth chart

CORAL GABLES -- Along with the news from the NCAA, here's the depth chart according to UM (with suspensions).

August 30, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (81)

NCAA: Eight Canes must sit out, repay benefits; Aldarius Johnson suspended indefinitely

CORAL GABLES -- The NCAA announced moments ago that eight Hurricanes will face suspensions and be forced to repay benefits in order to be eligible to play again following a decision Tuesday afternoon by the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff.

Of the eight, three received substantial benefits as recruits from former booster Nevin Shapiro and athletics personnel to entice them to enroll at UM, which are considered some of the most serious recruiting violations within the NCAA. Five other students were found to receive less than $500 each as student-athletes at UM.

> Defensive end Olivier Vernon received more than $1,200 in benefits and must miss six games and make repayment of the value of the benefits.

> Safety Ray Ray Armstrong and tight end Dyron Dye will miss four games and must make repayment. Ray Ray owes $788 and Dye owes $738.

> Defensive end Marcus Forston, linebacker Sean Spence, defensive end Adewale Ojomo, receiver Travis Benjamin and quarterback Jacory Harris must miss one game and make repayments. Forston received more than $400 in extra benefits. Spence received approximately $275; Ojomo $240; Benjamin $150 and Harris $140.

The NCAA says UM has not submitted any additional reinstatement requests at this time.

"The NCAA has informed the University of Miami of their decisions regarding the reinstatement of eight student-athletes who were declared ineligible by the University last week,” UM athletic director Shawn Eichorst said in a statement released by The NCAA. “The student-athletes involved have acknowledged receiving improper benefits and will now be responsible for restitution and, in some cases, the student-athletes will also serve game suspensions. They understand that their actions demand consequences.

"This university has the highest standards in all of our academic and athletic endeavors. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to continue to build winning programs with the utmost of integrity. We will be more vigilant in our compliance and continue to work with the NCAA on the joint investigation to determine the facts..

"We appreciate the diligence and understanding of the NCAA staff and its handling of the student-athlete eligibility issues in an expeditious manner. I would also like to thank Coach Golden and his staff for their professionalism and leadership over the past few weeks."

> Additionally, the following football student-athletes have been cleared by the NCAA to play in all competition and each must make repayment in the amount of less than $100: cornerbacks Brandon McGee and JoJo Nicolas, defensive tackle Micanor Regis and safety Vaughn Telemaque.

Linebacker Marcus Robinson has been cleared of any NCAA violations and will not face any penalties.

Finally, UM head coach Al Golden announced that senior wide receiver Aldarius Johnson has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.

> It's our understanding is all suspensions begin immediately, starting with the season opener at Maryland Sept. 5.

August 30, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (78)

Golden won't release depth chart until UM hears from NCAA; others news & notes

CORAL GABLES -- Hurricanes football coach Al Golden said Tuesday he won't be releasing a depth chart until he here's back from the NCAA on the players ruled ineligible and seeking reinstatement.

"I know everybody wants the depth chart, but it would be disingenuous for me and for us to release one here today and to have to adjust it later today or tomorrow morning," said Golden who told WQAM on Monday he expected to hear back fro the NCAA regarding his ineligible players by Wednesday.

"I've reached out to [Maryland coach] Randy [Edsall] personally, told them our situation, assured him what we're looking at as a program. From an ethical, sportsmanship basis, I wanted to make sure I'd reach out to him head coach to head coach and let him know we'll cooperate with him on what we know so we can be on the same page.

"What we don't want to do is release something prematurely and we find out from the NCAA we have to go back and release something else. I don't think that would be genuine. Clearly it's gone from releasing it based on where we were, to now when the NCAA comes back."

Where we are in terms of how many players could be suspended remains to be seen. When asked specifically about the eight players The Miami Herald, Associated Press and other outlets reported as seeking reinstatement, Golden said that number was "inaccurate. And I'm not going to comment on inaccurate reporting. I'm not going to do that. It's irresponsible."

UM could ultimately suspend all 15 student-athletes President Donna Shalala said had eligibility issues and that's likely why Golden tried to shoot down the reports of eight athletes seeking reinstatement. Either way, Golden said Tuesday anybody with eligibility issues isn't taking first team reps and that if they aren't cleared to return by the NCAA or UM by Thursday's deadline, they won't be available to play in the opener at Maryland next Monday night.

"If it's someone alleged, they're really not getting the reps," Golden said. "If they have been rendered ineligible, and we have not released any names from our end, if they've been rendered ineligible by the university, they can only be reinstated by the NCAA. So right now we're not counting on those guys. Is it difficult. Sure it's difficult. I'm not going to lie to you. Is it a distraction? Sure, it can be. But we have to maintain our focus.

"The bulk of the game planning goes in on a Tuesday and Wednesday practice so it's really important they're there for one of those at least."

Here's what else Golden was talking about Tuesday regarding his team:

- Asked about the situation at defensive tackle and junior college transfer Darius Smith, Golden said: "He's done a great job, has matured. He's doing a nice job for us right now. We're excited about Darius. Olsen Pierre has been in there as well. [Jalen] Grimble has played in there a little bit, too. And we also have some vets. Hopefully those guys will continue to make progress at that position."

- Golden on Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien, the ACC Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2010: "If you get good quarterback play you can get good play from your team. Danny does that. He has a strong arm in addition to being really bright. He can move in the pocket and re-set his feet and keep his eyes downfield. That's really hard to do for a young [player] and he does it naturally. We have the utmost respect for O'Brien."

- Golden on his team's cornerback play: "Well, I think Lee Chambers and Mike Williams have helped us out tremendously there. This is the healthiest Lee has been in his career. He's excited. He's always been a tough player, fast player. Now he has the skill set to compete at corner. I think he'll do so. Mike has been a pleasant surprise at corner. We needed experience because we lost four corners to the NFL; we're pleased with Mike's progress there. [Freshman Thomas] Finnie has done a nice job; JoJo [Nicolas] has done a nice job, has really improved his skill set. [Brandon] McGee is more mature now than he was at any point in the spring. I think we've improved that position. They're going to test us at 8:02 on Monday night and we'll get a better [feel] for where we are."

- On the play of senior Jordan Futch, who has moved to weakside linebacker: "He's an excitable guy. Sometimes Jordan has been his own enemy. If something doesn't go right that carries into second down, third down. What we're seeing from Jordan now is a little more poise, maturity. He's playing WILL but can also play MIKE. I'm excited for Jordan. Right now he's probably playing the most consistent football since I've been around. He's playing really consistently right now."

- On freshman defensive end Anthony Chickillo, who has run with the first team in camp: "The expectations are high for him. He's shown a maturity physically and mentally that he should be able to handle this grind, contribute for us. His work ethic is great, he's got a great motor. Those are the things you have to teach freshmen a lot of times, teach that and not the X's and O's. That's why you don't want to play with a lot of them. Hopefully he has that and now we're focusing on the system part with him. We're excited; it's a great opportunity for Anthony, and that's why he came to Miami."

- On how sixth-year senior Joel Figueroa has moved into the fight for the starting left tackle job: "Right now Fig and [Malcom] Bunche [are battling at left tackle]. With Joel, we have to make sure he's careful with his back, keeps his weight down. We're expecting big things from Fig. Fig is good, brings a sense of maturity. He's been through a bunch of coaches, a great deal of experiences. He has a maturity about him that's hard to duplicate in your locker room. It's Harland [Gunn] at left guard backed up by [Jared] Wheeler. At center it's [Tyler] Horn backed by [Shane] McDermott. Right guard - [Brandon] Linder backed by Feliciano. And the right tackle is Washington and Jermaine Johnson."

- Golden said he's hopeful senior transfer Blake Ayles will be available to play this season. "The others will see action for us in the game. Asante [Cleveland] looks to be healthy, Chase [Ford] is doing a nice job and Clive [Walford] and [John] Calhoun have done a nice job as well. We'll see all four of those tight ends. Anyone who has followed my career knows I like to use tight ends."

- Golden said Jake Wieclaw has won the kicking job for field goals and kickoffs and Dalton Botts has won the punting job. The kickoff job is still up for grabs. "Right now Botts, Wieclaw and [Matt] Goudis is who it is for kickoffs. For me it's about hang time - I don't want line drives to the goal line."

August 30, 2011 in University of Miami Football, University of Miami Sports | Permalink | Comments (21)

Figueroa leads at left tackle; Futch backing up Spence; more news & notes from UM media day

CORAL GABLES -- University of Miami coach Al Golden said Friday that the team's depth chart would probably be released to the media next Tuesday -- after the Hurricanes exchange it with Maryland.

But based on some conversations with players and coaches at UM's media day Saturday here are a few tidbits of news in the fight for position battles that we learned:

> Sixth-year senior Joel Figueroa (6-6, 315) appears to have either won or be in the lead for for the starting left tackle job. Freshman Malcolm Bunche (6-7, 328) was expected to win the job coming into camp with sophomore All-American Seantrel Henderson out with a back injury.

But Figueroa, who has 15 starts in his career (13 at guard), has apparently been very impressive according to teammates. Junior Brandon Washington, who was moved to right tackle after Henderson's injury, said he's seen a different level of play from Figueroa, who has lost nearly 15 pounds since having surgery.

"I see this guy down the field full speed every play," Washington said. "Then he comes back to the huddle every play 'Oh man, oh man.' I'm like 'Fig, calm down. You got a missing disc in your lower back bro. You made your block, fine, but don't sprint down the field.' I told him, 'Dog you got other reps to do.'
"The way he's competing for the starting job, I've never seen him perform like that the whole time I've been here."

Figueroa started two games last season -- Ohio State and Pittsburgh -- at right tackle and clearly looked overmatched and slow. But not now according to teammates.

"The coaches believe in him," Washington said. "Last season early in the season he didn't have too many good games at right tackle. I know they saw that film. For them to come back and say you're going to be our blind side tackle, that's a lot of expectations. But he's showing fight every practice."

The other starting jobs on UM's offensive line that appear to have be won

- At left guard senior Harland Gunn (6-2, 310) is ahead of redshirt sophomore Jared Wheeler (6-5, 315)
- At center senior Tyler Horn (6-4, 305) is ahead of redshirt freshman Shane McDermott (6-4, 290)
- At right guard Brandon Linder (6-6, 310) is ahead of redshirt freshman Jonathan Feliciano
- Redshirt sophomore Jermaine Johnson is running behind Washington at right tackle. Junior Ben Jones (6-5, 310) is rotating at both tackle spots as a reserve.

> With defensive captain and leader Sean Spence's future in question (he needs to be reinstated by the NCAA), we learned Saturday senior Jordan Futch will be the man who first steps in and tries to fill his shoes.

Futch, beaten out by sophomore Jimmy Gaines in the middle linebacker competition, has been moved to the weakside spot behind Spence. Futch (6-3, 235) said he and Gaines (6-3, 220) would call the plays at linebacker if Spence is out.

"He's doing a great job," Spence said of Futch. "He's already been physical, but he's picking up the mental part of the game. He's doing a better job being vocal, making a lot of plays out there."

Gaines is currently being backed up by true freshman Gionni Paul (6-0, 230) and Kelvin Cain (6-3, 230) at middle linebacker. Senior Ramon Buchanan (6-1, 222) will be the starter on the strong side. His backups are junior C.J. Holton (6-1, 230) and true freshman Eddie Johnson (6-1, 230). Freshman Denzel Perryman (6-0, 217) was wearing a protective boot on his right foot this week in practice. He's currently behind Futch at weakside linebacker.

A FEW MORE TIDBITS...

> Spence on his mental approach on the season with the NCAA investigation that is ongoing at UM: "Same way that I've been preparing. Nothing has changed. I'm still going out and practicing hard, helping guys out, giving it all I got.

"When I'm on the football field I'm at peace. That's where I find my peace of mind."

> Washington on what it's been like facing true freshman defensive end Anthony Chickillo (6-4, 248) in camp: "When he first got in, I was kind of like 'Why did you put a true freshman up against me? I'm a junior. I thought that was a slap in the face. But after the first two practices, that kid brung it.

"He's physical. He knew what he was doing. He knew the playbook like the back of his hand. He ain't no freshman."

Washington said he tries to make Chickillo believe that he isn't a freshman.

"He's my locker mate -- I'm number 72 and he's 71. So he asks me questions all the time and I say 'Chick, stop being a freshman,'" Washington said. "I told him that because of his play on the field. He ain't no freshman. I remember they told me the same when I was a freshman. I didn't even get to do some of the things that freshmen did. He shouldn't either."

> Washington on the chemistry he's built with Brandon Linder on the right side of UM's offensive line: "No doubt in my mind I can trust him. I know I can go into that fourth quarter dead tired, unfocused and I can ask him what the call was and he'll tell me. Because he's done it in practice."

> Sophomore quarterback Stephen Morris on what he likes about new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch's offense: "[The] ability to do whatever you want. Coaches give you a play and you have to maximize that play. You have to know the offense inside and out and just make sure you understand all the checks and reads."

> Defensive tackle Marcus Forston made a funny Saturday when he saw a reporter trip and stumble over some stairs (the reporter was OK). "First tackle by the turf monster," Forston shouted.

As one of the 12 players cited in the Yahoo! article for receiving impermissible gifts from former booster Nevin Shapiro, one might imagine it would be easy for Forston to get down. But he said that hasn't happened yet.

"When you have teammates like we have, 105 players with 105 different personalities there's never a down day in the locker room. It's always fun," Forston said. "Guys telling jokes, guys with great spirits, positive spirits. That's all you can have if you want to have a great team. That's what you need in a locker room.

"We had a good practice today man. Coach Golden said that was one of the best practices we've had since he's been here. I feel like me as a leader, I have to bring energy every day. I got guys looking at me, [can't have them saying] 'Marcus is having a down day.' There's a lot of young guys on that defensive line. Even if I'm having a bad day, I can't show it."

August 27, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (106)

Fisch believes UM has depth it needs on offense to deal with possible suspensions

CORAL GABLES -- UM offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch spoke to reporters after Saturday's media day and was asked how possible suspensions or player eligibility issues could affect his offense this season.

"I think we'll be able to handle it accordingly," Fisch said. "We've got a lot of very good players. I think when we get our players together and assess who we have at that point in time I feel great about our depth and everything that is going to happen."

Of the 12 football players named in the Yahoo! article citing Nevin Shapiro's allegations that players took improper benefits, only four play offense -- quarterback Jacory Harris, tight end Dyron Dye and receivers Aldarius Johnson and Travis Benjamin.

Here's what else Fisch was talking about...

What did you see out of Stephen Morris in camp that you liked?
"I think that all the quarterbacks did a tremendous job performing. The quarterbacks are getting better every day. When it comes to Stephen, he's shown great leadership. He's shown that he can make all the throws, and most importantly that he can command the huddle."

How important was it for the quarterbacks to avoid throwing interceptions in camp?
"It was fun for them. They're excited they can walk away from the last scrimmage and I think go 39 of 52 for 500 yards and no interceptions. If we can have days like that, that's tremendous. But obviously those aren't necessary all the expectations. The expectations are playing smart, and I think their confidence has grown with more knowledge of the offense and what we're trying to get done."

Can you talk about Tommy Streeter? He had a huge camp it seems.
"I think the wide receivers have all had a really good camp. I'm excited to watch them perform when it comes to game time. At practice they've all really gotten better. Tommy Streeter has really stepped up his game. He's made a lot of catches, a lot of big plays. He's an explosive receiver. It's really fun to watch Allen Hurns. It's fun to watch LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin and how they all work together. And the young guys too - Phillip Dorsett and Rashawn Scott have done a tremendous job. Coach [George] McDonald has those guys playing at a really high level."

How do you attribute the quarterbacks throwing fewer interceptions in camp?
"I'm hoping that it's their experience. It's one more year of experience for both of them. That's No. 1. No. 2, what we're asking them is to get in and out of bad plays. If we have a negative play or that doesn't look real good, we've given them the ability to audible and check into a play that will work. So I think that has really helped them not to cram a ball into a tight space or force a throw. And also we've really encouraged them to check down, find a running back and go from there."

Can the element of surprise in your offense be really helpful this season?
"I hope it's to our advantage. I said to our guys the whole time that it's our responsibility to keep what we do on offense to ourselves. When it comes down to next Monday night to be able perform at the highest level and hopefully use it to our advantage. There is no film on what we do; there is no examples of what it's going to look like for [Maryland's] defense, and we have to use that to our advantage."

How excited are you about the receivers?
"The one thing I'm most excited about is their knowledge of the game. The quarterbacks and receivers, whole lot of them, all understand the game better. They understand that press coverage equals this, Cover 2 equals this. These are the things that we need to take advantage of. Our ability to audible, get them in better position is really a credit to how hard the players have worked."

Is this team ready for the opener?
"I think that they are. I think they're excited about it. How could you not be? It's a Monday night game. It's at 8 o'clock on national TV on ESPN, it's an opportunity for them to perform. These guys are all big time players, played in big time games before. Stephen's played Maryland before. Stephen came back and brought the team back to a victory, scoring with 35 seconds left last year. Jacory has played in a ton of big games. So these guys have all played in big time games and they'll be fun to watch -- if the quarterbacks, receivers and offensive line do what they need to do."

What will picking the starting quarterback come down to?
"I think when it's time to make that decision and coach (Al) Golden makes that decision it's based on everything we've done, and it's a full assessment of everything that's gone on - training camp, spring practices and everything in terms of their work ethic as well."

What have you seen from your tight ends? Blake Ayles has been out due to injury for a while now.
"The tight ends we have are all playing at a high level. It's exciting to see Asante Cleveland come back from the shoulder situation he had. It's exciting to watch Clive Walford develop, Chase Ford develop. Hopefully Blake will be ready to go. We've got four solid tight ends that are really playing at a good level. We also have fullbacks that are playing both the fullback and tight end position. When you mix in [John] Calhoun and [Maurice] Hagens and those four guys, we've got nice depth at that position."

Were there any down moments during camp?
"We played with really high energy during camp. There was a lot of excitement. There was a lot of newness, and guys are going out there and having fun. We tried to keep it exciting, fun for them. Most importantly I think they were stimulated, because they had to think, always be on top of their game. We made every day a challenge."

How much has the NCAA investigation affected the team's spirits and the coaches decisions on who might start?
"It hasn't affected it at all. They have been outstanding. Our group has been great. We've gone out every single day, had a blast. We have fun in our meeting room, on the practice field, and they're performing at an extremely high level. I don't even know when that all came out, but I know it came out before a scrimmage that our guys played extremely well at. So I'm excited about every way we've practiced. Whatever happens with that happens with that, but we don't talk about that. We just talk about what we can do on offense to get better."

Will Spencer Whipple be ready if he needs to play?
"He had an unbelievable spring, took the first snap in the spring because of how hard he worked in the off-season program. Spencer understands the game, his work ethic is tremendous. He's ready to do whatever is needed to do to play the best we possibly can on offense."

How has Ryan Williams looked?
"He has done a great job of everything we've asked him to do. But his situation is different because he transferred in [and will probably redshirt this season as a transfer]".

How do you perceive the team looking at the coming season?
"A lot of the seniors feel this is their last shot. They want to give it everything they've got. Every play is the most important play, every game is the most important game. for the younger players, they want the seniors to go out on top as we all do.

August 27, 2011 in Current Affairs, University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (24)

UM's Jacory Harris expects to play, but he's also ready to 'weather the storm'

CORAL GABLES -- With his future eligibility and those of seven teammates now in the hands of the NCAA, University of Miami quarterback Jacory Harris seemed like his usual calm, cool and collected self Saturday when he was asked about the Hurricanes season opener at Maryland Sept. 5.

"Do I expect to play?" Harris said. "Yeah."

Harris, linebacker Sean Spence and six other unnamed football players who allegedly took impermissible gifts from convicted felon and former booster Nevin Shapiro hope to learn soon if that will become a reality. The Miami Herald first reported Thursday that eight players -- including Spence and Harris -- had been deemed ineligible by UM and were in the process of seeking reinstatement from the NCAA, a process UM coach Al Golden said Friday he hopes is expedited.

