Starting running back for The U in 2024...

Edgerrin James was in store with the 'real' Baby J earlier. A few days back he ordered a custom-made #5 jersey for EJ Jr. and he wanted to show us how the little man looked all decked out in that Miami orange.

Check out the Canes jersey on this future NCAA record-setter. See you on campus in 16 or so years, Jr.

Hurricanes Basketball season recap...

My main man The Great Kartik chimed in last week regarding a Canes basketball season recap. I held on to it a few days as I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle of the beginning of March Madness. With things settling down and the OT loss to Boston College in the rearview, it's time to break down Miami Hurricanes basketball 2006-2007:

"A disappointing and difficult season for the Hurricanes ended on a high note with two inspiring performances in the ACC Tournament last week. Towards the end of the season I heard more and more Canes fans comparing coach Frank Haith to former head coach Perry Clark.

The ACC Tournament performance as well as that of the final two regular season games where the undermanned Hurricanes took Clemson and FSU to overtime should serve as notice that Haith's style and relationship with his team differs dramatically from the failed era of Clark. In fact while it has been fashionable to blame the Hurricanes woes this season solely on injuries, the reality is that the loss of virtually two recruiting classes due to Clark's inept leadership and eventual firing is now affecting the Hurricanes negatively.

When Clark was fired three of the five recruits he had signed the previous year transferred (the two exceptions were Anthony King and Anthony Harris both of whom were underused by Clark), as well as each of his commits for the upcoming season. Those two classes would have been juniors and seniors this season.

So instead the Canes had a team built around underclassmen who couldn't absorb the loss of three big men for the season, a fourth for most of the season and a fifth who was suspended towards the end of the year. Raw freshman Dwayne Collins was the only Miami frontcourt player to survive the entire season. Collins has the potential to be one of the best big men to ever play at Miami, but his offensive skills are limited, and he often times doesn't demand the ball enough.

Jimmy Graham's return from injury sparked UM's ACC Tournament performance. Graham blocked eight shots in the two games of the ACC Tournament and showed incredible post moves in the half court offense. A full season with Collins and Graham inside next season could shoot Miami up the ACC Standings.

King will likely not get a medical red shirt, which means the college career of the Canes best shot blocker since the great Tim James sadly ended after six games as a senior. 6'11" Fabio Nass was beginning to show signs of life when he tore his ACL and was lost for the season, while Ray Hicks was suspended twice and failed to live up to his play as a sophomore a year ago.

Freshman forward Lawrence Gilbert had a nice game in an early season loss at Louisville but showed nothing the rest of the season. Senior walk-on Keaton Copeland ended up getting the minutes one would think Gilbert could have claimed following Nass' injury. Copeland led by example, diving after loose balls and crashing the boards. It can be argued UM only stayed together as a team because of Copeland's inspired and active play. Despite all the front court injuries UM was one of the best rebounding teams in the ACC.

Sophomore Jack McClinton led the team in scoring but has a lot of growing to do in the off-season if he is to be the sort of player he is capable of being. Coach Haith wants to see McClinton improve his ball handling and distribution skills in addition to making better decisions on when to shoot. McClinton showed greater maturity than had all season in regulation time versus Boston College in the ACC Tournament but then resorted to his wild shooting ways in overtime when the Canes needed calm. McClinton is one the most talented players in recent years to wear a Miami jersey, but he will not realize his full potential until his decision making improves.

Harris had a strong ACC campaign after a horrible non-conference slate. Harris showed senior leadership when the team really needed it and cut down on his turnovers. Harris however continued to take poor shots and miss easy looks from outside. If Harris has a future at the next level it will be as a point guard, where he improved his play this season. Harris showed excellent instincts when driving to the basket but often times didn't take full advantage of mismatches and his speed.

Denis Clemente showed some of the potential he was thought to have coming out of High School averaging close to 10 points and 4 assists per game, but he was suspended twice and as Billy Packer correctly pointed out during the broadcast of the ACC Tournament, Clemente's late season suspension when the team had already lost three players for the season and had several other injuries to deal with showed immaturity and called into question whether he would ever be welcomed back by Haith.

I'm not sure if Packer knew something already but his comments made it sound like Haith may have already shut the door on Clemente. According to Omar Kelly, the UM beat writer for the South Florida Sun Sentinel UM has offered one more scholarship to potential recruits than is currently available. That would indicate a returning player likely Clemente, will not be back.

James Dews, a highly touted freshman sharpshooter improved his play as the season wore on and if he can put on some weight during the off-season, he could be an important cog next season.

