Eye on the U

ACC releases statement regarding Miami Hurricanes and the NCAA investigation

The ACC released the following statement from commissioner John Swofford on the NCAA's case against Miami:

 "We are supportive of Miami's continued efforts to work with the NCAA on bringing resolution to this case. Miami's cooperation throughout this process should be commended and they have self-imposed significant sanctions. They've been forthright and diligent in their efforts to fully cooperate with the NCAA and it's time for this case to be brought to closure."

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

CANES HOOPS ROLLS ON: Miami Holds Off Virginia 54-50

TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards

Winning ugly has been working for the Miami Hurricanes lately. So why change things?

For the third straight time since running North Carolina out of Coral Gables, the Hurricanes had a fight on their hands -- and held on.

Miami, ranked second in the nation behind Indiana, got a big bucket from center Reggie Johnson with 5.7 seconds left to beat Virginia 54-50 at BankUnited Center in Coral Gables Tuesday night.

"Our last three games have been a good indication as how good the ACC is,'' coach Jim Larranaga said. "The teams in our league have so much physical talent ... We knew we would have to execute very well in the final seconds.''

Virginia tied the score at 50 with 14.3 seconds remaining when Evan Nolte hit a 3-pointer.

Yet with time closing down, guard Shane Larkin -- who scored four points in the final minute -- worked the ball around and found Johnson all along under the basket. Johnson scored and Miami stole the ball on the inbound.

"We just basically ran the same play as we did against N.C. State,'' said Johnson, whose last second tip-in beat the Wolfpack on Feb. 2. "Every time we play Virginia it's a battle."

Miami's Durand Scott gave the Hurricanes -- now 22-3 and 13-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference -- their final cushion by dropping a pair of free throws with 4.1 left.

Earlier in the evening, Indiana beat No. 4 Michigan State -- which UM topped here on Nov. 28.

"Our focus is on us,'' Larkin said when asked about Indiana. "Every thing will settle itself. If we stick to what we do, we'll be happy.''

The Hurricanes have won 14 straight and hasn't lost since losing in a consolation game to Indiana State in Hawaii on Christmas night.

Early Tuesday game, the Canes looked more like the high-flying team that drubbed Duke and North Carolina by average of 26.5 points and less like the UM squad that had to fight to escape Tallahassee and almost lost at Clemson on Sunday night.

Miami was red-hot from the onset in front of another raucous, capacity crowd of 7,972 at the on-campus arena. The Hurricanes opened by scoring on consecutive shots in the first minute and hit their first five from the field.

Like the Seminoles and Tigers before them, the Cavaliers (18-8, 8-5) refused to go away.

Virginia trailed 16-9 but kept chipping away as Miami struggled to score for long stretches in the opening half.

The Cavaliers cut Miami's lead to 2 by halftime and took their first lead of the night with 13:06 remaining when Evan Nolte hit one of two from the stripe.

Miami quickly retook the lead when Rion Brown was fouled while jacking up a 3-pointer. The junior knocked down all three free throws to make it 31-29 with 12:45 left. Miami then made a big defensive stop and fed it inside to Johnson who was fouled while scoring.

The Hurricanes' big man missed the free throw but pulled down a defensive board on Virginia's next trip up the floor.

Moments later, Brown sank Miami's first 3-pointer of the night to give the Hurricanes a seven-point lead -- their biggest since early on.

Virginia, again, wasn't finished as it closed to within a point at 44-43 with 3:33 remaining.

The Canes shooting went cold but a runner from Brown with 3:05 left gave Miami a three-point lead it held heading into the game's final minute.

Virginia's Joe Harris scored to tie it at 46.

With 42.2 seconds left, Larkin's lay-up gave Miami the advantage at 48-46. With 32.8 seconds left, Harris was fouled while missing a layup and hit the front end of his free throws.

Larkin pulled down the rebound on the second and was fouled; with 28.4 seconds left, Larkin calmly hit both to give Miami a three-point lead.

The Hurricanes go for their 14th win in conference play Saturday at Wake Forest.

"It's always important to build and it's easier to build on victories than losses,'' Larranaga said of the close calls.

"You can learn a lot from losses because it shows your limitations and weaknesses. But it's much better -- the guys feel better, their self-esteem grows -- after a victory. This last week has been a really great experience.''

"These guys have been through an awful lot,'' Larranaga said. "They're hungry. They've earned this. None of these wins have been given to them.''

Miami plays two of the ACC's lower teams in the Demon Deacons (4-9 in the ACC) and then play host to last place Virginia Tech on Feb. 27. The Hurricanes then visit Duke for the much-anticipated rematch against the Blue Devils.

The Hurricanes won at Cameron Indoor Stadium for the first time last season.

Shalala releases statement on NOA

STATEMENT FROM UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PRESIDENT DONNA E. SHALALA ON NCAA NOTICE OF ALLEGATIONS

“The University of Miami deeply regrets and takes full responsibility for those NCAA violations that are based on fact and are corroborated by multiple individuals and/or documentation.  We have already self-imposed a bowl ban for an unprecedented two-year period, forfeited the opportunity to participate in an ACC championship game, and withheld student-athletes from competition.

"Over the two and a half years since the University of Miami first contacted the NCAA enforcement staff about allegations of rules violations, the NCAA interviewed dozens of witnesses, including current and former Miami employees and student-athletes, and received thousands of requested documents and emails from the University.  Yet despite our efforts to aid the investigation, the NCAA acknowledged on February 18, 2013 that it violated its own policies and procedures in an attempt to validate the allegations made by a convicted felon.  Many of the allegations included in the Notice of Allegations remain unsubstantiated. 

"Now that the Notice of Allegations has been issued, let me provide some context to the investigation itself:

> Many of the charges brought forth are based on the word of a man who made a fortune by lying. The NCAA enforcement staff acknowledged to the University that if Nevin Shapiro, a convicted con man, said something more than once, it considered the allegation “corroborated”—an argument which is both ludicrous and counter to legal practice.

> Most of the sensationalized media accounts of Shapiro’s claims are found nowhere in the Notice of Allegations.  Despite their efforts over two and a half years, the NCAA enforcement staff could not find evidence of prostitution, expensive cars for players, expensive dinners paid for by boosters, player bounty payments, rampant alcohol and drug use, or the alleged hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts given to student-athletes, as reported in the media.  The fabricated story played well—the facts did not. 

> The NCAA enforcement staff failed, even after repeated requests, to interview many essential witnesses of great integrity who could have provided first-hand testimony, including, unbelievably, Paul Dee, who has since passed away, but who served as Miami Athletic Director during many of the years that violations were alleged to have occurred.  How could a supposedly thorough and fair investigation not even include the Director of Athletics? 

> Finally, we believe the NCAA was responsible for damaging leaks of unsubstantiated allegations over the course of the investigation.   

Let me be clear again: for any rule violation—substantiated and proven with facts—that the University, its employees, or student-athletes committed, we have been and should be held accountable.  We have worked hard to improve our compliance oversight, and we have already self-imposed harsh sanctions.   

We deeply regret any violations, but we have suffered enough. 

The University and counsel will work diligently to prepare our official response to the Notice of Allegations and submit it to the Committee on Infractions within the required 90-day time period. 

We trust that the Committee on Infractions will provide the fairness and integrity missing during the investigative process.”

AP reports UM receives notice of allegations from NCAA

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press the NCAA has delivered the long-awaited notice of allegations to the University of Miami, a move that essentially wraps up the findings of a two-year investigation into the school's athletic department.

The AP released the news at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Details of the NOA are not expected to be released by UM. The school is not obligated to release the information because it is a private school.

Next up: The sanctions phase, where UM's penalties will be decided. The Hurricanes have already self-imposed several sanctions, including sitting out two bowl games and a conference football championship game.

UM President Donna Shalala said Monday she believes those punishments should be enough.

NCAA President Mark Emmert said Monday the case would go through to the Committee on Infractions, who will decide whether those sanctions would be enough.

The NCAA reviewed and threw out 20 percent of its investigation into UM that was bungled by enforcement officials, who paid Nevin Shapiro's lawyer for help. 

UM adds highly-touted Texas WR/TE Derrick Griffin to 2013 signing class

Just when you thought the Canes had wrapped up the 2013 Signing Class, Brennan Carroll's bat signal on Twitter went off again Tuesday evening.

Derrick Griffin, a 6-6, 210-pound receiver from B.F. Terry High School in Rosenberg, Texas who also is a budding basketball star, faxed a signed a National Letter of Intent to Coral Gables Tuesday afternoon, UM's sports information staff confirmed.

Griffin, listed as a four-star receiver by 247Sports and the third-best receiver in the country overall by Rivals.com, becomes the third player to sign with UM after National Signing Day. The 2013 signing class is now up to 19 players total.

His signing comes as a bit of a surprise since he hadn't even officially visited UM yet and had long been a commitment to Texas A&M and was also talking to Auburn. InsideTheU.com reported Griffin will take his official visit to UM this weekend.

"I had a [basketball] tournament down there for AAU and I liked the surroundings," Griffin told 247Sports.com. "I just really liked the area and what they are about as a program. They have sent a lot of top players to the NFL.

"The Miami coaches were really excited when I told them I wanted to commit. They were all yelling and telling me they were happy to have me as a part of their family now. That made me smile."

Griffin finished his senior season with 592 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 36 receptions. He has been clocked at a 4.5 in the 40. He also becomes the second wide receiver in UM's 2013 class, joining Broward's top player, Northeast High star Stacy Coley.

Griffin could also end up playing basketball at Miami. Listed as the 26th-best small forward in the country by ESPN, Griffin is reportedly averaging 25 points a game for his high school team.

"This year Miami's basketball team is looking really good," Griffin told InsideTheU.com. "They are No. 2 in the country and they have a real chance to win a National Championship. I want to try and play college basketball too, so that is a big reason why I like them too."

A timeline of the NCAA's inquiry into UM, Shapiro, his lawyer and the conduct of the enforcement staff

In case you didn't have the time to read all 52 pages of the external review committee's findings into the conduct of the NCAA enforcement committee on Monday, here's a timeline of facts and events as it pertains to the UM investigation.

It might provide a clearer picture for you of who, what, when, where and even why as we move forward in all this. 

TIMELINE

> August 2010: Former booster Nevin Shapiro tells our Barry Jackson he's prepared to write a tell-all book that will bring the University of Miami football program down. 

> February 2011: Shapiro sends email to Rich Johanningmeier, Associate Director of Enforcement at the NCAA. Shapiro makes allegations that over nearly a 10-year period he colluded with student-athletes and coaches to provide improper benefits. The NCAA buys Shapiro a disposable cell phone and expends roughly $8,200 to fund communications with Shapiro. At one point they transfer $4,500 to his prison to pay for the communication expenses.

> April 2011: Johanningmeier makes contact for the first time with Shapiro's attorney, Maria Elena Perez, after Shapiro requests she be informed of his cooperation with the NCAA investigation.

> April 21, 2011: NCAA asks for copies of Shapiro's FBI 302 reports. A week later, Perez tells the NCAA she is not able to provide copies of the FBI 302 reports but offers to "extract the information regarding any reported NCAA violations or the like." In a email later, Perez tells the enforcement staff she can prepare summaries of Shapiro's 302 reports at a rate of $575 per hour and provide a retainer for the agreement.

> May 2011: After speaking to Shapiro for months, NCAA enforcement staff members Ameen Najjar, who heads the NCAA's investigation, and Johanningmeier meet with Shapiro in jail twice. Najjar visits alone a third time. In one visit, Shapiro provides the enforcement staff with four boxes of documents related to his allegations.

> Aug. 2011: The enforcement staff briefs NCAA President Mark Emmert for the first time in the investigation. Shortly thereafter, Johanningmeier and Najjar meet with UM President Donna Shalala to present her with a notice of inquiry.

> Aug. 15, 2011: UM equipment manager Sean Allen is interviewed for the first time. He later tells The Miami Herald and other publications he lied through his teeth in the initial interview.

> Aug. 16, 2011: Yahoo! publishes its expose of Shapiro's allegations. A day later, UM coach Al Golden said he was blind-sided by the story and had no idea when he was hired UM was facing an investigation.

> Aug. 25, 2011: UM declares 13 football players ineligible and eight serve suspensions.

> Sept. 28, 2011: Perez proposes the idea of leveraging the subpoena process in Mr. Shapiro's ongoing bankruptcy proceedings to compel certain witnesses to provide the testimony they were seeking. Perez tells Najjar that Shapiro wants to help because it helped the Bankruptcy Trustee and because it would help Shapiro "get revenge on the University of Miami and its student-athletes who had turned their back on him."

Despite the advice of the NCAA's legal staff not to retain Ms. Perez, the enforcement staff proceeds with Perez's idea. The notes from the NCAA investigation case strategy meeting suggest the Bankruptcy Trustee did not intend to depose Shapiro's former bodyguard Mario Sanchez, Allen (UM's equipment manager) or Michael Huyghue, Shapiro's business partner at Axcess Sports Agency. That evening Najjar reports the idea to Julie Roe Lach, the Vice President of Enforcement, and Tom Hosty, the managing director of enforcement.

Lach later tells the outside counsel hired by the NCAA she could not recall Najjar's email had not heard of Shapiro's lawyer before that date. Hosty said he did not know about the UM case until August 2011, but he had been briefed on interviews with Mr. Shapiro and knew of Ms. Perez prior to receiving the September 28, 2011.

> Oct. 4, 2011: Perez provides the NCAA with a written proposal to conduct depositions of nine individuals including Huyghue, Allen and Sanchez and her "expenses and legal fees" are estimated to be at $20,000.

> Oct. 10, 2011: UM's counsel of Judd Goldberg and Michael Glazier knew of Perez's proposal before it is presented to the NCAA supervisors for approval. In a conference call with Najjar and Johanningmeier they raise three concerns: 1. That Perez would leak information because she was not bound by the NCAA's confidentiality policy; 2. Perez was not trustworthy; 3. Perez was not listed as an attorney in Shapiro's bankruptcy and did not have the authority to issue the bankruptcy subpoenas.

In another email, Najjar tells Perez the NCAA only wants to depose Sanchez, Allen, Huyghue and only two other individuals of the nine mentioned in her proposal. Another person not named by Perez, but named by the NCAA is basketball booster David Leshner.

Najjar then sends an email to Lach and Hosty about hiring Perez to conduct depositions of the six individuals he previously listed and informs them it could cost roughly $20,000 for the work. Najjar tells the outside counsel later he sought approval simply for the expenditure and to get the guidance whether the arrangement was permissible under NCAA bylaws.

Hosty replies to Najjar's email that same day saying: "Most intriguing. I don't know what we can afford from costs, but this could be a creative solution for bigger breakthroughs on evidence."

Lach emails Isch to green-light the funding. She then emails Hosty to clear the proposal with Naima Stevenson, a member of the NCAA's legal staff.

> Oct. 13, 2011: Hosty forward's Najjar's email to Stevenson asking her if she saw any legal issues. She promptly reviewed the email and said it raised two concerns: 1. Only the legal staff could hire outside counsel and 2. She saw the arrangement as an effort to circumvent the limits on the NCAA's authority to compel cooperation from third parties. She emailed Najjar and Hosty to touch base so she could receive additional information regarding the proposal.

> Oct. 21, 2011: After consulting with her boss, Donald Remy, Stevenson sends an email to Najjar advising him not to use Perez in the proposed manner and offered several explanations for why she and the legal staff believed it was inappropriate.

She warns Najjar using a criminal attorney to conduct depositions would be inappropriate. "Any information obtained through such a manner for use in the NCAA process would be subject to significant scrutiny to the extent any decisions were based on that information if those decisions were to be subsequently challenged," she wrote. Lach, Hosty and Najjar explained the advice "created a significant impediment to our investigation" and asked for a meeting.

> Oct. 25, 2011: After exchanging emails, Najjar and Stevenson agree to meet to discuss the Perez proposal. Stevenson, Remy and Najjar attended the meeting. Lach participated via phone. Remy spoke during the meeting and reiterated Stevenson's message, saying they could not retain legal counsel to represent the interests of the NCAA, but could attend any public depositions or copy transcripts thereof. They also cited concern Perez's proposal could be an inappropriate circumvention of the NCAA's investigative limits. Lach later couldn't recall the meeting and said she was out of the office that day sick. But Stevenson said Lach did "appear to accept" the legal opinion.

A review of Lach's cell phone records show she received a call from the NCAA and was on the phone during that meeting for 11 minutes. Najjar later said he had no recollection of that meeting, but did recall the email of rejection.

Minutes after that meeting, Najjar sends Perez a text message saying he ran into a legal problem retaining her but "there's a way around it.