UM President Donna Shalala said earlier this week that UM was trying to determine the eligibility status of 15 student-athletes. She, nor anyone at UM has specified names or how many were football players. But in a large expose done by Yahoo!, who investigated Shapiro's claims for more than 11 months, 12 are football players (including seven starters on defense) and one is a basketball player, forward DeQuan Jones.

Harris, who ranks second all-time in UM history with 50 touchdown passes and set UM's all-time record with 39 career interceptions, didn't seem to be very worried about any of that Saturday during the team's 30-minute media session with reporters.

"I'm probably the happiest I've ever been -- even with everything that's going on," said Harris, who joked with teammates as they walked by during his interview.

"I just see the brighter side of things. I see a future where there's going to be a lot of success. That's why I'm not even worried about what's going to happen, if anything happens. Just leave it in God's hands. Whatever happens, happens. I just got to deal with it, fight through it.

"Just like these penguins we watched the other day where they weathered a storm for six months and the males had to watch the eggs. Then, when the storms finally subsided, the eggs hatched and they had their goal, which is to have their child. Our goal is to win the national championship. And through it all, we're going to fight, keep on fighting and make it at the end."

Before camp started and Yahoo! dropped its bomb, the biggest story at UM was the impending quarterback battle between Harris and sophomore Stephen Morris. We still don't know who won the starting job and probably won't until UM releases a depth chart on Tuesday. But in light of the situation with Harris, it's likely the NCAA will really decide.

"Every day we went out there with the same mindset -- we both wanted the job," said Morris, who celebrated his 20th birthday Saturday. "We were both going 100 percent and we both knew that every throw we had counted. Everything we did mattered and every decision we made was magnified. It just helped us take our competition to another level."

So who do you think won? "I have no idea man," Morris said.

Harris said he's confident that no matter what happens Morris can lead the Hurricanes.

"Stephen will be ready no matter what," Harris said. " Stephen will be ready the whole year. That's my boy and I'm helping him out with whatever I can.

"He was a freshman last year, just out there having fun, just like I was my freshman year. Now, he's going to have it good because he has years to grow and years under the system where he'll be able to run the offense himself. And as long as he learns it and keeps executing the right way, the way Coach Fisch wants, he can do some tremendous things."

Fisch said both quarterbacks were impressive in fall camp. According to UM, both quarterbacks combined to go 77 of 109 for 954 yards, 11 TDs and one interception in two scrimmages. UM coach Al Golden referred to Harris as "nothing short of excellent" during camp. Harris said Saturday he combined to throw 19 touchdowns and four interceptions between the 20 practices and scrimmages during fall camp.

But it's likely going to be the Stephen Morris show -- at least early on.

"When it comes to Stephen, he's shown great leadership and he can make all the throws and most importantly that he can command the huddle," offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch said.

"Stephen's played Maryland before. Stephen brought the team back to a victory, scoring with 35 seconds left last year. Jacory has played in a ton of big games. So these guys have all played in big time games and they'll be fun to watch -- if the quarterbacks, receivers and offensive line do what they're supposed to do."

August 27, 2011 in University of Miami Football, University of Miami Sports | Permalink | Comments (39)

PG Shane Larkin signs, but must sit; Canes unveil baseball class

CORAL GABLES -- We interrupt your Hurricanes football frenzy for news on the baseball and basketball teams. First hoops.

Shane Larkin, a transfer from DePaul, officially signed with UM Friday and is enrolled in classes, but can't play this season per NCAA transfer rules.

The son of former Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin left the Chicago-based school in July for an undisclosed medical reason.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound point guard from Orlando Dr. Phillips High was the Class 6A Player of the Year runner-up to Austin Rivers as a senior after leading his team to a 27-6 record and the state championship while averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

Larkin will be allowed to practice with the team this season.

BASEBALL: Now to the diamond where UM announced it's signing class Friday. According to UM's sports information staff the Canes could announce two more signings in the coming days...

HERE'S WHO IS ALREADY IN:
Chris Diaz, SP, L/L, 6-0, 200, Gulliver Prep
- Went 8-2 with a 2.45 ERA and 66 strikeouts as a senior to earn All-Dade First Team honors by The Miami Herald.

Alexander Fernandez, 2B, R/R, 5-9, 180, Archbishop McCarthy
- Son of former UM pitcher and Marlin Alex Fernandez. Drafted in the 46th round by the Tigers in 2011 Draft. Hit .513 with 34 RBI and went 10-0 with 50 Ks a senior, leading his team to back-to-back state championships. Named First Team All-Broward Class 4A-1A by The Miami Herald.

Sean Hurley, 3B, R/R, 6-2, 210, Sarasota High
- Hit .371 with six homers and 23 RBI as a senior.

Garrett Kennedy, C, S/R, 6-1, 185, Archbishop McCarthy
- Named Honorable Mention Class 4A-1A for The Miami Herald.

Vince Kossak, RP, R/R, 6-2, 175, Palm Beach State College
- Went 4-0 with a 4.96 ERA as a sophomore, 32 Ks, 28 BBs.

Patrick Kulick, RP, L/L, 6-1, 205, Parkland Douglas
- According to InsideTheU.com, Georgetown, Florida, Florida State, Wake Forest, and Duke were among the schools recruiting Kulick before he picked the Hurricanes. This past season was frustrating for Kulick, who suffered a minor right knee injury, which prevented him from only playing in 12 games. He hit .500 with two home runs and only pitched three innings and did not allow a run. He hit .421 with 5 homers and 26 steals as a junior.

Jake Lane, OF, R/R 6-0, 185, Tavernier Coral Shores
- Selected in the 45th round by Arizona in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Lane was The Key West Citizen's 2011 Monroe County Baseball Player of the Year after he hit .493 batting average with seven home runs and 28 RBI. Had a 4.56 GPA, was Senior Class President and Homecoming King.

Jarred Mederos, SS, R/R, 5-11, 175, Hialeah Mater Academy
- Third Team All-Dade Class 4A-1A as a senior.

Eric Nedeljkovic, RP, R/R, 6-1, 185, Sierra College (Rocklin, Calif.)
- Went 1-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 7 saves in 19 games at Sierra College.

Ryan Otero, RP, R/R 6-3, 200, Miami Ransom Everglades
- Hit .394 with two homers and 14 RBI as a senior according to MaxPreps.

Tyler Palmer, SS, R/R, 5-11, 190, University of Florida
- He hit .610 with 37 RBI, 24 stolen bases and six homers as a senior at the University School. Palmer hit .286 in nine games, making four starts, in 2011 for the Gators. He's eligible to play immediately at UM in 2012.

Alex San Juan, C, R/R, 5-11, 205, Miami-Dade College
- Hit .310 with two homers and 19 RBI in 34 games with the Sharks as a college sophomore. Formerly of Miami Columbus.

Andy Suarez, SP, L/L, 6-2, 190, Miami Columbus
- Went 4-3 with a 1.65 ERA, 58 strikeouts as a senior at Columbus. He was 5-1 with 83 strikeouts and a 1.65 ERA as a junior when he was named Class 6A Pitcher of The Year. Selected in the ninth round, 289th overall by Toronto in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Esteban Tresgallo, C, 6-2, 200, R/R, Colegio Marista, Puerto Rico
- Selected by the Mariners in the 50th round of the 2011 draft.

> UM had four other players who were originally part of their 2011 signing class who ended up elsewhere. Third baseman Cory Spangenberg (Indian River State College) was taken 10th overall by the Padres in the 2011 draft and signed with them; Huntington Beach, Calif. left-hander Henry Owens was drafted 36th overall and signed with the Red Sox; Wekiva High (Orlando area) right-hander Jace Herrera is no longer going to sign with UM; and Deltona High shortstop Jack Lopez signed after being drafted in the 16th round by the Royals.

August 26, 2011 in University of Miami Baseball, University of Miami Basketball | Permalink | Comments (7)

Chickillo, Dorsett say UM freshmen are ready to step up if needed

CORAL GABLES -- With eight players seeking reinstatement from the NCAA and a handful more who could face possible suspensions from UM on its own, the Miami Hurricanes could trot out a really young and inexperienced for its season opener Sept. 5 at Maryland.

UM coach Al Golden said last week that in the event of possible suspensions he's confident many of his freshmen would be ready to step up and play. Two of those highly touted freshmen -- defensive end Anthony Chickillo and receiver Phillip Dorsett -- agree.

"We have a great freshman class and if they have to step up they will do it," Chickillo said Thursday. "Guys like Gionni Paul and Phillip Dorsett and Rashawn Scott and Denzel Perryman are fun guys to be around and they come out every day to compete."

Dorsett said Golden has "told everybody to prepare to be the starter." Could Dorsett, a former standout at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, do it?

"Absolutely," Dorsett said. "I'm real comfortable with the [playbook] now. I think I've got it down -- especially since I came in the first summer session."

Chickillo was already running with the first team before the allegations hit. Dorsett said Friday he's been running with the first and second team at two receiver positions -- the Z [flanker] and the X [slot]. He's also competing for playing time on kickoff and punt returns.

"I think I'm having a pretty strong camp," Dorsett said. "I'm just going out there doing everything my coach tells me. I'm not really worried about anything. Coming from St. Thomas I feel like I've been ready, prepared for it. It's not that different. I feel like I can contribute a lot, on special teams, even on the offense. The coaches have done a good job in preparing me so I feel I can contribute a lot."

With allegations made against defensive ends Adewale Ojomo, Olivier Vernon, Marcus Robinson and defensive tackle Marcus Forston, it's more likely the bigger hole for UM will be on the defensive line. Chickillo said he'll be ready to go if needed.

"He is a guy that came in and you would think he is a sophomore already," receiver LaRon Byrd said Thursday of Chickillo. "He is big, he's strong, and he's fast. He already has great technique and I think he will be a key addition to this team."

With allegations surrounding UM and possible sanctions headed the Hurricanes way, it's possible players could transfer out of UM without penalty. Chickillo and Dorsett both said they've not considered that at all and are simply concerned about the upcoming season.

"I have waited my whole life to come here and I am happy to have coach Golden as my coach and I'm happy with the team," Chickillo said. "I love being here. I come here every day ready to work."

Said Dorsett: "I came here to play football. This is my dream school like I said. I don't want to leave."

August 26, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (50)

UM coach Al Golden talks eligibility, reinstatement and more Friday

CORAL GABLES -- UM coach Al Golden confirmed Friday that UM has begun the process of filing the necessary paperwork to the NCAA seeking reinstatement for players allegedly involved in taking impermissible gifts from former booster and convicted Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro.

The Miami Herald first reported Thursday that eight current players -- including quarterback Jacory Harris and linebacker Sean Spence -- were ruled ineligible by UM and were seeking reinstatement from the NCAA. Golden wouldn't discuss specifics or name anyone involved in that process Friday, but said he's hopeful the NCAA will work expeditiously in resolving each of those players cases.

UM opens the season Sept. 5 at Maryland and it is expected that as many as 13 players could be suspended or ruled ineligible for that game and possibly more in light of the allegations and investigation into the program. Five of those 13 players, who do not need to seek reinstatement from the NCAA because they took gifts less than a $100, could still end up being suspended by UM for their roles.

In all, 10 of the 12 players fingered by Shapiro in a Yahoo! expose done last week were back out at practice -- including Spence and Harris. The only two not out at Friday's practice were cornerback JoJo Nicolas, whose prematurely born son recently passed away and has been granted time away from the team to grieve by Golden, and tight end Dyron Dye, who wasn't at practice for an undisclosed reason.

Golden said Friday players whose eligibility status remains unclear can continue to practice.

Here's Golden's complete transcript from Friday...

Can you tell us if the status of any players involved in the NCAA investigation has changed and if they're allowed to practice?
"They're eligible to practice. We have filed paperwork to the NCAA as of late last night, which is part of the normal process. The way the process works is we deem them ineligible, file the paper work on their behalf and the only entity that can reinstate them is the NCAA. We've done our part. Of course there are going to be follow ups from the NCAA standpoint. But we've done our part from this end and it's up to the NCAA to reinstate them."

The Miami Herald reported eight players are seeking reinstatement. Can you comment?
"I don't read The Miami Herald with all due respect. I'm not going to comment on it. It's an ongoing investigation. I'm not allowed to comment on that. We've been most respectful through the process here with the NCAA and been extremely cooperative, so I'm not going to deviate from that path right now."

The players who were not eligible have been reported by NCAA. But are there others being held out with a school issue?
"Whoever we submitted was submitted last night. Names. Number. Again, that's all part of the investigation. Again, that's all been submitted. Once we hear back from the NCAA, we'll act accordingly."

With respect to the process, how much more difficult is the job getting of keeping your team focused?
"What's evolving right now is the story. The status hasn't changed for many of the guys who have been identified. The story is kind of growing on itself, it's magnified. Other than that, we're just doing what we're doing. I keep telling you, this impacts less than -- 90 percent of the guys aren't impacted by this and none of the staff is impacted by this so we're going to continue to move forward and stay focused."

The university can ask for this to process involving the eligibility of players to be expedited, do you expect that to be the case?
"I expect that. The president I believe said on Monday we've initiated that process. So that process has been initiated, maybe I'm the first one to tell you, but that paperwork has been sent to the NCAA."

A lot of supporters feel bad for you because you walked into this situation do you realize that and that they want you to stay?
"I realize the support is out there in terms of the other stuff, it has nothing to do with what we're trying to do right now. We're 10 days out from trying to beat Maryland. We're trying to get the team prepared. Again, I really appreciate the support from all levels we're receiving and I know the team does too. We'll get through this. We'll fight through this. Hurricanes always have. And we'll continue to do so. Again, it's a great place, Top 50 institution. I don't need to tell you all that. But clearly, we have some things here we have to address and move forward."

The players who have been declared ineligible by UM, what did you tell them and the team as a whole?
"Just that we don't know their status and we won't until we hear back from the NCAA. The NCAA is the only governing body in this that can render somebody eligible or ineligible based on what we've submitted. We'll find out more when that returns."

How are their spirits?
"Well, they've been as good as they can be. They're in flux a little bit. I think anybody would be in flux would have some concerns. We've been trying to keep them on task and they've been doing a good job of that."

How ready is your team for the opener?
"As ready as you can be 10 days out. Obviously you want to be ready on Sept. 5 at 8 o'clock. We've begun the process with Maryland. We're not fully on Maryland yet because we have a few things we need to improve as a team. Our focus this week has been team improvement with a twist of Maryland. Obviously next week when we get into game week it will be fully on Maryland. We don't want to just delve completely into Maryland right now. We'll get stale after nine or 10 days."

Is it a blessing you have a Monday night game and not a Saturday game in light of what's going on?
"I don't know. I think from our standpoint, it's not during the regular season, it's preseason. It's a function of when we started camp and where we are right now. It's not really a function of having extra days. We don't have extra days to prepare. We're just the last game on that opening weekend. We'll just address the schedule accordingly."

Can you clarify the situation with the ACC rules and when we might be able to see the depth chart and travel roster?
"Chris alerted me yesterday that we have a policy where you have to list all the kids that are probable or not going to play or are out for the game, those types of things and I think it would typically be on a Thursday -- so Saturday of Maryland week. Hopefully, both institutions will get together and release the depth chart hopefully by Tuesday."

August 26, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (15)

Two big leaders -- Jacory Harris, Sean Spence -- among at least eight Canes seeking reinstatement

In case you missed it, our Susan Miller Degnan first reported earlier this evening that at least eight players questioned by the NCAA for allegedly taking improper benefits have been ruled ineligible by UM and they are each in the process of seeking reinstatement.

Two of the eight we know of are quarterback Jacory Harris and linebacker Sean Spence. Each of the eight ineligible players has an opportunity to be reinstated and return before the season-opener at Maryland Sept. 5. Last year, former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was deemed ineligible before the SEC Championship game by Auburn and two days later he was back.

Still, the possibility very much exists we may not get an answer on any of the eight as quickly as Newton, in light of the number of allegations levied. The NCAA will now review each ineligible player’s case and either reinstate them – every case is handled individually – or rule how many games they have to sit out for suspension.

Harris was locked into a big-time battle for the starting job with sophomore Stephen Morris this fall and was "nothing short of excellent" according to coach Al Golden. According to UM, Harris and Morris went a combined 77 of 109 for 954 yards, 11 TDs and 1 interception (Morris reportedly threw the pick) in two scrimmages.

But with Harris now ruled out and his reinstatement status uncertain, Morris moves to the front of the line to start against Maryland. Last season, he had arguably his best game against the Terps, tossing the game-winning 35-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds left to rally UM to victory. He had an interception returned for a touchdown, but finished 18-for-30 for 286 yards.

The Hurricanes do not have any scholarship quarterbacks beyond Morris eligible at the moment. UM has been trying to get a hardship waiver for Memphis transfer and former Miramar High quarterback Ryan Williams, but hasn't received it yet according to Golden, who was asked about it again before Thursday's practice.

The bigger loss, though, could be on defense where Spence had clearly solidified himself as UM's leader.

One of seven Hurricanes to start all 13 games last season, he finished second on the team and fifth in the ACC with 111 tackles and had a team leading 16 tackles for loss, fourth most in the conference. UM coach Al Golden said in camp it was likely Spence would be in charge of calling defensive plays for UM and organizing the defense.

Freshmen Gionni Paul and Denzel Perryman and senior Jordan Futch are three players who could replace Spence if he's suspended or ruled ineligible permanently. Perryman, however, didn't practice Thursday and was seen in a walking boot according to InsideTheU.com

August 25, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (51)

Al Golden transcript from Thursday morning

CORAL GABLES -- Al Golden and the Miami Hurricanes are still in a holding pattern.

UM coach met with the media Thursday morning and had no news updates regarding the NCAA investigation or the 15 student-athletes whose eligibility are in question -- or a depth chart to present either.

The reason for the delay? Well, they vary. Here's his complete transcript from this morning.

What's the latest with the NCAA investigation?
"Same as I told you last week. We're going to go on coaching our team until we hear from the NCAA. We've cooperated fully. It's out of our hands right now. And as soon as we hear from them, we'll release the information to you and go from there."

What's up with the depth chart?
"We're still working on it. We have not finalized it yet. We have to coordinate with Maryland. Again, the unwritten rule for the coaches is release it to each other first and then coordinate to the media. I know there's an ACC policy that mandates it be done by Tuesday. If we get it, if both [teams] release it sooner [than Tuesday], then we'll do so."

What's your game plan moving forward with players in light of the investigation?
"All of the above. We're just coaching the team, trying to move the team forward. We'll make sure we practice enough guys because we really don't know what the future brings and hopefully we'll find out pretty quickly here in the near future if there are any penalties or suspensions and we'll adjust accordingly.

"We've all evaluated of them in training camp. We've communicated to every player where they stand. Obviously where they are coming out of training camp. The next thing is the Maryland game. Anything else above and beyond that is speculation. Any projections are just speculation and I don't want to get into that."

How do you prepare for a game when so many distractions are on the outside?
"I think if you continue to keep it in the context of this building, the coaches weren't here. 90 percent of the players weren't here. Everybody else is. We're going about our business. Obviously some of the players that are alleged to have done something are guys that have played a lot of football for us. Obviously there's going to be some adjustments if there are suspensions. But other than that, we're just moving forward and the kids have been great in terms of that."

Have any players been declared ineligible by the university?
"Again, by rule, I believe that has to happen. But I'm not going to comment on the university or NCAA. It's an ongoing process right now. Our job is to cooperate right now. "

Are the players in question practicing today?

"Yes."

So the NCAA wouldn't do anything first, it would be UM making a move on the players in question first?
"I believe that's how it is. Again, I don't want to misspeak. But that's the athletic director and the president. And I follow suit based on what the rules and what compliance say."

Have you addressed this with the team?
"Just to tell them what they were hearing outside, just to confirm. If there was an investigation and like anything else, we don't speculate, we don't have opinions in the media or things like that. We keep it in house and move forward.

Any update on recruits who were having clearinghouse issues?
"No. Once we receive that, we'll get it to you and go from there.

Is there a deadline for those players with clearinghouse issues?
"I don't know the deadline, but there is a deadline for sure."

Any update on when you might get Seantrel Henderson back?
"Again I don't know. Everything is positive right now in terms of the back injury. We're optimistic, but we're being cautious with it. We're talking about a young man that has a really positive future and bright future. We just want to positive with it, prudent with it and we really won't know anything for 3 or 4 weeks probably."