Swingman Brian Asbury had a fantastic sophomore season after a terrible freshman year. Asbury helped UM on the boards, and showed an ability to make big shots and make a timely defensive stop. Despite UM's poor season, Asbury was one of the most under appreciated players in the ACC, and with UM's expected improvement next year, Asbury will vie for All-Conference honors. Asbury is a scrappy, smart player whose improvement from his freshman year was nothing short of remarkable.

This was a disappointing season for the Canes no doubt. But quite frankly, I feel better about this team winning twelve games, including one against a ranked team in the ACC Tournament with a young team that sustained several serious injuries than last year's eighteen win, NIT Final Eight team who had no serious injuries and experience all over the court.

Last year's team missed the NCAA thanks to late game collapses in its last two regular season games. This year, the Hurricanes lost three overtime games in the last two weeks of the season but despite being undermanned they showed a grit and determination that was lacking a much more talented team the previous season.

This means two things: the adversity of this season grew Frank Haith as a coach, and grew his players character and that can only mean positive things for the future. If the Canes can stay healthy, expect the team to make a run at an NCAA bid next season."

Yeah, no one's still talking about it...

As much as I hate the play, I still get a sense of satisfaction when "The Call" is mentioned on national TV. The latest occurance was today on Cold Pizza, when sports journalist Skip Bayless mentioned it in regards to the Buckeyes getting away with one during March Madness.

Ohio State center Greg Oden threw an Xavier player to the floor in what should've been called a flagrant foul in the waning moments of their Saturday match up. Xavier looked to have the game locked up if the call was made. Two free throws and possession most likely would've sealed it.

Instead, Xavier went one and one from the line, the Buckeyes had a shot at a three to force overtime and they hit it, eventually rolling in OT.

When discussed on Cold Pizza this morning, Bayless said the following in reference to the no call:

"That was the most outrageous injustice I have seen since Ohio State STOLE the national football championship from Miami with that pass interference flag that came ten seconds after the play was over."

Classic. Four years later and "The Call" is still being discussed, much to the chagrin of Buckeye nation who seek validation and love to cite the random columnist (usually from somewhere in Ohio or Big XII country) who defends "The Call".

Even bleeding heart host Jay Crawford couldn't defend the comment outside of saying "two seconds" to Bayless' ten. I think Crawford was still stinging from the waxing Florida put on them months ago in Glendale. Since that beatdown, Buckeye faithful scattered like roaches when the lights are turned on. There's no fight left in that once-arrogant crew.

Sure, it still burns that Miami was robbed of back-to-back titles, but it's always a treat to hear someone take a dig at Ohio State's tainted title.

Plus, had The U brought home the hardware, we wouldn't have Randy Shannon at the helm now and after 7-6 in 2006, I'm more concerned with the future than I am the past.

Extra Sensitive Pacifying Network loves PacMan...

Forgive me if my keyboard shorts out. It's all these tears I cry for poor ol' PacMan Jones. I just caught the ESPN Sunday night edition of SportsCenter and had to check my guide as the Jones' piece had all the makings of an after school special. I'd love to know the bleeding heart who scripted and edited this piece of work.

Yet again, our sports media picks and chooses which storylines and players they're going to back. The Miami Hurricanes continue to wear the black hat as the bad boys of college football, yet this West Virginia Mountaineer, real life thug who's been in trouble with the law ten times since the 2005 NFL Draft gets a cushy, woes me, "poor PacMan" story on prime time TV.

Grew up in southwest Atlanta in a housing project. Mom was in in jail for three years thanks to her drug use. Father was shot and killed when then-Adam Jones was only six years old.

Throw in a few siblings dying of AIDS-related deaths and another sibling stealing his identity and you'd have a similar story to Hurricanes' coach Randy Shannon's upbringing in Miami's inner city.

Difference is, Randy Lannard Shannon persevered and didn't make excuses. He didn't fall in with the wrong crowd. He kept his head on straight. He was an All American at the University of Miami. A four-year letterman at The U. Winner of the Christopher Plummer Award for most inspirational player as a senior in 1988.

An 11th-round Draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, Shannon became the first rookie to start at outside linebacker for Big D since 1963. Two years later, back at Miami as an assistant until 1998, where he did a three year stint as an assistant for the hometown Dolphins. Back to

The U in 2000 as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator from 2001-2006, when he was named head coach in early December.

