Interesting ink from ESPN's Bruce Feldman...

With recruiting always a hot topic and 'Signing Day' just over a week out, Bruce Feldman - author of 'Cane Mutiny' - made an interesting observation regarding Super Bowl participants.

Recruiting hounds obsessed with stars and rankings, pay attention to the following list of "lesser talent" competing in next Sunday's game:

"It's an intriguing time around football: there were two entertaining games in the NFL conference title weekend; the countdown to the signing day is in full swing and the Senior Bowl week is about to kick off. Keep the Colts in mind if your favorite college team doesn't sound like it is cleaning up on signing day next week because the AFC champions are a very interesting study about what a group of mostly unheralded or off-the-radar recruits can become. (Or maybe they are a testament to what can happen to an NFL team if you have one for-the-ages, all-time great running the show.)

Anyhow, I went back to check their depth chart to see how the guys who start for the Colts were rated as recruits. Of those ones who have come through in the online recruiting era marked by the "star" system, it's pretty interesting.

Starting left tackle Charlie Johnson was deemed a two-star tight end prospect; left guard Ryan Lilja was a three-star O-lineman; RG Kyle DeVan was a three-star; Austin Collie was a three-star receiver. Of the remaining starters on the Colts' offense, you either have guys who entered college before the boom of the Internet recruiting era -- QB Peyton Manning (who would've had to have been a five-star); center Jeff Saturday, WR Reggie Wayne, RB Joseph Addai, RT Ryan Diem -- or guys like TE Dallas Clark, WR Pierre Garcon and H-back Gijon Robinson, all of whom were around the two-star range.

On defense, the lone starter ranked above the three-star level is startling left cornerback Kelvin Hayden, who was labeled as a four-star ... but at wide receiver. After that it was DT Antonio Johnson, a three-star JC recruit; LB Philip Wheeler, a three-star; LB Clint Session, a three-star; DB Melvin Bullitt, a three-star, and the same for CB Jacob Lacey." - Bruce Feldman, ESPN.com

Eleven Canes earn a trip to the Pro Bowl

While the Miami Hurricanes looked to close several high-profile recruits this weekend, football fans nationwide saw 'The U' displayed on the main stage as eleven Canes were named to the 2010 Pro Bowl:

Andre Johnson, Vince Wilfork, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Brandon Meriweather, Frank Gore, Jon Beason, Bryant McKinnie, Antrel Rolle, Jon Vilma and Reggie Wayne were all Pro Bowl bound this year - though some didn't play due to injury, Super Bowl appearances or the nameless former Cane who skipped practice and got the boot.

A testament to the program, as well as a reminder that UM's on the field success isn't that far in the rearview. Lewis is Miami's veteran - in the league since 1996 - while guys like Beason and Rolle were getting it done at 'The U' few years back.

Potential Canes and current recruits - look at the talent around you, seek the common theme and realize that Miami is a cut above. You want to play your college ball at the home of the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl? Here's your chance. You want to be the next Hurricane great, dominating in the postseason after being praised as the best at your position? Come to Coral Gables.

Hurricanes Football: 101

For years the premise intrigued me and after watching "The U" a few weeks back, the concept was solidified; the University of Miami needs to offer an accredited course on "The History of Hurricanes Football". Your average undergrad could take the class, but it would be created and mandatory for all incoming, football-playing freshmen.

Educate those suiting up for The U about the last three-plus decades of Miami football. Teach them about the storied history. Explain to them the size of the shoes they have to fill and remind them that the need to build on that legacy over the next four years.

As the Rakontur doc played on ESPN last December, I wondered how current Canes, incoming freshmen and national recruits felt about two hours of unabashed, unapologetic UM football history. At 35 years old, I remember and relished in the 'Decade of Dominance' era - Miami's 80s and 90s hey day - but what about those too young to reminisce? Were today's players reacting to this documentary? Why or why not?

I read about some Miami recruits having watched the piece and dug it, but there was not much coverage regarding current Canes. UM was not on board with the documentary and didn't want current coaches or players participating; a huge mistake on the university's part.

Whether or not you approve of the past, embrace it and reshape how the history is told. Point out the good that came from that era - be it the adversity local inner city players overcame, the determination, the leadership, the success.

There was more to Miami football than penalty flags at the Cotton Bowl and a Pell Grant scandal. By keeping your head in the sand, you allow others to tell your story for you, focusing on sensationalism and painting the Canes as bad boys instead of praising the program's accomplishments.

Hurricanes Football: 101; a way to educate next generation Canes about the job they're signing on for and the tradition they're expected to uphold.

Required reading would include Bruce Feldman's "Cane Mutiny" and Jim Martz's "Tales From The Hurricanes Sideline" while the Miami Football Vault could be your class textbook, featuring the following chapters:

- Foreward by Randy Shannon
- Shaky Beginnings, 1926-1947
- Coach Gus, 1948-1963
- The Coral Gables Carousel, 1964-1976
- "The State Of Miami", 1977-1983
- "The U" Against The World, 1984-1988
- Miami Rules, 1989-1994
- Hurricane Watch, 1995-2008
- Afterword by Ted Hendricks

Give a brief introduction week one regarding the program's inception, up through 1976 and then spend the rest of the semester focusing on 1977 through 2001.