Has he been able to do more now?
"He's doing great. He's doing a lot of things pain free. He can get into his stance. He's going to start having a little more aggressive rehab. I think he's moving out of the recovery phrase and into the rehab phase."

Will freshmen have to play more now since many of the players with eligibility issues are veterans?
"Anybody that's moving on to speculating or projecting right now is wrong. We have no idea -- and we're in the middle of it -- what the findings are. So, again, as I said, this whole investigation, 90 percent of our team and staff wasn't here.

How did the scrimmage go Sunday? We're you happy with what you saw?
"Very encouraged. Everybody got some reps. There were some guys we pulled after 20-25 reps. Lamar Miller. Some key players that obviously had played a lot of football. Sean Spence. Ray Ray. I was very encouraged by it. I thought we had a good tempo, good energy. Really excited about the QB play. I thought we ran the ball better in scrimmage 2 than scrimmage 1. A lot of guys touched the ball on offense. We learned a lot about our defense, most particularly individual players. I thought the split squad was good for us because it got us in and out of the game, from nickel to regular to goalline to field goal block."

Are you encouraged by the lack of turnovers?
"It's been good. We just got to continue to take good care of the ball. The flip side of that we need to be a little more aggressive on defense."

Will the NCAA handle this in a case by case basis for players?
"I would hope it would be all together. My job is to coach out. When they say coach this is where we're at and what the findings are."

Will the depth chart be out soon?
"We're not releasing it today. We're still finalizing some things. But at the same time it's really important we coordinate with Maryland and release it at the same time, to each other first, and then to the media. We haven't done that. I know the ACC calls for it to be done by Tuesday. Again, I wasn't aware of the totality of the policy, guys you got to list. I was aware of it and not when it had to be done."

So the ACC mandates it you release the depth chart together?
"No. All I'm saying the ACC policy is you have to release whose playing, whose doubtful, all those things. What I'm saying to you is since I've been in this business, it's always been the courtesy to release it to the opponent before you release it to the media."

Has the investigation caused you to take longer looks at guys you normally wouldn't?
"Again, we're just trying to improve our team. There's not one player out here that doesn't have a concentration card today that we're not trying to improve their game or move them forward. I think again, there might be more turns or opportunity because of that. But it's business as usual for us.

"I told you back in January there were a bunch of them that we're going to have to play anyway. Thank goodness they are what we thought they were. A lot of them are tough. A lot of them are smart. And a lot of them came in good condition, which gave them an opportunity."

How disruptive has this all been?
"It's not. To me, it's a mindset. If you want to worry about that stuff. You can worry about it. If you want to create excuses, you can create excuses. It's no different than having guys injured. You can sit around talk about the injury or do something about it. And my mindset has always been to move forward. So, it doesn't come into our building. And it's not going to. We're just going to move forward. Our mentality is always next man in. So there are going to be some opportunities for some guys."

Could the depth chart, 60-man travel roster change all the way up until the Maryland game?
"Yes. There's going to be a lot of competition. We still have a lot of competition between the twos and the threes and that's going to depend on how they perform on special teams over the next four days."

August 25, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (64)

UM men's hoops schedule released; Canes to face eight NCAA tournament teams from 2011

The University of Miami released it's men's basketball schedule Wednesday and it is highlighted by eight games against teams that advanced to the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

In addition to playing 16 games in the Atlantic Coast Conference, UM will take on Rutgers at home (Nov. 15), Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. (Nov. 15), Purdue away (Nov. 29, ESPN2), UMass (home, Dec. 3, ESPNU), Memphis (home, Dec.6, ESPN2) and West Virginia (away, Dec. 10, ESPN2) in its non-conference slate. A program record 20 games will be televised this season, including all 16 of Miami's ACC contests.

UM opens the season at home against Tennessee Tech on Nov. 11.

"The ACC provides the nation's most exciting brand of basketball," coach Jim Larranaga said in a statement released by the school. "This is why I came to Miami and I am looking forward to the challenge that it provides our program. I can't wait to start the season."

For the 17th time in 18 seasons, the Hurricanes will be playing in the Orange Bowl Classic. Miami will head to Sunrise to take on FAU on Dec. 17. The Canes faced the Owls in the first round of the NIT in March, advancing to the second round with an 85-62 victory.

UM's ACC slate begins with road games at Virginia (Jan. 7 - ESPNU) and North Carolina (Jan. 10 - Raycom/ESPN3.com). After an eight-day break, the Canes return to the BankUnited Center to take on Clemson (Jan. 18 - RSN/ESPN3.com) and NC State (Jan. 22 - Raycom/ESPN3.com). UM will then travel to Georgia Tech (Jan. 24 - ESPNU) and Boston College (Jan. 29 - Raycom/ESPN.com) before opening the month of February at home against Maryland and new head coach Mark Turgeon on Feb. 1 (Raycom/ESPN3.com).

Duke, last season's ACC Tournament Champions, will welcome the Hurricanes to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday at 3 p.m. The game will be the first of two ACC Sunday Night Basketball features for the Canes and will be aired on ESPNU.

Virginia Tech - 2011 NIT participants - will be paying a visit to the BankUnited Center on Feb. 9 (ESPN or ESPN2/ESPN3.com) at 9 p.m. Miami then has its quickest turnaround of the season when it heads to Tallahassee, for a 1 p.m. contest on Feb. 11 (Raycom/ESPN.com).

The Tar Heels make a return trip to face the Canes on Feb. 15 (ESPN or ESPN2/ESPN3.com). UM remains at home for a visit from Wake Forest on Feb. 18 (RSN).

Two of the Hurricanes final three games will be on the road, including trips to Maryland (Feb. 21 - Raycom/ESPN3.com) and NC State (March 3 - RSN/ESPN3.com). UM's final home game will be its second ACC Sunday Night Basketball contest when it welcomes Florida State on Feb. 26 (ESPNU).

Tickets are available through the Hurricane Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-CANES or visit us online at hurricanesports.com.

August 24, 2011 in University of Miami Basketball | Permalink | Comments (4)

UM's frontcourt grows thinner after Gamble tears ACL, ruled out for season

Jim Larranaga's thinning front court just took another big hit.

Senior Julian Gamble, a 6-9 senior forward who was expected to help fill-in for Reggie Johnson while he sits out until Janurary, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg according to UM. Gamble will miss the entire season.

"We feel awful for Julian Gamble," Larranaga said in a statement released by the school. "Tearing your ACL is a devastating injury at any time in your career, but particularly in your fifth year of eligibility. Julian is a bright, hard working and competitive athlete. We will do everything we can to support him in his efforts to rehabilitate this injury. We know he will also be there supporting his teammates, becuase that is just the kind of person he is."

Gamble started 13 games last season and averaged 3.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game.

:We are never given more than we can handle, so I never ask "Why me?" just "Why not?" because i will come out on top!," Gamble posted on his Twitter account Tuesday.

The Canes now have two post players injured as the college hoop season quickly approaches. UM will have to rely heavily on redshirt-sophomore center Kenny Kadji, who will be eligible to play this season after transferring from the University of Florida.

Johnson, the team-leader in rebounds and third-leading scorer, underwent surgery on June 30 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Johnson was expected to be sidelined for 5-6 months from the date of the surgery. Larranaga has said he's hopeful Johnson will be back by January.

August 23, 2011 in University of Miami Basketball | Permalink | Comments (16)

Limited immunity just one way the NCAA plans to try and nail UM says CBS Sports report

If you thought Nevin Shapiro was Miami's only troublemaker -- guess again.

According to this article by CBS Sports.com Senior Writer Dennis Dodd, former Hurricanes Robert Marve and Arthur Brown and four other former Hurricanes recruits who are now at other schools (also implicated by Shapiro for taking impermissible gifts while at UM) are the people who will probably serve as the NCAA's best informants during its investigation.

According to Dodd, their payoff for revealing their own indiscretions and those they witnessed others doing is limited immunity -- essentially becoming an informant in exchange for avoiding punishment themselves. CBS Sports spoke to NCAA vice president of enforcement Julie Roe Lach, who basically spelled it out that way without specifically talking about UM.

"The enforcement staff has been given, by the membership, a pretty important investigative tool," Roe Lach told CBSSports.com in an exclusive interview.

"Limited immunity" is a little-known procedure granted to NCAA investigators to get information from a player "when such an individual otherwise might be declared ineligible for intercollegiate competition," according to the NCAA Manual.

Roe Lach put it another way: "When we think that's really our only shot of getting that information."

Marve was among the 72 current or former UM players named in the Yahoo! report who allegedly took extra benefits from Shapiro. He is alleged to have taken a cash gift, received access to VIP nightclubs and a strip club and treated to at least two dinners at pricey restaurants.

And like Brown (now at Kansas State with his younger brother Bryce), Florida's Matt Patchan and Andre Debose and Georgia's Orson Charles, Marve has been cleared in the last week by the NCAA of having any eligibility issues according to their respective schools.

Monday, UM President Donna Shalala said in a video statement that 15 student-athletes -- she didn't specify which sports -- had their eligibility in question. Yahoo! fingered 12 current football players (quarterback Jacory Harris, receivers Travis Benjamin and Aldarius Johnson, tight end Dyron Dye, defensive linemen Marcus Forston, Olivier Vernon, Adewale Ojomo, and Marcus Robinson, linebacker Sean Spence, safeties Vaughn Telemaque and Ray-Ray Armstrong, cornerback Jojo Nicolas) and basketball forward DeQuan Jones as student-athletes who broke rules.

Charles Robinson, who has been involved with nearly all of Yahoo!'s investigations into college programs who broke rules of late, told Yahoo! radio host Tim Brando Monday that he believed former Alabama defensive tackle Marcel Dareus was given limited immunity to get information on the North Carolina players who attended a party with an agent. Dareus was suspended just two games last season after talking to the NCAA and required to pay back the $1,787.17 received in impermissible benefits to the charity of his choice. But unlike most of those Tar Heel players implicated, he got to play last season.

"I can't say this with absolute certainty [but] to me, [the fact players implicated at other schools have been cleared] suggests [the NCAA] has already reached out to those players at other schools and they've cooperated with the NCAA," Robinson said of the situation at UM.

Just my opinion, but at this point I would have to guess none of the current 15 student-athletes at UM are going to be cleared, not when the school is trying to play nice and not with the NCAA allegedly making these "limited immunity" deals with former recruits and players. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if UM decides on its own to hand out the punishment in an attempt to gain favor with the NCAA.

The opinion of most experts, though, like Robinson, is that the NCAA is more concerned about going after the big fish. And in this case, the 72 players implicated by Shapiro and their transgressions are really sardines. As Robinson said Monday, the NCAA can't make athletes no longer in college talk about anything. The big fish the NCAA is after are UM's administration and its former coaches.

Former basketball coach Frank Haith, assistants Jake Morton and Jorge Fernandez and former football assistants Joe Pannunzio, Clint Hurtt, Jeff Stoutland and Aubrey Hill have to be at the front of the big fish line at the moment. Would the NCAA cut a "limited immunity" deal with one of them? Probably not. But if their testimony could prove higher ups such as former athletic directors Paul Dee, Kirby Hocutt and Shalala knew of Shapiro and other improprieties, well, what makes you think they wouldn't?

Look, I'm not trying to defend Shapiro by any means (he's a convicted felon for crying out loud), but in the end this is all going to come down to what the NCAA determines on its own that Miami did wrong, not what Yahoo! reported or Shapiro alleged. Many of you have tried to find holes in Yahoo!'s 11-month investigation. I did too. But it appears pointless.

UM isn't going to court to defend itself from Shapiro or Yahoo!. There won't be an impartial jury that gets to listen to Tyrone Moss, Randy Phillips, Devin Hester (or any of the other former Canes who allegedly partied on Shapiro's dime) try and explain or defend themselves. The NCAA doesn't care about any of that because they are the judge, jury and executioner.

And right now, college's governing body doesn't care how it gets its information -- cutting breaks for guilty parties elsewhere to get after the guys still wearing orange and green. That should tell you one thing: they want to nail UM. And this is only the beginning. They've started with the sardines. The big fish -- and the real trouble -- is next.

August 23, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (184)

Streeter shines again in UM's final scrimmage

The Hurricanes concluded their second scrimmage of the fall Monday and according to the school's sports information staff receiver Tommy Streeter was a star again along with both of the quarterbacks -- Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris -- competing for the starting job.

Streeter, who had three TD catches in the team's first scrimmage, two more on Monday and led all players with seven catches for 148 yards. He also supposedly came within inches of a third TD catch at the end of the scrimmage when he hauled in a 50-yard "Hail Mary" pass from Jacory Harris, but dragged down at the 1-yard line. The white team won 34-31 over the Orange.

Harris, leading the Orange team and sophomore Stephen Morris of the White squad were a combined 39-of-57 passing for 547 yards with six touchdowns and no turnovers.

The scrimmage was divided up into four 10-minute quarters with the offenses starting drives in their own end. There were no punt or kick-off situations. It also was not open to the media.

UM coach Al Golden said he and his assistants would have a lot of decisions to make over the next 48 hours -- not just at quarterback. He said Saturday there's a chance the depth chart would be out at Tuesday. But it's more likely that Wednesday will be the day.

MORE TIDBITS FROM THE SCRIMMAGE ACCORDING TO UM...

> Running backs Lamar Miller and Mike James each ran the ball six times in the first half for a total of 99 yards. However, redshirt freshman Darion Hall was impressive with his team-high 11 carries and a touchdown.

> Junior kicker Jake Weiclaw may have solidified a starting spot as he closed the first half with a 53-yard field goal for the Orange team.

> Big Hits: Dallas Crawford on Eduardo Clements, Micanor Regis on Darion Hall, Darion Hall on Ray-Ray Armstrong, Jeremy Lewis on Jordan Futch, Davon Johnson on Eduardo Clements

> Tackles for loss: Thomas Finnie, Andrew Smith, Micanor Regis, James Gaines, Kelvin Cain

> Sacks: Sean Spence, Andrew Smith (2), Jalen Grimble

> Pass break-ups: Thomas Finnie, Brandon McGee, Andrew Swasey

> Receiver Aldarius Johnson made some nice grabs on the day, including a sideline catch where he feigned two defenders for a nice gain

> A Morris pass was tipped at the line by freshman Anthony Chickillo. However, the ball made it to its original target Maurice Hagens, who made a spectacular one-handed catch in the flat and then ran into the endzone for the 20-yard score.

Receiving Touchdowns: Tommy Streeter (2), Clive Walford, Lamar Miller, Maurice Hagens, Rashawn Scott

Rushing Touchdowns: Mike James, Darion Hall, Stephen Morris

MORE TIDBITS NOT FROM UM...

> On Al Golden's post-practice interview with UM radio announcer Joe Zagacki, back-up defensive tackle Luther Robinson can be seen walking away on crutches.

August 22, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (28)

UM President Donna Shalala releases video statement, says 15 current athletes have questions over eligibility (transcript included)

CORAL GABLES -- UM President Donna Shalala delivered a video address to students and the community Monday afternoon. We have the complete transcript and a few quick points from her 5-minute commentary on the ongoing NCAA investigation.

KEY QUICK POINTS FROM SHALALA
> NCAA Investigators made it on campus Aug. 15 and conducted interviews with current student-athletes, coaches and staff.
> Shalala said 15 student-athletes currently have their eligibility under review and the hope is to move quickly, but thoroughly.
> UM retained outside counsel familiar with NCAA investigations.

COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT (VIDEO BELOW)

"This past Friday was move-in day for thousands of freshmen at the University of Miami. I joined many new Canes as they lugged overflowing suit cases, moved into the residence halls and hugged their parents good-bye. So much optimism, excitement and pride. I thought of those moments over the weekend as I continued to work with our senior staff in the ongoing NCAA investigation.

"I think of those eager young students ready to embrace the opportunity for growing and learning at our university. That is what the University of Miami is about. The young men and women who come here to achieve their dreams. And there are thousands more on our campuses, hundreds of thousands of graduates, who define Miami not nearly as a place, but as an idea.

"The past eight days have been difficult for many members of our community. As I said Wednesday, I'm saddened and disappointed by the allegations leveled against some current and former members of the university community. However, I'm heartened by the kind of displays of support in recent days, phone calls, texts messages, emails and letters from so many of you.

"When our values are called into question as they have been this past week, we have only one option -- do what is right and have the confidence in tomorrow. We will not let others define us.

"The allegations leveled against current and former Miami student-athletes and coaches are serious, and we are treating them with the priority and urgency they warrant. I know there are many unanswered questions about the investigation, about the process and consequences. With NCAA investigators on campus over the past week and with so many unknowns, there's just not much we can say beyond our written official statements.

"The NCAA has instructed us not to comment on specific details of the investigation. It's frustrating for us, for me to be unable to speak more freely or to answer questions. However, we must protect the integrity of the investigation and have patience as the work proceeds.

"I am able to share with you some important points of information:

"I was notified that the NCAA would be on campus on Aug. 15 to investigate potential violations. I insisted on complete and honest cooperation by every member of the Miami athletic department including administrators, coaches, staff and student athletes.

"We retained outside counsel -- outside counsel which specializes in NCAA cases to assist the university in all aspects of the investigation.

"The NCAA enforcement staff in a joint investigation with the university conducted several campus interviews last week and we expect the investigation to continue.

"The Miami Athletic Compliance staff in a joint effort with the NCAA is now beginning the process of reviewing the eligibility of 15 current student-athletes. With the season fast approaching, I know our coaches, players and fans are eager to know the results. The process, however, must be deliberate and thorough to ensure its integrity.

"I'm proud of how our leaders, staff and coaches and student-athletes have handled themselves in the past week. We have been open and cooperative with investigators.

"I should also note the NCAA welcomed our request to conduct a joint investigation and [NCAA] President Mark Emmert commented publicly on Friday that we are being extremely cooperative. Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst has been remarkable in his leadership of our department through these very difficult days.

"The circumstances have also imposed a great deal on the shoulders of [football] coach Al Golden and [basketball coach] Jim Larranga, all of our coaches. We are fortunate there are no better leaders of young men and women. Their insistence in integrity in their programs will help us move forward.

"I ask all of our friends and supporters to continue to passionately support our student athletes who do the right thing and represent the university so wonderfully to the world. We cannot let the actions of some, define the many as we have so much to be proud of.

"I love the University of Miami. It is my home. My colleagues and I are committed to academic and athletic programs of the highest integrity. Like our new freshmen unpacking in their residence halls who are filled with promise, we will be stronger, we will be better. We will move through the process thoroughly. We will learn where there are lessons to be learned. We will move on with a commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in everything we do. Thank you."

August 22, 2011 in University of Miami Sports | Permalink | Comments (74)

Questions for fans

Tomorrow is UM's second scrimmage of preseason camp.

Do you think Al Golden will keep most of the players who have been implicated in the NCAA investigation off the first teams?

And do you think he should?

We're all kind of trying to figure that out. This year could be like 1997, when future stars such as Dan Morgan, Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne had to step up as freshmen and make their marks.

I'm really interested to know who he is going to name starting quarterback.

Good night everyone.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 21, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (120)

Lucky Strike co-owner said UM President Donna Shalala 'shouldn't be demonized' in infamous photo

By now, you've seen the picture or read about it from someone ripping the administration at the University of Miami.

Former booster Nevin Shapiro holding a bowling ball, standing next to former men's basketball coach Frank Haith and UM President Donna Shalala, who is looking down and smiling at what was a $50,000 check the convicted felon made with stolen Ponzi money at Lucky Strike Lanes in Miami Beach back in 2008.

Shapiro told Yahoo! the picture sums up "the whole problem [at UM] right there." Yahoo! Sports columnist Dan Wetzel described Shalala in the picture as having "the promise that thousands might one day turn to millions practically dancing above her head."

But Shapiro's old friend, Lucky Strike co-owner Brian D. Elias, said he wishes somebody from Yahoo! would have called him to ask him about that particular picture. "Because then maybe," Elias said. "the entire country would have a more accurate portrayal of Shalala other than somebody who is in bed with the devil."

Elias, a 49-year old Law School grad of UM, said he was there the night Shapiro presented UM with the $50,000 check because he co-hosted and helped plan the event.