> Oct. 27, 2011: Najjar has Perez send him her tax information so she can receive payment. Less than a month later he texts her to assure her "everything was approved." Lach later says it was her understanding from emails through Najjar that her and Hosty were told the legal staff had approved the circumstances under which Perez had been retained.

> November 19, 2011: UM self imposes a bowl ban and then announces it will extend the contract of coach Al Golden through the 2019 season.

> Dec. 7, 2011: Perez provides Najjar a list of seven individuals she is prepared to depose.

> Dec. 13, 2011: Perez contacts Najjar to inform him Allen's deposition had been set for Dec. 19, 2011 and Huyghue's deposition was scheduled for Dec. 28, 2011. She also noted a deposition for Leshner on Dec. 27, 2011 and was in the process of trying to serve a fourth witness, Mario Sanchez.

Najjar and Perez also discuss the preparation of questions for the depositions. She tells Najjar that if he is unable to attend he should send questions. Although, she noted, "I believe Mr. Shapiro has all the questions covered."

> Dec. 18, 2011: Najjar provides Perez with a list of 34 areas they would like for her to "explore" with Allen. It was focused on identifying student-athletes who may have received prohibited entertainment and gifts from Shapiro. Najjar's list of areas to explore included questions such as "When Allen was employed/associated with Axcess Sports, which UM players did he recruit for Axcess and what monetary benefits did he provide or was aware were provided for them?"

UM's counsel of Goldberg and Glazier later say Najjar was reluctant to disclose information about the depositions and noted that Najjar never mentioned to them that Allen's deposition had taken place.

> Dec. 2011 to July 2012: Perez sends four invoices to the NCAA (Dec. 20, 2011; Jan. 3, 2012; Jan. 10, 2012; July 13, 2012) requesting reimbursement for court reporter fees, copying costs and conference room rental for a total of $8,467.

> May 2012: Johanningmeier retires from the NCAA. Najjar is fired. Stephanie Hannah takes over the investigation.

> July 20, 2012: Yahoo! reports links Golden to using Allen to help him recruit local players.

> Aug. 2, 2012: Perez sends nine invoices requesting payment of billatable time spent on the NCAA's investigation from Oct. 11, 2011 to July 31, 2012 at an hourly rate of $350. She requests a total payment of $57,115.

> Aug. 29, 2012: Hannah forwards Perez's email to Lach who says the NCAA agreed to pay far less, roughly $15,000.

> Sept. 18, 2012: The NCAA pays Perez for six invoices of her work, totaling $10,500.

> Sept. 28, 2012: Hannah reviews Pere'z invoices with Stevenson for the propriety of certain charges. Stevenson is surprised to learn that Najjar had retained Perez after she and Remy had told him not to. Stevenson meets with Lach and they agree to discontinue all work with Perez in the bankruptcy proceedings.

> Fall 2012: The Enforcement and Legal staff undertake a series of measures to review what happened and agree to pay Perez a final amount of $18,000. To ensure that the parties at risk of the investigation suffer no prejudice from the use of the NCAA's bankruptcy proceedings, the NCAA's Enforcement and Legal staffs decide to remove any information directly or indirectly derived from the work of Perez.

> Oct. 2012: The Legal Staff, in consultation with the NCAA President and Chief Operating Officer agree to remove evidence derived directly or indirectly from the Perez depositions. Remy explains the decision to exclude information was not based on a particular NCAA administrative Bylaw or policy, but instead inspired by the criminal law concept of excluding illegally obtained evidence and its "tainted fruits" to ensure that investigative targets are not prejudiced by any improper investigative techniques.

The staff determines any statements made by Allen in his voluntary interviews with the NCAA, both those that occurred before and after his sworn deposition, would be excluded as well the 13 subsequent interviews of others. They also determine portions of 12 additional interviews conducted after Allen's deposition would be excluded.

> Late November 2012: UM self imposes another bowl ban and announces it will also skip the ACC championship game in football.

> Jan. 11, 2013: The enforcement staff notifies UM and the subject parties of its conduct involving Perez and its decision to exclude any evidence directly or indirectly derived from them.

> Jan. 22, 2013: NCAA retains Cadwalader to conduct an outside investigation of its NCAA enforcement staff and its conduct with Perez.

> Jan. 23, 2013: The NCAA holds a press conference and issues a press release describing the enforcement staff's missteps in conjunction with Perez.

> Feb 18, 2013: Cadwalaer attorneys release their 52-page finding to the public. Lach is fired from the NCAA.

Based upon the review of over 75 interview transcripts and voluminous other records (including bank accounts, receipts, photographs and other records) it is the opinion of Cadwalaer the NCAA's investigative record on UM is not based on evidence that was improperly derived directly or indirectly from the depositions done by Perez. The outside hired counsel estimates 20 percent of the case against UM has been tossed out.

Emmert says the NCAA will continue with its case against Miami and there will be no settlement. He says the Committee on Infractions will have to determine the validity of the case.

UM President Donna Shalala releases a statement firing back at the NCAA, showing signs for the first time in the 22-month investigation the school may actually be digging in its heels for a fight and taking legal action. Shalala says in her statement she wants a quick resolution to the matter.

Shalala releases statement on NCAA, wants quick resolution

University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala made this statement concerning the external Enforcement Review Report the NCAA issued earlier today regarding the improper handling of its investigation of the University of Miami.

"The University takes full responsibility for the conduct of its employees and student-athletes. Where the evidence of NCAA violations has been substantiated, we have self-imposed appropriate sanctions, including unilaterally eliminating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students and coaches over the past two years, and disciplining and withholding players from competition.

"We believe strongly in the principles and values of fairness and due process. However, we have been wronged in this investigation, and we believe that this process must come to a swift resolution, which includes no additional punitive measures beyond those already self-imposed.

"In September 2010—two and a half years ago—the University of Miami advised the NCAA of allegations made by a convicted felon against former players and, at that time, we pledged our full cooperation with any investigation into the matter. One year later, in August 2011, when the NCAA's investigation into alleged rules violations was made public, I pledged we would 'vigorously pursue the truth, wherever that path may lead' and insisted upon 'complete, honest, and transparent cooperation with the NCAA from our staff and students.'

"The University of Miami has lived up to those promises, but sadly the NCAA has not lived up to their own core principles. The lengthy and already flawed investigation has demonstrated a disappointing pattern of unprofessional and unethical behavior. By the NCAA leadership's own admission, the University of Miami has suffered from inappropriate practices by NCAA staff. There have also been damaging leaks to the media of unproven charges. Regardless of where blame lies internally with the NCAA, even one individual, one act, one instance of malfeasance both taints the entire process and breaches the public's trust.

"There must be a strong sense of urgency to bring this to closure. Our dedicated staff and coaches, our outstanding student-athletes, and our supporters deserve nothing less."

Cristobal hired to become Alabama's new offensive line coach

Mario Cristobal's fourth stint at the University of Miami sure didn't last very long.

Hired by coach Al Golden to serve as associate head coach and tight ends coach a month ago after being fired as the head coach at FIU, Cristobal on Monday accepted a job offer to become the new offensive line coach at Alabama according to multiple reports.

UM has yet to confirm it.

Cristobal, 42, replaces former Hurricanes offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who was recently hired by new Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.

Cristobal, who played and won two national titles at UM and served as an assistant coach from 2004-06, interviewed for the job on Friday in Tuscaloosa and was weighing the decision on whether or not to take it over the weekend, a source said.

UM hired Cristobal on Jan. 10 and then his former offensive coordinator at FIU two weeks later in James Coley. The two are solid recruiters in South Florida.

NCAA: Only 20 percent of tainted info will be tossed out of UM investigation, process will move on

For those of us hoping for some finality in the two-year NCAA investigation into alleged rule-breaking at the University  of Miami, that day wasn't Monday.

Here is what you need to know: The NCAA has fired people on its enforcement staff, admits again it screwed up, but the case is proceeding to the Committee on Infractions. There will be no settlement. About 20 percent of the investigation has been dubbed "tainted" and has been tossed out. What's tainted? The interviews conducted by Nevin Shapiro's lawyer with Sean Allen and subsequently 13 other interviews and portions of 12 others after that.

When will the Notice of Allegations be sent to UM? President Mark Emmert wouldn't say. "I'm not giving it a timetable," he said.

> Here is the audio of the teleconference with reporters.

> Here is a link to the 52-page report released by the External Review committee on the NCAA's investigation into UM and the NCAA press release on the findings.

Batter up! Opening night for Hurricanes baseball is Friday at The Light (aka Alex Rodriguez Park)

   It seems as though the last official Hurricanes' baseball game at Alex Rodriguez Park's Mark Light Field was yesterday. And I know those Canes that were there for the 12-2 whuppin' by Missouri State to end the season, preceeded by a 10-2 whuppin' by Stony Brook, couldn't get back on the field fast enough to start their newest campaign.

    The 2013 season begins at 7 p.m. Friday against Rutgers. The first two games of the three-game series will be available on ESPN3. In total, 15 games so far have been slated for live broadcasts.

    Unfortunately for the Canes, two of their top starters are not ready to pitch yet. Eric Whaley, a 6-3, 190-pound, right-handed senior from Pompano Beach, would likely have gotten the nod for Friday. But Whaley said he has a "tight'' throwing shoulder.

    "Hopefully I'll be ready in two weeks,'' Whaley said Wednesday. "I just started throwing about three days ago and it's feeling  better every day. Just rehabbing right now and taking the process slowly.''

    Left-handed junior Bryan Radziewski, otherwise known as B-Rad, is coming off shoulder surgery and not recuperating quite as quickly as fellow pitcher Andrew Suarez, who also had shoulder surgery. So, B-Rad is unable to go.

   That leaves left-handed sophomore Chris Diaz, out of Gulliver Prep, as the Canes' starter Friday against lefty Rob Smorol (8-4, 3.46 ERA in 2012). Diaz was mostly a middle reliever last year, with a 2-1 record and 4.18 ERA.

   "I just feel blessed,'' Diaz said. "All the hard work is paying off now."

    The UM rotation for Rutgers continues Saturday night with 6-4, 227-pound right-handed junior Javi Salas (6-3, 3.21). Sunday's 1 p.m. finale will have UM sophomore Suarez, a lefty, starting.

    "Absolutely excited,'' Salas said. "We have a good team this year.''

    Also of note: Freshman David Thompson, who also is a quarterback on the football squad, will likely start his first game as the first baseman, coach Jim Morris told me Thursday. Morris said Chris Barr won the defensive battle at first base, but a groin injury to usual right fielder Chantz Mack will likely keep Mack out defensively, so that shifted the lineup a bit.

    As of Thursday, Morris said Mack might be inserted as the DH, with Barr sitting out this game if Thompson plays first. Tyler Palmer would replace Mack in right field, Morris said, if Mack doesn't play defense.

    Morris told me things could still change regarding position shifts.

    Morris said Alex San Juan will start at catcher.

   The Canes are not in the Top-25 in any of the baseball polls, despite having the ninth best recruiting class, according to Collegiate Baseball; and the 10th best, according to ESPN.

    "It's a clean slate for all of us, but we definitely have to put our name on the map again,'' Salas said.

    Morris said this is one of the hardest working teams he has ever coached, and he said he's looking forward to getting back among the top. Morris will be coaching third base this season, with assistant Gino DiMare coaching first. DiMare was a smart, aggressive base runner when he played at UM, and he will likely bring that same aggressive philosophy coaching first.

     * Also on the Horizon for UM fans: Ron Fraser's Celebration of Life commemoration, honoring the UM legend who died Jan. 20. That commemoration is from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Knight Sports Complex on the UM campus. The Fraser family will be in attendance at the event, which is free and open to the public. after the celebration, fans can proceed to A-Rod Park for the 7 p.m. game against Milwaukee.

   SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

Canes land commitment from hungry, versatile, athletic 2014 Hialeah QB Alin Edouard

Just when you thought the recruiting news had reached an end point down in Coral Gables, here is some more for you: Al Golden and his coaching staff have landed a commitment from another quarterback of the future -- 2014 Hialeah High standout Alin Edouard.

The 6-2 3/4-inch, 185-pound signal caller, who stood out at UM's Junior Day last weekend, picked up three new offers around lunchtime Wednesday: Boston College, Penn State and Miami. By dinner, he made up his mind. He called UM associate head coach Mario Cristobal and told him he wanted to be a Hurricane.

"When I went to Junior Day at Miami I felt like I was already home," Edouard said. "I was the only QB there. I got a chance to speak with [offensive coordinator James] Coley for awhile just one-on-one. He basically wanted to find a quarterback who could run and throw, have accuracy and be a leader on the field. He said I had all those tools.

"When I called Coach Cristobal tonight I don't think he saw [my commitment coming]. I kind of caught him off guard. But he was very happy. So was Coach Golden."

Hialeah coach Mark Berman, a coaching veteran of nearly 30 years in Miami-Dade County, said the Hurricanes have landed a rising star. After starting in a handful of games a sophomore, Edouard started all nine games for the 5-4 T-Breds this past season and put up decent numbers in a Zone Read spread offense. He completed 64 of his 132 attempts for 926 yards, 9 TDs, 9 INTs and ran for a team-leading 559 yards and seven touchdowns. Berman said Edouard has a lot of room to grow because he's only been playing football since the ninth grade.

"When it's all said and done everybody is still going to offer the kid," Berman said. "Miami got in at the right time. He had a great junior day and has really been doing well during 7-on-7. I think Coach Coley saw his arm strength and saw what he can do when he takes off running. Alin runs a 4.6.

"Everybody in college football today is running a zone-read, whether it's in a two back or one back spread. UM ran a lot of zone read last year. I think Coach Coley's philosophy is similar to Coach Fisch. What Alin gives you is that extra ability. He can take off any moment and break off a long run. He reminds me of a young Vince Young."

Edouard, the first Hialeah player to commit to UM since defensive lineman Adewale Ojomo, said he grew up a Canes fan since middle school. "I used to watch Jacory Harris in the seventh grade a lot and always admired him," Edouard said. "I've even built a little bit of a relationship with Stephen Morris from going to games.

"I'm going to say this is it for me. I know there are always other opportunities that might come. But I'm sure I'm going to Miami. They want me to play quarterback and that's what I want to do."

Edouard said he had previous offers from Ole Miss, FIU and Louisiana-Lafayette before Tuesday. Berman said Canes fans should follow Edouard closely his senior year and take a look at his junior highlights to see "the kind of hungry player he is."

"He can throw every ball out there. His arm strength is as good as you're going to find. Maybe I'm prejudice. I think he's the best quarterback anywhere around here," Berman said. "He goes all out all the time. The first game of the year we had a running back break like a 70-yard run down the field. You know who was his lead blocker? Alin. He's done it two or three other times. He just loves football."

> Berman said UM has shown interest in a couple others of his talented juniors at Hialeah including center Alique Terry (6-2, 285) and defensive tackle Tony Baxter (6-3, 300). Neither of those players though have offers from the Canes.

Miami Hurricanes welcome another Hurricane to 2013 signing class

  As our Barry Jackson just posted on his blog, the Hurricanes have their 18th football signee for the 2013 class.

  This one -- four-star running back Cornelius Elder, who goes by "Corn,'' -- appears to be a good one. UM badly needed another running back, with Mike James gone and recruit Alex Collins choosing Arkansas. The status of veteran RB Eduardo Clements, wearing a neck brace, is unknown. 

   Elder, from Nashville, Tenn., expects to play football and basketball at Miami.

   Rivals.com has Elder -- listed as 5-10 and 170 pounds -- ranked No. 157 overall in the final class of 2013 football rankings, and has him as a three-star point guard in hoops.

   Elder, who is gettlng lots of "Welcome to the U!'' tweets, posted a tweet earlier today that said, 

"Just committed to the university of Miami been my favorite school since I was little #blessed glad this over with''

  

  

   SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

3-star Virginia athlete Ryheem Lockley added to UM's 2013 signing class Tuesday

The University of Miami has confirmed the addition of Virginia Middlesex athlete Ryheem Lockley to its 2013 signing class.

Lockley (6-4, 220) picked UM over Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia and is expected to play tight end or wide receiver at Miami.

Lockley committed to Miami on Feb. 3 following his official visit, but did not sign his letter of intent on Signing Day as the UM staff was unsure whether or not they would have room for him. His academic situation also remains an issue.

“It’s looking like they’re going to be able to get him in 2013,” Middlesex head coach Josh Franke told InsideTheU.com. “The last thing we are waiting on are his SAT results. It seems like it's a good possibility (that he'll get in to UM this year)."

Lockley ran for 1,034 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns with 598 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a senior in his first year playing wide receiver. Prior to this season, Lockley was the starting quarterback for three seasons. On defense he totaled 50 tackles with two sacks and one interception playing safety, linebacker, cornerback, and defensive end.