Educate current Canes on Howard Schnellenberger and his impact on the program. How did the long-time NFL and NCAA assistant take a program that went 9-13 during the Lou Saban era and turn it into a champion within five years, as promised?

Break down the good, bad and ugly regarding the Jimmy Johnson era. Hell, even call JJ down in the Keys and invite him up to campus as a guest speaker. Same with coach Shannon and other former players of that era. Randy could talk late 80s, linebacker coach Micheal Barrow could go on about the 'Bermuda Triangle' era and Jimmy could drop some of his textbook psychology on the newbies.

Hurricanes Football: 101 - feature a guest speaker every week. From old school former coaches and players, right down to guys from the modern era who are currently dominating at the next level. Schedule the NFL guys on their bye weeks, reminding them that there are other ways to give back besides writing checks.

A three-day a week course could focus on the textbook every Monday, film study every Wednesday - footage of classic games and Guest Lect-U-re Fridays.

I took a one-credit 'Strength & Conditioning' course in college, as well as a one-credit racquetball course and a one-credit tennis course. My electives were a joke... which isn't a shock considering I did my final two years at the University of Florida. (Ouch.)

If I crept one step closer to a diploma for lifting weights and playing games, why can't a history of football type course be created? Especially somewhere like Miami, where the past three decades have provided so much depth and important information.

Of all the '30 for 30' docs on ESPN, only 'The U' was two hours (every other doc has been sixty minutes). There's more than a semester's worth of history to cover. You'd barely get to the turn of the century before it was time for the final exam.

Save the rest for Hurricanes Football:202 - a study of what made Miami tick between 2000 and 2003. Recruiting. Development. Depth. Domination.

Storytelling is a method of teaching and in this case you're dealing with student athletes who didn't see this era first hand. As much as we hate to admit it, 1983 was 27 years ago. Twenty-seven years prior to that it was 1956, which felt like lifetime ago in '83, let alone '10.

Even more sobering - the incoming college freshman was born in 1991, when the Canes brought home their fourth title. That generation saw Florida State and Florida combining for three titles before finally seeing Miami wax Nebraska in the Rose Bowl in 2001, the year they turned ten.

Once in high school, it was Florida winning titles - not Miami. No mystery why the Gators are cleaning up on the recruiting trail. ESPN college football coverage has been like a UF infomercial the past three seasons and Florida delivered on the field... until Bame came calling.

Florida's recent run can't hold Miami's jock, but their success in the now - which is a big deal at 35, but monumental when you're only 18. Before 'The U', today's teenagers flocked to YouTube for vintage Hurricane football footage. Thankfully the Rakontur folk gave the Canes an 'infomercial' of their own, which deserves to see the light of day for years to come.

UM admin missed the boat when they had the opportunity to work with Billy Corben and crew, but it's not too late to do something. Take that footage and use it to your advantage. Create a course... and turn it over to Professor Art Kehoe. There's no one more passionate about Miami football. Anyone who's been to a pep rally or Friday morning pre-game breakfast can attest.

The former player and o-line coach can fire up a crowd and capture an audience. Plus, he's the only Cane in history that sports five UM championship rings.

Art saw everything, playing under Schnelly in the late 70s right up through 2005, working under five different UM head coaches during his tenure. No one more qualified to tell the story, teaching newbies what made Miami, "Miami".

There's an opportunity here, UM. Keep the legacy alive through the storytelling. Academically, this university has made a name for itself this past decade and should be proud... but don't forget about what put Miami on the map in the first place; a winning football program. Now it's time for you to give back, Administration and top brass.

Build the brand. Think creatively. Market this football program with something other than catchy slogans for Nike to sell.

Teach these current Canes about the past. The future is now as winning ways are needed to keep this thing rolling.

Modern day head coaches; careful what you wish for

An interesting month on the college football coaching front. For those quick to piss and moan about the situation in Miami, let the reality of some other schools' situations sink in. Most of you aren't thankful for 9-4, instead choosing to vent at any given moment. Hopefully the current state of the college coaching carousel will give you some perspective.

No charm in being Tennessee right now, is there? A year ago this time, high on all things Lane Kiffin. A year later, trying to feign excitement over the start of the Derek Dooley era.

Dooley deserves his fair shake, but this was supposed to be year two for Kiffin; rather pivotal regarding the rebuilding process.

A combined 12-21 at Oakland and Tennessee, Kiffin hasn't proven much... yet. Another one-year career as he's USC-bound, leaving the Vols high and dry. The expectations will be lower year one in LA than year two in Knoxville. As a young coach, is it untapped potential ready to bloom, or a disloyal jobhopper given too much too soon, ripe for a fall?

Time will tell... and with all that, welcome back to LA.

USC dominated the last decade like no other. A two-loss season and Rose Bowl win were status quo. Toss in 1.5 titles, some top flight recruiting and all courtesy of the do-no-wrong Pete Carroll. His NFL coaching career a bust, Carroll had supposedly "found his niche" with the college game. King of Troy. Living the dream.

Carroll's had several chances to jump back to the bigs, declining every time, feeling USC was his perfect utopia.

Then the NCAA came calling.