"We were going to introduce Frank Haith and at some point Nevin said, 'Can I have the mic I'd like to say something,'" Elias said. "So he grabbed the mic and literally, spontaneously said 'I'm going to make a donation for what I think was $50,000.'

"We were all stunned. It's funny when you look at the picture, Donna is looking down at the check smiling because I think she was stunned. So naturally, you see the picture and we were all smiling. When you're trying to fundraise and get a check like that, it was a huge success. But I just think the way this picture has been talked about in articles, it demonizes her. And that couldn't be further than the truth."

Among Shapiro's many allegations against the school he supported for years as a booster is that he often treated UM players to food and entertainment at Lucky Strike including current players Ray-Ray Armstrong, Travis Benjamin, Dyron Dye, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston, Jojo Nicolas and Aldarius Johnson.

On at least one occasion according to the Yahoo! story, Shapiro alleges he rang up a bill of $2,114.18 on Sept. 13 to Sept. 15 during a "bowling for dollars" event where he gave players on winning teams $100 each.

Elias said while that may have happened under his nose, he doesn't remember seeing Shapiro at Lucky Strike often with UM players. But he does remember Shapiro ringing up similar tabs while he partied with his girlfriend and others.

"He would go there virtually every weekend to watch college and pro football," Elias said. "It got to a point where we would speak every time I saw him there. We became friends. He may not have been tall in stature. But he had a huge personality. Everybody liked him. People gravitated to him, I'm not talking about football players, I'm talking about people in general. He liked to brag about not just UM [players], but anybody, playing around with Dwyane Wade, Shaq, the Chief of Police. He never ever, ever, mentioned to me he had a tournament bowling for dollars at Lucky Strike in all the times I knew him.

"Now, occasionally I would see a few UM players there. I don't ever recall seeing all the guys he mentioned, usually it was two or three who came to watch football or bowl or whatever. Now, I never collected credit cards, but he never ever told me he paid for them. He never he told me he paid for this bowling for dollars. In seems to me in knowing him and the the way he would talk about all his contacts with famous people he would have said it. But he never mentioned that to me."

Elias said that to his knowledge nobody from Yahoo! contacted him nor anybody on his staff about the allegations made by Shapiro. And he says none of his friends who associated with Shapiro ever imagined he would be involved in such a way with UM players or much less a $930 million Ponzi scheme.

"I never went out with him. But I remember friends tell me all the time that they would go to Club Mansion, Cameo and Nevin was ordering bottles like crazy," Elias said. "That's just what he did for everybody. He was a really generous guy. Obviously if you believe what you read, it was with other people's money. But he was an incredibly generous guy.

"I've met Donna on four or five occasions and what I know of her she had absolutely no idea those funds were from some illegitimate source. I'm a pretty astute guy, I'm not a dope and I was clueless he was running a Ponzi scheme. To say I'm shocked by what I've read would be an understatement."

August 20, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (80)

Al Golden mum on out clause in contract should NCAA come down hard on UM

CORAL GABLES -- UM coach Al Golden said earlier this week he had no idea the allegations made by Nevin Shapiro would be coming his team's way -- even though school administrators knew the convicted Ponzi schemer had threatened to expose ugly secrets in a tell-all book.

Saturday, Golden was asked if he had an out in his contract that would allow him to leave the program without penalty should UM be hit with severe sanctions once an NCAA investigation into Shapiro's claims is finalized.

"I'm not going to get into all that," Golden said. "Listen, my family and I are excited about being here. This is a great place, and we're going to get this fixed."

UM, which has been under investigation for at least five months, will likely be waiting awhile to find out what sanctions will be handed down by the NCAA should Shapiro's claims prove true (Shapiro, currently serving a 20-year sentence for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme, told Yahoo! Sports he funneled impermissible gifts that included cash, cars, prostitutes and entertainment to at least 72 players, seven former coaches and members of the equipent staff from the football and basketball teams).

But as for the 12 current players in question -- which include quarterback Jacory Harris, linebacker Sean Spence and safety Ray-Ray Armstrong -- that could end with a resolution before the team's regular season opener Sept. 5 at Maryland if school officials make a decision on their own. Golden said Saturday he's confident the implicated players "did a great job in terms of being open and honest. That's going to allow everyone to move forward." But he has no idea what their fate will be.

"We'll deal with whatever comes down, whatever the issues are as they come. Right now we're moving forward and we're going to select our (starters and travel) team accordingly," Golden said. "Once the President and the AD on the other front talk to us about however we're going to move forward with that [regarding the 12 student-athletes under investigation], we'll release that to you as well."

The Hurricanes practiced Saturday morning for the 18th time this fall and have a second scrimmage set for Monday. After that, Golden said, he hopes to have his 60 man travel roster set and a depth chart out to the public by as early as Tuesday.

"I know you guys are here because there is a sensational story out there, but this is a critical time for our football team," Golden said. "We have a special teams scrimmage [Saturday], and our last scrimmage on Monday afternoon. Then our team is set. There are as many as 30 guys that don't know whether they're on the bus or fighting for a job right now."

Golden said the fight for the starting quarterback job -- once the biggest story in camp before Shapiro's allegations dropped Tuesday night -- is still neck-and-neck.

"Right now they've been alternating with the ones, repping," Golden said of Harris and sophomore Stephen Morris. "We don't know where Ryan [Williams] stands either, so we've been alternating him and Whip [Spencer Whipple]. All those guys are getting reps, are going to get reps on Monday [in the scrimmage] and then we'll go from there."

As for the format and focus of Monday's scrimmage, Golden said he already had "a draft Monday night" to split the team in half. He said unlike the first scrimmage where coaches were up in lifts and the focus was on situational drills (red zone work, etc.) "it'll be the team understanding the importance of field position and actually playing the game and subbing in and out and going to a special teams unit and not having to sit there and call out guys and all those things that cost you timeouts and penalties."

"We're trying to pick up the tempo and teach them the game pace," Golden said. "So it'll be orange vs. white. The only thing that might change is the quarterbacks - the quarterbacks may play on both sides."

MORE NEWS AND NOTES...

> Don't be surprised if you see more starters playing on special teams this year. Golden said as much when he was asked about the progress of his special teams units.

"We didn't excel in that part of the game [last season]," Golden said. "Bosh [Matt Bosher] accounted for a lot of the special teams units that we were good in. Bosh was a great punter, so we had pretty good net punt. But we weren't very good in kickoff return, weren't good in punt return. And I don't think we blocked a kick. Those are things that are important to us, so we spend a lot of time on it, to be quite honest. Also, I think you'll see more starters playing on special teams this year for us."

> It doesn't look like the competition at middle linebacker is going very well for senior Jordan Futch, who has been passed up on the second team by freshman Gionni Paul. Although Golden said the competition for the starting job "is very good," sophomore Jimmy Gaines continues to be one of the few players on defense still wearing a black jersey along with senior Sean Spence.

"There's a lot of different combinations we have in there," said Golden, who said its likely Spence will play middle linebacker in nickel situations. "They're all trying to steal each other's reps. There's a lot of competition there. But I've been really pleased with Jimmy. Jimmy had a really good scrimmage last Saturday, has a great attitude. Jimmy is the same guy every day, which is critical for us because we're looking for consistent players. He brings it every day."

> Golden said he likes that Paul is physical and fast, "plays low, is powerful, explosive, really studies the game." But Paul isn't the only freshman he's excited about. According to Golden, defensive end Anthony Chickillo, receivers Phillip Dorsett, Rashawn Scott, linebackers Eddie Johnson and Denzel Perryman, defensive backs Thurston Armbrister and Thomas Finnie and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre are all "in the mix" for playing time.

"We're worried about the freshmen right now, because we've asked them to do a lot," Golden said. "There really isn't a break when you're a freshman. You go from four weeks of class to training camp. We're worried about some of them hitting a wall. This transition to school will help them get their legs back underneath them, clear their mind. But clearly we're ecstatic with our selections from January... it's a good group of guys that are ready to contribute."

> Saturday's player/coaches were running backs Mike James and Lamar Miller, defensive end Olivier Vernon, linebacker Ramon Buchanan, cornerback Mike Williams and receiver Allen Hurns.

> Injured tight end Chase Ford was back out at practice for the first time in at least a week. He was wearing a yellow, non-contact jersey, but participating in drills.

> The Associated Press poll, released moments ago, did not have the Hurricanes ranked in the Top 25.

VIDEO COURTESY OF HURRICANESPORTS.COM

August 20, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (41)

Board of Trustees Chairman releases letter to community

A letter from University of Miami Board of Trustees Chairman Leonard Abess to the community:

For more than eight decades, our community has embraced the Miami Hurricanes through both celebrations and commiserations. This devotion is not limited to University of Miami students and alumni—the ranks of past and present fans swells to include thousands of adopted ’Canes, many of whom have never even set foot on UM’s Coral Gables campus. This is why it is understandable that recent news of potential NCAA violations committed by current and former University of Miami student-athletes and staff have aroused such strong emotions in our community and the greater “U” family.

Without a doubt these allegations are troubling and demand a thorough and honest evaluation of Hurricane Athletics. President Shalala has taken a strong position, insisting on full cooperation with the ongoing NCAA investigation. The process will be long, and in the ensuing months the Board of Trustees and the university administration will provide both leadership and unwavering support for our great institution, which we all care so deeply about.

While attention has been rightly focused on the allegations this week, during the same time, the University has also welcomed the finest ever incoming freshman class, and campus is in the midst of the wonderful excitement surrounding move-in day and the beginning of the academic year. We must not allow our current crisis in athletics to diminish the excellence and hard work of generations in the UM family.

It is especially important that the alleged misconduct not overshadow our current leadership and institutional values. Moving forward, I ask for your support in helping to ensure that the University of Miami and Hurricane Athletics come out stronger in our continued commitment to excellence in every endeavor.

Rest assured, ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the overall athletics department lies with the UM leadership, which includes President Shalala, the Board of Trustees, and the Athletics Director.

With everyone’s support, the University of Miami will continue to be a community leader and an invaluable resource to all of us.

August 19, 2011 in University of Miami Sports | Permalink | Comments (53)

Tyler Horn, Mike James say Canes are focused on football, not Shapiro or allegations

CORAL GABLES -- Al Golden tabbed the second week of training camp at the University of Miami as "moving week," the period when starting jobs would be won and lost.

But after Yahoo! Sports unfurled a tsunami of allegations by former booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro against the University of Miami Tuesday night, the attention the Hurricanes have been getting has been anywhere but the football field.

So how have the Canes dealt with this rather large distraction? How have they handled having NCAA investigators on campus asking questions? Friday, center Tyler Horn and running back Mike James, the first football players to do interviews since the allegations became public, said they've dealt with it by focusing simply on what they came to Coral Gables to do -- play football.

"Of course it was a shock, these allegations," Horn said. "But we're focused on football. That's all we're focused on, all we can control. We're coming out everyday, working hard, busting our butts to be the best team we can be.

"I'm not scared by it. I can't control it. When I'm out here I can only stay on my craft. We can't come out here and actually lollygag around. We have to actually play. You don't play, you get hurt. We're out here to have fun playing football. That's why you play the game."

While Horn said he's had family and friends texting him and calling him to find out how he and the team are doing, he said it's been easy to focus on football because he and his teammates are at the Hecht Athletic Center from "6 a.m. to 10 p.m." everyday.

"Football is like a soothing sport. It keeps us going, keeps our mind focused," said James, who said that the team leaders, linebacker Sean Spence, defensive tackle Marcus Forston, quarterback Jacory Harris, receiver Travis Benjamin, Horn and himself got the team together earlier this week to deliver a message of unity.

"It's not very difficult at all [to stay focused]. Coach Golden instilled what we have to do and the things we have to focus on, core values. It becomes easy after a while."

Still, with the season opener at Maryland right around the corner (Sept. 5) and potential sanctions on the way how could the team not be worried about possibly losing 12 players implicated by Shapiro for allegedly taking improper benefits, including 10 starters?

"The way we've been taught from the very beginning is the depth chart is in the sand," Horn said. "We don't even know who is going to start. All we can do is come out and play as hard as we can.

"[Coach Golden has] told us to be optimistic and keep the spirit of the team up. We can't let this get us in the tank. All we can do is focus on football and that's what we're going to do."

James said the 12 players implicated by Shapiro (Harris, Forston, Spence, Benjamin, safeties Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque, defensive ends Olivier Vernon, Marcus Robinson, and Adewale Ojomo, cornerback Jojo Nicolas, receiver Aldarius Johnson and tight end Dyron Dye) have been the same guys they've been everyday.

"Nothing has changed," James said. "They're doing the same things we always do. Staying on process. Tunnel vision, staying on track."

Still, former players have said this could potentially tear the team apart, or bring the team together. Horn said he believes the latter.

"Honestly, it should be us against the world," Horn said. "That's all we can focus on. The only thing that matters are the people inside that Hecht. All the people that matter are the people who are on this football field every day. That's what we see. Those are my brothers and we're going to stick together."

A FEW MORE TIDBITS...

> Horn said the competition on the offensive line for starting jobs is intense. "We have a lot of great players and a lot of guys rotating in at the tackle spots, guard spots," Horn said.

"Everybody is playing at a very high level now. You have guys like Malcolm Bunche, Jermaine Johnson. Jonathan Feliciano is making a strong push. [Joel Figueroa] played some tackle yesterday. It's great to have all these guys out here playing so hard. It's very comforting to know guys want to win that bad, that want to get on the field, they're playing this hard."

> James said the quarterback competition between Harris and sophomore Stephen Morris is "going good."

"They're working hard," James said. "Shoot, I don't know who its going to be. They're doing such a great job, they're making it hard on everybody."

> The Hurricanes practice Saturday and then are off Sunday before their second scrimmage of the fall on Monday. Asked about the scrimmage, James said: "It's going to have a lot of juice. There's a lot depending on it because guys are trying to get on the bus. That's been the theme of the week -- it's moving week. So guys are trying to do that. It's dog eat dog. Nobody is letting up because everybody is trying to go."

August 19, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (114)

UM athletic director Shawn Eichorst releases statement

Here's the statement from UM athletic director Shawn Eichorst:

"When I accepted the position of Director of Athletics at Miami in April, I not only embraced a new opportunity, but also a new family; a family of Hurricane students, coaches, staff, alumni, faculty and supporters. I know our family is hurting right now and that is what has made the past few days so difficult, upsetting and disappointing for me, as I am sure it has been for many proud Canes.

"But these are not times for pity and reflection. All of my efforts and energy are committed to ensuring the integrity of the NCAA investigation, demanding the full cooperation of our employees and student-athletes and providing unwavering support to our more than 400 plus student-athletes and more than 150 coaches and staff. Along with our passionate and devoted supporters, they are the true essence of Miami athletics.

"There are tough times ahead, challenges to overcome and serious decisions to be made, but we will be left standing and we will be stronger as a result. I understand there are unanswered questions, concerns and frustration by many but this Athletic Department will be defined now and in the future, by our core values, our integrity and our commitment to excellence, and by nothing else. The University of Miami, as an institution of higher learning, is a leader in exploration, achievement and excellence and we will work hard to do our part to live up to that standard.

"In my introductory press conference back in April, I asked the community for their unconditional support in our efforts to achieve the goal of excellence. Now, the community, the coaches, the student-athletes and the University have my unconditional support as we move towards a better day. And there will be a better day."

August 18, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (112)

Thursday's post-practice Hurricanes update (with actual football information)

Is it already Thursday?

Feels to me like one long day since Monday.

Some tidbits from my second office -- aka my car (with ac running):

*A ton of national media (well, a ton for UM standards) set up for coach Al Golden this morning, and as usual, he had a lot of patience in dealing with us. I can't tell you how much I admire how he is handling this situation publicly. He continues to answer questions respectfully and pretty much in depth, though some of the repeat questions by national media was getting to him a little. Still, he answered everything.

* So I hear we're getting some kind of prepared statement by UM AD Shawn Eichorst today. A little on the late side, I'd say. He still has addressed us in person since he first arrived on campus a few months ago.

* I asked the coach if this situation makes it any clearer as to naming a starting quarterback (because Jacory Harris is on the NCAA list, as opposed to Stephen Morris). "Obviously you're referring to one of the quarterbacks being mentioned (yes, Jacory, I said) so for me to jump in to say he did have an infraction or he did something wrong would be wrong. I'm going to wait and see what the investigation leads to us and then we'll go from there, but right now, we're just grading them on the field.''

*Jacory Harris was in a gray T-shirt and green UM shorts this morning at practice, with a whistle in his mouth. We were told by UM he is a player-coach for the morning session but will be dressed in uniform and pads and practicing this afternoon.

*Cornerback JoJo Nicolas was not at practice today. UM Associate AD for Communications Chris Freet said it was "for personal reasons.'' JoJo is one of the implicated players on NCAA list.

* DT Curtis Porter has a hand or finger injury. He was wearing a red jersey (for injured players) and his left hand was thickly bandaged with either his forefinger or thumb (or both?) wrapped heavily. It looked more like his forefinger, but I can't be sure. We're very far away.

* TE Chase Ford wore a red jersey.

* G Joel Figueroa was fully dressed in practice uniform then walked off the field looking somewhat out of it after about 10 minutes. We leave after 15. According to UM, he then served as player-coach. Not sure what the story is there.

* Golden said Wednesday's practice was "our best'' practice since all the Nevin Shapiro stuff broke. "Tuesday was the day the story broke so there was some shock and guys were unclear. but yesterday We really came out and had a lot of energy. If anything it's going to bring us a lot closer together. ...For the most part, inside here we're moving forward.''

* How much does the fact that so many guys are fighting for positions now are keeping them grounded? Golden: "Right now they know they have five practices [left] and one scrimmage and then the team is going to be be set. our travel team will be set, our depth will be set and then we'll go from there. They know right now this is crunch time. We call this moving week and next Wednesday is cut down day. They know what they need to do.''

* (timeout for commecial break:) http://redraiders.com/filed-online/2011-08-17/twenty-questions-kirby-hocutt

* How much has the depth chart changed from the first scrimmage going into scrimmage 2? Golden: "I think it has changed a lot. We're trying to find the right combination on the offensive line. We'll report to you when we know something about Seantrel but we're operating like he's not with us. You have to do that. We've been moving guys around to get the best combination there.

* "Dalton Botts has been doing an excellent, suburb job at punting,,'' Golden said. [Placekicker] Jake [Wieclaw] was 9 for 10 the other day in our special teams scrimmage Tuesday afternoon and clearly he had the better day, although [Matt Goudis] is right there with him.'' Wieclaw is also practicing his punting.

Have a good day everyone.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 18, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (36)

VIDEO: Uncle Luke weighs in on Shapiro, NCAA investigation

CORAL GABLES -- I made it down to Miami Northwestern High this afternoon and caught up with former rapper Luther Campbell, whose ties to UM go way, way, way back.

Here's what Uncle Luke had to say about Nevin Shapiro (who called himself Little Luke).

August 17, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (60)

Former UM coach Jimmy Johnson rips Nevin Shapiro

Former University of Miami football coach Jimmy Johnson called into the "Paul & Young Ron Show" Wednesday morning to weigh in on the allegations of improper benefits involving former booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro.

On the show, Johnson called Shapiro a "jock-sniffer wannabe" and offered perspective on a number of the aspects of the story:

On Shapiro: "This little scumbag is in prison for bilking a billion dollars from a bunch of people and obviously he's going to embellish the truth a little bit, but I'm sure he took advantage of some of these kids and I hate it for the program."

On boosters with their own agenda: "These parasites hang around every program and the players have got to be smart enough to know that they want something, that they aren't giving out free drinks to them unless they get something in return."

On current UM football coach Al Golden: "He wants to do it the right way. He's very thorough, very detail-oriented. He's gonna be fine, but I hate that he inherits some of this mess."

On the temptation to student-athletes to accept extra benefits: "A lot of these kids come from the inner-city without a penny to their name and some booster wants to buy them dinner. It's hard for them to say 'no'."

August 17, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (71)

Top recruit Duke Johnson said he'll stick by Canes until they pull his scholarship away

Randy "Duke" Johnson, widely considered the top 2012 recruit in Al Golden's next recruiting class, said Wednesday his plan is to stick by the Hurricanes through this NCAA investigation until somebody pulls his scholarship away.