He is also a standout basketball player averaging over 30 points a game and is a two-time all-state performer.
Lockley is a three-star prospect ranked 23rd in the state of Virginia according to 247Sports.

Canes climb to highest point ever (No. 3) in AP poll; What are fair expectations now?

The surge continues. 

The Miami Hurricanes -- who had never been ranked higher than eighth in the program's history -- hit a new peak Monday afternoon, climbing to No. 3 in the latest Associated Press college basketball rankings.

UM, which didn't crack the Top 25 until four weeks ago, received 17 first place votes and now sits behind No. 1 Indiana and No. 2 Duke. In the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll Miami ranks fourth behind No. 1 Duke, No. Indiana and No. Gonzaga.

The Hurricanes have won 11 straight games and are 10-0 in the ACC with 25-point blowout wins over North Carolina and Duke.

Can it get any better than this? Maybe. Some experts believe Miami is good enough to win a national title.

UM (19-3) plays at Florida State Wednesday night at 7 p.m. (ESPN2) and at Clemson at 6 p.m. Sunday (ESPNU).

What are fair expectations for Miami's men's basketball program this season?
	First round of NCAA tournament
	Second round of NCAA tournament
	Sweet Sixteen
	Elite Eight
	Final Four
	National championship
pollcode.com free polls

Hurlie Brown named new UM running backs coach

Congratulations to new UM running backs coach Hurlie Brown, a nice promotion from UM's senior football operations coordinator.

Brown played for the Hurricanes at safety from 1988-91, winning one title under Jimmy Johnson and another title under Dennis Erickson.

It appears all or at least most of his coaching career has been on the defensive side of the ball, notably with DBs - with some special teams coaching as well.

Finalists who interviewed included Donnell Bennett, who coaches at Oakland Park Northeast High (home of incoming Cane Stacy Coley); and Telly Lockette, wHo has done a fabulous job at Miami Central.

Brown, a native of Merritt Island, Fla., has since 2011 been responsible for community outreach and recruiting official visits, as well as other administrative duties, according to UM.

Brown served as the secondary coach and kickoff team coordinator during his stint at Louisiana- Lafayette from 2007-11.

He was the FIU DBs coach from 2001-06.

He also coached at FLL Dillard High and Merritt Island High.

New UM Canes AD Blake James Speaks on Everything from Fans to Stadium Issue

 

MY TRANSCRIPT OF BLAKE JAMES TELECONFERENCE TODAY:

"I was thrilled to be notified today that I’m going to be able to continue on on a permanent basis. Having served as the athletics director for the last four months it was an interview process that’s probably been longer than most, but one that was a great experience and that I have valued tremendously and obviously look forward to continuing to move this program forward.

 I think we have great days ahead. We have a great staff, great coaches and I’m looking forward to bringing us back to the top and enjoying all the benefits of being here in Miami and being at the U."

 When you were given the interim tag, you said you had to get up to speed quickly as to where things are in the NCAA investigation. Could it be construed that when you did get up to speed, you still wanted the job?

  "I would want this job no matter what the situation was. Without commenting on the NCAA situation, obviously I’m excited about where our program is going and what I think the future is for this program. With that said, I think to be fair this is a job that I’ve wanted for my 20 years in this business and so regardless of anything out there, I’d be excited to be on the phone today representing the University of Miami as its new athletics director. It’s hard for me to answer that question because we can’t comment on the NCAA process.

 The ncaa investigation is not a concern of mine in terms of this job.. I look forward to helping our institution through the process and bringing us to the place where I know all our fans want us to be for ACC and national championships."

  5 ½ years In Maine, how did that help you prepare for this day?

"It was a huge benefit. The Univ of Maine program is a big part of the state of Maine. So to be able to sit in this chair for five years, and while the AP wasn’t necessarily covering everything going on, the television stations, the radio outlets, the media markets there followed the news of the Maine athletic program very closely. So to have those challenges that all of my counterparts around the country face on a daily basis, to be able to handle those for 5 ½ years gave me the necessary experience to step into this one, where the spotlight is probably greater and the magnifying glass is probably greater than any other program in the country. But again, I’ve had the benefit of having to deal with very similar issues for five-plus year."

What were you expecting when you came back from Maine?

"It’s funny you asked that question. I was texting with Kirby Hocutt earlier today. Kirby is the one who brought me back here. As I said to Kirby, when I took the job here I hoped this day would come. I wasn’t looking for this to be a stepping stone to somewere else. I really took it with the idea that someday I’d be sitting in this chair. I didn’t imagine the path that I would follow to get her but again, this was the job I came here for. And if it wasn’t something that worked out, I wanted to be in the Miami market. I wanted my kids to be able to grow up in this community and be a part of the community here. My wife and I really enjoy living in South Florida and this is where we wanted to be. I’m thrilled the opportunity worked out for me a little over two years later to be in the athletic director’s role."

Is there anything you can say about the baseball team and Biogenesis clinic and if you’ve been approached by MLB?

 “I would defer to our comment on our situation yesterday. As we’ve said before, there’s an ongoing investigation with that situation and I wouldn’t comment beyond that."

 Anything you’d like to instill that you did at maine that you look forward to doing as an AD? Something we haven’t seen? Or status quo?

"I think things are always changing. So I wouldn’t say there’s anything particular at Maine – different places, different programs. We need to win acc championships. All of us can look and see how many we’ve won and say, we need to win more than what we’re winning and so to do that, we need to provide our coaches with the resources and support they need to be their very best and our student-athletes with the support they need to be their very best. Without getting into real specifics, those are the things we need to do. I’m confident that with the group of coaches we have here that we’ll be able to bring ACC championships back to Coral Gables.

 "If you’re winning championships in the ACC, then you’re in the position to win national championships in any of those sports. I think that’s ultimately what we want the goal to be. We need to be winning championships. I think those days are coming in the future. Obviously we have a great ride going in men’s basketball right now and we’re excited where Coach Larranaga has that program. We’ll continue to do what we need to do to have all of our programs in a similar position."   

 On being the permanent AD:

"The way I look at it is when I took over on Oct. 4 I was in the role of the athletic director and it was important for me at that point to be in the role of athletic director and do the things that I felt we needed to do as a program. Because if we’re standing still and I was just there to, I guess, keep the boat from steering off path, then I wasn’t doing the job and I don’t think I would have put myself in the position to have this opportunity now today. So I don’t think there’s anything in particular that I would do differently than what I’ve done in the past other than I think I’ll be a little more aggressive in terms of really setting up a long-term strategic plan for where we’re going to go.

You don’t want to establish a long-term strategic plan unless you really plan on being somewhere long term, and I would tell everyone I plan on being here very long term and many great days ahead at the U."

 I know you’re very much in touch with the fans and the community and people are happy about that. How important do you think that is for an AD?

"In my opinion I think it’s something that’s critical. For us to be in communication with the fans is something that I feel as a program we need to do. Again, credit to our communication staff. I think they do a good job of getting info out. I think they do a good job of pushing me to get info out. Additionally, I think it’s a situation where when you look at the U of M, we don’t have the ability to just go out and raise dollars by saying, hey send your ticket invoice in along with your donation, and thank you.’ It’s something where I think we have to get very aggressive. You hear people use the Canes Family slogan quite a bit and I think in many ways that’s true. We’re a small private school, we’re a family in many ways and everyone is important in the family. So as the head of the family it’s important for me, in my opinion, to have a real open line of communication and a real open access to all members.

So, whether it’s the person that has been with the program forever and maybe is writing a big check or a person who is new to the program writing a big check that they’re there. At the same time, maybe the person who can’t afford to write a check at all and wants just to buy tickets or come out. You know having them have access also. Obviously you can only talk to so many people in a day, or tweet, or email, but to me, it’s important that I’m as accessible to as many as possible and that includes everyone on the call and I hope you guys continue to feel that way."

Baseball and NCAA stuff: Has the NCAA opened up an investigation or are they just monitoring?

"What I would say is we’re doing our part with the investigation. I wouldn’t be able to comment on what the ncaa is or isn’t doing, that’s something they determine... from our side we’re addressing the issue and looking into it and moving forward and beyond that I wouldn’t be able to speculate on what the NCAA is or isn’t doing."

Re the Interview process, how many times did you sit down with interviewers?

  "On Oct. 4 president Shalala notified me that I was going to be serving as the acting athletic director and really for me the interview process began on that day. Over the last four months and four days I guess there have been a number of situations that are real-life situations. Many times you try to play out interviews and try to present scenarios in interviews.  The benefit for president Shalala here was she got to see how I responded in those situations. So at the end, yes, there was a formal interview process but really the interview was a 4 month and 4 day process, not a one day and one meeting process."

 Do you plan to stay long term?

"I plan to be here as long as they’ll have me here. This is where my wife and I wanted to be. This is where we wanted to raise our children. And this is the job that I’ve always wanted. My plan is that I’ll be here until I retire. I’m hoping that’s a good 20 years down the road. I’m 43 right now, so 63, 65 – I guess I’d like to get at least to that point and beyond that I think it would just be an enjoyable ride to the end. I have no intentions of leaving.

When I took this job with Kirby my hope was that at some point Kirby would decide it was right for him to move on and this opportunity would present itself. I wouldn’t have predicted the timeline or the path to get here, but this was the one that I wanted.

I haven’t signed, finalized the agreement yet, but it will be a five year deal."

Was there any point you felt uneasy, like you were making decisions and walking on eggshells almost as if you were auditioning while trying to lead at the same time? How did you balance that?

 "In college athletics, you’re on the stage everyday. And whether it’s for four months, you never know when the end is going to come. I think it’s very similar to what coaches do. This isn’t a job you get and you have it from 7 to 3:30 and you punch in and punch out and take an hour for lunch and operate that way. This is a job that goes nonstop. You don’t know when the calls are going to come or when the events are going to happen and it’s something you just have to be ready to go at. I looked at it on oct. 4 as the job was starting on that day and I felt if I did everything that I needed to do and I knew I could do that this day would happen. It was hard for me to predict when that would be, but I’m happy that it happened today and if wasn’t until four more months I would have continued to operate as I have been for the past four months. I guess I will say, though, that I’m thrilled that it became a more permanent situation today, but those are things than can change. You have to continue to make good decisions and lead the program to where it needs to go."

 Who is the new UM RBs coach?

"I don’t think we’ve determined that yet but I know we’re working on that and I’m sure we’ll get it finalized here real soon."

When is an on-campus football stadium going to be built?

 "In all seriousness, as I said before, there isn’t anyone who would enjoy an on-campus stadium more than I would, but it’s not a realistic situation to even discuss. We don’t have the land for it, and if we did have the land, there just isn’t the infrastructure in this place. We’re playing in a first-rate facility that is in the process of only getting better and I’m confident that we’re putting our student-athletes into a premier facility in the country and with the new additions we’re going to put our fans into an environment that will be even better. I’m not going to say it’s going to ever create anything what the Orange Bowl was, because those were special days and games that I would go to at the OB but I think it’s going to create a much different environment and an atmosphere that will much more closely resemble the atmosphere we had at the Orange Bowl."

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

 

Blake James: UM's new athletic director, got a standing ovation this morning -- and UM spring practice dates announced

First, congratulations to new, permanent Miami athletic director Blake James, a super nice person who absolutely does not shy away from the media -- or from mingling with fans and attending UM sports events. I was told by UM Board of Trustee members that he has done a great job in his interim capacity since October, and that he handled the entire aspect of the program well since then -- from the NCAA mess to dealing with employees to fundraising.

I talked to some folks today about James and what went down this morning at the National UM Board of Trustees meeting in Coral Gables:

* Blake was brought in toward the end of the executive session as a surprise by UM president Donna Shalala, who introduced him as UM's new athletic director. The whole place, I was told, cheered and gave him a standing ovation. Blake was grinning from ear to ear.

* "Everyone was overwhelmed,'' one trustee said. "They all cheered and shook his hand.''

* "I didn't hear one person disagree with the choice of Blake,'' a trustee told me. "He had a smile on him that you couldn't wipe off in 10 years.''  

* James was chosen by Shalala and her search committee, headed by UM Board of Trustees member David Epstein. The Board overwhelmingly approved, though there wasn't a formal vote taken, I was told.

 * I was told James' hiring doesn't necessarily mean there will soon be closure on the NCAA investigation of Miami -- but that it doesn't necessarily mean there won't be closure soon either (LOL, sorry, that's what I was told). More than one person said Shalala and company are so sure that Blake will stay at UM, regardless of what happens to UM re the NCAA case, that she felt confident about naming him the permanent guy now. 

*Shalala said more a bit more than 100 people expressed interest in the AD job.

* A trustee told me there were about 40 people present today at the meeting.

Have an awesome weekend everyone! We're getting Blake on a conference call in the next hour.

Hurricanes' three spring scrimmage dates set

UM's spring football schedule was released Friday. The first of 15 practices begins March 2nd.

Three scrimmages will be open to the public.

> March 23: First scrimmage at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami (10 a.m.)

> April 5: Second scrimmage in Naples (7 p.m.).

> April 13: Annual Spring Football Game (3 p.m.) at Sun Life Stadium.

For the first time, the Canes will hold a "Student Appreciation Day" during their Tuesday, March 26th practice at Greentree Practice Field. With the exception of March 26 and the three scrimmages, all practices are closed to the public.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

Hurricanes three spring scrimmage dates set

UM's spring football schedule was released Friday. The first of 15 practices begins March 2nd.

Three scrimmages will be open to the public.

> March 23: First scrimmage at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami (10 a.m.)

> April 5: Second scrimmage in Naples (7 p.m.).

> April 13: Annual Spring Football Game (3 p.m.) at Sun Life Stadium.

For the first time, the Canes will hold a "Student Appreciation Day" during their Tuesday, March 26th practice at Greentree Practice Field. With the exception of March 26 and the three scrimmages, all practices are closed to the public.

Blake James sheds interim title, hired as full-time athletic director at Miami

The University of Miami announced Friday that Blake James has shed his title as interim athletic director and been hired for the position full-time. James had been serving as the interim AD since October 2012.

“Blake James has proven that he has the experience, skills, leadership and especially the love for the University that we need in Athletics,” University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala said in a statement released by the school.

James came to UM three years ago as Senior Associate AD after spending seven years the University of Maine, where he served as Senior Associate Athletic Director before serving as Director of Athletics from July 2005 to September 2010. In that role, his primary responsibilities focused on marketing, ticketing, retail operations and athletics development, along with men's and women's track and field, cross country, men's soccer, men's basketball and baseball.

“I’m honored to be named the Director of Athletics here at the University of Miami,” James said. “I want to thank President Shalala and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity as we continue to move forward through these difficult times. We have assembled a great athletics staff with tremendous head coaches and I am grateful to be a Miami Hurricane.”

During his tenure at Maine, athletics experienced tremendous success, including three trips to the Frozen Four for the men's ice hockey program and NCAA playoff berths for football, baseball (two), women's basketball and softball. Additionally, James implemented a comprehensive $17 million facility improvement plan, which included an indoor practice facility and numerous other facility upgrades and renovations. Academically, the program flourished, earning the conference academic cup twice and maintaining better than a 3.0 GPA.

Prior to his stint at James worked in athletics development at Providence College, where he established the "Friars Forever" campaign and the Friar Athletic Fund.

No stranger to South Florida, James began his athletic career with UM, working in ticket sales, corporate sales and athletics development while a graduate student at St. Thomas University.

He graduated from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a bachelor's degree in marketing in 1992 and received his master's degree from St. Thomas University in 1994. He and his wife Kelly have two children, Haley and Ryan.

Appreciate all the calls, texts and emails of congratulations!I am thrilled to have this opportunity to represent the U! Go Canes!

— Blake James (@CanesAllAccess) February 8, 2013

UM issues statement regarding its drug testing policy, strength coach Jimmy Goins

"The University of Miami’s comprehensive drug testing policy, enacted in 1995, continues to evolve as the methods and reliability of testing have improved and as more drugs have been introduced into the world of competitive sports.

"The University’s program is monitored by a University committee, which includes medical professionals, and is overseen by a Medical Review Officer --c urrently, a former UM Miller School of Medicine physician -- who ensures the integrity and confidentiality of the drug testing program. An outside third-party firm administers the tests and provides results to the University.

"Since 2005, approximately 3,380 student-athletes have been tested more than 10,000 times by the University, in addition to drug tests administered by the NCAA. During that period, no student-athlete has tested positive for anabolic steroids. The University of Miami, like many of our peer institutions, the NCAA and many professional sports leagues, does not currently test for Human Growth Hormones.

"The University of Miami's drug testing policy is consistent with those at most NCAA Division I programs and provides more stringent penalties -- including game suspensions for first-time positive results -- than many of our peers.