Sanctions looming. A four-loss season. The reemergence of some once-down Pac-10 foes. Colossal beatdowns courtesy of Oregon and Stanford. A drop off in talent and development since losing key assistants like Kiffin, Norm Chow, Steve Sarkasian and others. The Trojans lost some luster and oh yeah, a hammer is about to be dropped regarding sanctions. The wins obviously came, but at what price? We'll soon find out.

Enter, Lane. The quick-fix. Save this year's class, rally the troops, keep the Trojans afloat and when the NCAA makes it official, head for the hills, Kiffin-five-thou.

Tennessee and Southern Cal, both are facing great unknowns. As is Michigan in the Rich Rodriguez era. Powerhouse program going against their traditional brand of ball with a modern era coach. Nebraska went through it with with Bill Callahan, before turning the keys over to one of their own - former assistant Bo Pelini - a one-year defensive coordinator (2003) who spent the past few years at LSU and has since revitalized the Huskers.

Texas Tech also faces a great unknown in the post-Mike Leach era. Leach was a hot name amongst Miami fans the past few years, believing he was a better prospect than Randy Shannon. Leach's gimmicky offense earned him 9-4, 11-2 and 9-4 run in Lubbock since Shannon took over at The U. High-octane offense, Swiss cheese defense. Not exactly UM's recipe for success the past few decades.

Questions have since arisen in regards to Leach's high-octane temper, fired for allegedly locking wide out Adam James in a closet after a concussion. Leach says the accusations are false, stating that Tech booted him in an effort to stick it to him regarding his contract and bonus money.

Regardless, the soap opera plays out on national television - picked apart by "TMZ-SPN" every hour on the hour. A public relations nightmare, in the middle of recruiting season. Tommy Tuberville is headed to town to clean up the mess, instilling his brand of defense, which could be good but is no guarantee.

Tubbs peaked with a 13-0 season in 2004 while coaching Auburn. He followed up with 9-3, 11-2, 9-4 and 5-7. During that skid, offensive woes and an inability to reel in the right offensive coordinator, which eventually brought on his demise.

I marvel at the Cane-loving, Tuberville-backing contingent who are quick to ignore a three, four and seven-loss season, clamoring for the former Miami assistant to return.

Shannon inherits a dog of a program, improves each of this three years at the helm, yet some want to run him out of town. Tuberville turned 13-0 into 5-7 within five seasons, yet he's the one that got away?

Many claim Shannon is too stoic, never showing enough emotion for the masses. What about the hard-ass approach so many loved in the fiery Jim Leavitt? The long-time South Florida coach was canned a few weeks back for smacking up one of his players at halftime. Way to keep those emotions in check, coach. Stay classy, Bulls.

Was the Leavitt firing part of the windfall regarding Leach's abuse charges? Sure. No way USF could justify keeping Leavitt once Leach was canned.

The Bulls scrambled last minute to hire Skip Holtz, but in the process took a PR hit - pardon the pun. Leavitt was getting it done as a coach, he just blew it as CEO. Don't rough up the employees. It'll cost you.

Meanwhile, it's business as usual down at Miami. Out of the headlines and game on regarding the off-season recruiting process. It's not the star-heavy class the premium site subscribing, recruiting fanatics were hoping for - but voids are being filled. Especially at offensive line, where the Canes were embarrassed in the bowl game.

Miami 1991 and 2001 won titles behind two of the program's strongest o-lines. The Canes lost the 1992 and 2002 championships because of lesser lines.

All the skills players in the world don't mean squat if your line can't buy your quarterback time. Beef up, Miami.

Randy's rallying cry two years back was a promise of early playing time - and it earned him the top-ranked class in the nation, on the heels of 5-7.

The on again, off again Urban Meyer is reeling in big time classes because of two titles the past four seasons. Nick Saban will do the same after earning another ring. As will Texas. As will Ohio State. As will other major players who haven't dropped off lately.

UM has to work it's way back to the top one kid at time. At this phase of the game, you'll lose a Louis Nix and roll the dice on a Delmar Taylor. When a Javarie Johnson doesn't have the grades and stays closer to home, you take a shot on a Kelvin Cain.

Ed Reed came in a two-star prospect that chose Miami over Tulane. Reed grew up loving the Noles, but Florida State didn't give him a look. Santana Moss came in on a track scholarship. Thought to be too small, few were looking at the pint-sized wide out. Joaquin Gonzalez earned an academic scholarship and stick with the hometown Canes instead of trekking to Harvard.

Conversely, kids like Kyle Wright, Lance Leggett, Willie Williams and Ryan Moore all brought five-star ratings to Coral Gables, but never panned out.

Amazing the different breed of player you get when on top versus on your way back up. Kids were lining up to come to Miami in '02 and '03, wanting to benefit from the hard work of some previous Canes, en route to the NFL.

Put more faith in a staff's ability to evaluate talent than the opinion of some writer from a subscription-based site, trying to drum up hype. Recruiting is big business, so stars and rankings are tinkered with, in an effort to get people talking and to justify subscriptions charges.

Shannon has the blueprint. He learned from Jimmy and Butch. Recruiting at Miami is a different type of monster. Have faith in the process. Just because Rivals and Scout aren't hyping a few Hurricane recruits, doesn't mean these kids aren't a good fit and won't make an impact.

Adewale Ojomo was an unheralded three-star prospect that only garnered attention from a half dozen average schools. A few years later, he's arguably one of Miami's best down lineman and his efforts were sorely missed in '09. Who's to say Taylor or Cain don't have a similar career path?