"If it's my scholarship that's taken away, then I'll have no choice," said Johnson, a 5-9, 170-pound running back at Miami Norland. "But if I still have a full ride to go, I'll be there."

Johnson, who grew up a huge Hurricanes fan and has helped UM recruit other 2012 players to Coral Gables, came down to The Miami Herald building Wednesday to shoot his picture for the cover of the Miami-Dade High School Football Preview.

With the future of UM's program under a cloud of uncertainty, one might imagine Johnson is already considering Plan B -- especially if the mountain of allegations from former booster Nevin Shapiro lead to sanctions such as potential loss of scholarships, post-season bans and maybe much more. But Johnson said he isn't flinching or thinking about jumping ship. He plans on standing by Al Golden as long as Al Golden stands by him.

"Miami has been a school I've been loving since growing up," said Johnson, who along with Norland teammates Keith Brown (a 6-2, 230-pound star linebacker) and Ereck Flowers (a 6-6, 305-pound offensive tackle) are part of UM's 2012 class."

"It was always been my dream. If I ever had the opportunity to go to the University of Miami, that would be the school I would attend..."

Johnson, who wears a UM jacket to school and can always be spotted with a Canes cap, said he hasn't been contacted by any other schools since the Yahoo! news story broke. But adds, "I expect it will happen soon." Regardless, Johnson says, he's confident he'll be a Hurricane in the end.

"I would be shocked [if the NCAA handed down the death penalty]," Johnson said. "The death penalty for this? It hasn't been given often. I think it was given one time like 20-25 years ago [SMU]. So if they were given the death penalty, I wouldn't know what to do.

"But I think [the NCAA] shouldn't take away from what Coach Golden has accomplished -- what he's doing and working so hard to do. We're bringing in kids. Just cause something happened eight, 10 years ago, that's out of his power, that's out of our power. There's nothing we can do about it. The only thing we can do is avoid it from happening again."

Johnson said he hasn't reached out to any fellow UM recruits yet. He's trying "to give it time to blow over." But once he knows a little more about the penalties UM might incur, he said, he'll reach out and call others.

"I think we could do some special things with the freshman and sophomores that are already there and the upcoming freshman, my class 2012," Johnson said. "I just hope they let us keep it together."

August 17, 2011 in University of Miami Football Recruiting | Permalink | Comments (57)

After tsunami of allegations, Canes, Golden -- and 12 players in question -- return to practice

CORAL GABLES -- Less than 24 hours after an 11-month investigation by Yahoo! unfurled a tsunami of allegations of improper benefits made by former booster Nevin Shapiro to players and former coaches at the University of Miami, Al Golden and his team returned to the practice Wednesday morning.

And the 12 current players who were implicated by Shapiro in the Yahoo! story, were out there in uniform, too -- albeit under a much more subdued setting.

Safeties Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque; linebacker Sean Spence; quarterback Jacory Harris; receivers Travis Benjamin and Aldarius Johnson; tight end Dyron Dye; defensive tackle Marcus Forston; defensive ends Adewale Ojomo, Marcus Robinson and Olivier Vernon; and cornerback JoJo Nicolas were all involved in practice Wednesday. The question now -- as the team tries to move forward under a cloud of an NCAA investigation -- is for how long.

"Right now, the only facts I'm going by are what we received from the NCAA and the university from a compliance standpoint. Until we hear an infraction or that we did break a rule, everybody is practicing," said Golden, who also told reporters he has yet to read the Yahoo! article. "If it is determined that somebody broke rules than certainly it will first be dealt with from a university standpoint, from an eligibility standpoint."

Golden, the only person at UM to speak to the media since news of an NCAA investigation in Coral Gables broke Sunday night, said while the last 24 hours have been difficult he's still focused on getting his team ready for its Sept. 5 opener at Maryland. By then, he hopes, the NCAA will have determined or let him and his staff know who might have to sit out.

"If there are guys that are going to have to sit out games, then we'll adjust our practice accordingly," Golden said.

"Whatever the number that is being interviewed right now or being named, that makes up less than 10 percent of our team. It's really important to understand we have a lot of guys in that locker room that do things the right way and come from great families and have made good decisions and want to improve today and want to get better. We have to manage this team -- not just the guys that if they did make a mistake [will be out].

"We've been talking about being a mentally tough team, a unified team. This is going to test that. We'll see where we're at. I'm no different than you guys. I come to work. I come and talk to you guys and when I'm talking the players start coming out behind me. I don't know what their attitude is going to be and how they're going to approach practice here, but I hope there is good leadership in that locker room. I hope there's enough guys that know they've done it the right way and paid the price. I know we have those types of student-athletes here. I have a feeling they'll keep focusing on getting better and getting ready for Maryland."

Golden said his message to his team has been not to judge any of the 12 players potentially involved in the Shapiro allegations.

"I would hope they would learn from them," Golden said. "We're in an educational setting. It's no different than if a student makes a mistake on campus. We don't toss them out. We don't turn our back on them. We try to educate them. And they're all at an age right now if they were exposed to Mr. Shapiro, clearly we have to make sure we prevent that going forward.

"So, how do you do that? You do that by getting to the facts, by getting to the truth. How did this guy how did he get around our players like that? Me as the head coach, I want to know. And I know our assistant coaches want to know. We want to make sure it never happens again."

Golden, who already has one of the nation's top recruiting classes in place with 24 commitments, said assistants began making calls to recruits Tuesday night. The message: sit tight.

"I think their [high school] coaches obviously wanted to wage what the heck was going on. So our coaches got in contact with their coaches and ultimately with the recruits," Golden sad. "Until I know what the facts are and I know what's going, it's important we don't rush to judgement and start saying things I'm not privy to. With us, we're trying to move forward quickly."

Golden, who took over for Randy Shannon in December, said Tuesday he had no knowledge that any investigation by the NCAA might be coming down the shoot. Asked Wednesday if he felt the university had the responsibility to inform him of it when they hired him, Golden said: "Only if they knew.

"If they knew this was perculating then I believe they did have a responsibility to tell me. I believe they had the responsibility to tell [athletic director] Shawn [Eichorst].

"I mean, I'm happy. My wife is happy here. We have great kids on this team. We have 24 commitments from young men and their families that appreciate and share our core values moving forward. Again, from what I'm understanding, many of these allegations go back. At the minimum all the way back to the early 2000s. So it's hard for me. I only had one kid at that time. Now, I have three children. My life has changed a lot since then. I'm just trying to move forward."

Asked if he felt broad sided by what UM is facing, Golden said: "No. We'll get through this."

"Again, I feel Temple prepared me for this opportunity," Golden said. "We had so many issues when we got there and so many of them were carry overs from the previous team. And we stood in there and fixed it. We fixed it with the lowest APR in the country. We had players suspended for violations, from things that happened before I got there. We had 54 scholarship student athletes my first year and we came through it.

"Again, I think that has prepared me for this. You can sit there and feel sorry for yourself and say you got blindsided, but at the end of the day we have a chance to be a really good football team and a chance to be a really great program."

August 17, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (73)

Golden: QB competition still 'a close call' after scrimmage; he'll temper excitement on Streeter

CORAL GABLES -- After discussing the NCAA investigation for nearly 10 minutes Tuesday, coach Al Golden Golden was happy to answer football-related questions.

Here's what he talked about:

> Golden said he's going to "temper" his excitement over Tommy Streeter's three touchdown performance in Sunday's scrimmage.

"For me, it's about consistency," Golden said. "I don't want to say he's this and that. For me, it's be the same guy everyday, be consistent, but no question he caught the ball in traffic, caught the ball with his hands, made some really big plays. He's in much better condition and he's trusting his hands right now, which is really the difference.

"[I want to see the] same guy every day. Consistent. He's got the foundation now. He's used his hands more to catch the ball instead of trapping it against his body. He's playing like a 6-3 wide out now. We always knew he can run. He's not getting tired. Again, for me, for him to make the last play in a 2-minute drive and catch a ball that was literally 11 feet, above the crossbar, that's telling me he's not tired. He's ready to compete. He's finishing and that's what we want to get out of him everyday."

> Golden said the quarterback competition remains "a close call" after Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris combined to complete over 70 percent of their passes in Sunday's scrimmage.

"It's a competitive deal right now," Golden said We'll try to figure it out in the next five to eight days and we'll let you know who the starter is as soon as we know."

> Defensive tackle Curtis Porter is "healthy and running with the 1s" despite reports to the contrary after Sunday's scrimmage."He's had a real good camp," Golden said. "I really appreciate his attitude, especially the last four practices. I think he's made a lot of progress."

> Golden said there is still no word quarterback Ryan Williams' hardship waiver. Williams, who is seeking to play this season, "also had a good day too, 6 for 6 with a TD," Golden said.

> Golden said UM's first Family Day Sunday went well. The Canes picked up their 24th commitment shortly afterward -- Tampa Hillsborough High defensive tackle Earl Moore (6-1, 285).

"When you have a scrimmage and your coaches are coaching and preparing and meeting and all that, a lot of coaches don't want to do that because it just exposes you for who you are," Golden said. "But that was the greatest thind about it. It was just who we are. From the lunch we had, to Shalala talking, and our Deans and professors telling recruits what our academics is all about. Then they came over here and did a panel with injured players -- Seantrel, John Calhoun, 5-6 or guys, came out here and watched the scrimmage. That's pulling the covers back and showing who we are. And they loved it.

"So that's what I'm excited about. I can't speak for what happened here before, but I'll go back to what I said earlier. Right now, we have 24 commits and not one of them has taken an official visit, not one of them had been on campus. Whatever this guy was doing prior to that, we're doing it the right way and it's working. We're committed to these young people and they're committed to us."

> Golden clarified that the team didn't go back to his house after Sunday's scrimmage for a BBQ -- the were over at the pool on campus. "I don't know if my wife would go for the whole team," Golden said. "We had a good time. Kids were jumping in the pool. They worked real hard the first week, so we wanted to give them Sunday night off. Yesterday they were off. Hopefully they got their legs underneath them."

August 16, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (62)

Here it is, word for word: Al Golden on NCAA investigation

I thought I'd make it a bit easier for you to dissect and put in perspective if I transcribed, word for word, what UM coach Al Golden told reporters this morning.

It took me a while, but here it is. Here are the questions, and replies.

I continue to be impressed by Golden, but I am somewhat bewildered that the UM administration would not have briefed him on Nevin Shapiro by this point. Even if he didn't know when he accepted the UM job, you'd think he would have known by this point. We wrote an article about Shapiro and his allegations in late August 2010.

Did departed UM AD Kirby Hocutt not tell him? And if the answer is no, then why didn't current AD Shawn Eichorst tell him? Did Al really not know about Shapiro? (actually, Golden makes it seem like Eichorst was surprised about NCAA stuff) If anybody can shed light, feel free.

One more thing. Here's the prepared written statement UM sent out on this:

University of Miami statement on NCAA investigation

8/16/11

When Nevin Shapiro made his allegations nearly a year ago, he and his attorneys refused to provide any facts to the University of Miami. The University notified the NCAA Enforcement officials of these allegations. We are fully cooperating with the NCAA and are conducting a joint investigation. The University of Miami takes these matters very seriously.

Here's my transcript

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011

Al Golden

Obviously we’ve learned of a situation here that we’re working through right now. I’m as surprised as all of you and I’m learning and gathering information as you are.

Q: How much did you know about this at all?

A: “None. Zero. Absolutely nothing.

I just found out, just found out. Clearly there were some articles yesterday. But in terms of contact with the NCAA, I haven’t had any. Our AD and president have, but other than that, it’s a joint effort, it’s a cooperative effort. Once we learned of the allegations we wanted to make sure we’re doing our due diligence and obviously want to cooperate with the NCAA on this.’’

Q: Any idea how long the NCAA will be on campus?

A: “I have no idea. I really don’t know. My job is to support that. Clearly, this is not aligned with the University’s mission or goals or values; it’s not aligned with Mr. [Shawn] Eichorst or the president [Donna Shalala]. It’s certainly not mine. And again, I’ve been in this profession for 16, 17 years and haven’t had any NCAA issues. It’s important that if there are things there we’re honest, we don’t compromise our integrity and that we move forward. Again, ever since I’ve been here, the kids have been incredible. We’ll make sure we get to the bottom of it.”

Q: If there are current players that were active in some elicit behavior, what would your message be to them?

“Well, to be honest, to be truthful, and move forward. Again, I’m learning of it, so it’s hard for me to comment on it, but as we move forward there’s only one way to go here, and that’s to be honest. Clearly, we don’t need these types of things to be a great team. We don’t need it. We have 24 commitments right now and not one of them have taken an official visit, not one of them have been on our campus. They’re aligned with our core values, what we want to get done, the types of principles and cultures that we’ll have here, that are obviously congruent with our coaching staff and the direction of our football program. Again, this is tough for me to discuss guys, because this happened all before I got here and certainly Mr. Eichorst feels the same way. So we take this stuff, seriously, but at the same time, boy, we’ve made so much progress in the last eight months that we don’t want to go backwards.”

Q: What are you going to do to ensure this doesn’t happen again?

“We do something everyday. I can’t speak for the previous coaches that have been here, but for instance, every players has a ‘Cane Code’ and in that Cane Code we talk about extra benefits, we talk about agents, we talk about different things. So, there’s not only a compliance component, there’s an educational component. Everyday this summer our kids get an email from me about the things that have occurred in Chapel Hill or at Georgia Tech or at Ohio State, so we’re going to continue to be proactive and we’ve got to make sure third parties stay away from our student-athletes. Again, I said this to Shawn yesterday: Since I’ve been here, this is the tightest compliance department I’ve been around. And what I mean by that is they are strong, they have incredible manpower, they’re on top of everything. And for me that’s good as a head coach – because it helps you sleep at night. Dave Reed and his group do a tremendous job.”

Q: If you knew then what you know now would you still be here?

A: “Absolutely. This University of Miami, it’s a special place. It is. I can’t tell you enough that this is an incredible place and that you have a chance to do so many wonderful things, whether it’s academically or from a football standpoint. So we’re not going to let this knock us backwards. Again, we have great kids on this team. To the extent that they may have made a mistake, OK, that’s fine. But that’s also part of growing up. And what we have to teach them now is that if something did occur, let’s be honest and move forward.’’

Q: What was your emotion when you found this out?

A: “Well, you can probably see it on my face right now that I’m disappointed but I’m more disappointed because of the strides that we have made as a football program and the culture and understanding – how to conduct ourselves in the community, and those types of things. And how hard these kids have worked and how much leadership the seniors have provided, so we’ve made great strides. Again, I don’t know the extent of it, but we’re going to look at it like we’re disappointed in it, but we’re not discouraged. We’re going to keep moving forward.’’

Q: Have any of your players been interviewed or do you expect them to be interviewed by the NCAA?

A: “Well, I’m sure they will. Again, I’m learning this as you guys are. I’m no different than you. Again, they’re not going to include me in this process. And to be honest with you, what we’ve learned from some of the other incidents that have occurred recently is that they’re not permitted to discuss it with me. So, if they do contact a student-athlete they’re going to talk to them specifically and not include me in the situation.”

Q: Are you concerned at all that there might be an effect on commitments, recruits or current players that might get worried and transfer?

A: “I don’t think so. I really don’t believe it’s to that level. Clearly, the student-athletes that are committed to us know who we are, know what our core values are, know what we’re committed to, so again, the timing is unfortunate because we’ve been doing so many great things. Our kids are doing a great job in practice. Recruiting is going well. So the timing is unfortunate. But again, if the allegations, if some prove to be true, then we’ll get it corrected.”

Q: How do you keep them focused?

A: “We just have to. We have to. I mean, that’s part of being tough and having unity and staying together. We’ll stay focused. I’m certain of that. Again, we’re disappointed, but we’re not discouraged. There’s going to be a life lesson here if, if.. Again, we’re talking about allegations from a man that’s behind bars now. If these do hold some truth then we’ll deal with it. There’s no other way to do it.

Q: The NCAA can’t talk to you, but can you talk to your kids [about it]?

A: “No, no, no, no. The NCAA, if they’re doing an investigation, they will not have me interfere with their interaction with our student athletes.”

Q: So you can’t say to your kids, ‘Is this true? Tell me what happened?’’’

A: “Nope. Nope. I’m out of it. I’ll be completely out of it. And we want it that way. We want to be cooperative. Again, it’s unfortunate but it’s hard for me to stand up and defend something that occurred, you know, three, four, five, six years ago. My record with the NCAA, our staff’s record, our commitment to our student-athletes since we’ve been here. It speaks for itself and we’re going to leave it at that.’’

Q: Players weren’t available today. Was that just for today, or until you figure out what’s going on?

A: “I’m living day by day right now. We just had the meeting where everybody was told that we just make sure we cooperate and all that. So I don’t think it was fair to have them just come out here. We’re getting ready to practice so from that standpoint we didn’t think it was fair for the kids.

Q: Were there multiple NCAA investigators on campus – more than one or just one?

A: “Don’t know. Can’t tell you that.’’

Q: There were reports that there has been here an internal investigation about this? Is that true?

A: “It is true. That’s what I started with. It’s a joint venture. As soon as Shawn got wind of something he made sure we’re making sure that we look back at all the years and his involvement with UM. We’re doing all the things we should be doing.’’

Q: So the internal investigation started now? I didn’t start previous to maybe you or Shawn getting here?

A: “I don’t know that. I don’t know the extent of that. This is the first I’ve heard of it, so I don’t know.’’

Q: How tough is it to police guys like that [Nevin Shapiro] around the program? This guy was on the sideline. How tough is it?

A: “It’s tough. I’m going to reserve judgment until I learn more. But we’ve got to continue to do that. But clearly, we’re not immune to it. If it can happen in small college towns across the country it could certainly happen in Miami. I’m going to learn and see what the facts hold and we’ll go from there.’’

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 16, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (34)

Golden discusses NCAA investigation, says he wants players to be honest

CORAL GABLES -- University of Miami coach Al Golden met with reporters before practice Tuesday morning and discussed the big issue facing his program right now -- the NCAA investigation into allegations players took gifts from a former booster now in jail.

Golden, hired in December to replace Randy Shannon, said he won't be part of the investigation since he wasn't here. But several current players will be or already have been interviewed as the NCAA tries to find out if the claims made convicted by felon Nevin Shapiro, currently serving a 20-year sentence for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme, are true.

"Obviously we have learned of a situation here that we’re working through right now," Golden told reporters in an opening statement. "I'm as surprised as all of you and gathering information as you are. With that I'll open it up to questions."

Despite reports by The Miami Herald last August that Shapiro was planning on "dropping a bomb on UM," Golden said he knew "absolutely nothing" in the way that these allegations were coming or that the NCAA would be on campus.

"I just found out," Golden said. "Clearly there was some articles yesterday. But in terms of contact with NCAA, I haven't had any. Our [athletic director] and President have. Other than that, it's a joint effort, a cooperative effort. Once we learned of allegations, we want to make sure we're doing our due diligence and cooperate with the NCAA on this."

Shapiro’s alleged allegations happened during Larry Coker's and Randy Shannon's time at UM from 2001 to 2010. Golden said he's been instructed by the NCAA not to talk to his players about it and to stay out of it. He also said the school had already launched its own internal investigation before the NCAA got there.

"I'm out of it. I'll be completely out of it," Golden said. "We want it that way. It's unfortunate. It's hard for me to stand up here and defend something that occurred three, four, five, six years ago. Again, my record with the NCAA, our staff's record, our commitment to the student-athletes since we've been here speaks volumes for itself."

Athletic director Shawn Eichorst and President Donna Shalala have yet to comment on the matter. But the University of Miami issued a statement Tuesday morning following Golden's meeting with reporters.

It read: "When Nevin Shapiro made his allegations nearly a year ago, he and his attorneys refused to provide any facts to the University of Miami. The University notified the NCAA Enforcement officials of these allegations. We are fully cooperating with the NCAA and are conducting a joint investigation. The University of Miami takes these matters very seriously."

The NCAA began conducting interviews on Monday and will continue to do so. Golden said he has no idea how long they'll remain there. He said all he wants is for players "to be honest, be truthful and move forward."