"As stated last week, we have initiated an internal review involving an employee and will continue to monitor developments."

Mike James and Brandon McGee invited to NFL Combine in Indianapolis

Here's the University of Miami release we just received on Mike James and Brandon McGee. Both of these guys are good people and I really hope they do well and go on to NFL careers. Both should have at least a shot at making at team, no matter the avenue from which they do it.

2013 NFL Scouting Combine will be Feb. 23-26 on NFL Network

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami Hurricanes standouts Mike James and Brandon McGee have been invited to participate at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, which be held Feb. 23-26 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The four-day combine will be televised live on NFL Network.

James will participate with the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers on Sun., Feb. 24, while McGee will participate with the defensive backs on Tue., Feb. 26.

In January, James competed in both the Senior Bowl and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He started all 12 games at running back for the Hurricanes in 2012, finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher with 642 yards and six TDs. The Haines City, Fla., product concluded his career with 1,386 rushing yards and 17 scores, while catching 67 passes for 585 yards and five TDs. He was one of 11 FBS players named to the 2012 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team in September.

McGee played in the 88th East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., in January. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he was the 44th Miami Hurricane to play in the game and first UM defensive back since Al Blades in 2001. As a senior in 2012, he started all 12 games at defensive back and finished tied for sixth on the team with 54 tackles. Miami’s shut-down corner was a two-year starter and concluded his career with 24 consecutive starts.

 

Collins tells NBC-6 its still going to be Arkansas

Don't expect any more zaniness Thursday. South Plantation running back Alex Collins should sign a National Letter of Intent with Arkansas before noon a source told The Miami Herald.

As our Susan Miller Degnan detailed in her story, Collins' mom ran off without signing his NLOI Wednesday because she wanted him to stay home. But the former UM recruit told NBC-6 during its South Florida Recruiting Show tonight he's still going to Arkansas and nothing has changed.

He posted the following on Twitter around midnight.

Goodnight twitter fam, thanks 4 the love and support I've been getting from every1, I really appreciate it! I READ all. It will be over soon

— alexander collins (@Budda03) February 7, 2013

Here is Collins' interview with Joe Rose late Wednesday night.

One more for the road: Former UM Canes QB Jacory Harris is now an Eskimo! How cool is that?

 Just learned this Wednesday:

  Former UM Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris has signed a contract as an "import quarterback,'' according to a release by Edmonton.

   As per club policy, the team stated, the terms of the contracts are not released.

   Here's the info from "Esks'':

 Jacory Harris

Quarterback (import)

Born: May 12, 1990 – Miami, FL

College: Miami

Height: 6.04

Weight: 195

   "A three-year starter at the University of Miami, Harris racked up 8,826 passing yards and 75 touchdowns, including five rushing touchdowns, ranking him second in school history for yards and touchdowns. In 2011, he won the Offensive Most Outstanding Player Award. The year prior, he won the Community Service Man of the Year Award. In 2012, Harris attended mini rookie camp with the Miami Dolphins and briefly signed with the Philadelphia Eagles."

  "Edmonton acquired quarterback Mike Reilly from the British Columbia Lions last week,'' a former colleague emailed to us, "which could figure into Harris' chances of making the team."

    Regardless, congratulations Jacory! Bundle up.

   SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

Before I leave for the night, some news from sources: RB coach Terry Richardson leaving UM

Still need to get this confirmed tomorrow from UM, but two sources told me Hurricanes running backs coach Terry Richardson is leaving UM to take the same position with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.

Richardson would join former UM offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, the Jags' new OC.

Richardson has been at UM for two seasons, coaching Lamar Miller, now with the Dolphins, in 2011 and freshman All-American Duke Johnson this past season.

The Broward County native returned to South Florida, according to his UM bio, after spending 12 seasons at UConn as the RB coach.

That's all for now. More tomorrow I hope.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

 

 

 

 

 

Golden discusses 2013 signing class Canes "really had to fight for"

UM coach Al Golden discussed the 2013 signing class and other topics Wednesday evening.

Among the first questions asked was if the Canes were done. Golden's response: "I can't really comment on a specific story percolating. But we may have room for one more but that's about it."

Asked about report that running backs coach Terry Richardson is expected to be hired by the Jaguars, Golden said it was an issue he still had to discuss with his assistant. 

Opening statement: "It's a class we're proud of. It was a class we really had to fight hard for. I don't think it's something anybody outside of this room understands what we were up against the entire year, fight for this class. I'm proud of our coaches for not making any excuses, hanging in there and bringing in a class that is not only excellent, but a great compliment to the class that played so well and so often for us a year ago."

"We started out targeting 16 guys, which is a really low number. Some of that is in part because of the self-imposed penalties. So, it was a tight number to begin with. But as you break it down we out searching for a big-time pro style quarterback and I think we got the best, if not the best in Kevin Olsen. We started out looking for one receiver in this class -- and that's tough when you're in South Florida and you got to let some of the best ones go -- but we felt we got the best one down here in Stacey Coley. That was a real great get for us. He's one of the more fluid receivers we've seen in a long time. We sought out to get one to two running backs. Obviously we're still uncertain of of Eduardo Clement's future because of his injury, but that number was set at one or two based on that. We needed a big back and brought in Gus Edwards and feel Gus fulfills that at 6-1, 230 pounds, a guy that can run between the tackles. We sought out to get two tight ends and we did that. I think we have two of the best in the country. We got one of the best in junior college in Beau Sandland. He's 6-4, 255 pounds. He's here right now. And Standish Dobard, also in this class from Louisiana -- two big time tight end prospects and real proud of coach Caroll. We sought out to get three offensive linemen. We got Alex Gall from Moeller High School, Hunter Knighton who will play center or guard for us, and one we're really pleased in Sunny Odogwu.

"On the defensive side we sought to get two defensive end and I think we accomplished that. No. 1 a pass rusher on the open side. Al-Quadin Muhammad from Don Bosco Prep we think he's one of the premier pass rushers in the country. He's 6-3 1/2, 240 pounds, long, rangy, animated, plays with passion. The other young man I'm equally excited about -- Ufomba Kamalu, 6-5, 275 pounds -- also a defensive end prospect. We needed some with a little more maturity so we went to Butler Community College to get Ufomba. We wanted to get three or four linebackers in this class and obviously we missed out on a highly sought after young man locally, but we did get Jermaine Grace who was the best linebackers, one of the premier two linebackers in the state of Florida. We also got Devanta Bond, a sam linebacker from Sierra Community College, and Alex Figueroa enrolled with us mid year. We got three of the fourr needs. We sought to get three defensive backs and we feel we got two guys who are proven defensive backs in Artie Burns, who can play corner or safety, and Jamal Carter. We also got a guy in Ray-Ray Lewis who can play corner, slot receiver or running back. We're excited about that. There's no question we lost our defensive tackle and that's something we have to address here moving forward. I think that should give you the overview of the class because you can get caught up in the numbers. We didn't take 23 or we took 28 guys. We took 32 last year. We're very pleased with that group. Out of the last two years 30 of the 48 or 63 percent hail from the state of Florida. I think we're right on wit that."

How concerned are you about the defensive tackle spot?

"We're going to have some options there. Again, it is what it is. You want to stay in there with the best kids in the country and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Getting Gus Edwards today, Stacy Coley and Jermaine Grace, those are three big-time football players we got down the stretch. We're in a business where everybody focuses on the guys you didn't get. But the reality is make sure the guys you get help your program, make sure they fit. In this case because we were so tight on numbers, again, this is as tight as you can be from a football standpoint. We're happy with the guys we ended up getting today."

You lost Jedd Fisch, added Mario Cristobal late. How did that affect things?

"I think it does. There's no question relationships are formed and then obviously dissolve at different times. I think that pales in comparison to what we've encountered from the sheer cloud or the presence of the word sanctions. It's something hopefully we can get resolved here in the near future and move on. We had one junior day a couple weeks back. We have another junior day Saturday. That's our third class where we're having to deal with an unknown. As long as we have known we can all deal with. The unknown is what's killing us. The unknown is what is allowing us to be exposed to attack."

You only signed five kids from Florida guys, four from South Florida. Is that what you want?

"Clearly I would have loved to hit on a couple more today, I don't think there's any question. Again, it's just the way it worked out. We needed tight ends. If there were 10 tight ends from down here going places then I would be concerned. We went out of state to get a quarterback. We went out of state to get offensive linemen. That's not uncommon. I always try to look at different rosters and make sure we're doing things the right way. The 2001 [national champion] roster was 55 percent in state. The rest was out of state. We're somewhere between 57 and 60 percent. I like to stay at 60-65, 70 percent. But again, you can't always predict how it's going to turn out."

So you operated on need base?

"It had to be. With 16-17 spots it was all about need. Obviously down the stretch here today we lost a couple Florida kids. You're not going to get them at all. But I really like the guys we're bringing in."

Were you disappointed with the Miami-Dade kids who went elsewhere?

"I'm a competitor like everybody else. I'm more proud of the guys we did get. Artie Burns, Jamal Carter, Stacy Coley, Jermaine Grace is an incredible talent. It's just the way it shakes out sometimes. We just got to move forward and hopefully get this NCAA thing behind us so we can roll. Right now we're fighting with one arm behind our back."

Can you talk about the situation with Booker T. Washingto and Denver Kirkland?

"The only thing I'll say and I don't believe in airing that out publicly so I'm not going to that. Again, there is a difference between pulling a scholarship and having none left. It's tough when you get to this point in the year. If it's any normal year, I can absorb going over one. But we had a hard ceiling this year because of the self imposed penalties and I was up against it. The commitments that i had gotten a run on commitments Wednesday, Thursday and you're out. So, that's all I can say to that in terms of just making sure we're on the same page. I was against a hard ceiling and I had no room."

How many scholarships were self imposed?

"Can I answer this question? I feel like I'm in court. I've been at this for two years. I can't answer that."

How many kids were silent commitments and how many were you sort of sweating it out for?

"All of them. That's the game we're playing right now. We're not coming from a position of power or leverage right now because of the sanctions. If we can get that lifted, we'll move forward. Again, it's really important the communication is good. I think we have a great relationship with the high school coaches in South Florida. We've got to continue to do that, continue to communicate. This is just an anomoly -- I hope it is because I hope we can move on from the NCAA -- it's an anomoly in such that this was out of my control. This wasn't like last year where we thought we were going to get 31 or 32 and signed 33, whatever the case may be. You can absorb one. I had no room to absorb one as we went into the day today and obviously when we went into the weekend last weekend."

Talk about the emotions of the Kirkland-Thomas announcement before Coley-Grace announced

"It's like the Godfather, right, it's the business we've chosen. It's up, it's down. It's the way it is. Don't worry about the ones you don't get and worry about the ones you do get can play and match your core values, the things you want to do. I know everybody is disappointed about the ones we didn't get today. But we're here to celebrate the Quan Muhammads and the Stacy Coleys, the Jermaine Graces and how about this Artie Burns. Nobody talks about him because he didn't do a hat show. This guy is a superstar. Let's talk about those guys and the impact they're going to have on Miami football."

What time did Gus Edwards send in his signed letter of intent?

"7 a.m. That was a good start to the day. We needed that."

Were the self imposed limits on visits?

"Obviously to some degree. I just can't say what.

"We visited 27 guys. We had to self impose penalties there. We visited 27 guys. What's our hit ratio? That's an incredible hit ratio. We're not allowed to visit 45 guys. Some in the coaching community that didn't understand the impact these things were going to have in recruiting and this was not in our control. Just to say you're going to take one receiver should say it all. I think we got the best one down here."

What happens if one or two recruits want to come in on signing day and you don't have space?

"If you have 25 you're not worried because you already filled your needs, so the guy who is doing the signing day thing is obviously - I don't want to say the bonus ball - or you have good information way in advance that he's coming. You put five hats out there, there's really not five schools waiting. You know or you have a 50 percent chance of getting it."

So if you think a kid is coming and he goes elsewhere you have one spot open then. Do you go after someone else to fill that spot at that point?

"It was late in the day, late in the process to do that."

How much more imperative is the development of the tackles you have here now?

"It's huge. With the cloud over our head to try and get a JUCO defensive tackle who already has a condensed time period on your campus, many weren't interested because of how tenuous it was."

How important is the defensive tackle position?

"We have to get better at that position. That starts with the guys on campus developing and continuing to develop more competition and keep our eyes and ears open for guys that become available."

How often do recruits ask about NCAA stuff?

"Just about every other question."

Is it hard to answer the questions?

"I can't even answer them in here."

Ray Lewis could be around the program now with his son at UM. Like that idea?

"It's exciting. To end like that, that's a story book ending for Ray [winning the Super Bowl]. And for Ray Ray to not only have passion and be disciplined and have a great work ethic and everything - but he kind of looks like Ray. It'll be fun to have him around."

Ray Lewis III comes to UM with the shadow of his father hanging over his head. How do you think he will deal with that?

"When I went to he house [for a visit] I told them Ray Ray was an incredible gentleman, took in the garbage can, did the dishes. This young man, you think he'd have every opportunity to be entitled and he wasn't."

Last year a lot of newcomers played right away. Do you expect that with this class?

"Last year was about signing basically a two deep everywhere because we lost so many seniors the year before. This group is more filling in now, giving us some symmetry and competition. … everyone gets a chance to compete for a starting job, it doesn't matter if you're a freshman or senior. There'll be a great number of these guys that will ultimately help us I'm sure."

Are you getting back to the symmetry you want in terms of the depth chart?

"We're moving in that direction. We're hamstrung a little because we have to artificially keep our numbers down."

You have 20 starters returning, was that an issue convincing guys to sign?

"We have 20 starters back on a 7-5 team. We get 10, 11 wins then you can say there's a little bit of hierarchy. We have a long way to go as a program. With a target of 16 or 17 we weren't going to be a top 10 recruiting class. That seldom if ever happens just because of the way the formula is. As I go down this list, I'm taking Sunny, Ufomba, Al-Quadin, Kevin Olsen any year. Grace is a fabulous player, Artie Burns. I'm thrilled about this group, can't wait to get them on campus."

Do you expect recruiting will only get easier now?

"If I say it now I may have to say it again when the (NCAA) cloud is removed. I don't know where we are in the process. I think all of us feel like there's closure coming, that it's there, that it's going to be a great day. I haven't had that experience yet at the University of Miami. I'm looking forward to going into homes and communities and not answer that question because it's either the first or second question. The first is how you doing, the second is how is the NCAA thing going."

What has Mario Cristobal's edition meant?

"Wisdom. He's got a poise about him, is connected to the community, South Florida high school coaches. A wisdom to see things like a head coach. I'm excited about him. I've leaned on him a couple of times [already]. We're excited about being here together. Now it's time to move forward."

You have an associate head coach and assistant head coach on your staff in Mario Cristobal and defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio. What's the difference?

"I don't know. I honestly don't know. But they have different roles in helping me with the administrative side. Mark deals with the weight room, Mario helps with the social, behavioral, discipline side. He's a good guy to have on the discipline side."

Did UM's academic standards impact recruiting at all?

"No. We just have to get to the point where we keep building this thing."

NCAA completes external review of enforcement staff in UM investigation; report expected by end of next week

The NCAA released a brief update Wednesday regarding the external review of its enforcement program in the UM investigation, saying Kenneth L. Wainstein has completed the necessary interviews and review of information and is now in the process of preparing a final report.

That report, the NCAA release said, is expected to be received "by the end of next week."

"We will release the results of the review following the completion of the report," the press release said.

NCAA President Mark Emmert said on Jan. 23 once the external review of his enforcement staff was completed the parties involved in the UM case would receive its notice of allegations.

UM's 2013 signing class list

Here is the list of 16 names we've received upon arriving here for Al Golden's press conference.

Stacy Coley, WR, Oakland Park Northeast High, 6-1, 173
Jermaine Grace, LB, Miramar High, 6-1, 210
Augustus Edwards, FB, Staten Island (N.Y.), 6-2, 230
Sunny Odogwu, OT, Hargrave Military (Va.), 6-8, 311
Beau Sandland, TE, Los Angeles Pierce College, 6-6, 255
Artie Burns, S, Miami Northwestern, 6-0, 183
Alquadin Muhammad, DE, Bosco Prep (N.J.), 6-3, 230
Kevin Olsen, QB, Wayne Hills, N.J., 6-3, 200
Jamal Carter, S, Miami Southridge, 6-1, 190
Standish Dobard, TE, New Orleans Edna Karr, 6-4, 255
Ufomba Kamalu, DT, Butler CC (Kan.), 6-5, 280
Alex Gall, OT, Cincinnati Moeller, 6-6, 280
Hunter Knighton, DT, Princeton Hun School, 6-5, 265
Alex Figueroa, DE, Fork Union (Va.), 6-3, 225
Ray Lewis III, RB, Lake Mary Prep, Fla., 5-9, 190
Devante Bond, Sierra College (Calif.), 6-3, 230

Grace picks Canes; Booker T. duo talks about their decisions

The University of Miami ended the round of televised announcements Wednesday by landing All-American Miramar High linebacker Jermaine Grace, a four-star recruit tabbed the 17th-best outside linebacker in the country by Rivals.com.