Shannon preaches accountability, character and discipline where a kid like Jones does everything he can to avoid all three. Yet ESPN creates this fluff piece where they want the viewer to feel bad for Jones' upbringing, pressure from the 'wrong crowd' which he hangs with and the fact the kid had a rough path the NFL.

I feel for anyone who had an upbringing similar to PacMan's and look no further than the NFL or NCAA for thousands of kids in this same boat. Difference is, most don't use it as a crutch or scapegoat.

Hey PacMan, ever heard the name Ray Ray McElrathbey? A freshman at Clemson last season who is raising his little brother Fahmarr McElrathbey due to a drug addict mother and gambling addicted father, 18-year old Ray Ray is acting like more of a man than a two-year, multi-millionaire NFL first rounder.

According to this piece, Jones entered high school as a 'tough' kid. The staff went so fart as to put together a support group to help keep him out of trouble. He won two state titles in basketball and was all state in football. He got the scholarship to West Virginia and soon after heading to Morgantown, he was arrested for beating a fellow student with a pool cue and received probation.

The reward? Chosen sixth in the 2005 NFL Draft - ahead of Antrel Rolle, a good kid with strong character. Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher knew it was a controversial pick, but promised then-GM Floyd Reese that he's mold him. Reese felt it was a mistake, but they went with it.

Three days later Jones is back in Atlanta being questioned by police regarding his involvement in a strip club fight.

As stated earlier, Jones has been arrested or questioned by police ten times since April 2005. Whether it be for loaning his Cadillac to a convicted drug dealer or his actions NBA All Star weekend in Las Vegas. For those who missed it, Jones threw $81,000 worth of one dollar bills on stage in a strip club, in an attempt to 'make it rain' and when a dancer took some cash without his permission, Jones allegedly grabbed her by the hair and slammed her onto the stage.

When security intervened, Jones did what any lunatic in a strip club $81,000 poorer would've done. He bit the guard in the leg. Woof woof.

Someone in Jones' entourage fired a gun, hitting three people. The guard was hit twice and another patron hit was ultimately paralyzed from the waist down.

After the altercation, wiretapped phone conversations between drug dealer Darryl Moore and friends talked about Jones gambling to earn quick money and smoking marijuana to relieve him of the day-to-day stress he's currently dealing with.

Par for the course, ESPN left that out of this Lifetime special they ran on Sunday night and chose to focus on Jones hanging at the YMCA and talking to kids as well as donating money for police uniforms in Tennessee (*cough* tax write off *cough* kiss ass *cough*). Funny how the focus was on how Jones didn't want any publicity for any of this, yet there were always cameras around to record his charitable acts.

Pretty pathetic that the national sports media will run a story like this, blindly defending a punk's actions and blaming them on a rough upbringing... yet will continue to trash former Hurricane Bryan Pata, murdered last November. Instead of sympathy for Pata and a demand for justice, both ESPN and HBO Sports have chosen to poke and prod, digging for background dirt on Pata, in an attempt to show he might've gotten what some felt he deserved because photos surfaced with him posing with guns or because he drove a nice car.

Forget the aspirations to join the FBI someday, all guns being registered to the deceased gun enthusiast, the pricey SUV legally paid for by a family member and the fact that Pata restored old cars in his spare time as a way to earn money.

I don't know what's more pathetic here. The slandering of the late Pata or the defense and free pass given to a thug like Jones.

For those who missed it, consider yourself lucky. For those who caught it, did anyone else get a chuckle out of Stuart Scott so poignantly pointing out at the end that although in trouble with the po-pos ten times in less than two years, Jones is yet to be convicted... though he still faces charges in Georgia for biting a police officer. Woof woof.

Class act, this guy. Keep defending him ESPN and keep raining down on The U.


.:Canes305:.

Want to see the new Miami Hurricanes unis?

Fresh from a Nike rep, here's a shot of the 2007 Miami Hurricanes football uniforms. Just a few aesthetic changes from last season. A stripe adorns the front/back of the jerseys over the numbers. (The last editon of the jerseys had a stripe underneath the numbers which some fans so affectionately called the "bra strap".)

The pants also received an upgrade as well with the pant stripe redone and much more prevalent. On the last edition of the pants, the stripe was subtle and on the upper hip area. It has been expanded to run down to the knee now as well as around the front and back waist area. The stripes on the pant leg will be two tone. Orange and white on the green pants, green and orange on the white pants and green and white on the orange pants.

allCanes expects the new jerseys in stock early June. We're at the mercy of Nike, so bear with us. When the jersey date has officially been announced, it'll be front page news at allCanes.com and allCanesBlog.com. We'll also email blast the news, so if you're not on our list, email chris@allCanes.com and we'll add you to the blast list.