"There's only one way to move here, to be honest," Golden said. "Clearly, we don't need these types of things to be a great team. We have 24 commitments right now and not one of them has taken an official visit. Not one of them has been on our campus. They're aligned with our core values, what we want to get done. The types of principals and cultures we'll have here are congruent with our coaching staff and direction of our football program. Again, this is tough for me to discuss because this all happened before I got here and certainly Mr. Eichorst feels the same way. We take this stuff seriously. But we've made so much progress in the last eight months, we don't want to go backwards."

Golden said he's sent emails to his players when similar issues have occurred Georgia Tech, Ohio State and North Carolina and used those events as educational tools. He said each player is given a "Cane Code" manual where it discusses extra benefits and agents.

"We're going to continue to be proactive and we got to make sure third parties stay away from our student athletes," Golden said. "Again, I said this to Sean [Eichorst] yesterday. Since I've been here, this is the tightest compliance department I've been around. They are strong. They have incredible manpower and on top of everything. For me, as the head coach, that's good. That helps you sleep at night. Dave Reid and his group do a tremendous job."

Asked if he would still be here had he known about Shapiro and the allegations, Golden said. "absolutely."

"This is the University of Miami. It's a special place," Golden said. "I can't tell you enough that this is an incredible place. You have a chance to do so many wonderful things whether it's academically or from a football standpoint. We're not going to less this knock us backwards. We have great kids on this team to the extent that they may have made a mistake. Okay, that's fine. But that's also part of growing up. What we have to teach them now is that if something did occur, let's be honest and move forward."

Golden said he isn't concerned that the investigation might scare away any of his 24 commitments or potential recruits.

"I really don't believe it's to that level," Golden said. "The student athletes that are committed to us know who we are, know what our core values are, know what we're committed to. Again, the timing is unfortunate because we've been doing so many good things. Our kids are doing a great job in practice, recruiting is going well. The timing is unfortunate. Again, if the allegations, some prove to be true, then we'll get it corrected."

Asked if his team won't let this become a distraction, Golden said: "We have to."

"That's part of being tough, having unity and staying together. We'll stay focused. I'm certain of that. We're disappointed, but we're not discouraged. Again, there's going to be a life lesson here. We're talking about allegations here from a man who is behind bars. If these do hold some truth, we'll deal with them."

Golden said players were not made available to the media because they were informed in a meeting prior to Tuesday's practice of what was going on.

"I don't think it was fair to have them come out here," Golden said. "They're getting ready to practice. From that standpoint, we didn't think it was fair to the kids."

August 16, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (3)

VIDEO: Al Golden talks NCAA investigation, scrimmage

CORAL GABLES -- Here's what Al Golden had to tell reporters Tuesday morning amid the NCAA investigation into allegations made by former booster Nevin Shapiro. Video courtesy of Hurricanesports.com

We'll have a transcript up shortly. FYI, players were not made available to the media Tuesday.

A few quick notes from the 15 minutes we got to see from practice:

- Golden said defensive tackle Curtis Porter is healthy and running with the first team despite reports he was hurt in Sunday's scrimmage.

- Freshman linebacker Denzel Perryman and offensive lineman Jonathan Feliciano were the only players wearing yellow non-contact jerseys. Perryman had a noticeable limp, but participated in drills.

August 16, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (31)

Report: NCAA to question UM over relationship with former booster Nevin Shapiro

According to InsideTheU.com, the NCAA will be at the University of Miami Monday to question people involved with knowledge of potential violations regarding impermissible benefits and former booster Nevin Shapiro.

Citing multiple sources, InsideTheU reported Sunday that the NCAA is looking into comments made by Shapiro that he was involved in giving former players money.

Shapiro, who contributed $150,000 to the UM athletic program, pled guilty to running a $930 million Ponzi scheme and was sentenced to 20-years in prison in June. Shapiro has said he plans on writing a “tell-all book” about his involvement with former UM players -- dating back to 2001 during the Larry Coker and Randy Shannon eras.

The issue in the end will be if Shapiro has any real evidence or credibility to prove the allegations. When this first surfaced over a year ago, nobody around the program told me they thought he did.

Stay tuned for more. I'm sure we'll get a response from UM at some point in the next 24 hours.

Link: InsideTheU.com's story.

August 14, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (120)

Golden talks scrimmage: QBs, Gaines, Streeter shine

The University of Miami had its first scrimmage of the fall Sunday afternoon (it was closed to the media). Here are some of the highlights according to UM and insight from coach Al Golden from an interview done by the sports' information staff

> Golden called the quarterback play "excellent." According to UM, the quarterbacks combined for 407 yards through the air on 38-of-52 passing for six touchdowns and only one interception.

“I’d be interested to see where our [completion] percentage will be for the day, but I thought we did a good job,” he said. “We found our check-downs a couple of times and to me that’s very important. Lamar [Miller] made a big play, we hit the tight ends [with passes] underneath with Clive [Walford], Cory White -- and we got a couple explosive [plays] down the field as well.”

According to UM, White and Walford stood out among the tight ends, making key grabs in the middle of the field and in the flats. Sophomore Asante Cleveland caught a touchdown pass near the goalline according to UM.

> According to UM, receiver Tommy Streeter had five catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns -- including one heck of a TD grab according to Golden. "It was a tough one. He went up where he was above the goal post there and snatched it. It didn’t look like he had a chance, to be quite honest with you, but he really got up high," Golden said. "The biggest thing with Tommy right now is he’s more mentally tough and he’s in really good shape. He’s learning how to play at a higher level and he’s catching tougher ones every day.”

> UM's offense committed only one turnover. Middle linebacker Jimmy Gaines made the interception. UM didn't say who threw it. According to UM's stats, Gaines finished with five tackles and a sack as well.

"Jimmy’s doing a good job for us,” Golden said. “It’s going to be quite a competition inside there at linebacker. Gionni [Paul] and [Jordan] Futch will have something to say about it. We’ll see how it shakes out.”

According to UM, senior cornerbacker JoJo Nicolas led all defenders with eight tackles (six solo) and two tackles for loss. Senior linebacker Ramon Buchanan and freshman Gionni Paul each had six tackles, with Paul also recording a tackle for loss. In all, the defense totaled eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage for a total loss of 29 yards according to UM. The defense also stopped the offense in five of eight 4th-and-1 situations.

> Golden said the team ran over 100 plays. Golden said the first team players ran about 55 plays; second teamers between 45-50 plays and third teamers about 15 plays. "So we got a good look at everybody," Golden said.

> According to UM, junior kicker Jake Weiclaw was impressive in connecting on 2-of-3 long field goal attempts. He was successful from 45 and 54 yards out on consecutive possessions, before narrowly missing left on a 56-yard attempt according to UM.

> Golden said he was pleased with running backs Lamar Miller and Mike James. But he was "disappointed [the offense] didn’t execute as well as we need to in the short-yardage situations, both the ones we set for them and the ones that occurred naturally in the flow of the scrimmage.”

> Golden said he wasn't pleased with the tackling in the second half. "That might be a function of fatigue, but that’s inexcusable,” he said. “We’ve got to be better. I thought we were really good early on, to be honest with you. I thought we wrapped up well and pursued with force. And then we tailed off a little bit.”

> Golden will give players the day off on Monday. He invited the team back to his house tonight for a BBQ and a pool party.

> The scrimmage was closed to the media and open only to recruits, family and special guests.

August 14, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (28)

Sunday's scrimmage will have game-day feel

CORAL GABLES -- After 10 practices in eight days, University of Miami football coach Al Golden said he's going to treat Sunday's scrimmage -- the first of fall camp -- as close to a game-day situation as possible.

Not only will his assistants be up in lifts to simulate game-day operations in stadium booths, players will be wearing game-day uniforms and first and second team players will be getting the bulk of the snaps. About the only thing the scrimmage won't have: punts.

"We're hoping to get 50 plays for the 1's and 2's, another 12-15 for the 3's and 4's," Golden said Saturday morning before the first of two practices.

"We'd like to get everybody on film, give everybody an opportunity to compete. We'll have some of the 2's run with the 1's; we'll have some of the 3's run with the 2's -- wherever we think is a competitive situation. We'll put the ball in all kinds of different situations so we get everything on tape -- short yardage, goal line, backed up. There will be two-minute period, that type of thing."

Golden, who earlier this week said he wouldn't name a starting quarterback until after the team's second scrimmage on Aug. 22, said Sunday's practice game will count more toward winning starting jobs across the board than regular practices.

"Not that they should have anxiety, but it should feel like a test," Golden said. "We're trying to get them to perform, to free up and trust their technique and trust what they've learned and go out there and perform and execute. It should feel different when they prepare tonight. It should feel different when they come over in the morning. We put uniforms on them just to make sure they know it is different."

There will even be a crowd in attendance -- recruits and commitments, who along with family members will be special guests for the scrimmage. Golden said some coaches might not want to open scrimmages to outsiders, "but we want them to see who we are, how we coach, how our team reacts, all those things."

"It will be about as close as you can get to actually being here as a student-athlete," Golden said. "Because it's very real. It's not like we're over there talking to them every minute of the day. We're out there coaching, running the scrimmage and they're watching. They'll have a chance to meet some players, have a meal with the guys, get around our deans and professors and be around our student-athletes, which will be good."

> Golden said tight ends Chase Ford and Blake Ayles are the only players he expects to be held out of Sunday's scrimmage because of injury.

> Golden said freshman defensive end Anthony Chickillo, who was wearing a non-contact yellow jersey Saturday, should be okay to play in Sunday's scrimmage. Cornerback Brandon McGee, who has won a yellow jersey for two straight days, is likely questionable.

> Receiver LaRon Byrd, who was wearing a yellow jersey Friday, practiced normally Saturday.

MORE NEWS AND NOTES

> Golden said the thing that's been most impressive to him about this training camp is that the entire playbook has been installed on both offense and defense after just eight days.

"We had an eight-day aggressive install," Golden said. "You can't do that with a team that didn't prepare or study independently over the summer. We have most of it in, are actually scaling back for the scrimmage and then will go back and try to refine some things next week. It will be a limited package; we don't want a lot of mental errors, a lot of moving parts. We want them to go out and see who is improved."

> Although he won't say Dalton Botts has won the starting job at punter yet, it's clear the redshirt sophomore has distanced himself from the competition. Botts has been wearing a black jersey (worn by starters and leaders) since midweek.

"I'm hoping someone will come up and really challenge him in the next 10 days," Golden said.

As for the kickoffs and placement kicks, Golden said, those "are too close to call right now."

> Golden hasn't allowed any freshmen to talk with reporters since camp opened, but that could change soon.

"It's not really that I'm not allowing them to talk. I'm trying to let them get in," Golden said. "This is a grind. Literally the last day they had summer school they started camp. I'm sure we'll sit down and give [media] access before we get going here. But this first week there was too much. Every minute they had they're either with a position coach or trying to learn the playbook."

Golden said he likes his freshmen class, "and all but one or two will be playing for us in some capacity. They're all in the mix."

> Running backs coach Terry Richardson doesn't have to worry about who his No. 1 and No. 2 options are. Lamar Miller and Mike James have clearly cemented themselves in those roles.

But the No. 3 job, which became open when Storm Johnson transferred to UCF this summer, remains an open competition between sophomore Eduardo Clements and redshirt freshman Darion Hall.

"I think it's going to come down to who is the better special teams guy," Richardson said. "They're both [Clements] and [Hall] getting the same amount of reps. So it'll come down to that."

Had incoming freshman Kevin Grooms not been held up by the NCAA Clearinghouse, one might only assume Grooms could have won the third-string job easily.

"Speed, quickness, playmaking ability," Richardson said when asked about what he likes about Grooms. "Being a young guy and just coming in he would have to grasp the offense. But he returned kicks, just scored so many different ways for his high school team.

"Right now, he's behind, has to get caught up if he comes in [this fall]. The longer it goes, he's behind and has to get up to speed."

> Offensive lineman Harland Gunn, defensive tackle Marcus Forston, quarterback Jacory Harris, cornerback Lee Chambers and linebacker Ramon Buchanan all served as player-coaches Saturday.

August 13, 2011 in University of Miami Football, University of Miami Sports | Permalink | Comments (37)

Matt Bosher misses the "family'' (with Warren Sapp sighting and uniform news)

Happy Friday, I hope.

I spoke with new Atlanta Falcon and recently departed UM kicker Matt Bosher by phone this week.

After a long day at training camp, he told me he was relaxing watching some television -- after playing video games.

No way getting around the fact that Matt, who was drafted in the sixth round, will be severely missed.

Matt did it all for the Hurricanes -- place-kicking, kicking off and punting. He told me he is competing to punt for the Falcons and possibly will do kickoffs. The Falcons are the ideal team for a kicker, because they play indoors. Also, Matt said his family can easily hop on a plane or even drive from Jupiter in Palm Beach County to Atlanta.

The Falcons' practice facility is outdoors in Flowery Branch, Ga., about an hour north of Atlanta.

Dalton Botts, who is expected to replace Matt as the punter, was wearing the coveted black jersey at Hurricanes practice Friday. Botts, a 6-3, 198-pound sophomore, is from Taft Union High School in Taft, Calif., about 45 minutes west of Bakersfield, he said.

"I haven't seen him kick, but I've heard good things about him,'' said Bosher, who worked out at UM during the summer at times when Botts was there.

"I met him in the weight room [in July],'' Botts said of Bosher. "He seemed real cool."

Bosher said he enjoys being a Falcon, and that there are "a great group of guys -- great special teams coach and a lot of solid veterans helping me. I have a veteran longsnapper (Joe Zelenki) and kicker (Matt Bryant). They've all been big helps.''

He said camp is going well, but that there was a learning curve for him regarding the new system and its terminology. Bosher is smart, so I doubt there will be any problems in that area.

Bosher said playing at UM "was a dream come true'' and that "everybody there was my family.

"Of course I miss it. Miami became my home. Leaving was tough, but it's a new chapter in my life. That's where I'll always have roots and come back to.''

Bosher said his message to the competing kickers would be: "Just keep working hard, stay confident in what you do and do it to the best of your ability. Always know you have an important job. Don't let the typical kicker comments detract from what you're trying to do. It's an important role and if you treat it that way you can make an impact in just about every game.''

I asked Bosh about Jake Wieclaw, who has only kicked off once in one game. He's a fourth-year junior and fighting for the starting kicking spot. "That's just how it goes,'' Bosher said. "I had the opportunity to play, but Jake was a great guy, a great kicker. He's still a really good kicker and I'm sure he'll be able to prove that. He's a hard worker and he's confident, and that's good. When it's time to prove himself, he will. Jake is one of the more athletic specialists.''

WARREN SAPP SIGHTING

Former Hurricanes great Warren Sapp showed up at practice this morning a few minutes after the Canes got out there. He said he had never met coach Al Golden. Sapp previously dissed Golden publicly because he said the coach snubbed him when Sapp waited to meet him months ago, and also sent out mean-spirited tweets about UM's hiring of Golden in December.

A few moments after Sapp walked onto the field, Golden saw Sapp and the two bear-hugged with gusto. Lots of energy in that Canes lovefest moment. I guess Sapp is now a fan.

Sapp sparked the Hurricanes with a pep talk before the heart of the practice session got underway.

UNI NEWS

UM recently noted that the Canes would only have two uniforms this season: orange jerseys and white pants for home games, and all-white for road games.

Turns out that the road uniforms now will be white jerseys and orange pants.

When Golden was asked about the back-to-basic uniforms with no other options, as originally relayed, he was surprised (especially about the all-white uni, it seems).

"I don't think we're a [Nike Pro] combat team this year, so that's out. But in terms of the other colors, I haven't even talked to [equipment manager] Bobby [Revilla] or the AD about it. I do have something to do with it. But I didn't know we were going to be all white and what's the other? We'll get that tied down for you.''

UM later made the update, and did note, when I called and asked, that other color combinations could be used periodically.

So for those who love those weird combos or the out-there looks, there's still hope. However, if the Canes keep winning, I'm betting they'll keep it simple.

TIDBITS

LT Seantrel Henderson is out-and-about already after back surgery on Aug. 8. Guard Brandon Linder said Henderson spent Thursday with the players and attended position meetings. Henderson is not back at practice and will be out indefinitely.

WR LaRon Byrd and CB Brandon McGee wore yellow non-contact jerseys Friday. McGee was limping but Byrd seemed OK.

Golden said there's no update on the statuses of RB Kevin Grooms, LB Antonio Kinard and DT Corey King. They are still waiting for clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly called the NCAA Clearinghouse).

--SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 12, 2011 in Food and Drink | Permalink | Comments (17)

QBs still neck and neck. Who do you think should be named starter? Also: Howard Schnellenberger to make announcement at 4 p.m.

So, as of Thursday, we still don't have a clear picture -- or even fuzzy one -- of who the starting quarterback will be for the Hurricanes.

I asked Coach Al Golden, "Are you hoping to wait until after the second scrimmage to decide the starter at quarterback?"

Golden: "Sure. Yeah. Again, we’ve had five practices now and you look at the stats, you look at the completion percentages, you look at the touchdowns, you look at all that and it’s like a dead heat right now. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be resolved before that time."

Is that good?

Golden: "Yeah, it’s good. If they’re going to keep competing that’s great. I think that’s awesome. Neither one is backing down and the team is rallying around both of them. So all those things are important right now.''

Since we don't see the qbs competing against each other in practice I'm not sure how good it really is. Are they both doing great? Are they both so-so? Or not-so-great?

So if you were the coach, and the two were truly in a dead heat after the second scrimmage (Aug. 22), would you

1. Wait to make your decision and announcement until closer to the Sept. 5 opener?

2. Make your decision and stick to it.

And if you had to make the decision right now, knowing both are in a "dead heat,'' who would you pick and why? Jacory Harris or Stephen Morris.

I have my thoughts but am a bit hesitant to throw it out there (I am not a columnist, though the lines sure are blurred these days with this new media stuff).

What do you guys think?

ALSO:

> Blake Ayles is injured and sat out again Thursday. For the record, Coach Golden said the reason he came out of practice earlier this week was not heat-related.

"Blake is dealing with a little injury right now,'' Golden said. "Hopefully it will be day to day with him. But he’s good on his assignments. Obviously at his age, from a technical standpoint, he’s solid so he’ll get back soon."

> Former defensive lineman Dyron Dye has been moved to tight end.

In closing, FAU has called a press conference for 4 p.m. Word is that Howard Schnellenberger will announce he is retiring after this season. I have a soft spot for Howard. How can you not? The man brought UM its first national title. I know he bolted, but what a great figure and representative for UM. Let's face it, he might be the FAU coach, but he'll always be a Hurricane.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 11, 2011 in Film | Permalink | Comments (67)

Freshman Anthony Chickillo, starter in 3-4 scheme, has been what Canes 'hoped for thus far'

CORAL GABLES -- No recruit in Al Golden's first signing class came to the University of Miami with more hype than Under Armour All-American defensive end Anthony Chickillo.

After four practices, it's clear Chickillo, a third generation Hurricane, is living up to it. He's already earning first team reps in 3-4 packages and impressing the heck out of defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio.

"I think Chickillo so far has done a really good job," D'Onofrio said Wednesday morning, before the Canes practiced in full pads for the first time this fall. "He is a freshman and we are throwing a lot at him, but if he makes a mistake, he makes it 100 miles per hour and he has not made a ton of 'em. He has played really hard and been rugged and been what we hoped thus far."

D'Onofrio said Chickillo, listed at 6-4, 248, came into camp weighing between 252 and 254 pounds and has done a good job creating a higher level of competition for the other veteran defensive ends around him.

"He is rugged, tough and plays with a great motor," D'Onofrio said. "It means a lot to him. He loves football and he is passionate and he studies. I have been real happy with him. When you inject a guy like that into your team and into your lineup, then all of a sudden that is a guy that isn't going to go away and that is a message to everybody else on the defensive line."

Right now, D'Onofrio said, Chickillo is at first team defensive end alongside Andrew Smith in 3-4 packages. He added that Marcus Forston and Micanor Regis are "interchangeable" at defensive tackle. D'Onofrio also mentioned Jimmy Gaines, Sean Spence and Ramon Buchanan are the starting linebackers in his front seven, but did not mention a fourth linebacker in his 3-4 package. It's likely senior Jordan Futch or Marcus Robinson would be the fourth linebacker in that package.