All that aside, take a moment to appreciate the class, conviction and character of Miami's current staff, which starts and Shannon and trickles all the way down. Look at the nationwide drama this past month at several programs and give thanks that it's been business as usual at The U. We're learning year after year that nothing should be taken for granted.

Signing Day is two weeks out and it's time for Shannon and staff to close strong. Former recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt is Louisville-bound, but the rest of the staff is rallying and looking to set up some final visits. Shannon is coast to coast right now, shaking hands and selling families on the program. Again, have faith.

See where this winds up two Wednesdays from now. There are still some solid kids with Miami still in the running. Close.

Needs are being met, the staff is getting an upgrade and with solid conditioning this off-season, the Canes will be ready come September.

U Family Relief Effort : Haiti Earthquake

allCanes is calling out to all customers; please help us help Haiti.

We are asking for your old Canes gear. Anything you're not wearing or anything you're up for donating. For obvious reasons, please make sure the items are clean, wearable and suitable for donation. T-shirts, shorts, Polos, jerseys and hats.

For each accepted donation, allCanes will give you $5 of your next purchase with us - in-store or online.

If any out of towners would like to mail some gear to us, send to:

allCanes
c/o U Family Relief Effort
5831 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33146

Any further questions, email us and we'll get you squared away. Go Canes and pray for Haiti.

"A Tale Of Five" : Documentary on UM running backs

Rakontur set the bar with thir recent documentary on "The U" and now a fellow Cane is getting in the game. Former running back Najeh Davenport is behind this new piece, "A Tale Of Five" -regarding the top flight backs at UM between 1999 and 2004. Aside from Davenport, this era also included Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore.

No clue where this documentary is at production-wise, but a fellow Cane sent me the trailer link on YouTube and I thought it was worth passing along. Check it out.

A great era for Miami backs. EJ started it in the rebuilding era of the late 90s, getting on board when the Canes were on probation and doing all in his power to bring the Canes back. After leaving before the 1999 season, it was Davenport who was expected to carry the Canes, but the sophomore blew out his knee in the season opener against Ohio State. James Jackson became the go-to, but was eventually supplanted by the talented Portis.

By 2000, it was the Portis show and teamed with a healthy Davenport, the Canes rolled to an 11-1 season and Sugar Bowl win over Florida.

In 2001, it got downright embarassing with Portis the starter, Davenport getting his reps at fullback, the freshman Gore in mop up duty and McGahee getting carries at running back and later at fullback when Davenport was injured for the title game. Four future NFLers in one backfield in one season. Downright scary.

McGahee came damn close to the 2002 Heisman and in 2003 and 2004, it was the Gore show, though the Coral Gables product battled his fair share of knee injuries, as well.

Depth is finally returning at running back for UM. Four more are slated to get on board in February, including the highly-touted Eduardo Clements and Storm Johnson. Combined with last year's signing of Mike James and Lamar Miller and the Canes appear on the verge of being loaded at running back again.

Miami Hurricanes : Shannon's Year One Situation

There's been a lot of action in our 'comments' section lately, some of it spot on while the rest remain all over the map.

Fans are lumped into different camps these days; Randy Shannon 'lovers' or anti-Shannon 'haters'. Strange, so much focus is put on the man in charge instead of paying attention the past, present and future state of the program - where this recently was, where it is and where it's on track to go.

There are always two ways to look at a situation; either through a logical or illogical mind, where emotion prevails and facts are replaced by off-base opinions and knee-jerk reactions.

I've said it time and again; my loyalty is with the University of Miami. It's not about being pro and anti-Randy. I'm rooting for the guy in charge because he's in charge. This is the current State of Miami and one can either get on board, bitch relentlessly or simply stick their head in the sand until this era comes to a close.

Based on fact, I'm satisfied with what I deem progress and overall improvement. 5-7 year one, 7-6 year two and 9-4 year three. After a 5-1 tear, the four-loss total wasn't ideal - but Shannon has the Canes getting better each season. That's not opinion, it's fact.

Games that Miami would've lost the first two years, it found a way to win year three. A program that mailed it in or folded the tent so often the past two years; it starting showing some grit in both wins and losses this season.

It may not be the timetable many were hoping for. Then again, no one expected to see such a drop off in talent between '04 and where the Canes are today.

Those quick to play the "Don't Blame Larry" card- that'll happen when his last recruit is no longer on board. Until Shannon has a roster full of those signees, Coker's fingerprints remain on this program and squad.

In an effort to remind the overemotional folk where this all began, take it back to year one. Where did this program stand when Shannon took over? What was inherited talent-wise, putting Miami in the lurch it's been in the past few seasons?

The '07 Canes had 21 seniors, 31 juniors, 21 sophomores, 8 redshirt freshmen and 20 true freshmen. The recruiting haul that February was a combination of Coker's class - which Shannon attempted to save, as well as a few new guys.

Graig Cooper was originally on Miami's radar, but after a year at Milford Prep, Coop was unsure if the Canes were still a fit for him. Shannon reeled him in, as well as Allen Bailey. Fresh off a trip to Alabama, the Georgia-bred defensive lineman visited Coral Gables a week later and verballed to Shannon just before signing day.