He picked the Canes over Sugar Bowl-champion Louisville. Getting Grace gives UM two recruits from Broward County and two from Dade in this 16-player class.

Grace said he made his decision "a week ago" and is looking forward to reuniting with his Miramar teammates at UM: cornerback Tracy Howard and receiver Malclolm Lewis.

"I feel like we're going to stay together, stay tight," Grace said. "They were telling me I have chance to get on the field right away just like them.

Despite the addition, UM struck out adding a defensive tackle to its class. The Canes missed out on Keith Bryant, who announced shortly before Grace he was heading to Florida State. UM also missed out on Jaynard Bostwick and Terrell Brooks in the last 24 hours.

In the end, I still like UM's class a lot. The Hurricanes landed their QB of the future in Kevin Olsen, the nation's top fullback in Augustus Edwards and JUCO tight end in Beau Sandland, a standout receiver in Stacy Coley, a top-flight defensive end in Al-Quadin Muhammad, an All-American linebacker in Grace and two standout defensive backs in Artie Burns and Jamal Carter. That's pretty good in a small class. 

> So why did Denver Kirkland opt for Arkansas and Matthew Thomas pick Florida State instead of Miami? Here's what they talked about Monday morning.

"I have a better bond with Arkansas coaches than any other coaches that recruited me," Kirkland said. "Miami came in second place because of the things that have been happening these past couple weeks. That's the only reason they came in second. After that I was leaning toward Florida State and Arkansas."

UM pulled Kirkland's scholarship last Thursday, but met with him and his mother Saturday, putting the offer back on the table. Kirkland said while it was tough to leave his parents, heading off to college was the best decision for him.

"He wanted to make the decision for himself and do something different," offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. said of Kirkland. "We were surprised by his decision. I was personally. I knew Arkansas was in the thick of it and heard about the relationships he built with the offensive line coach you started thinking it may be spot for him. But I thought it was going to be Miami.

Miami never really rose to the top, meanwhile, for Thomas.

"I think second place was USC, he said. "I liked USC a lot. Things work out for a reason, happen for a reason. I think its a family atmosphere at Florida State. It's not that far away. My whole family can come watch and see me."

Did UM have a chance? "They had a chance," Thomas said. "The bottom-line: I don't think what I was looking for was at Miami so I took my talents somewhere else."

Asked if he thought the pulled scholarship deal with Kirkland would affect Booker T.'s relationship with UM in the future, Harris Jr. said: "Our relationship is just as what it was before this recruiting season started. They're going to come in here and recruit Chad Thomas, Treon Harris, Nigel Patten and Lamar Parker. There's no bad blood between us. These guys just decided this was the best decision for them. We look forward to a future relationship with them. UM is my school. I put in four hard years there. That will never change."

> Northwestern cornerback Artie Burns, ranked No. 2 overall in Miami-Dade County, signed his National Letter of Intent to UM Wednesday with a smile on his face. Burns had four interceptions this past season and has been the fastest high school hurdler in the nation each of the past two years.

“It’s my hometown team and I knew for a longtime it’s where I wanted to be at,” Burns said. “A day like this means a lot because a lot of us have been together since the 10th grade. There’s a lot of talent at UM and looking forward to accomplishing my goals.”

Broward's top player WR Stacy Coley picks the Hurricanes over FSU, USF

Wearing a UM hat with the word Swag draped across the front of it, Oakland Park Northeast wide receiver Stacy Coley -- the top player in Broward County -- announced he was signing a National Letter of Intent with the University of Miami Wednesday.

Rated the fourth-best player at his position by ESPN, Coley said he chose the Hurricanes over schools such as Florida State and South Florida after sitting down with his family and talking it out on Sunday.

"I thought it was just beneficial for me and my family," he said. "Just stay home. I just hope I have the same success in high school and just help the U out with a national championship."

Coley, a two-time member of The Miami Herald All-Broward first team, finished with 29 catches for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He runs a 4.57 40-yard dash.

The 6-1, 173-pounder said he appreciated the fans he had in current Canes Tracy Howard and Deon Bush and was looking forward to playing with them rather than against them like he did in high school. Coaching changes at FSU did not affect his decision, he said.

His high school coach, Donnell Bennett, is a former UM fullback.

"It feels good," said Coley, who was crying during the ceremony. "I relieved a big stress off my shoulder and I can be an average kid again."

-- HERALD WRITER CHRISTINA DE NICOLA

Canes land RB Edwards, but miss out on Booker T.'s Matthew Thomas, Denver Kirkland

Al Golden was hoping for a big finish on National Signing Day.

So far, it hasn't panned out that way for the University of Miami -- even though the Hurricanes' biggest recruiting battles are happening right in their backyard.

Booker T. Washington All-American linebacker Matthew Thomas, the top player in Miami-Dade County and a consensus five-star recruit, picked Florida State over Miami, USC and Georgia Wednesday morning, a decision announced in front of a national cable TV audience on ESPNU, family, friends, coaches and teammates in the school auditorium.

Five minutes later, All-American offensive lineman and teammate Denver Kirkland announced he was going to Arkanas and passing on UM, which six days prior appeared to be the leader for his services before they pulled his scholarship following the team's state championship parade through Overtown. Two days later, UM invited Kirkland and his mother down to campus to smooth things over and put the scholarship offer back on the table. But it apparently wasn't enough to divert him away from Tallahassee.

Miami, which swayed offensive coordinator James Coley away from FSU last month, was hoping Coley might provide some help in the important recruiting battle. Coley had been Kirkland's and Thomas' prime recruiter for the Seminoles. But FSU and Arkansas -- where former UM coach Randy Shannon is now an assistant -- got the last laughs in the end.

Thomas (6-3 1/2, 210) produced 70 tackles, 10 sacks and two blocked field goals for the Tornadoes en route to All-Dade and All-State First Team honors. Kirkland (6-3, 333) anchored an offense that averaged 416 yards and 49 points a game on its way to a 13-1 record and the Class 4A state championship.

Miami came into the day in the running for seven highly-touted prospects.

Earlier in the morning, the Canes got some good news when Staten Island Tottenville (N.Y.) running back Augustus Edwards, ranked the No. 1 fullback in the nation by Rivals.com, announced he had picked Miami over Florida State.

Edwards, a 6-1, 222-pound three-star prospect according to Rivals, was previously a Syracuse commitment. He visited UM recently and came away impressed. He ran for 868 yards and 10 touchdowns on 107 attempts this past season for Tottenville. He also produced 11 tackles and three sacks on defense.

Tailback was a position of need for UM, which lost out South Plantation blue-chip running back Alex Collins when he committed to Arkansas on Monday. Although the Hurricanes are heading into the 2013 season with Atlantic Coast Freshman of the Year Duke Johnson as the star tailback UM had just three other scholarship running backs on the roster. The Canes are hoping Edwards can provide depth along with senior Eduardo Clements (5-9, 192), redshirt sophomore Dallas Crawford (5-10, 190) and redshirt freshman Danny Dillard (6-2, 225).

About an hour after Edwards' announcement Wednesday, UM lost out on Port St. Lucie Centennial four-star defensive tackle Jaynard Bostwick (6-4, 280). Rated the 286th best prospect in the country regardless of position, Bostwick chose Florida over Miami and Alabama. Bostwick is the cousin of UM linebacker Thurston Armbrister. He tallied 65 tackles and two sacks his senior season.

The Hurricanes have been in dire need of an upgrade at defensive tackle. UM finished 112th in run defense last season out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision programs, allowing 217.92 yards per game. Tuesday, three-star Navarro junior college (Corsicana, Tex.) defensive tackle Terrell Brooks (6-4, 300) passed on the Canes to sign with Baylor.

How much has the two-year long NCAA investigation hurt Miami's class this year? ESPN recruiting analyst Corey Long said he doesn't think it "plays as much of a factor on a day-to-day basis" and some people think.

"I just think they hit on some and missed on some," Long said. 'I'm just really surprised Miami didn't focus more on defensive linemen. Maybe the NCAA forced them to keep their numbers down so they kind of have to pick and choose where they go. But I would have expected more defensive lineman."

UM is still in the running for three more highly-touted prospects -- including one defensive tackle.

The top player in Broward County Oakland Park Northeast receiver Stacy Coley (6-1, 175) is set to announce his decision at 11:05 a.m. on ESPNU. His coach, former UM running back Donnell Bennett, said Coley was choosing between Miami, Florida State and South Florida. Coley, rated the 13th best receiver in the country by Rivals.com, caught 29 passes for 513 yards and 10 TDs his senior season en route to All-Dade First Team honors.

Delray Beach Atlantic defensive tackle Keith Bryant, an Under-Armour All-American and four-star recruit, will announce his college choice at 1:45 p.m. on ESPNU. Bryant (6-1 1/2, 302) was a UM commitment but pulled back on it and has since flirted with South Carolina and Florida State.

Miramar High four-star recruit and U.S. Army All-American linebacker Jermaine Grace, once thought to be a strong UM-lean, will choose between the Hurricanes and Louisville at 2 p.m. on ESPNU. Grace (6-1, 195) racked up 115 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions his senior season.

The Hurricanes came into National Signing Day with 14 commitments as part of its class including five early enrollees (four-star JUCO tight end Beau Sandland out of California; three-star tight end Standish Dobard from New Orleans; three-star pass rushing specialist Alex Figueroa out of Virginia; three-star lineman Hunter Knighton from New Jersey; Three-star offensive tackle Sunny Odogwu from prep school in Virginia).

Of the remaining nine non-binding commitments who were supposed to fax over signed national letters of intent, the school had announced the arrival of seven of them on Twitter as of 9:45 a.m.

Those were: Miami Northwestern All-American cornerback Artie Burns; All-American defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad of New Jersey's Don Bosco Prep; Four-star quarterback of the future Kevin Olsen; Miami Southridge four-star safety Jamal Carter; Cincinnati Moeller three-star offensive tackle Alex Gall; Lake Mary Prep athlete Ray Lewis III, whose father is former Hurricane and recent Super Bowl winner and Butler Community College (Kan.) three-star defensive tackle Ufomba Kamalu.

Those that haven't arrived yet: California JUCO three-star pass rushing specialist Devante Bond and Virginia three-star athlete Ryheem Lockley.

National recruiting analyst JC Shurburtt of 247Sports.com, who ranked UM's class 27th coming into Wednesday, said while the Canes needed to do better in their own backyard Golden and his staff still have put together a solid class.

"They did go get a quality player out of New Orleans in [tight end] Standish Dobard," Shurburtt said. "I like Hunter Knighton a lot. I think Sunny Odogwu is going to be a very good player. Alex Figueroa is a guy I saw in a camp who I thought had tremendous physical upside. Sandland is the top JUCO tight end in the country.

"Kevin Olsen is the perfect quarterback to go in there and distribute the ball to speedy playmakers like Miami always had. They really haven't had a quarterback with his type of upside in quite awhile.

"But then you look and you've got Artie Burns and Jamal Carter holding down the fort as the only South Florida kids and Ray Lewis III, a legacy kid, being the third kid from Florida. If you are Miami you like to see more guys from South Florida."

Charles Fishbein of EliteScoutingServices.com said he thinks the best player in UM's class is Muhammad.

"He's fills a major position of need," said Fishbein, who pointed out UM finished 113th in the country with just 13 sacks last season. "He's somebody who could get pressure on the quarterback. He's probably their top player along with Jamal Carter and Artie Burns. They're probably the most elite of their class. Artie has the potential to be very good. He has size and speed. He has the physical attributes to be a very good corner. If he works hard he has the potential to play at the next level.

"I think Olsen is the best quarterback they've signed in five, six years. He's got a good arm, can make most of the throws, has been brought up in a football family. In Miami's system they don't need the super physical skills. They just need the guy who can get them the ball. He's going to get them in the right plays, make good throws. He's been trained very well."

UM coach Al Golden will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the 2013 signing class.

UM's sports information department is hosting a show with UM assistant coaches on HurricaneSports.com and ESPN3 throughout the morning. The show concludes at 12:30 p.m.

UM is hosting a Fan Signing Day party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Sunset Place (across US-1 from the UM campus) from 5 to 7 p.m.

Canes' 2013 National Signing Day checklist

Good morning it's National Signing Day.

The Hurricanes have gotten off to a rough start over the last two days missing out on South Plantation blue-chip running back Alex Collins (Arkansas) and three-star JUCO defensive tackle Terrell Brooks (Baylor). But today could be a big day for the Canes if they finish strong.

Here is a checklist for all your pertinent Hurricanes' NSD information:

> UM enters the day with 14 recruits (five already signed and enrolled) in their 2013 signing class. The program is hoping to land between four and six more Wednesday. National Letters of Intent begin being sent at 7 a.m.

> Follow @HurricaneSports on Twitter for the release of all names once those signed National Letters of Intent arrive. Herald Sports Writer @Manny Navarro will be at Booker T. Washington High for the announcements of linebacker Matthew Thomas and offensive lineman Denver Kirkland shortly after 9 a.m. A list below includes all the announcement times for all undecided UM recruits as well as TV information (ESPNU) if it is available.

> HurricaneSports.com will host a live Signing Day show with UM assistants from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on its website. The show will then continue from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on ESPN3. Coach Al Golden will hold a news conference at 4 p.m. which will be streamed live on HurricaneSports.com. Herald Sports Writer Manny Navarro will be there tweeting as well.

> UM is hosting a Fan Signing Day party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Sunset Place (across US-1 from the UM campus) from 5 to 7 p.m. thereafter.

UNDECIDED RECRUITS ANNOUNCEMENT TIMES

> 7 a.m. - Staten Island (N.Y.) three-star running back Augustus Edwards (6-0, 215) is scheduled to make his announcement at a private event on his high school campus. Edwards is ranked the No. 1 fullback in the country according to Rivals.com. The former Syracuse commitment is said to be a Miami-lean, but is also considering Florida State. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> 8 a.m. - Port St. Lucie Centennial four-star defensive tackle Jaynard Bostwick (6-4, 280) will make his announcement live on ESPNU. A cousin of UM linebacker Thurston Armbrister, Bostwick is choosing between UM, Florida and Alabama. His coach said late last week he thought Bostwick's mother preferred he went to Florida and stayed away from Miami Beach. He's been recruited by defensive line coach Jethro Franklin. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> 9:15 a.m. - Miami Booker T. Washington five-star linebacker Matthew Thomas (6-3 1/2, 210) will make his announcement live on ESPNU from his school auditorium. Thomas, long considered a Florida State lean, will choose between the Canes, Noles, USC and Georgia. He was recruited by linebackers coach Micheal Barrow and new offensive coordinator James Coley before he left Florida State. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> 9:20 a.m. - Miami Booker T. Washington four-star offensive tackle Denver Kirkland (6-5, 333) will make his announcement live on ESPNU just a few minutes after Thomas makes his announcement. Once considered by his coach to be the leader, UM yanked a scholarship offer away from Kirkland last Thursday only to kiss and makeup over the weekend. His stepfather told The Miami Herald last Friday UM was out of it. But the Canes are still a contender according to Booker T. coach Tim "Ice" Harris along with FSU and Arkansas. Kirkland was recruited by linebackers coach Micheal Barrow. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> 11:05 a.m. - Oakland Park Northeast four-star receiver Stacy Coley (6-1, 175) will make his college announcement live on ESPNU from his school library. Broward County's top player has long been considered an FSU lean but has UM and USF in his final three his coach Donnell Bennett said. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> 1:45 p.m. - Delray Beach Atlantic defensive tackle Keith Bryant (6-1 1/2, 302) will make his announcement live on ESPNU from his school. Once a UM commitment, Bryant has flirted with South Carolina and long been considered an FSU-lean. Miami fans are hoping he was just enjoying the recruiting process and comes back to the Canes on Wednesday. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> 2 p.m. - Miramar High linebacker Jermaine Grace (6-1, 195) will make his announcement in his school auditorium live on ESPNU. Grace was long considered a UM lock, but entertained Louisville and Tennessee. He is now said to be deciding between the Hurricanes and Cardinals. Grace is close with current UM cornerback Tracy Howard and receiver Malcolm Lewis. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