As for the installation of the new 3-4 package and the way players are adjusting to it, D'Onofrio said he thinks it's going well. "I think they're getting real comfortable," D'Onofrio said.

"I feel good about the returning players who practiced it in the spring. I feel like those guys have really taken some steps. When I look out there and watch most of the first unit go, I'm pleased with the communication. I think they're playing faster, more physical. I'm happy with the tackling. I'm more happy with the fundamentals. I think we're straining on blocks longer and guys are not jumping off blocks and I think guys are being more physical at the line of scrimmage. I think we're tackling particularly well in the secondary."

MORE NEWS AND NOTES

> D'Onofrio said the reason sophomore Jimmy Gaines is running with the first team at middle linebacker -- ahead of Futch -- is because of his "consistency and work ethic."

"I think he's outworked the guys behind him. At the end of the day, he's learned the defense, he's been consistent. He's gotten consistently better," D'Onofrio said.

"When you know what you're doing, you could play a lot faster. And that's the difference, not so much whether one guy runs faster or one guy is a little stronger or those sorts of things. I mean those things all come into play. But at the end of the day, diagnose it, react and play fast. Sometimes there's maybe there's guys with more hype. Maybe they run a better 40. But at the end of the day it's about production and making plays, not making mental errors, being able to be confident out there and run the show. I think he's continued to improve. He had a good spring and a good summer. He came back here and has continued to improve."

> Just because most teams rely on the middle linebacker to call plays doesn't mean that's the way D'Onofrio plans to run things. In fact, it's more likely senior Sean Spence will.

"Most people assume middle linebacker, that's the guy who has to call the defense, makes the adjustments," D'Onofrio said. "He doesn't really need to do that. I've done it both with the will [weakside] and mike [middle] linebacker. The experienced guy will be the guy who calls the plays."

> Asked which freshman he thinks could end up playing this season, D'Onofrio mentioned Chickillo and linebacker Denzel Perryman (Coral Gables), who is working behind Buchanan at weakside linebacker.

"I think Denzel Perryman is a guy who has flashed quite a bit," D'Onofrio said. "We recruited him and he was a highly rated player, but I've been really happy with his progress so far. Those are the two that's standout. There's other guys that have flashed. But those are the two that standout."

> Al Golden and his staff have created several new motivational tools to build unity (players driving each other to practice, team hotel during camp) and fire players up (soft tape highlights). The latest we learned about Wednesday are "Concentration Cards."' Gaines said players get a new index card with their goals to focus on each day from their position coaches.

"My card said 'Stance/Start, Be A Leader, and Play Like Nobody Can Stop You," Gaines said.

> Golden said he has the team's first scrimmage scheduled for Sunday with the second scheduled for Monday, Aug. 22. Golden said scrimmages will be treated like "game day situations."

"We'd like to get that one in and get a firm grip on our personnel and make changes and then settle in there for the next 12-13 days."

> Golden said the return of sixth-year senior Joel Figueroa has made it tougher in selecting a starting offensive line.

"Fig is really healthy and he's a guy we really didn't see in the spring. He's really bright, mature. He's been an incredible surprise for us and he'll have something to say who the five are," Golden said.

> Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, who had back surgery, was released from the hospital Tuesday according to Golden.

> Golden said there is still no word on the hardship waiver Ryan Williams is seeking from the NCAA to be eligible this season, but he "will continue to get reps."

> Golden said the reason he sprints between drills with players at practice is because he wants to set "a good tempo."

"You do lead by example," Golden said. "It's heartfelt, honestly. We want a team that plays with energy and plays with passion and we have to display that ourselves."

August 10, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (55)

Alonzo Highsmith one-on-one (with good news for A.J): Canes great who believes in his Hurricane son A.J. -- and believes in UM coach Al Golden.

FIRST, GREAT NEWS FOR FORMER QUARTERBACK AND NEW SAFETY A.J. HIGHSMITH. JUST HEARD FROM UM SPORTS INFORMATION. UM COMMUNICATIONS CHECKED WITH COMPLIANCE STAFF AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE MEDICAL HARDSHIP WAIVER HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR A.J. NOW A.J. IS OFFICIALLY A THIRD-YEAR SOPHOMORE AND HAS THREE YEARS TO DEVELOP HIS CRAFT AS A DEFENSIVE BACK.

I had a long conversation with former Hurricanes fullback Alonzo Highsmith yesterday for the article I did on his son, A.J., for today's paper. MiamiHerald.com http://hrld.us/oLvEQi via @miamiherald

As always, he was candid and outspoken. Alonzo is extremely encouraged by new UM coach Al Golden and is 100-percent convinced he will turn the program around. That doesn't mean the Canes will always win, he warned, but this team will have a completely different attitude and look this year and will no longer lie down for anyone, he said. Not with these coaches.

Alonzo played fullback from 1983 (under Howard Schnellenberger) to 1986 ('84, '85 and '86 under Jimmy Johnson) and is one of the former Hurricane stars who turned the University of Miami football program into a great one.

The following four paragraphs I reported and wrote for a story I did on A.J. a couple years ago:

Alonzo Sr. met Denise at UM. He graduated from Miami Columbus High. She graduated from Miami Killian. The way his folks describe it, A.J. was born in 1991 wearing UM gear. In one photo at six months, he's wearing a UM cap, orange UM shorts and a T-shirt that reads, "I'm tough Enough To Be a Hurricane."

A.J. Highsmith grew up in Missouri City, just outside of Houston. His bedroom in Texas is marked by a replica street sign, " Miami Hurricane Alley." A replica jersey of late former UM safety Sean Taylor hangs in his bedroom. He got to know and work out with Taylor, Andre Johnson, Clinton Portis, Ed Reed and other Canes when he moved to Miami with his mother and sister, Jordan, from August 2002 until December 2003. Denise's father was gravely ill, and the three of them came to help take care of him while Alonzo Sr. stayed home to work.

A.J. Highsmith became close friends with the son of former UM receivers coach Curtis Johnson, and UM's receivers would come to their Pop Warner games at the Kendall Boys and Girls Club.

The last time A.J. played safety was in eighth grade, and according to DB Coach Paul Williams on Tuesday, A.J. had made the most improvement in the first few days of camp.

Here are some things Alonzo told me during our conversation:

* Alonzo on Al Golden:

"He’s the right man for this job. He’s brought back accountability and toughness and that’s what the Miami program was built on -- no entitlement. When I went to that bowl game and I watched those kids in Miami and I hung around the kids for a couple days and watched how everything worked, I said these kids have got no chance. Just their attitudes, the way they presented themselves. I felt they weren’t on the right course.

"I think they walked around with that entitlement -- 'We’re the University of Miami,' without the work part. Golden is stripping away that U swagger. But they’ll ge it back through hard work.''

"I’ve been around this game long enough and I’ve watched all the great coaches. I don’t know how many games Miami is going to win this year but you’re going to see a different team this year. You’ll see the effort and you’ll see the competitiveness back out there. You won’t see them get beat by South Florida.

"What happened to them against Notre Dame isn’t going to happen anymore.

"I don’t care about losing. That’s part of the game. But when you lose your bowl game because the other team is tougher than you and you aren't competitive, and you give up, then I become sick to my stomach.''

--SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 09, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (16)

Seantrel has back surgery; Gaines at first team MLB

CORAL GABLES -- Hurricanes offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson underwent back surgery Monday and the results were “very positive” according to coach Al Golden.

“All I know is he had the procedure and it was very positive," Golden said before Tuesday's practice. "What that means long term is still tenuous."

Golden said Henderson would be released from the hospital Tuesday, but a timetable for his return has not yet been determined.

Henderson (6-8, 345) started nine games at right tackle last season and was named a freshman All-American. He moved to left tackle in the spring, but injured his back and sat out the spring game.

Henderson posted on Twitter Monday night that he will “be right sooner than later.”

Several teammates have said they expect Henderson to return this season.

> Jimmy Gaines, a little known two-star recruit out of Buffalo, N.Y. in 2010, has been practicing with the first team at middle linebacker -- ahead of senior Jordan Futch.

"He absolutely can be a guy that starts," Golden said Tuesday. "He's a self-made guy. He's a competitor. He's tough. He's really smart, came back in great condition. He's the starter right now. I think he'll have a lot to say about whether somebody supplants him."

Asked why he thinks Gaines has been so impressive and is practicing with the first team senior Sean Spence said: "I love him. He's a hard worker, very intelligent. He's going to help this team a lot. He diagnoses plays really fast, picks up what coaches want to get done. He's been doing everything right to this point."

> Tight end Blake Ayles had to leave the field Tuesday morning because of what appeared to be heat-related issues. He sat on a table with his head down and was looked at by trainers. No word yet on whether he returned to action.

> Golden said the competition at kicker and punter so far has been "exciting" -- even though Monday was only the first day players were involved in place kicking.

"I think the kickers that are here -- Jake [Wieclaw], and Cameron Dean, and Ben [Hopfinger] and Alex [Irastorza] -- all those guys knew the competition was coming," Golden said. "And they responded before anybody arrived. Obviously [Dalton] Botts and [Matt] Goudis are truly in the mix right now. We have to see more of Goudis yet. What I've seen of Botts so far, he's going to be a real factor in this competition."

> Brandon Washington, an All-ACC First Team offensive guard in 2010, said his move outside to right tackle will be a lot easier than most expect.

"I've always been a tackle," Washington said. "I feel like I'm back at home from high school. It feels like the same thing."

> Mike Williams, a senior and transfer from Wake Forest, said he's currently running with the third team at cornerback. But according to defensive backs coach Paul Williams, he is probably just one of five players in the mix for playing time at corner.

"Right now, I'm still kind of moving into the system, getting to know things," Williams said. "They're not throwing me into the fire just yet. I was here in the summer learning things.

"It's definitely an opportunity of a lifetime to step in right away and play. I'm just taking it all in."

August 09, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (22)

Aldarius Johnson focused, ready to 'put all negative stuff to side'

CORAL GABLES -- Maybe success came too quickly for him as a freshman. Or maybe, he just lost his focus after injuries slowed him down and others passed him on the depth chart.

Whatever the case is, Aldarius Johnson knows his time to shine has to be now.

The 6-4, 205-pound receiver, who led UM in receiving as a freshman in 2008 (31 catches, 332 yards and 3 TDs) before putting together two lackluster seasons in a row (31 catches, 433 yards, 1 TD in 2009 and 2010 combined), won't need Al Golden or receivers coach George McDonald to motivate him his senior season.

The future of his children -- 3-year old son Aldarius Jr. and 2-year old daughter Aldaria -- has given him a new perspective, and plenty of motivation to make a new name for himself in 2011.

"I sat back this summer thinking 'Do I want to let my kids down?'," Johnson said Monday before UM's third practice of the fall.

"I come out [to practice] and that's all I think about. How am I going to [help] my kids live better when they get older? They help me through the day when I'm hurting, tired, frustrated. So, I just come out and do what I got to do. It ain't for me. It's for my team, my family and most of all my kids."

If Johnson wants a future in professional football, he's going to have to turn things around quickly. Wednesday, Johnson admitted that over the last two seasons he took plays off and didn't show the type of burst he needed to when the ball was snapped to keep defenses from knowing when the offense was going to run or pass the ball. Asked why he took plays off, Johnson couldn't really explain himself.

"I was really more concerned about this and that when I should be concerned about what I'm here for and what I came to do," Johnson said. "I thought this was cake. But it hit me, there ain't nothing easy in life. I have to wake up and get focused on what I came here to do."

Putting himself back in a position to make an impact at UM won't be easy. Not only are Travis Benjamin and LaRon Byrd ahead of Johnson on the depth chart, sophomore Allen Hurns and freshman Phillip Dorsett have been making plenty of waves. Johnson also has former Miami Northwestern teammate Tommy Streeter to contend with.

Johnson said he started putting in extra work toward beating his competition, heading to the beach on Monday and Wednesday mornings (before team workouts and 7-on-7 work) to practice running his routes in the sand "so I can come off my breaks hard and come off my routes hard." To keep his mind focused, he would bring his mom along too.

"I just heard Andre Johnson and the guys talking [during a workout this summer] saying how they were going to go to the beach and work out," Johnson said. "So I just grabbed my mom and went to the beach. She sat right there through my workouts. That was really great."

McDonald said Wednesday that in his eyes there are three receivers on the team he believes who can be "go-to-guys." Asked who they were, McDonald didn't provide any hints. But at least he appears to be willing to give Johnson a chance.

“Obviously, early in his career he had a lot of catches," McDonald said. "We’re just focused on getting him back to that solid play where he’s making contributions to the team and being a reliable receiver for us."

MORE PRACTICE NOTES...

> Safety Ray Ray Armstrong says coaches have said, "You have to be tough in order to play on this defense." How tough? Well, you better not make it on the "soft tape."

The soft tape is a video of highlights -- or lowlights -- of players shying away from contact or not jumping in on a tackle.

"I don't think anybody wants to be put on a soft tape," Armstrong said. "It's like a highlight tape of people if you're shying away from contact or you're not coming in there to fit in, get in on a tackle."

Asked if he'd every been put on the "soft tape," Johnson gave a reporter what could best be described as a funny look.

> UM coach Al Golden said the reason he moved junior Jeremy Lewis (19th-best rated defensive tackle in the country in 2008 according to Rivals) to offensive guard is because his "best chance to play right now is at guard."

"We have depth issues there that are more glaring than what we have at tackle," Golden said. "Clearly Darius [Smith] and Olsen [Pierre] have fortified our depth there, and [Marcus] Forston being back before we thought he would has helped that situation."

> While UM coaches are happy Smith, nicknamed "The Plug" by teammates, dropped from 361 to 343 pounds, he is still currently practicing with the third team. He said he's lined up behind Micanor Regis (1st team) and Porter (2nd team). At the other defensive tackle spot, it's Marcus Forston, followed by Pierre, and Luther Robinson.

Smith, who played at as heavy as 375 pounds at Lackawanna Junior College, said UM coaches still want him to drop more weight. "I have to learn a lot from them, learn the plays, learn the system before I get my name in the mix, a starting role," Smith said.

> Marcus Robinson said "it's hard to tell" whether he's a linebacker or defensive end these days. Perhaps it's best to simply to refer to him as a hybrid pass rusher in both UM's 3-4 and 4-3 defense. When he lines up at linebacker, Robinson said, he's on the strong side.

"I love the new role, showing my versatility," Robinson said. "I understand the package I'm in right now - they keep it real basic for me. [But] there's a lot more studying than just knowing one position. I have to learn both end and linebacker, so it's a little tough right now."

> Golden said sophomore Brandon Linder is working at multiple positions, but is currently working in at center. "I'm not so sure he couldn't play right tackle for us, either," Golden said. "He's a bright, rugged kid. He's what we're looking for in the o-line. We need versatility right now. Although we're experienced on o-line. We don't have the layers we should have."

> Golden said he would like to have his two-deep set with at least 10 days to go in camp so that the top two players at each position could compete for the starting job over the final scrimmage and practices.

August 08, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (26)

Day 2: D-line dominant, "The Plug"(a Vince Wilfork throwback), Chickillo (he's a brute), Forston update & more Seantrel

Day 2 of Hurricanes preseason football camp finished at Greentree Field on Sunday morning. Coach Al Golden makes players available before practice begins. Then we watch 15 minutes of practice and leave.

It becomes increasingly apparent that almost everyone on this team is bigger and stronger. Defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Adewale Ojomo appear very intimidating (especially if you're a quarterback). They combined for 18 tackles for losses and 11 sacks for a loss of 85 yards last season. Expect more in 2011, as UM led the nation in tackles for loss in 2010 and finished ninth nationally in sacks.

"It is important [to be a leader in sacks and tackles for loss],'' Golden said, "but what we’re focusing on is eliminating the explosive plays. We gave up too many long runs and we can’t give up the big-chunk passes. We like to maintain the pressure on the football and pressure on the quarterback, but also couple that with eliminating some of the explosive plays that really hurt us last year.''

Ojomo told me he worked during the summer with Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil, who grew up in Miami. "He was teaching me a lot of things. Coach Swasey, he turned up the notch, a lot of extra running, a lot of extra lifting, so I think it's going to go well. I'm seeing changes in my body type and everything. My speed in the 40 (4.8), I'm hitting 225 (bench press) 25 times (in a row). I'm getting strong. Last year [my 40 time] was bad.''

Here's Ojomo's description of fellow end Olivier Vernon: "He's an animal. He's a beast. If you've ever seen this guy take off his shirt... He's about 270 pounds. He's running like a 4.6 [40], he's doing like 395 pounds on the bench press. He has great fundamentals, great work ethic. He's going to have an amazing season."

For the record, Ojomo (pronounced oh-JO-mo), a 6-4, 265-pound fifth-year senior out of Hialeah High, had 38 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. He's the one who is very fiery and emotional on the field. He is the son of a former Nigerian professional soccer player and a Homestead-born certified public accountant. His cousin is former Dolphins linebacker Akin Ayodele, who was with the Buffalo Bills last season.

As for Vernon, he's the quiet giant slayer. "I really don't like talking too much,'' Vernon said Sunday, laughing a bit while being interviewed. "I just like doing what I do and showing by my actions.''

Vernon said the biggest difference from this last year's team to this year's early in camp was "the discipline and want-to. More of us want to get it done in practice. We know what we're doing now. We're in our playbooks every day, every night right before we go to sleep. The coaches influence us to study. They want us to succeed. When we get on the practice field it's like a game. We're ready.''

Vernon's stats in 2010: 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and four quarterback hurries.

Vernon's dad is a Miami Beach police officer.

Micanor Regis, whom you might recall got an interception and turned it into an entertaining TD at Duke last season, also looks like a rock. Regis said he's down to 300 from 310 and down from "20 or 22 percent'' body fat to 18 percent now. "I gained a lot of muscle,'' Regis said. "I got thinner, man. Clothes are a little loose.''

Regis also spoke about junior-college transfer Darius Smith, the defensive tackle who transferred from Lackawanna [Junior] College in Scranton, Pa. Smith is listed on the new roster as 6-2 and 360 pounds. He is from New Britain, Conn.

"He brings depth,'' Regis said of Smith. "The defensive tackles, we get banged up, we get hurt, and you need a guy like that who will push you, make us not take days off. who's going to work,too, who's going to challenge you for your spot.''

The UM linemen are calling Smith "The plug, because he plugs up the middle,'' Ojomo said. "Nothing can get through there. Is Smith the biggest guy you've seen out here? Ojomo was asked.

"Yeah, I think so (laughing).''

Can he move? "He can move pretty well. He's like a Vince Wilfork type of guy." (If only he plays like Wilfork, we'll all be calling Golden a genius)

*Speaking of DTs, Golden said Marcus Forston, who is being integrated slowly into preseason camp, did much more on the first day than the coach expected.

*"Forston was a pleasure yesterday to see because he’s ahead of schedule,'' Golden said. "He did just about everything yesterday so that was great. At some point we’ll sit him down and hold him out maybe on a double [session] or hold him out on some periods with contact. But clearly when he’s right he has a chance to be really good and a special one in this league.

''They all love (including the coaches) newcomer Anthony Chickillo, a defensive end who by all accounts is so beyond his years that he should get on the field this season. "Oh! He looks great for a freshman,'' Ojomo said. "When I came in I was 227. He's at 250. He's what he needs to be at this point.''

A Golden quote from today, regarding which jobs are open on the team.

* "I would say 90-percent of the jobs on the team are open,'' he began.

So, whose job is not for sale?

"There are just a couple of guys who are exemplary in their preparation,'' Golden said. "Sean Spence is a guy who comes to mind who is just an incredible competitor. He doesn’t get enough credit for how smart a football player he is. And he’s in great condition. Clearly, he would have to screw that up to not retain his job.''

* Olivier Vernon said Marcus Robinson, a former DE, is now playing linebacker. Robinson could play outside LB in a 3-4 scheme, and DE in the usual 4-3 scheme.

*Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson was back again on the practice field with his offensive line group Sunday, getting right in there as they were receiving instruction. He stood next to them, a little bit to the side, but listened to everything OL coach Art Kehoe was shouting (Art doesn't talk) and mimicking their actions. However, he did not practice, and is reportedly set to undergo back surgery tomorrow (Monday).