Robert Marve was another one reeled in by Shannon. In the end, a bad call - but was the right call at the time. Marve was committed to Alabama and Texas product Nick Fanuzzi was Miami bound. The quarterbacks flip-flopped, flamed out and wound up transferring instead of working their way up depth charts.

Damien Berry, Jared Campbell, Lee Chambers, Orlando Franklin, Harland Gunn, Leonard Hankerson, JoJo Nicolas, Adewale Ojomo and DeMarcus Van Dyke were other standouts in the '07 class - some Coker guys, some Shannon guys - and all preparing for their 'senior' year this fall, barring redshirts. (JUCO transfer Kayne Farquharson was part of the '07 class, as well.)

A look across the board and it's obvious this team was void of superior talent, especially in comparison to 2000-2003. A comparison to 2009 and the upgrade is also impossible to ignore.

Three seasons ago it was Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman at quarterback; a five-star who never panned out and the other, a perennial back-up thrust into the starting role due to a lack of depth.

At running back, sophomore Javarris James was the guy, with Cooper challenging for some snaps. Charlie Jones, demoted to third string, transferred after never panning out. Jerrell Mabry held down fullback.

At wide receiver it was current cornerback Sam Shields and the disappointing Lance Leggett. Senior Darnell Jenkins proved the classic overachiever and had his moments, but a lack of depth had Shannon moving cornerback Ryan Hill to wide out, while junior Khalil Jones rounded out the position.

Some more depth perspective - punter Brian Monroe doubled as a third-string wide out a year prior.

DajLeon Farr and converted fullback Chris Zellner at tight end, with an offensive line comprised of Jason Fox, Andrew Bain, A.J. Trump, Derrick Morse and Reggie Youngblood, another five-star that never panned out. Back ups were Chris Barney, Tyrone Byrd, Matt Pipho, Chris Rutledge and Cyrim Wimbs.

Miami's defensive line - Eric Moncur, Antonio Dixon, Teraz McCray and Calais Campbell. Back ups were Vegas Franklin, Josh Holmes, Dwayne Hendricks and Courtney Harris.

At linebacker, Colin McCarthy, Darryl Sharpton, and Glenn Cook with Spencer Adkins, Romeo Davis and Tavares Gooden second string.

The oft-banged up Glenn Sharpe returned at cornerback, R. Phillips on the other side with Lovon Ponder and Kenny Phillips holding down safety. Willie Cooper was the lone safety reserve as the position was depleted. Chavez Grant and Bruce Johnson were back up corners. Redshirt freshman Matt Bosher played both placekicker and punter.

Look at those names. Think back to year one. Let it sink in and compare it to today. Can you really brush off any notion of improvement?

This wasn't a talent-heavy roster, proven by the lack of NFL love. C. Campbell, K. Phillips, T. Gooden and S. Adkins were the lone Canes from that era to get drafted - not quite the twenty first rounders drafted between 2000 and 2004.

Forty Canes reached the NFL overall over that five-year span.

Four have reached the past two seasons.

When you break down the 2007 squad, Shannon wasn't working with much. 5-7 on the heels of the 7-6 season which got Coker fired; it starts to make sense.

Despite things bottoming out year one, Shannon still brought in the top-ranked class in the nation come February. That crop of talent, thrust into the spotlight year one. Dive in head first and help with the lack of depth.

A far cry from plugging a high school phenom into a well-oiled machine like Southern Cal, Oklahoma and even Florida of late. Miami's '08 class was thrown to the wolves like Butch Davis' '97 haul. Different circumstances, yet talent-starved and in need of one big class to jump start the process.

How many young quarterbacks were given the burden Harris had on his bony shoulders? Stuck behind an up-and-down offensive line year one and working with a first-year coordinator? Toss in a nagging injury down the stretch, helping account for the 4-3 skid.

The hard-ass, illogical fan screams that Harris needs to 'toughen up' or 'find a way to get it done'. Fact remains, the first-year starter overachieved and the Canes got a hell of a lot of milage out of the sophomore, running him into the ground thanks to spotty line play.

Fix Harris up, put on some man weight and let him get after it again - healthy for that junior season and year two, where the growth will be obvious.

Miami went as far as Harris took them. At times, the Canes looked unstoppable. When out of sync, a lifeless bunch pushed to the brink by seemingly lesser teams. The anti-Shannonites love harping on a handful of collapses, quickly forgetting that when UM was 'on', you saw a glimpse of where this team will be in the near future.

Position by positon you'll see a squad full of hits and misses. Randy first addressed immediate needs, building depth at wide receiver. Year two, offensive line and defensive standouts.

This time next year, an army of new running backs - Storm Johnson, Eduardo Clements, Maurice Hagans and Darion Hall - and five more offensive linemen to help pave the way.

Defensive line has some talent and more coming in. Shannon brought in Dyron Dye, Luther Robinson and Curtis Porter last season, all of which need to make some noise in '10.

Tavadis Glenn, David Perry and Andrew Tallman will sign in February, adding depth to a position in need of some toughness.

Linebacker has been an issue '04 and needs to take a huge step forward this season. The surge begins with the line, but linebacker dictates so much - as proven every time a Wisconsin tight end caught a pass and rumbled for another first down. Hurricanes linebackers were oft out of position and with what should be a talent upgrade, Miami is due to experience a step forward.