THE COMMITMENT LIST

> TE Beau Sandland (6-6, 260, 4-stars): Already enrolled at UM, Sandland was considered the top JUCO tight end in the country according to 247Sports.com. At Los Angeles Pierce Community College he caught 24 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pacific Conference honors as a sophomore. As a freshman, he had 20 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He had 25 offers including from several SEC schools including UF, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Mississippie and LSU. He was recruited by recruiting coordinator Brennan Carroll. SANDLAND'S VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> CB Artie Burns (6-1, 183, 4-stars): The nation's fastest high school hurdler, Burns was named All-Dade First Team as a senior at Miami Northwestern and an Under-Armour All-American. In addition to his 83 tackles, four interceptions and four sacks as a senior, he ran back two kicks for scores and figures to be given a chance to return kicks at UM. He was recruited by linebackers coach Micheal Barrow. Here's a link to a recent feature on Burns by our Manny Navarro.
BURNS VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (6-4, 230, 4-stars): Some feel he's the best player in UM's class. A U.S. Army All-American, Muhammad led Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) with a team-high 12 sacks in 2012. He also forced four fumbles. Muhammad, who made a last second visit to Rutgers last weekend (but came away unimpressed), should help a UM pass rush which finished 113th out of 120 FBS schools with 13 total sacks. He picked the Canes over Notre Dame, Alabama and Rutgers. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> QB Kevin Olsen (6-3, 195, 4-stars): An Under-Armour All-American, Olsen is the younger brother of former Hurricanes tight end Greg Olsen and the quarterback of the future at UM. He broke a bone his right foot in the season opener of his senior year and played in just three games. But as a junior As a junior, he threw for 1,686 yards and 20 touchdowns, with five picks. He was recruited to UM by former offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. Here's a link to a recent feature on Olsen by our Susan Miller Degnan. OLSEN'S VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> S Jamal Carter (6-1, 175, 4-stars): An All-Dade First Team standout at Miami Southridge, Carter tallied 89 tackles, one interception and averaged 34 yards per kick return for the Spartans as a senior. He was also being recruited by Oklahoma, LSU and Clemson before a visit to UM in January shut the door. He was recruited by linebackers coach Micheal Barrow. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> TE Standish Dobard (6-4, 241, 3-stars): Already enrolled at UM, Dobard helped lead New Orleans Edna Karr to the Louisiana Class 4A state title. He finished with 53 catches for 723 yards and four touchdowns. He committed to UM last April and never wavered. He was recruited by recruiting coordinator Brennan Carroll. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> OT Alex Gall (6-5, 295, 3-stars): A two-time All-Greater Cincinnati League First Team selection, Gall picked UM over Wisconsin, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Cincinnati, Duke and Pittsburgh back in June. Recruited by offensive line coach Art Kehoe, Gall led his high school team Moeller to a state title. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> RB Ray Lewis III (5-10, 192, 3-stars): The son of Hall of Fame-bound former UM linebacker, the 5-9, 175-pound Ray Lewis III was a Semper Fidelis All-American at Lake Mary Prep in Orlando. He rushed for 2,321 yards and 29 touchdowns on just 177 carries during his junior season and led his team with 92 tackles and one sack. He committed to UM 11 months ago and passed on offers from Tennessee and USF. He ran for 1,898 yards, 20 TDs and caught 31 passes for 676 yards and 4 TDs as a senior. Defensively, he racked up 78 tackles, two sacks and four INTs. If UM lands a running back in its class, it's likely Lewis could end up over at cornerback. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> DE/LB Alex Figueroa (6-4, 215, 3-stars): An academic casualty his senior year of high school in 2011, Figueroa picked up his grades and then an offer from the Canes in December. His senior year he posted 107 tackles with nine sacks and caught 54 passes for 612 yards and six touchdowns. Maryland, Rutgers, Temple, and West Virginia showed interest. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> OT Sunny Odogwu (6-8, 307, 3-stars): Rated the No. 2 prep school offensive tackle in the country by 247Sports.com, the native Nigerian from Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) visited Mississippi State, Texas Tech and West Virginia after receiving a UM offer back in September. He committed to UM in December. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> OT Hunter Knighton (6-6, 265, 3-stars): An early enrollee, Knighton committed to UM early December out of the Hun School in Princeton, N.J. He had 75 tackles and 10 sacks as junior, but is expected to start out on the offensive line for UM. Knighton said he took official visits to Boston College, Boise State and Purdue. He cancelled a recruiting visit to West Virginia. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS 

> LB Devante Bond (6-3, 230, 3-stars): As the Defensive MVP of the Valley Conference racked up 77 tackles, 27 for loss, with 17 sacks and three forced fumbles this past season at Roseville (Calif.) Sierra Community College. He picked UM over Houston, Syracuse and Kentucky. Bond was recruited to UM by defensive line coach Jethro Franklin. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> ATH Ryheem Lockley (6-4, 210, 3-stars): A two-sport star at Middlesex (Va.) High, Ryheem Lockley gave UM a commitment last weekend but it's unclear if he will be part of the 2013 class or 2014 clsass. He could end up at prep school. He finished his senior season with 1,034 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns with 598 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. On defense he totaled 50 tackles with two sacks and one interception. He is also considered a good high school basketball player. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

> DT Ufomba Kamalu (6-5, 280, 2-stars): Born to Nigerian parents, Kamalu led Butler Community College (Kan.) with 7.5 sacks and finished the 2012 season with 54 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Reportedly canceled planned visits to West Virginia and Auburn when he committed to UM two weeks ago. He is an early enrollee. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Brooks hasn't made announcement; coach says it's going to be Miami or Baylor

By all accounts, Terrell Brooks has eaten lunch by now. It's his college decision he hasn't been able to digest yet.

ESPN reported Monday night the 6-4, 300-pound defensive tackle from Navarro JC in Corsicana, Tex. would make an announcement on his college choice around lunchtime Tuesday. But lunch has come and gone and all his JUCO head coach Brian Mayper said he's heard is that Brooks is down to Miami or Baylor. Kansas State is apparently out.

"I've had about six phone calls since lunch asking what he's doing. I don't know," Mayper said. "I'm sure when he reaches a decision he'll let everyone know."

Brooks, selected as an NJCAA All-American honorable mention, racked up 46 tackles, 11 for loss last season. He's one of three defensive tackles UM is in the hunt for. The others are Palm Beach high schoolers Keith Bryant and Jaynard Bostwick.

"Terrell's a hard worker, gets after it, a big physical kid that gets after it on the d-line," Mayper said. "When he came here out of high school he wasn't guaranteed a spot and he came in and won a starting job and did a great job for us. Great kid, great competitor. Wish I had him for one more year, but we don't.

"He's got great technique, strong and physical, really quicker. He's an every down player, doesn't take any plays off. It's something he takes pride in. He's in great shape. He's not a fat kid, doesn't have flab hanging over his belt. He's a good looking d-tackle."

Canes should find out about DT Brooks Tuesday around lunchtime

The next recruiting sweepstakes involving the Canes will take place around 1 p.m. Tuesday when Navarro (Corsicana, Tex.) junior college defensive tackle Terrell Brooks (6-4, 300) chooses between Kansas State, Baylor and Miami.

“I have a pretty good idea, but I want to get a few things cleared up before that happens,” Brooks told ESPN. “I’ve pretty much come down to the nitty-gritty, and me and my family have been talking about everything. [Tuesday] morning, I’m making my decision where I’ll be signing.”

Brooks was named all NJCAA honorable mention after racking up 46 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He helped Navarro win the school's third consecutive Southwest Junior College Football Conference championship and finish the 2012 season ranked No. 4 in the final NJCAA poll.

A source said last Thursday Brooks was the player UM had received a silent commitment from, prompting the Hurricanes to temporarily yank a scholarship offer away from Miami Booker T. Washington All-American offensive lineman Denver Kirkland. UM has since put offer back on the table after meeting with Kirkland and his family over the weekend.

Brooks signed with North Texas coming out of high school in 2011.

The Hurricanes remain in pursuit of two highly-touted defensive tackles out of Palm Beach: Keith Bryant and Jaynard Bostwick. Florida State and Florida are said to be leading for their services, respectively.

Collins picks Arkansas over Canes

He's Arkansas bound.

South Plantation five-star recruit Alex Collins, rated the No. 1 running back in the country according to 247Sports.com, broke the hearts of Hurricanes fans late Monday night when made his college choice known on FoxSports South's New College Football Show in Atlanta.

"I like the fact they run the ball," Collins said when asked why he picked Arkansas. "I personally know the coaches. I've been recruited by them for two years now. So I think I can trust them. I feel like they can lead me to where I want to be on the next level, academically and athletically. I feel like if I have a problem in school they'll provide that extra help to lift me."

Collins (5-11, 204) had been a key recruit for UM. The Hurricanes need to add a running back who can come in and provide depth as a true freshman behind ACC Freshman of the Year Duke Johnson.

Instead, Collins opted for Fayetteville and the Hogs, who addressed a huge need with just three scholarship running backs on the roster.

Arkansas became a contender for Collins when the Razorbacks hired Bret Bielema from Wisconsin in early December. Assistant coach Charlie Partridge, who was the lead recruiter for Collins at Wisconsin, followed Bielema to Arkansas and assumed those same responsibilities. Collins took his official visit to Arkansas on January 25th. Bielema hired former UM coach Randy Shannon to his staff.

Wooooo pig sooooie!Great night to be a Razorback!

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) February 5, 2013

Collins ran for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns on 155 carries as a senior and helped lead his team to a district title. As a junior he led Broward County in rushing with 1,640 yards and 24 touchdowns on 221 carries.

UM was the first school to offer Collins and he committed to the Canes back in Jan. 2012. He de-committed from Miami in November, but never ruled the Canes out. He took his official visit to UM on January 18th and raved about his experience rushing the court in the Canes win over Duke. But apparently it wasn't enough.

The Hurricanes remain in the running for Tottenville Staten Island, N.Y.'s Gus Edwards, considered the No. 1 fullback in the country by Rivals.com. Edwards (6-0, 215) visited UM this past weekend and is said to be down to the Seminoles and Hurricanes.

I apologize to every fan and coach the I disappointed or let Down but it had to be a decision I made for me because this is where I will be

— alexander collins (@Budda03) February 5, 2013

Late night with Alex Collins; plus a podcast with David Lake of meaningless recruiting predictions

Tonight's the night South Plantation blue-chip running back Alex Collins tells the world where he's headed to college.

The announcement will be made on FoxSports South around 10 p.m. Collins, deciding between Miami and Arkansas, flew up to Atlanta to be in studio for the announcement. 

I want to thank everyone for the support , I love you all but unfortunately I can't make everyone happy even though I wish I could so bad 😔

— alexander collins (@Budda03) February 5, 2013

> Booker T. Washington coach Tim "Ice" Harris said he thinks UM is once again in the mix for offensive lineman Denver Kirkland.

Here's all you need to know about the situation: Kirkland's parents want him to go to UM and he was favoring them before his offer was pulled and Miami has put it back on the table, leaving it in his shoes to decide what he wants to do. We'll find out Wednesday at around 9:20 a.m. what he wants to do. But the last time Kirkland or his family spoke it was either going to be Arkansas or Florida State.

> ESPN recruiting analyst analyst Corey Long said that unless the Canes address the defensive tackle position on Wednesday with real talent they will have failed to fill their biggest need on Signing Day. 

"They needed to get stronger on the defensive line and I don't think they've done that," Long said. "They could bring in a kid like Matthew Thomas and if there's nothing up front to stop the initial push he becomes irrelevant. I don't think of the defensive tackles they have right now on that roster are really good, just average if that. They needed big bodies. Giving up eight yards a run just is not good enough."

Even though the Hurricanes are ranked as having the 64th-best class by Rivals.com, 46th by Scout.com and 25th by 247Sports.com, if you break down their average stars per commitment they rank in 247Sports.com and 17th in both Scout.com and Rivals.com.

"It's a small class, but they've got some players," Long said. "[Defensive end Alquadin] Muhammad is a very good player. [Cornerback] Artie Burns has a lot of potential, athleticism, might go the Olympics. Kevin Olsen gives them a quarterback of the future. [Tight end Beau] Sandland is going to be a big time weapon and I like [defensive back] Jamal Carter. But after that, it's kind of blah. If they can close strong here and actually get some of these kids they obviously improve that. But defensive tackle was what they needed to address."

> And now meaningless recruiting predictions for you from InsideTheU's David Lake and yours truly.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO PODCAST

Kirkland tells UM thanks, but no thanks

They tried.

UM coaches met with Booker T. All-American offensive tackle Denver Kirkland Saturday and his mother, but weren't able to sway him to commit his stepfather, Shanton Crummie said.

"We appreciate everything Coach Golden and their coaches did in giving him another chance to be apart of their class and talking to him about what happened," said Crummie, who did not attend Saturday afternoon's meeting but gathered the details of it by speaking with Kirkland and his mother.

"The confusion here is that not many people were aware they had been telling us things were getting tight with scholarships. We told them Denver might have a decision by Feb. 1 or Feb. 2. We were just surprised and upset when they came to school Thursday and told him they couldn't wait any longer. We thought he would have until Signing Day as long as we told them they were in front or close. But they couldn't wait."

A source told The Miami Herald, assistants Art Kehoe, James Coley and Micheal Barrow were among those who attended the meeting. Head coach Al Golden was not there, the source said.

Crummie said Kirkland had Miami high "up there with Arkansas" because of academics, but when they pulled the scholarship he was hurt and just never felt the same again.

"In the end we have no bad blood with Coach Golden or UM," Crummie said. "We understand what happened and they explained why they did what they did. They were hoping they could change his mind, but after talking it out he just decided it was best to move on."

Crummie said Kirkland will decide between Arkansas and Florida State and make his announcement on Signing Day.

UM still has hope it will land Kirkland's teammate star linebacker Matthew Thomas. National Signing Day is Wednesday.

Kirkland drama continues; family to meet with UM coaches at 3 p.m.

Been a crazy 72 hours to say the least. But this is what recruiting is all about.

According to Shanton Crummie, the stepfather of Booker T. Washington All-American offensive lineman Denver Kirkland, UM coaches have agreed to meet with the 6-5, 330-pound senior and his family at 3 p.m. to discuss the situation and see if a resolution can be reached.

Canesport.com first reported the meeting.

"We're just going to go down there as a family, me, his mom and Denver and talk things through," Crummie said.

Crummie told Brandon Odoi of CanesInsider earlier this morning UM coaches reached out to him Friday to discuss the situation and after taking time Kirkland told them he was moving on and choosing between Arkansas and Florida State.

UM coaches then reached back out to Crummie this morning -- he said assistant Micheal Barrow called him around 11 a.m. -- to see if Kirkland was willing to come in for a meeting. The family agreed.

FYI, Crummie, a local youth football coach in Overtown, is a huge UM fan and told Kirkland UM is the best situation for him. Kirkland had UM as his leader according to Booker T. coaches until the Hurricanes pulled the scholarship from him Thursday after the team's state championship parade citing limited number of scholarships. 

Recruiting is a crazy game. Stay tuned.

Burns never worried about possible NCAA sanctions, followed heart to UM

Even though he committed to Miami last summer, Artie Burns never stopped receiving interest from other schools.

"Every time a school has come in here, they've asked about him and asked to talk to him, Northwestern High coach Stephen Field said.

When you are the nation's fastest high school hurdler and considered one of the best cornerbacks in the country it's only natural to draw eyeballs. But the 6-1, 183-pound senior from Miami Northwestern said he's never once thought about straying from the Hurricanes. No matter what.

"I never thought about [the potential NCAA sanctions]," Burns said recently even though others brought it up. "Even if they did get penalized I would still go to UM. They're on the road to becoming back where they were at. That's why I chose to go there.

I'm excited. We're all coming in hungry to get that championship. The hunger is going to help us prevail."

With less than a week to go before Signing Day, UM has 13 commitments.

Here is a link to my feature on Burns which ran in Saturday's paper.

A day later, cooler heads have prevailed at Booker T.; Matthew Thomas still in play for Canes

Sometimes you just need to talk things out. 

In the case of Booker T. Washington offensive lineman Denver Kirkland, coach Tim "Ice" Harris and the University of Miami it appears better communication between the parties involved could have prevented some hurt feelings and an ugly situation. But a day later, after a night to sleep on things, I can tell you UM hasn't poisoned itself in Overtown or burned any bridges permanently. There are grown ups involved here. Lessons have been learned.