This is what Golden had to say about Henderson, who lost at least 40 pounds in the offseason:

"Seantrel has placed himself in position where if everything goes well with the surgery he’s not going to have to sit there and lose 40 pounds. He’s ready to go, and that’s a credit to him. I didn’t even recognize him the other day in the team meeting to be honest with you."

Is the surgery tomorrow, Coach? "I’m not going to report on when a young man is having surgery but I’ll let you know post and what the prognosis is.

--SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 07, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (29)

McDermott, Futch eager to push for starting jobs

CORAL GABLES -- Redshirt freshman Shane McDermott, a U.S. Army All-American out of high school, spent all of last season on the scout team.

But after impressing coach Al Golden this summer (and a back injury to tackle Seantrel Henderson that has had a ripple effect on the offensive line), McDermott could end up playing a lot more than anticipated, perhaps even starting at center.

"There's a reason I signed with the University of Miami - because I want to start for the University of Miami," said McDermott, who has bulked up from 265 to 295 in one season.

"I just kept working, not worrying about what [Tyler Horn's] doing. Me working hard will make Tyler better, my team better. Either Tyler's going to get better or I'm going to beat Tyler out. That's how championship teams are born, from competition."

McDermott says he's taken the mindset that "it's my job to lose."

"I told myself, `Listen, I just have to keep on working, keep on doing what I'm doing - waking up early, studying the playbook more, keep on pushing.' I know all that hard work will pay off."

McDermott said former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland saw him as "a true center," but current coach Art Kehoe, "thinks I can play guard and center." McDermott took his first snaps at guard in college during the spring game, but has experience playing all over the offensive line in high school.

"It's really cool not having to make all the line calls - it's nice because that's mostly where I played [guard] in high school," McDermott said. "It's a nice comfort zone."

McDermott said he maxed out at 360 pounds in the bench last year and benches 400. In the squat he pushes 465 pounds, and he is up to 286 pounds from 275 in the power clean.

> McDermott's roommate during the season will be sophomore offensive lineman Brandon Linder. The two are very much into fishing and caught 26 lobsters last week during mini-season here in South Florida.

"We used a bully net with spotlights," McDermott said. "We caught 17 in the morning and when the sun came up we dove for another nine. We split it up. Me and a couple guys ate it at the house. We have fish fries on the offensive line every week. Every week we have a fish fry out our house."

> Of tackle Seantrel Henderson's upcoming back surgery, McDermott said, "It's sad to hear about that, really was a blow to us. But I know Seantrel will be back and working hard as soon as he's ready to do that. We have other people that just have to step up." McDermott said Henderson, who was out at practice watching Saturday, is "encouraging us and everything. His attitude toward it is great."

FUTCH HAS EYES SET ON MIDDLE LINEBACKER JOB: Most of Jordan Futch's career at the University of Miami has been marred by tragedy (the death of his brother) or injury (he played in only 5 games each season as a freshman and sophomore).

But now that he's a senior, the 6-4, 240-pound linebacker is ready to put that all behind him and have a season to remember.

"I want to be the University of Miami's starting middle linebacker. I want to help this team win and with guys like Sean [Spence] and [Ramon] Buchanan next to me and coaches like [defensive coordinator Mark] D'Onofrio and [linebackers coach Micheal Barrow], there's no reason I can't be successful," said Futch, who will compete with sophomore James Gaines, incoming freshman Gionni Paul and sophomore Kelvin Cain for the starting middle linebacker job.

"I think everybody has a chip on their shoulder, especially me. I think that's something I learned from Ray Lewis [when he spoke to us a few months ago]. He always played with a chip on his shoulder. My chip is real heavy. So, I'm ready to get this monkey off my back and ball out."

Futch has 12 career tackles -- six last year after playing in 12 games, mostly on special teams. He shined brightly in the first of three team scrimmages last spring, leading the team with nine tackles and two sacks. He had six tackles and two sacks in the second scrimmage, including a big hit on former tailback Storm Johnson.

"Competition is fierce. Jimmy Gaines isn't going to lay down. He's a great kid and he's going to push me to be the best," Futch said.

MORE INTERVIEWS FROM SATURDAY'S FIRST PRACTICE (FILMED BY HURRICANESPORTS.COM)

August 06, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (18)

Camp Golden gets underway, building unity top priority

CORAL GABLES -- After a summer of "grinding" and "bonding," the Miami Hurricanes opened fall camp Saturday morning with what coach Al Golden could best describe as "a sense of urgency in the building."

"Guys know we have to get a lot done in a short period of time," Golden said. "We're excited about that. I know I am to get back on the field, get around the guys.

"We have to get to the point we're physically and mentally tough. We have to be smart, execute at a high level in practice. You guys know where we're at with our penalties (119th in NCAA) and turnovers (117th), last in red zone efficiency. We have to get that fixed. We really want to come together as a team the next 22 days."

The Hurricanes, who spent the first of 22 consecutive nights together at a team hotel in Coconut Grove Friday, didn't arrive to Saturday's practice on a team bus. Players drove back to campus together in cars according to running back Eduardo Clements, all part of Golden's plan to continue building unity among teammates.

"He's all about unity and everybody coming together. He feels like if we're at a hotel and one of us is driving, everybody should get in," said Clements, who got a ride from [defensive linemen] Luther Robinson and Adewale Ojomo.

"Right now, we all like it. Until somebody misses practice. [Golden] said if it becomes a problem, then he'll get shuttles. But right now, everything we've done as a team since the spring, everybody got there on their own."

Golden, who had his players participate in team scavenger hunts, game nights and bowling nights over the summer to build unity, said he thinks having coaches and players stay together during camp will beneficial in the end.

"It's one night in the hotel so far, but the kids - everyone together there having snacks, doing things we haven't done together, studying the playbook, being with a roommate that maybe they don't know a lot about - those are all things that this program at this time needs," Golden said. "Moving forward I don't know, but right now we need that."

Clements said something else Golden has started at UM is a mentoring program for freshmen. Several veterans, Clements said, have been paired with freshmen who they are now responsible for getting to meetings on time and getting settled at UM.

"I have to take a freshman, somebody who doesn't know anything, get to know them, take them around, make sure they're get to meetings on time," said Clements, who is paired with freshman linebacker Denzel Perryman. "In the meetings, [Golden] will call on us, tell us to stand up and [ask] us what we know about your mentees. It's supposed to last all year."

> Golden said the first day his team will begin full contact in pads is Wednesday.

CLEMENTS HAPPY TO BE BACK AT RUNNING BACK: Clements (5-11, 190) said he was more than happy to get a phone call from running backs coach Terry Richardson on Monday, asking him if he would like to switch back to offense.

"Coach [Richardson] called me after a math test [Monday] asked me, 'How much do I want to play running back?," Clements said. "I said, 'I'll do anything for the team.' He told me 'Just come upstairs, get my playbook and be ready.'

Clements, who ran for 32 yards on eight carries last season as a true freshman, was moved to safety in the spring by coaches. But with incoming freshman tailback Kevin Grooms dealing with NCAA Clearinghouse issues (and Storm Johnson transferring to UCF over the summer), there was a need for added depth at running back.

"I was happy in the secondary," Clements said. "But I'm very happy with this move. I felt like coming into college I was a running back and to be moved to another position, I wasn't really with that. But right now, I'm very happy with my position."

Clements hopes to show coaches he deserves playing time along with Mike James and Lamar Miller. But Clements said right now he's at the bottom of the depth chart and has a lot of ground to make up.

"Lamar Miller, Mike James are great backs, and me being behind them to push them will make them even greater backs," Clements said. "But right now I'm starting from scratch. I'm taking that as a great thing. I'm taking that as I need to work and get better. I have to work my back way up."

> Miller told ESPN this summer that he expects to average 150 yards every 10 carries. Asked what he would average per 10 carries, James said: "I'll probably be right behind him at 135 [yards]."

SOME INTERVIEWS FROM THIS MORNING, FILMED BY HURRICANESPORTS.COM

August 06, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (17)

News from Coach Golden's presser today (and good QB-related quotes)

Coach Golden spoke to the media today, a day before the Canes begin preseason camp.

He's psyched, for sure. It really DOES seem like a new era at UM. Now, we'll see how the Canes respond.

Some highlights:

> On the status of 6-8, 345-pound offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, who will undergo back surgery:

Golden: "He is going to get surgery. There’s not a person walking the planet that knows what that’s going to mean. They won’t know until they actually do it. They won’t know what kind of recovery that’s going to be. And as in all these cases, if it looks like it’s going to be a long-term thing I will announce that, as we have with Shayon [Green] and several of the other players in the spring. But right now we don’t know what the extent of that actual pain or what they’re trying to relieve is. Hopefully we’ll get good news."

> We all were wondering about why exactly Eduardo Clements was moved back to RB from safety, where he was moved during the spring. Now we have a much clearer picture. Turns out that South Broward High star RB Kevin Grooms, who WILL be played at RB if he makes it to UM, is one of three incoming players with NCAA Clearinghouse issues.

Golden did not go into detail, other than to say Grooms, DT Corey King (West Boca High) and LB Antonio Kinard (Youngstown Ohio, Hargrave Military Academy) have NCAA Clearinghouse issues and he'll let us know if "it doesn't look favorable.''

> Golden's main message during fall camp: "Conditioning and unity.''

Can't go wrong there The conditioning part is huge, and will be key this season. And of course, unity is always important.

> What unit would you like to see the most improvement from?

"The quarterback position has to show the most improvement. Like many, I’m a firm believer that quarterback play really dictates the outcome of games for the most part. Our qb position has to be the most improved coming out of preseason camp and I also think our secondary has to be the most improved. We have some talent there. We’re inexperienced in certain areas but we have some maturity there, when you think of [Mike] Williams and [Lee] Chambers and JoJo [Nicolas] and of course the safeties. Our secondary as a unit, playing together and being cohesive and being confident with the defensive calls and not having any blown assignments will be critical for us."

> Will Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris have freedom to change plays, audibles, at line. What’s your philosophy?

"They will, they will, absolutely. You have to trust them to get us in the right look. It’s part of our system, so they will be doing more of that than they have been."

> Talk about you decision to move Eduardo Clements back to running back?

"For us it’s about getting the best players on the field. The coaches always rank the players on offense and defense and if a guy is not in the mix in a certain position or it looks like he can help us out at another position, and in Eduardo’s case, running back, kick returner, punt returner, special teams guy, all those things. It looks right now that his best chance to do that is at running back. Is that going to change during camp? I could change for a number of players. But our job as coaches is to get the best 22 on the field and we think right now that he has a better shot to impact this team and help this team on offense."

Between the qb competition, what’s the standards on which you’ll base your evaluation, what would you place the most emphasis on?

"Obviously completion percentage is critical. Interceptions – critical. Leadership, decision-making. All of those things will factor in, and they’ll be evaluated every day and as we start here. Stephen and Jacory will probably rotate series. It’s not like a scrimmage. In practice it’s segments. So, if we’re doing a seven-on-seven segment, Jacory may go with the ones and Stephen with the twos. And the next segment, if it’s a perimeter period they might just switch.

"They’ll both get ample opportunity to throw with the No. 1 receivers and we’re going to chart them everyday. We know what it needs to look like in terms of us improving, bringing the turnovers down, bringing our interceptions down and obviously making better decisions with the football most particularly in the red zone. If that doesn’t get fixed by one of them, that’s going to be an easy decision to make by us as a staff."

> Any one quarterback have an advantage going in? I think it’s a dead heat. I really do. And again I can say it publicly but I’ve also said it privately. There are people really close to me that say, ‘OK, now tell me the truth.’ And I said, ‘Here’s the truth. This is a dead heat and this will be decided here in the next 14, 15 days.’’’

Also, Golden said Shane McDermott and Tyler Horn "are in a big battle at center'' and Joel Figueroa -- "Figs'' -- "looks like he's really healthy. He'll have something to say at guard. And former guard Brandon [Washington] certainly looks like he has the feet to play in space and play tackle.''

>QB transfer Ryan Williams (from Memphis) has applied for an NCAA hardship waiver to play right away but Golden said he couldn't talk about it now and he'd let us know if the NCAA permits him to play this season. However, right now he is not eligible to play.

>Golden is adamant about the Hurricanes not getting excessive celebration penalties. This year if someone is celebrating as they approach the end zone with the ball -- en route to a touchdown -- the touchdown will be called back.

"It better not happen,'' Golden said. "It's very simple.''

--SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 05, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (33)

Eduardo Clements back again (from safety) to running back

We have learned that Eduardo Clements, who was switched from running back to defensive back in the spring, is returning to running back -- though the situation will become a lot clearer when Coach Al Golden speaks to the media at noon today.

As you all know by now, Storm Johnson transferred to UCF, leaving Mike James and Lamar Miller -- now known as "Smash and Dash,'' as the two main runners.

Incoming freshman Kevin Grooms is expected to fight for playing time as well, and there's redshirt freshman Darion Hall there as well.

Coach Golden told me recently at the ACC Football Kickoff that Clements, initially tried at cornerback, had been converted to a safety for a while.

Here's what Golden said in late March, right after Clements' switch to corner:

"We felt he was one of the best 44 on the team and we wanted to give him a shot where he can play. It doesn't preclude him from playing running back in the future, but he has a shot to start at corner.''

I asked Eduardo before the Sun Bowl: "Was it frustrating for you at all this season?" His answer: "Yeah, it was frustrating, but I’ve got to look at it in a great way. I came out here, did what I had to do on special teams and learned from guys that were in front of me, like Coop, D-Berry and those guys are going to be gone next year. I contributed to the team there."

"There were rumors about you transferring. Were they true?" I asked him. "Never. Never,'' Clements said. "I mean guys might think I got frustrated about my playing time but I never thought about transferring. I bleed orange and green."

So, what does this mean at the safety position, where UM has one of the nation's best starting tandems in Vaughn Telemaque and Ray-Ray Armstrong?

Coaches must have high expectations for converted safety A.J. Highsmith.

Clements' bio, per UM sports information:

2010 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in 12 games, getting touches in two games. Had his best game in his debut against Florida A&M... Ran for 23 yards on six carries against the Rattlers, while catching his only pass of the season...

HIGH SCHOOL:Rushed for 3,105 yards and 50 touchdowns in four seasons at Booker T. Washington ... Rated the No. 79 player in the Sporting News 100 ... Rated the No. 43 prospect in the Mobile Register Super Southeast 120 ... As a junior rushed for 892 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 34 passes for 296 receiving yards and three total touchdowns ... In limited action as a senior, rushed 694 yards and nine touchdowns ... As a sophomore on the state champion team, ran for 961 yards and 19 touchdowns ... Rated the No.62 player in the Sports Illustrated Takkle Top 200 ... Rated the No. 11 running back by Rivals.com, a four-star recruit and the No. 156 player nationally ... Named first team All-Dade by the Miami Herald as a senior and second team All-Dade as a junior and sophomore ... No.76 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List.

Your style? "I’m an all-around guy. Catch the ball out of the backfield, run between the tackles and a fun guy to be around."

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

August 05, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (19)

Canes looking forward to 'continuation' of Camp Golden

NEW YORK -- They don't know who their new roommates are going to be yet. That will be assigned in the next 48 hours according to fullback Maurice Hagens.

But once the University of Miami football team checks into their team hotel Friday for a three-week stay, the continuation of what new coach Al Golden started pounding into his players heads this spring will commence.

"I think it's pretty neat, pretty dope that the whole team will be together, everybody will be in one location, one building," cornerback Brandon McGee said Wednesday. "It's really a way for the coaches to keep an eye on us, make sure we're focused. If there's any questions to be asked, your teammate will be right next door. If you need to go over the plays for the next day, you can.

"Like Coach D said [defensive coordinator Mark D'onofrio], 'You get 15 practices in the spring. When we come back out our first day of practice on Saturday, that has to be our 16th practice. Not our first.' They expect us to be ahead, pick up where we left off. What we've been doing this entire summer, the program is designed to put us ahead of our competition. I'm just excited to get it underway."

What some players say they've been told to expect is more high-tempo, fast-pace practices that will feature several key position battles. Hagens said players expect Golden to be tough, but all 20 practices to "once again be a lot of fun."

"In the spring, he wanted everything high tempo. So we were playing football at a high speed pace. It was fun in the spring," Hagens said. "It was fun to go out there and play. I think that's what a lot of people didn't do last season. Some guys weren't having fun playing. And you aren't going to play good unless you're having fun."

McGee, a junior who came to UM in 2009 as one of the nation's premier cornerbacks out of nearby Plantation High, will be right in the middle of arguably the most important position battle on defense.

In two seasons, he's played in 21 games and made just one start (last year vs. Florida A&M). But with former All-ACC corner Brandon Harris (2nd round pick by the Texans) and Demarcus Van Dyke (3rd round pick by the Raiders) gone, McGee is expected to contend for a starting job opposite senior Jojo Nicolas, who basically solidified himself as the starter at boundary corner this spring.

McGee's primary competition at field corner is former running back and senior Lee Chambers (who hardly played after making the transition corner last year) and former Wake Forest defensive back Mike Williams, who started four games for the Demon Deacons in 2009 before being sidelined by a hamstring injury. Redshirt freshman Keion Payne and freshman Thomas Finnie are likely to backup Nicolas at the other corner spot and play some in nickel and dime situations.

"I think the coaching staff definitely sees that potential in me [to step up and be the man]," McGee said. "[Defensive backs coach Paul Williams] tells me 'You have to step up to the plate.' I definitely think it's my responsibility to step up."

McGee said his summer has been "a grind." Aside from his daily workouts with teammates and strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey, he said he's been doing extra work with former Green Bay Packers All-Pro cornerback Al Harris, a family friend and Pompano Beach native.

"I'm real close with Al. I talk to him and pick his brain a little bit," McGee said. "I spent this past year working with him in the summer time. I've been knowing him for awhile now. He's helped me understanding the game, being able to know what to do and when to do it as far as sitting on routes, backpedaling, reading the quarterback and stuff like that. We worked out on the weekends in Pompano. There were other guys there, but it was pretty much one-on-one. It was more of him telling me what I need to work on, showing me things here and there."

McGee said while he would like to become a more vocal leader down the road, Nicolas has taken arguably the biggest leadership role in the secondary.

"He's definitely got the leadership role down well," McGee said. "He gets everybody where he needs to be, tells us what coach needs us to do everyday. He's probably the leader of the entire secondary. I think Jojo is just relentless. He was able to transition so good being that he was playing safety and just came over to play corner. He's still learning. But he invites the challenge of playing a whole new position, a position that is not easy to play. He has a drive and hunger."

A COUPLE MORE TIDBITS...

> Asked to point out which receiver will step up and replace Leonard Hankerson as the go-to-guy, McGee said he "couldn't really say anyone has." But he did say he sees a lot of potential in true freshman Phillip Dorsett.

"He's a smooth route runner," McGee said. "He's fast, has real speed. He definitely has the potential to play this season, and I'd be happy if he was playing. But I'm not the offensive coordinator either."

> Hagens said he's most looking forward to what defensive end and fellow Tampa native Anthony Chickillo will do once practice starts Saturday.

"He's just a whole different animal," Hagens said. "I saw him playing in high school and he was a beast. From what my dad told me, he was in the backfield every play when he went out and watched him. If he's not sacking guys left and right I'd be shocked. I can't wait to see him play. He's already talking about how he's going to be great. I believe him."

> Linebacker Sean Spence recently said the one thing he's done this off-season is become more of a vocal leader in UM's defense, something he doesn't naturally do. Sophomore Jimmy Gaines, expected to be in the fight with Jordan Futch and freshman Gionni Paul for the starting middle linebacker job, can attest to that.

"He's definitely become more of a vocal leader this year," Gaines said. "When Sean talks, you listen. We stand behind Sean. I definitely try to pick up whatever I can from Sean. He plays with such passion too. Guys are copying that. It's fun to come up under him right now. He leads us in meetings. Sometimes, he jokes around like he's some kind of coach. He's definitely that guy. Him, Ramon Buchanon. They got the leadership down together."

August 03, 2011 in University of Miami Football | Permalink | Comments (77)

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