Sean Spence spent the majority of '09 banged up, while McCarthy put together another solid season. Sharpton overachieved and made some big plays down the stretch, but a far cry from the Jon Vilma or D.J. Williams era.

Ramon Buchanan had some moments as a true sophomore, while Jordan Futch had a potential breakthrough season cut short by injury. Highly-touted Arthur Brown hasn't panned out and true freshman Shayon Green missed the year due to injury. Someone in this mix needs to become 'the guy'.

Miami lost recruit Javarie Johnson earlier (D.C. product choosing to stay close to home), but still has four linebackers on board to sign in February - Travis Williams, Kevin Nelson, Tyrone Cornelius and Kelvin Cain.

The secondary got a shot in the arm the past two years adding Brandon Harris, Ray Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque. A sophomore, a true freshman and a r-freshman, this position will get better in time. Gone are Shields and Grant, opening the door for someone new to step up. Last year's Jamal Reid and Brandon McGee or one of the four incoming DBs, it's up for grabs. Who wants it?

When building a case for 2010, it starts with the Canes returning some seniors - Bailey, Hankerson, McCarthy and Franklin. When you're on top, you're losing underclassmen left and right. When in rebuilding mode, guys need one more year and the program needs them.

It's been a while since Miami had a senior class with some big time players. Randy has preached 'retention' since day one and year three it's finally happening.

The Canes should be much healthier in 2010. Hardly the case this past season. Miami had upwards of a dozen starters sidelined for much of the season. Ojomo was missed on the defensive line. Marcus Forston was gone. Spence was banged up. Futch tore an ACL. Moncur was done. McCarthy and J12 played hurt. Cooper wore down as the year went on. Fox missed the final two games.

Injuries can be absorbed when you have the depth, but when you're so heavily reliant on underclassmen, it'll take its toll.

Year three is in the books and while Shannon still has his work cut out, he's still on track for those who buy into a five-year plan. Close strong on the recruiting front, get this unit in the weight room and come out hard year four.

Get back to that 'tougher, stronger, better' mindset this team employed when rebuilding in the late 90s.

Shannon understands Miami's expectations in a way Johnny Superfan never will.

Played for the Canes, spent years as a grad assistant and position coach, had a short stint with the Dolphins and spent six years as a top-notch defensive coordinator for The U. Owns three three rings and knows the city and it's culture like the back of his hand.

He also knows the game of football and what it takes to field a proper team. Shannon coached linebackers the first three years of the Butch Davis era. He endured probation, coached with sub par talent / a lack of depth and he saw Davis rebuild the right way. If anyone has the blueprint for how to fix these current problems, it's Shannon.

Whether he follows it and gets the job done, remains to be seen.

No disrespect, but this program was an absolute joke in '07 and by '09 worked its way back into the top ten on two occasions.

Injuries and spotty quarterback play killed Miami down the stretch, but the Canes proved they could hang with the big boys on the big stage, winning the opener at Tallahassee, whooping eventual ACC champion Georgia Tech and taking out eighth-ranked Oklahoma -- games Miami wouldn't have won at any point between '05 and '08.

This was a monumental fix from day one, which is why nobody else came running. You have to be "Miami" to endure the beating this fan base will throw at you for half a decade. Shannon is that guy.

Miami is a desirable job - when the Canes are on top. Coker literally inherited the best job in the game back in January '01. Shannon landed Enron stock in late '06 - void of talent and heavy on image woes due to a logo stomp, an on-the-field melee and beloved player's murder.

Does UM want a head coach who keeps the arrest rate down, graduates players and has a father figure-like dynamic with his players? Damn straight. But not at the expense of winning. Both are attainable, as Miami proved with its 2000-2003 run.

Word is recent decommit Javarie Johnson couldn't crank out better than 820 on his SAT, Miami's required minimum. Should that prove true, how is his departure not a good thing?

Don't rip UM for having standards. Criticism belongs on corner-cutting programs who let kids slip through the cracks at their football factories.

Shannon is doing it by the book, he's steadily getting better and he came running at this job. For that alone, he deserves five years worth of your support. Some of you flippantly suggest cutting bait now and starting over, which prompts me to ask - what's your plan?

"Fire Randy" is the go-to of so many, but what's the agenda? No pie in the sky, never in a million years suggestions, who can step in and do better?

There's never a solution from the anti-Shannon contingent, just the constant complaint.

Shannon is entering year four and busting his ass, tirelessly looking for solutions. He's also due to sign an extension, so it's time you accept the fact that Shannon and 'Hurricanes football' will be synonymous two more years minimum.

Knowing that and loving this program as you claim to do, can you give the same, tired argument rest already?

As long as he keeps improving, Randy Shannon has earned the right to be 'the guy'.

Jacory Harris preparing for surgery...

It doesn't excuse seventeen interceptions over the course of a season - ten in the final seven games - but it helps explain why the Jacory Harris you saw down the stretch wasn't the same guy you saw in September.

The sophomore quarterback is preparing for post-season surgery to repair torn ligaments on his right thumb. This latest setback will most likely keep Harris out of spring ball, opening the door for A.J. Highsmith and incoming freshman Stephen Morris to get some much-needed reps. (Should Morris not graduate early from Pace High, Highsmith will be the only available quarterback.)