For starters I spent about 30 minutes this afternoon chatting up Ice Harris and his son, offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr., to get the real story of what might have gone wrong here. Ice told me afterward he didn't want to be quoted other than to say "I don't want to beat a dead horse." But without knowing UM's side of the story here -- coaches aren't allowed to discuss recruits publicly -- here is what I gathered from the situation:

Kirkland, a 6-5, 333-pound All-American offensive lineman, obviously wasn't the big fish UM was hoping to catch at Booker T. All-American linebacker Matthew Thomas, a consensus five-star recruit, has always been the guy Miami has gone after at Booker T. first and foremost. When Al Golden visited Booker T. on Thursday afternoon with a couple of his assistants he spent an hour and a half with Thomas and 10 minutes with Kirkland. 

Don't mistake for a second Booker T. coaches aren't aware Thomas is the guy everybody in the country wants or that Kirkland isn't "a shade below" Thomas in terms of being in the same league. Kirkland, Harris Jr. told me, didn't get a Miami offer until this past summer, after he had attended UM's camp.

But this is where the communication break down begins. In the eyes of Booker T.'s coaches, who spend every day with their players, there was no difference between Kirkland and Thomas. Once they got an offer from a school, they assumed schools were willing to go the distance with them -- all the way up until Signing Day -- to wait for a commitment. 

Ice Harris, having spent three years on Randy Shannon's staff at UM, is well aware of the recruiting game. He understands schools can pull scholarship offers and go in another direction if things change. Recruiting is a fluid game that changes from second to second. Ice Harris knows offers aren't guaranteed. He just never imagined in his wildest dreams -- not after Al Golden visited Booker T. Washington and spent time with both players Thursday -- that Miami was considering pulling Kirkland's scholarship. Why? Because there was no talk of a deadline according to them. 

"They might have told him it was getting a little tight for them or he needed to give them an assurance, but he wasn't ready to do that," Harris Jr. said. "But we told them -- told assistant Micheal Barrow -- we felt strongly he was going to go there. He just had to go through the process and make sure he was going to go there."

Why did Kirkland need more time? Because according to Booker T.'s staff, other college coaches were still coming in to talk to Kirkland. After Golden and his staff walked out the door Thursday, Harris said Jimbo Fisher and FSU was waiting to talk to Kirkland. Like it or not, it's a process. And now we know why. Because at any moment a school can decide to change directions -- the same way athletes can. Recruiting is fluid. 

Harris and Booker T.'s players just never expected to be jolted like that, especially not when they were telling Barrow it looked better for UM that they would land Kirkland than it did as far as netting Thomas. And maybe in the end, that wasn't good enough for Miami.

Maybe, Canes coaches thought Kirkland wasn't going to Miami (maybe new offensive coordinator James Coley had some better insight into the situation). Or, it really was a numbers crunch and UM knows it has other top tier recruits as silent commitments. Maybe the Canes just don't have room for an All-American offensive lineman because they've got six or seven other blue-chip talents in the bag. 

Still, it's just odd the way all this went down. For six months Miami wanted Denver Kirkland. Then six days before National Signing Day they decided they didn't want him anymore. I guess if you have six or seven better players you know for sure you are getting it makes sense to make room, toss out the trash.

But if you don't know that for sure then why do this? Why surprise a two-time state championship winning coach by yanking a scholarship away from one of his best players after you've told him for six months you want him and he's told you that you are likely to get him?

And that's where the confusion lies on Booker T.'s side. Ice Harris trusted his word to Barrow was good enough, that it was infiltrating the offices at UM and that the offer Kirkland had wasn't going to vanish. He still trusts Barrow, insisting he's " a great guy and the way he recruited his players is the right way." Ice Harris said his conversation with Barrow Friday morning "went well" and both sides are "trying to smooth things over."

It's the guys making the decisions down in Coral Gables, inside the offices, Ice Harris isn't sure about. After all, if Golden was already at Booker T. Thursday morning why not tell Kirkland yourself the bad news? Why send Barrow back to do it after a championship parade?

"I don't think the relationship as a whole between Miami and Booker T. is ruined," said Tim Harris Jr., a UM grad and former track star. "You have to look at every situation differently. I think everybody here can all agree this situation was handled bad and us being a pipeline here in the backyard of UM it shouldn't have come to this. But all of us here are professionals and I don't think anyone here wants to give the idea we would steer kids away from the University of Miami. If anything, we're just going to have to ask more questions. When they come in and say you have an offer we're going to ask 'Is there a deadline?' That goes for all schools. At the end of the day, UM is my school, it always will be. But I'm a coach here at Booker T. and we're here to protect the kids and keep them away from having something like this happen to them. So we will be smarter. We've learned a lesson."

And now, maybe, Miami will learn a lesson, too.

Star linebacker Matthew Thomas is still very much in play for the Canes. Harris assured me of that. UM coaches were with him last night in his home -- after they broke his teammate's heart. Thomas was shocked to hear what happened with Kirkland, Harris said. But he hasn't ruled the Canes out -- at least not as of noon Friday.

Then again, UM has never been the program at the top of Thomas' list. The way Harris Jr. explained it to me, Thomas didn't really care about Miami, didn't want to go there for most of the season. When Barrow or UM coaches would call him, Harris Jr. said, he wouldn't answer. It wasn't until Harris and his assistants urged him to open his ears and at least hear what UM had to offer that Thomas really began to listen. Florida State, they say, had always been Thomas' quiet leader. Now, USC is involved "and making a strong late push." Alabama has been in the mix, too.

Does UM really have a chance to get Thomas?

"Yeah they've got a chance," Harris Jr. said. "But it's not like Denver. We honestly don't know where he wants to go. It was FSU for a long time and now it's anybody's guess. I think we all feel like we're going to be surprised on Wednesday."

For Miami's sake, let's hope that surprise isn't like the one Kirkland got Thursday afternoon. That one stung.

Booker T. coach Tim "Ice" Harris says he's stunned UM pulled scholarship from Kirkland

This isn't the type of finish UM coach Al Golden had in mind.

With less than a week before National Signing Day, the Hurricanes have pulled a scholarship offer from a top recruit at a major high school power in Miami-Dade County and angered its head coach.

Booker T. Washington coach Tim "Ice" Harris said Thursday it was grossly unfair for the Hurricanes to pull their offer from All-American offensive lineman Denver Kirkland right after the team's state championship parade through Overtown.

Harris, who himself worked on UM's staff under Randy Shannon and whose son Brandon was a standout cornerback at UM, said he had assured UM coaches privately Kirkland had decided to sign with the Canes and was simply waiting until National Signing Day to announce. But because Kirkland wasn't willing to commit before then and make the announcement public, Harris said, assistant Micheal Barrow told him the program "was moving in a different direction."

"This had nothing to do with academics and everything to do with UM doing something unfair to a local kid," Harris said. "Denver has a 2.8 GPA and has the test score.

"Coach Golden visited the school today before our parade and told Denver everything he wanted to hear. Then, a couple hours later, everything changed. I told them Denver was all set to go there for the academics. This isn't the way UM should be doing business, not with the kids in their own backyard."

Harris said Barrow asked for a private meeting following the parade and asked Kirkland flatly if he would commit. Harris said Kirkland told Barrow UM was in the top three, but he wanted to wait until Signing Day to announce.

"I just don't understand why they couldn't wait," Harris said. "The same way [linebacker] Matthew Thomas is a big-time kid, Denver is the same big-time offensive lineman. Let the kid enjoy his moment. If they were going to do this to him, why not let him know well ahead of time so he could plan another visit. Don't come to us in the end and say you're going in another direction because of a defensive lineman."

Asked if this would affect Thomas' recruitment, Harris said: "I just look at this from a loyalty perspective. If we commit to something and show you love and tell you we're going to do something, just wait for it to happen. I've never seen anything of this magnitude. I'm not sure what this does for UM in Miami as a whole... I'll never tell a kid not to go somewhere, but it's tough for me to tell my kids to trust UM at this point.

"They don't know when an offer is going to get pulled, if they're going to do what they did to Denver today. He's an All-American. I just don't understand how they let him get out of here. I won't stop anybody from going to UM, but I can tell you I'll never help them again."

Kirkland: UM is out of the picture

Guess I should have stuck around for the end of Booker T. Washington's state championship parade.

All-American offensive lineman Denver Kirkland confirmed Thursday night UM is no longer in the picture for him, just a couple of hours after saying he loved the coaches and the program. 

What led to this surprising news? Kirkland said he had a private conversation with UM assistant coach Micheal Barrow and Booker T. head coach Tim "Ice" Harris following the parade in which they discussed an issue that came up with him going to UM.

Is it that you didn't have the grades or test score to get in? "No, not that," he said. 

Are you upset? "No. I'm still going to play college football somewhere," he said.

Kirkland said his final four is now South Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss and Arkansas.

CanesInsider, which first tweeted the news, said Kirkland was told by UM coaches he no longer had a scholarship available to him.

From CaneInsider: Kirkland’s stepfather, Shanton Crummie, informed XOFan/CaneInsider of the news earlier tonight. He said the explanation he’s receiving from the Miami coaching staff is that they over signed defensive lineman and therefore Kirkland’s scholarship was used up.

The Hurricanes have 13 commitments and are still in play for some major recruits. But Kirkland was expected to pick UM. This obviously will not sit well with teammate Matthew Thomas, who was also considering UM.

Denver Kirkland, other top UM targets ready to make announcements on national TV

Booker T. Washington's state championship football team finally celebrated its state title Thursday with a parade through Overtown.

Among those to savor the moment: hulking 6-5, 333-pound offensive lineman Denver Kirkland, who along with star linebacker Matthew Thomas have been highly-coveted and recruited by Al Golden and UM coaches. 

Now with all his official visits behind him and decision day right around the corner, Kirkland said Thursday he's enjoyed the process, but is ready to get in front of a national TV audience on ESPN's networks and tell the world where he's headed for college. Kirkland isn't alone. He's one of six highly coveted UM recruits who are planning to make their college announce on ESPN on National Signing Day.

The announcement list -- always changing -- looks as follows at the moment:

- Port St. Lucie Centennial DL Jaynard Bostwick, 8 a.m.
- Booker T. Washington LB Matthew Thomas, 9:15 a.m.
- Booker T. Washington OL Denver Kirkland, 9:20 a.m.
- Northeast WR Stacy Coley, 10 a.m.
- University School WR Jordan Cunningham, 10:15 a.m.
- Miramar LB Jermaine Grace, 1:30-2 p.m.

Golden knew he was going to have to wait until late in the game to find out if he was going to land South Florida's top players. Plan B? I'm not sure there really is one. But most recruiting experts don't believe the Canes will strike out. Grace and Kirkland are the two players Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services said he's confident UM will land. The others? Iffy.

Thomas, who wasn't around for the parade Thursday at Booker T., is down to Miami, Florida State and Alabama. Kirkland said he's still down to a top five: "Ole Miss, FSU, USF, UM and Arkansas."

"The recruiting process went good, I really enjoyed it, got to know a lot of people," said Kirkland, whose mother is pushing him to stay in Miami. "I got to see the fans being open with the players and how much they love the players. I had steak on every one of my visits, biggest one was 16 ounces. The most fun was the house parties, track meets and basketball games.

"I like the Canes a lot. They're academic program is good and the bonds I have with the coaches are good. Micheal Barrow was my recruiter. He's a good guy. UM is recruiting me as an offensive tackle just like everyone else."

MORE RECRUITING TIDBITS

> Northeast coach and former Hurricanes running back Donnell Bennett said "mum's the word" with his star receiver, Coley, who had an in-home visit with UM coaches Wednesday night. "I tried to corner him today. I couldn't get him to talk," Bennett said. "Florida State will be visiting him Saturday morning. I think that will be it. Then, he has to make a decision."

> Bostwick's coach Ron Parker Going confirmed the big defensive tackle will be visiting Florida this weekend. "He's going to take a final visit and then sit down and decide what he's going to do," Parker said. "Miami was here yesterday. Alabama was on a final visit this week. He'll have Monday, Tuesday to decide.

"He said he had a good visit at Miami [where cousin Thurston Armbrister plays linebacker]. Is his mom is pushing Florida? I don't know. Maybe it's the setting she likes. Maybe that's the setting he needs versus Miami Beach. But it's going to come down to Jaynard. I asked him if he was going to commit after this weekend and he said 'No.'"

> Staten Island (N.Y.) Totteville's Augustus Edwards, considered the top fullback in the country according to Rivals, has officially decommitted from Syracuse and will visit UM this weekend. FSU is also in the mix. New Hurricanes offensive coordinator James Coley loves him, I'm told, and thinks he'll be just like Orange Bowl MVP Lonnie Pryor.

> Why is South Plantation blue-chip running back Alex Collins flying to Atlanta to make his announcement Monday night instead of waiting until National Signing Day? Not because he wants to avoid heat from UM fans if he chooses Arkansas instead, his coach said. 

"FoxSports called me and said they were doing a Countdown to Signing Day Show and wanted to have [FSU commitment John Franklin] and Alex talk about how the recruiting process goes," South Plantation coach Doug Gatewood said. "I didn't really get involved in it. I told Alex and John and they said yes. John's dad is the chaperone. They've pretty much taken care of the details on their own. They fly up Monday afternoon and film it in studio at 10 p.m. They will stay overnight before they fly back home in the afternoon.

"I can't speak for Alex, but if he waited until Signing Day he's just a blurb with 100 other kids. If he does it on Monday it's all him. That's why he's doing it."

UM compliance office urges fans to stay away from recruits; twitter war over Alex Collins continues

The University of Miami's compliance office took to Twitter Thursday morning to send a message it hoped its fans would receive and heed: leave recruits alone.

"Canes fans: We love when you support #TheU, but remember, only coaches can recruit prospects. #AskBeforeUAct," the tweet at around 10 a.m. from @UCompliance read.

Why the concern? Fans from both Miami and Arkansas have been a little too interested lately in trying to sway South Plantation blue-chip running back Alex Collins to pick their school. Collins is set to announce his college decision in an Atlanta TV studio Monday night after 10 p.m. on FoxSports Network.

It's against NCAA rules for fans -- especially those who provide financial aid to the schools they love -- to get involved in the recruiting process. Lucky for them, the NCAA doesn't have the time or resources to chase everyone down. But in this case, with Miami being under investigation, it's probably a good idea for Hurricanes fans to stop.

Collins, whose Twitter account is @Budda03, has been relatively happy with "the love" he's been receiving. But messages have been getting nasty lately. Some UM fans believe Collins' high school coach Doug Gatewood is steering him away from Miami because of an alleged connection to Arkansas.

Here is one example of one of those Tweets from Cane Flexin @ThatCaneZo: "Hey @Budda03 don't let your coach make your decision for you. It's your decision and yours only."

This morning Collins responded to some of those tweets: "It's crazy how people can make things up or assume things that's no where close to being true.. I've been hearin crazy things thats not true."

Gatewood has vehemently denied the claims and told The Miami Herald Thursday: "I get paid $3,100 to be a head coach and have caught more [expletive] this year than you can imagine. People sitting there saying I'm profiting from this, I'm going to send them a picture of my truck. It needs a paint job and is missing a window.

"I guess it happens. But I've never been a part of it. Everybody talks about my relationship with [Arkansas assistant] Charlie [Patridge]. At the end of the day, I use every resource I have to help my kids get recruited. I call every person I know when I have a kid. When [Collins] started playing last year nobody was recruiting him. I called everybody and said 'I got a kid. You got to come look at him.'"

"As much as I care about him, he cares about me as well. Nobody wants people talking [expletive] about their coach."

Some UM fans have responded positively to the UM compliance office's request. Victor Castro ‏(@BudussyCanes) tweeted Collins: "Mr. Collins, wherever U decide 2 play ur college ball, we Canes wish U nothing but the best of luck. #GOCanes"

Arkansas fans, meanwhile, have continued to pursue Collins. The running back shared a picture of a chain of papers he got in the mail which reads: WOO PIG SOOIE GO HOGS!

Here's a list of some of the tweets Collins has received from both Miami and Arkanas fans and retweeted:

From Randall Baker ‏@RSB416
"@Budda03 if you came to arkansas, I'd convert to Buddism."

From Kel Clarke ‏@kclarke56
"@Budda03 @HogCaller90 can u imagine 80,000 fans wearing dreads at all the games.. I know id buy one - that would be sick - RAZORBUDDA!!!"

From Purple Cane ‏@PurpleCane41
"I'd take a blindside hit from @raylewis if it got #AlexCollinsToTheU"

From Gene Esposito ‏@GeneEspo69
"@Budda03 u gonna play for Miami and hit up south beach or play for Arkansas where marrying your cousin is common?"

From Jonathon Zenk ‏@jzenk42
"@Budda03 You should go to Miami, unless you would enjoy getting your teeth kicked in by Bama and LSU every year..."

Perhaps the most interesting tweet came from Arkansas coach Bret Bielema himself. Of course, it wasn't directly sent to Collins. But it did mention Budda -- Collin's nickname. Bielema sent it to his running backs coach.