Randy continues laying down the law...

"Put is this way, guys fear Shannon."

I love that quote. It embodies everything Miami Football lacked the past few years. A new coach with a "my way or the highway" mentality, which is what I think all 18 to 21 year old kids need in this day and age.

No disrespect to Larry Coker, but the laid back approach to coaching and teaching proved disastrous at The U in 2006. It's time for some tough love and for heads to roll. Everyone is accountable. No more free rides.

A few days back it was reported that Miami head coach Randy Shannon has implemented a zero tolerance policy regarding players owning guns. Call it part of the 'Do Right' way of running a tight ship at The U. Another aspect of the crackdown? All players must maintain a 2.5 GPA to live off campus and play football.

Spring practice started last week and players and coaches have been on cloud nine. There's an air of newness surrounding Miami Football right now. 7-6 is yesteryear, as is all the drama which surrounded last season. Coach Shannon is laying down the law, as witnessed by Rashaun Jones and Rhyan Anderson being booted from the team. Gone is the country club atmosphere and third or fourth chances. Randy's way or the highway. Get used to it.

Some fans are unsure what to think of all this. I've seen the posts on the message boards. I saw a real gem yesterday titled, "Anyone Else Think RS's Bullying Bravado is Getting Old B4 He Has Won An ACC Game?"

And people wonder why our fanbase is shredded by the media and other fans. Nothing like trashing a new coach his third month on the job when all he's done is start cleaning house, brought in a 9th rated recruiting class (according to Scout.com), landed a stud quarterback (something the past admin hadn't done in four years) and hired a slew of hungry, up and coming assistant coaches.

The fact this class was landed without a staff in place, Shannon deserves even more credit. He could've assembled a bunch of coaches in an attempt to save recruiting season, but that's not his philosophy. He waited it out and got some quality guys. Some quality assistants who headed up recruiting for their respective universities. Offensive guys who gave Shannon fits as a defensive coordinator are now working side by side with him. His mindset? If they're good enough to score on my defense and confuse me, they must be doing something right.

As bad as the Canes' record has been the past few seasons, little of that blame falls on the defense.

What I fail to understand is all this negativity. Be negative about last season. Remain bitter over a few games which got away. Curse the fact that the program has slowly eroded these past few seasons under Coach Coker. I can understand that, but trashing the new coach and the direction the program looks to be headed? That's absolutely moronic.

What's wrong with a little optimism here? What's wrong with believing in Coach Shannon and being fired up about his philosophy? He hasn't let us down yet, so why are some treating him as a 'failure until proven successful'? It's bogus.

It seems Canes fans have forgotten what it's like to be optimistic. Shannon has talked about weeding out bad seeds and ridding this program of a loser's mentality. Too bad he can't have a sit down with a majority of our fans. It's time to start thinking and acting like winners again. There is reason to optimistic about the future and Coach Shannon deserves the benefit of the doubt.

If he falls flat on his face, criticize away. But this guy is one of our own and he has three National Championship rings - one as a player (1987), one as an assistant (1991) and one as a coordinator (2001), the same season he won the Broyles Award for coordinator of the year.

I like the State of Miami right now and you should too. Truth be told, the Canes are not that far off. 7-6 last season was a result of an inept coaching staff and a loser's mentality. There's no reason Miami should've lost to Florida State, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Virgina. I'll concede Louisville and Georgia Tech, but the other four losses were a result of a team that didn't believe in themselves and a piss-poor offensive game plan.

Up 10-3 at the half and unable to score from the redzone twice late in the second quarter against FSU? A 10-10 tie late in the game against the Hokies and possession late in the game? A dropped sure-touchdown against Maryland, setting for three and losing by one? Physically drained the week of Bryan Pata's funeral and losing 17-7 at Virginia? This program was mentally whooped and drained the minute Florida State stole the opener in the Orange Bowl.

Miami oft failed to recover after a loss in the Coker era. While the Canes cruised through 2001 and 2002 with relative ease, this disappointing trend began in 2003 and continued for four seasons.

The Canes lost their first regular season game in three seasons midway through 2003. A 31-7 beatdown at Virginia Tech ended Miami's 39-game regular season win streak. A week later, a horrendous and lackluster 10-6 loss to Tennessee. It was the first time in over two decades that the Canes didn't score a touchdown in the Orange Bowl. A week after a sickening loss, no less.