The lack of depth at quarterback came when Cannon Smith and Taylor Cook transferred during fall ball, leaving only Harris and Highsmith on the roster. Of course the overall lack of depth at the position started before Randy Shannon took over as Larry Coker and staff were unable to build an arsenal after Brock Berlin left town.

Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman were on board, but kids like Pat Devlin, Derek Shaw, Daniel Stegall and Nick Fanuzzi all left Miami at the altar, while last year's starter Robert Marve bailed when he didn't feel he received a fair shake.

According to the Miami Herald, top dog Harris was on crutches for a couple days after the bowl loss to Wisconsin. Strained ligaments in both his ankle and knee were the culprit.

Some folks turned on Harris as he led the Canes to a 4-3 record the final seven games. Success against Florida State and Georgia Tech out the gate had many forgetting the true sophomore only had two career starts leading up to the 2009 season.

The fast start was impressive, but should've been seen more as a fluke or stroke of good fortune, as opposed to 'the norm'. Especially with opposing defensive coordinators finally getting film on Mark Whipple, figuring out the pass-happy coordinator's schemes.

Truth be told, Harris exceeded expectations of a first-year starter. Especially for a program that started the season outside the top 25. It's one thing when a team is reloading, sliding in a new quarterback behind a solid line and giving him and arsenal of players at the skills position. The only program to do that in recent memory is Southern Cal, where a Matt Leinart replaced a Carson Palmer... a John David Booty took over for Leinart... a Mark Sanchez supplanted Booty.

Conversely, the lack of offensive firepower is the sole reason Matt Barkley struggled at times in 2009 (2,735 yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.) Barkely will be the next Trojan great, but as a first-year starter he lacked the weapons that helped Leinart, Booty and Sanchez hit the ground running.

Miami fans can obviously relate to Southern Cal's recent success last decade having seen a similar feat in the Decade of Dominance era where the Canes fielded a Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Steve Walsh, Craig Erickson and Gino Torretta over a ten year span. Four titles and two Heisman trophies later, it was then a run that included Frank Costa, Ryan Clement, Scott Covington and Kenny Kelly before Ken Dorsey became the guy.

Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen is coming off a solid junior campaign - 3,722 yards, 28 touchdowns and 4 interceptions - but his first year as a full-time starter was less than stellar. In 2008, Clausen threw for 3,172 yards but had a 25-to-17 touchdown to interception ratio.

Clausen played extensively as a freshman in 2007 - 10 of 12 games -but only had 138 attempts as a freshman, compared to 268 as a sophomore and 289 as a junior. Hate the Irish as Cane fans might, there's no arguing that he was a much improved player from his sophomore to junior season.

Harris has a freshman season comparable to Clausen's with 118 attempts and like Clausen, had an up and down sophomore season. With one full year under his belt, Harris now has eight full months heal up, bulk up, break down film and prepare for his next go around.

Quarterback growth from year one to year two - it's a big part of the college game. Harris has played in and won big games and as part of his progression, will need to take things to the next level in 2010. It'll start with hand surgery and once healed, Harris needs to get bigger and stronger. Offensive line woes aside, Harris' durability will be questioned as long as he's only carrying 190 pounds on a 6'4" frame.

Dorsey "beefed up" a bit by his junior season in 2001 and hopefully Harris can follow suit when healthy.

Best wishes to J-12 this off-season. Great run year one. Take it to the next level this fall.

The U : '09 in the books, '10 to be written

Happy New Year, Hurricane Nation.

Still reeling from the bowl game loss? Spending your down time assembling your Randy Shannon voodoo doll? Going through a box of Kleenex every time you re-watch "The U", wishing for those swagger-filled days to return?

Step back from the cliff and attempt to have some perspective. Or jump, if you can't take what's going on. Your call. Either way, flooding message boards and regurgitating the same old argument regarding firing coaches - it'll get you nowhere. It's a new year. Let logic best emotion.

A few thoughts:

Jacory Harris. Many of you are writing in frustrated. What happened to the guy who torched Florida State and Georgia Tech? As you bang your head against the wall, again, attempt a little logic.

The Harris you saw against the Noles and Yellow Jackets was a first-year starter who was running plays from a first-year coordinator. Nobody had film on Mark Whipple. Nobody knew what the Canes were running, so defending it was no easy task... and let's be honest; nobody had seen an aerial attack from Miami since the 2002 season.

Harris had 386 yards against Florida State and Miami won the 38-34 shootout when a Christian Ponder pass sailed low and Jarmon Fortson couldn't reel it in. Had FSU prevailed 41-38, I promise you the talk is about Harris' two interceptions - one, a pick six - being the difference-maker. Par for the course with sports fans, "winning" superseded everything else. The 'W' masks all issues and problems.

As Harris goes, so goes Miami. Pick apart every loss this year and you'll see an ineffective or mistake-prone J-12 under center. Virginia Tech rattled his cage week three, bringing the house all day and disrupting his rhythm. Clemson and North Carolina forced a combined seven interceptions - three returned for touchdowns - in those mid-season losses.

Fans can complain that Miami came out flat or wasn't "ready" for Wisconsin, but is that really the case? The Canes proved an easy puzzle to solve. Beat up on the rookie Harris and the game is all but won.