Here is the message: "Found a Budda in Dallas. Lucky charms everywhere we go. #wps #gohogsgo @coachjoelt"

The picture Beilema tweeted is below. Wonder if the NCAA will question Bielema for the Budda reference?

InsideTheU's David Lake discusses where UM stands with its top targets a week before signing day

Here's the latest edition of Eye On The U's recruiting podcast with Herald Sports Writer Manny Navarro and InsideTheU reporter David Lake. 

The two discuss where Miami stands with its top targets a week before National Signing Day. Among the players discussed: LB Matthew Thomas, RB Alex Collins, RB Augustus Edwards, WR Stacy Coley, WR Jordan Cunningham, OL Denver Kirkland, DT Jay-nard Bostwick, DT Keith Bryant and LB Jermaine Grace.

PODCAST LINK

Defense attorney for UM baseball conditioning coach says his client didn't break law or NCAA rules

The attorney for University of Miami baseball strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins told The Miami Herald his client hasn't broken any federal laws or NCAA rules and that the article in Tuesday's editions of Miami New Times has jumped to conclusions.

"I can tell you Mr. Goins has no knowledge of any wrongdoing and hasn't done anything wrong personally on the behalf of Miami. He's kind of been blindsided by this," said attorney Gordon Fenderson of Fenderson and Hampton, LLC.

"We're not going to talk about whether he was a patient or not. There are privacy concerns there. But as far as using or purchasing anything that would be contrary to any rules or laws, he's been blindsided by those allegations.

"It's very presumptive to just say because a list comes out and one person may be accused of wrongdoing everybody on that list is accused of wrongdoing."

Goins, who has been on staff at UM for the past nine years, declined comment when approached by The Miami Herald in person Tuesday and directed all inquiries to his attorney.

The New Times reported Goins' name was on multiple client lists at Biogenesis, the Coral Gables clinic that was allegedly supplying MLB players and others with PEDs. "In one detailed page dated December 14, 2011, [Biogenesis owner Tony] Bosch writes he's selling [Goins] Anavar, testosterone, and a Winstrol/B-12 mix and charging him $400 a month," the story said. "Another [report] from this past December includes sales of HGH and testosterone."

Former UM players Cesar Carrillo and Yasmani Grandal and South Florida-born baseball stars Alex Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez were also mentioned in Tuesday's story. It's inferred Goins may have been supplying players with PEDs. It's not clear if it involved current or former players.

Fenderson said his client hasn't been charged with anything and they are representing him to be proactive in his defense.

Asked if Goins had been suspended by UM pending further investigation Fenderson said: "We're going to let UM do what they're going to do and we'll address it once they make it clear. Naturally the University is in a position that they're going to look at this because there are allegations. We're going to let them do what they're going to do.

"It's just some insinuations at this point. I haven't actually seen the list. It's unfortunate this conclusion has been jumped to."

Canes' RB Duke Johnson becomes target of Twitter thug after commenting on LeSean McCoy's baby mama drama

From the zany world of Twitter here's a new story making the rounds: UM running back Duke Johnson apparently became a target of one of LeSean McCoy's twitter followers for publicly voicing his opinion on the Eagles' star running back's baby mama drama.

BlackSportsOnline first got wind of the story Sunday and now it's spreading after a few retweets. Here is a link to the story and the details. 

In a nutshell, Johnson criticized McCoy publicly -- as other athletes have -- for his public battle with his ex-girlfriend. One of McCoy's fans @John082583 then began attacking Duke for his comments. 

Johnson hasn't paid much attention to it. His response on Twitter: "My mom always told me beware of the Internet thugs....✌"

UM fans have of course come to Duke's defense.

It will be interesting to see if UM coach Al Golden says anything about this. He's been pretty lenient on guys having Twitter accounts. 

UM releases statement on baseball strength coach Jimmy Goins

Unless you've been sleeping for three days you know by now a new scandal involving performance-enhancing drugs and a long list of major league baseball players and a Miami clinic has been in the news.

The Miami New Times released a report of a lengthy three-month investigation Tuesday morning and listed among the names of clients who allegedly purchased PEDs from this clinic is longtime University of Miami baseball and track and field strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins.

Goins, who has been at UM for the last nine years, is recorded in multiple client lists according to Tuesday's New Times story. "In one detailed page dated December 14, 2011, [Biogenesis owner Tony] Bosch writes he's selling [Goins] Anavar, testosterone, and a Winstrol/B-12 mix and charging him $400 a month," the story said. "Another [report] from this past December includes sales of HGH and testosterone."

It's not clear in the report how Goins was involved. But former UM players Cesar Carrillo and Yasmani Grandal and former South Florida baseball stars Alex Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are also mentioned. It's inferred Goins may have been supplying players with PEDs. It's not clear if it is current or former players. UM isn't commenting on anything right now. The feds are investigating. 

But Goins, who was listed on UM's baseball roster as of Tuesday morning, is no longer listed there. A source said he Goins was not at practice today and he'll likely be suspended pending further investigation. Here is a link to Goins' UM profile.

UM released the follow statement to The Miami Herald this afternoon: “The University of Miami is aware of media reports regarding one of our employees and an intensive review is underway. We will not comment further on personnel matters."

Stay tuned for more on this story.

Daughters of Ron Fraser share poem he wanted them to see once he was gone

This is the longer version of my story that will appear in Tuesday's editions of The Miami Herald

At one point before Alzheimer's disease began taking its toll, Ron Fraser saw a poem he liked, copied it down and put it in his briefcase -- a message he hoped would be delivered at the right time.

Monday morning, as the late father of University of Miami baseball was being remembered and honored with eulogies and choir songs, his three daughters shared the poem with a congregation of hundreds who gathered for Fraser's funeral mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Southwest Ranches.

The title of the poem Fraser had intended for his daughters to see once he was gone: "I'm Free."

"[Fraser's wife of 24 years] Karen found it. It talked about being free and don't grieve for me and that while they're are things I've left undone, God wants me and I'm with him now," Fraser's youngest daughter, Elizabeth Fraser Kraut, said fighting back emotion.

"It was left for us from Popie to help us deal with the grief of losing him. We hoped it would help the congregation get through their grief -- because we are all family. I can't even express to you in words how wonderful the outpouring of support has been."

Fraser, who passed away a week ago Sunday at age 79, will continue to be honored in the coming weeks.

The University of Miami has planned "A Celebration of the Life of Ron Fraser" for Saturday, Feb. 23 on campus with another event scheduled later that night during the baseball game against Milwaukee. The Ron Fraser Wizard Fund plans on honoring the Hall of Fame coach with a bronze statue at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. Current UM baseball coach Jim Morris said the program is committed to dedicating the season to Fraser in other ways not yet announced. Kraut said a private burial service will then take place in her father's hometown of Nutley, N.J. in March or April.

Monday's two-hour long mass -- as well as Sunday's eight-hour visitation at Stanfill Funeral Homes in Miami -- provided an opportunity for those closest to him to share stories and remember not just the man who was dubbed "The Wizard of College Baseball" but who served as a father figure for many young men, said Kraut and close friends.

UM Sports Hall of Famer Mike Fiore, part of Fraser's second and last national title team in 1985, was the first of five men who delivered a eulogy Monday. The others: former Catholic priest Leo Armbrust, longtime friend and former UM baseball sports information director Rick Remmert, current coach Morris, and family spokesman and TV personality Tony Segreto. Fiore, now the vice president for the company of famed baseball agent Scott Boras, called Fraser a "life coordinator."

"The family asked me to speak about him as a coach and what he meant to players like myself," Fiore said of the morning service. "I told one story today about how one time when we were playing Florida State my freshman year, down one run, late in the game, I'm standing on third thinking 'Do I let the ball go through? Do I run home if it gets past the catcher?'

"He walks up to me and looks at the crowd of six, seven thousand and says 'How many hamburgers and hot dogs do you think we sold tonight?' It was his unique way of alleviating stress from me, his way of saying I trust you, trust the way you play, go ahead and react. That was the greatest thing about coach Fraser. He always made you feel comfortable."

Fraser, who amassed a 1,271-438-9 record at UM and coached the Olympic team after retiring following the 1992 season, began coaching at UM for a $2,200 salary. He took a cow pasture for a field and raised the money for a ballpark with fundraising and marketing genius -- and not much financial help from UM.

Remmert, now UM's Director of Alumni programs, recalled how when Fraser first became coach of the Hurricanes he took a second job as athletic director of the Coral Gables youth center and borrowed equipment from there because UM didn't have any. The team's first uniforms, Remmert said, Fraser got those through his U.S. Military Academy connection.

"They took the A, R and Y off [the uniforms] and left the M on," Remmert said. "That's where the famous M came from.

"One of the first promotions he had after getting lights and fences for the baseball field and charging $1 for tickets was the 'Baseball from Outer Space.' The plan was to have a parachute jumper come in with a neon colored ball. The jumper got caught up in the wind and ended up landing in the old serpentarium instead. Coach also brought the first mascot to college baseball with the Miami Maniac.

"He saw the modern game of college baseball and what it could look like. [Former LSU coach] Skip Bertman said Ron was 30 years ahead of his time and proved to athletic directors baseball could be a revenue sport."

Kraut said she heard stories about her father on Sunday and Monday she hadn't heard before and that it has comforted the family.

"The phone calls, the tweets, text messages, the Facebook postings," Kraut said. "it's amazing how much people loved Popie and how much they've taken us under their wings."

UM men's hoops team jumps up 11 spots to 14th in AP poll -- highest ranking since 2002; Scott named ACC Player of Week

Jim Larranaga and the red-hot Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team has moved up 11 spots this week in the Associated Press poll to number 14 -- one of the biggest jumps in recent memory following blowout wins over No. 1-ranked Duke and rival Florida State. UM is also ranked 15th in the Coaches Poll.

It's the highest the program has been ranked since Feb. 2002. According to AP writer Tim Reynolds only four teams have gone up more spots in the rankings in one week since 1989.

The Canes (15-3, 6-0 ACC) hadn't cracked the AP poll until last week and were only receiving votes in the coaches poll before their big victories this past week. It's the first time the Hurricanes have been ranked in the Coaches poll since Dec 8, 2008 when they spent a single week at number 25. 

What's the highest UM's men's basketball team has ever been ranked? Eighth in the AP poll (March 1, 1960). They finished 10th.

Since the program was brought back, the highest the team was ranked was ninth -- back on March 1st, 1999. The Hurricanes didn't finish the season ranked in the AP poll.

The Canes travel to Virginia Tech on Wednesday and play at 19th-ranked N.C. State on Saturday. The Wolfpack (16-4) and Blue Devils (17-2) are the only other teams from the ACC ranked in the AP poll.

DURAND SCOTT HONORED

Guard Durand Scott was named the ACC's Player of the Week for the second time this season Monday.

Scott averaged 18.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in UM's two home wins last week.

In Wednesday’s 90-63 win against the Blue Devils, Scott had 25 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 36 minutes. He was 9-of-14 (.643) from the field, 3-of-4 from three-point range and 4-of-5 on free throws. In Sunday’s win against the Seminoles, Scott had 11 points, four assists and two turnovers as UM rolled to a 71-47 victory.

News and notes from the start of Canes spring baseball practice

Al Golden didn't get a chance to see David Thompson rifle passes to receivers this fall, but Jim Morris will get to see him use his bat this spring.

The talented freshman, who set a state record for career home runs and wiped Alex Rodriguez's name from the top of the record books at Miami Westminster Christian School, said Friday he is healthy and ready to make an impact for the Hurricanes.

Although Thompson doesn't have a set position just yet -- he's working at third base, first base and left field – chances are he's going to find a spot in the starting lineup.

"He can hit," said Morris, whose team practiced for the first time this spring on Friday -- exactly three weeks before the season opening weekend series at home against Rutgers.

"He's a good athlete, knows how to win and works very, very hard. And he can hit. When you can hit, you find a place to play."

Thompson, who had right shoulder surgery in June to repair a torn labrum, is one of a handful of newcomers -- and a few players coming back from surgery -- Morris is counting on to help turn the program around.

The others: left-handed starting pitchers Bryan Radziewski (the only player who wasn't ready to go at the start of practice Friday coming off shoulder surgery) and Andrew Suarez (a ninth round pick in 2011 who only pitched three innings in an exhibition game against the Marlins before having shoulder surgery himself); middle infielders Brandon Lopez (who could get a chance to compete for the closer's role) and Alex Hernandez (a JUCO transfer from Palm Beach Central who was the team's unofficial MVP in the fall) and left-handed power hitting freshman outfielder Grant Heyman (an 11th round pick of the Blue Jays  whom Morris said was hitting balls into the upper deck of the parking lot in the fall).

The Hurricanes, coming off a disappointing 36-22 season in which they lost their first regional at home since 1990, were tabbed to finish fourth in the Coastal Division in a preseason poll by ACC coaches on Friday. That hardly bothered Morris as much as the fact UM is entering the season unranked in Baseball America's Top 25 poll for the first time since he took over in 1994.

"There's a lot of questions we need to answer," Morris said. "I think we're going to have a good club and surprise some people, but to be honest, the polls aren't showing us a lot respect, which I don't like. We've got to prove we're as good as we've always been."

Morris said his biggest concern is the bullpen. Even though 2012 team MVP and left-handed reliever A.J. Salcines (3-0, 1.40 ERA, 7 SVs) is back along with right-hander Eric Nedeljkovic (0-1, 1.78 ERA, 4 SVs), Morris said Salcines is "not a prototype closer" and the team needs to find "guys that are proven that can do it every day."

"I think our defense will be much improved,” Morris said. "Our starting pitching should be good. We just have to figure out the bullpen."

MORE NEWS AND NOTES FROM FRIDAY...

> Thompson said his arm strength is “getting back to what it was.” Although he experiences some natural soreness, it’s not hurting him at all. Thompson said he’s making sure to throw a football around every couple days to stay sharp.

“I play catch with a lot of these guys after practice,” Thompson said. “[Center fielder] Dale [Carey] is a pretty good receiver. He's got the speed.”

Although Thompson missed the majority of fall baseball practices recovering from surgery, he was able to get some work in, hitting .316 in 19 at-bats. Three of his six hits went for doubles. He also said he was able to hit one ball out of the park at Mark Light Field.

“I have to be more patient than I was in high school,” Thompson said. “I always thought I could any pitch in high school no matter where it was. The way the ball moves, speed, and location, it’s a big difference.”

Morris said although Thompson is full committed to play baseball in the spring and football in the fall, he expects he will sneak over to get some spring work in on the gridiron.

"I'm sure he's going to still be over there some," Morris said. "I just know his mentality. I know he's a worker and David feels like he can play sports at the highest level."

Heyman called Thompson "a great hitter, probably the best hitter I've ever seen."

"He doesn't miss," Heyman continued. "It was amazing. He came out here first fall ball game and faced one of our better pitchers and just ripped a double down the line. I wasn't like that. It took me a couple weeks just to see the pitching.

"I'm really looking forward to playing with him the next three or four years. It's going to be really fun. He's a great guy too. Hopefully we'll make a good duo in the future."

> Suarez, who had surgery on April 9th, 2012 to repair a slight tear on his labrum and a bone spur on the back of his rotator cuff, said he hasn't felt any pain in his come back. He pitched in a few scrimmages over the fall and expects to be ready for the season. But he expects to let loose for the first time over the weekend and test his velocity.

"They haven't really gunned me yet. Sunday I'll find out," said Suarez, who allowed only two hits and struck out one in three scoreless innings of work in his only start for the Hurricanes last March in an exhibition against the Marlins. "I'm excited. The hitters told me I was throwing hard and stuff. We'll see what the [radar] gun says."

Morris said Suarez "may have the highest ceiling of anybody on the pitching staff."

"He's the highest drafted player on the team," Morris said. "He was hurt in high school, had the surgery last year after a few weeks. He's doing really well. He's doing good and had absolutely no setbacks in his program. We think he has a very good chance to start for us on the weekends."

> Morris said senior Michael Broad, who hit just .243 with four home runs and 30 RBI last season, should start in left field and hit somewhere in the middle of the lineup.

"We've moved strictly from the infield to the outfield, it should help him relax a little bit at the plate," Morris said. "He was hurt last year, but didn't have the type of year he wanted to have."

> Morris said the baseball team will do plenty to honor the late legendary coach Ron Fraser this season.

"We're going to do a lot of stuff. It's going to be a big thing, rightfully so," Morris said. We're having a Ron Fraser night and doing some special things you need to be here for that nobody is going to know until game time. We've talked about the season being committed and dedicated to Ron Fraser. I wouldn't be surprised if we pull somethings out of the hat Coach Fraser did."