It was the first time the Canes had lost back-to-back games since 1999.

A year later Miami falls to North Carolina, 31-28. The Heels were a three touchdown underdog. The following week Miami blew a 17-0 halftime lead against Clemson in the Orange Bowl, losing 24-17 in OT.

2005 had Miami losing to Georgia Tech late in the season, ending all hopes of playing for the ACC title. The Canes limped through regular season games against Wake Forest and Virginia before getting throttled 40-3 by LSU in the Peach Bowl.

The play, attitude and inability to respond to adversity these past few years - that's not Miami Football. It was a direct reflection of the then coaching staff and it doesn't fit into Coach Shannon's game plan for how the Canes will be a winner again.

Accountability. Discipline. Attitude. Competition. Self-respect. Respect for your fellow man. Coach Shannon is molding strong young men and better football players. He's preaching a 'team' mentality and feels better student athletes will make more responsible football players.

Everything about this guy just feels right to me. He's bringing in kids who want to be Canes and he's taken over a program that was in no way as down as its 7-6 record last season. If you want to keep hating, hate away but I'm on board with everything related to this new regime.


.:Canes305:.

Sickening...

Miami was swept today by North Carolina. Three straight losses to the Heels, three days after Miami lost to "mighty" St. Bonaventure.

The Canes are now 10-9 a month and a half out the gate, in a year where they were a preseason #2 and were coming off a heroic postseason run which got them to Omaha in 2006.

Miami opened the season 0-2 at the hands of Mercer. Sunday's game was cancelled due to weather, which is probably a blessing as the only thing worse than 0-2 is 0-3 and Mercer fans showing up at The Light with their broomsticks for the sweep.

The Canes bounced back and swept UCLA at home, but then dropped 2 of 3 the following weekend in Gainesville. Nothing like giving those Gators more bragging rights than they already needed.

Outside of UCLA, Miami has looked atrocious against any decent opponent. Six of the ten wins game against the likes of Elon, Fordham and La Salle. (Miami actually dropped the opener to Elon.)

This bunch best get it's collective head out of it's collective can or things are going to get really ugly. Maine and Rutgers are on tap this week, but after that it's all about the ACC. Over the next few months Miami will face Maryland, Virginia, Clemson, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Wake Forest and Duke, with some non conference games sprinkled in there.

Someone needs to step up and start making some plays. This bunch is too talented to continue underachieving they way they are. Until Miami Baseball starts playing like Hurricanes of old, I won't be covering them anymore in the blog. It's not worth my time to write about a bunch that went from #2 to #23 in a matter of weeks.

Get it together, fellas. A lot of ball left to be played, but the turnaround has to start today.


.:Canes305:.

We'll take it...

I don't spend too much time covering other Canes-related sports outside of football. It's not for a lack of love all things The U-related. It's just hard to see and follow basketball and baseball out here from the left coast.

That said, come tourney time I have an ability to follow Miami. Whether it's March Madness or the College World Series, when it nears the post-season it's much easier to see some action on the tube.

Miami took down Maryland in the ACC tourney yesterday, 67-62. ESPN chose not to broadcast it, but between highlights and listening on the Internet, it was the next best thing. The Canes don't really look to go anywhere in the tourney, but after a heartbreaking season it's great to see these kids get to taste a post-season victory.

The U dressed eight scholarship players, due to injuries and suspensions, yet stunned the No. 20 Terrapins. Miami takes on Boston College today, a team which beat the Canes twice this season. Will the third time be Miami's charm? Probably not. But it'll still be worth watching and hoping the Canes and upset the Eagles and keep their season alive for another day.

.:Canes305:.

Happy 50th to the Big Dawg...

Mr. allCanes, Harry Rothwell turned 50th a few days back and a Canes-themed soiree was thrown for him on Saturday night at his casa. Friends and family were in tow to help the Big Dawg ring in the big five-oh.

Cocktails were flowing, party games were played, The Big Cheese catered the event (of course!), the DJ was working the wheels of steel as the sixty or so in attendance cut a mean rug and the night ended with the birthday boy being chucked into a cold pool by J-Roth the Boss, a.k.a. Harry's oldest son, Justin.

The big guy even took it down a notch and busted out a slow dance with wife Julie to "Babe" by Styx. A very Adam Sandler-esque movie moment.

Below are some pics from Saturday's event. Check 'em out and please chime in below in our 'comments' section and send Big H your belated b'day wishes!


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