"Our goal was to get after their quarterback," said Wisky head coach Bret Bielema. "When he goes, they go."

Job well done.

The Badgers smacked Harris around all night long. Hit 'em high, hit 'em low, rattle his cage. For those complaining that Harris was "off", that tends to happen when you're getting your ass kicked every play. You lose momentum. You hear footsteps. You second guess. You never find your rhythm.

For you number crunchers out there, let this resonate with you for a moment. Harris was sacked five times on Tuesday night. He's now been sacked thirty-four times this year. Contrast that to Ken Dorsey's run in 2001. The then-junior was sacked four times... on the season.

The lone time Dorsey was truly rushed or beat up during his career; the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State won the battle in the trenches and Miami's passing game was a little bit off all night. Dorsey had 296 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two uncharacteristic interceptions and was picking himself up off the ground all night.

In the end, a rattled Dorsey overshot then-tight end Eric Winston, for the potential game-tying score in the second overtime. On 4th and 1 from the one-yard line, Dorsey was chucked to the ground like a rag doll. Over his forty game career, Dorsey never saw that kind of pressure.

Dorsey's entire career - 2000 through 2002 - was spent behind a solid offensive line; arguably Miami's best in school history.

Harris was a first-year starter who overachived based on the line he played with. Until the Canes have an offensive line, Harris is going to struggle. I'm not the only one echoing the sentiment. Check out some recent ink from ESPN's Ivan Maisel, the Herald's Manny Navarro and some other Cane beat writers who are speaking out after the frustrating loss.


Good news on the 'juniors returning' front. Leonard Hankerson is officially coming back for his senior year, as is Orlando Franklin. Allen Bailey is slated to return and the injured Graig Cooper is still waiting for news on his ACL.

The bad news? The Canes aren't going to dominate day one of the NFL Draft in April. The good news; senior leadership will be in tact by fall.


I've seen fans attempting to predict next year's record, many inexplicably calling for a one-loss or even an undefeated season.

Has me curious if these superfans have bothered to Google "miami hurricanes 2010 schedule" at any point recently. Early games at Ohio State and at Pittsburgh. A season finale against South Florida. ACC conference games against the usual suspects. Florida State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina at Miami. Road games at Clemson and Georgia Tech.

Miami will "improve" next year, but you can't simply measure a program's growth by wins and losses. That will always be the bottom line, but it's not how you truly determine if a team has improved as the schedule sets up different every year. Timing plays into it.

Case in point, a road game against non-division foe Clemson. Miami first faced Clemson as an ACC rival in 2004 and 2005, but nothing from 2006-2008 when the Tigers were reeling and Tommy Bowden was en route to being fired.

Clemson won the ACC Atlantic this year and should be a force next fall, as well. Schedule-wise, it fell this way and Miami has a bigger challenge in 2010 than it would've years back. That's not an excuse and it's still a game that Miami is capable of winning. But this is hardly a schedule setting the Canes up for a title run.

A home and away with Pittsburgh is tougher now, as well. The Panthers are coming off of 10-3. Two years ago they were hovering around 6-6 and 5-7. A much tougher road game than originally expected and the way the chips will fall.

Florida State will be improved. Virginia Tech is pressing on. Georgia Tech is a force. North Carolina is getting better.

You simply can't "assume" that a better record is going to happen just because Miami is a year older. The schedule will be tougher and unless Miami can improve on the offensive and defensive lines, you might not see an improvement record-wise.


After seeing Miami whooped in the trenches against Wisconsin, it's comforting to see the emphasis Shannon and staff have put on recruiting offensive and defensive line. Miami has found recent success on the recruiting trail, which is necessary for next year.

Brandon Linder might be one of those once-in-a-decade type linemen, which the Canes are due for after five-star Reggie Youngblood never became that guy years back. Linder can see some serious snaps as a true freshman thanks to his skills, experience and 6'6" and 290-pound frame.

Miami will be young on offensive line, but Franklin is a returning senior who can step up and lead, while newbies like Brandon Washington have shown potential and need another long summer in the weight room to get to that next level. Same to be said for the other guys the Canes welcomed last year, as well as prep school transfer Malcolm Bunche and Jermaine Johnson, both who will need to step in immediately.

Regarding the defensive line, the Canes simply need to get nastier. All due respect to a Joe Joseph or Josh Holmes, but Miami needs more guys like Bailey and some throwback style Canes who can wreak some havoc. Adewale Ojomo can't heal quick enough from last summer's broken jaw. The fire he showed in 2008 was sorely missed this season. (For those recruiting heads keeping score, Ojomo was an 'under the radar' three-star.)

As much as Miami's offense will go as far as Harris takes it, the defense is as strong as its front four. Rattle quarterbacks and bottle up the ground game. Without that, you're putting tremendous pressure on an average group of linebackers - oft out of position when dropping into coverage. With the linebacker not getting their job done, the secondary is also playing out of position and is forced to overcompensate.

Cliche as it is, it's cliche for a reason; football games are won in the trenches and Miami hasn't dominated that space since it's last national championship run.


I alluded to it in a recent article, but with the season in the rear view, it's time that Shannon and Kirby Hocutt evaluate the position coaches.

It's not my place to call for anybody's job, but when you look at areas where the Canes have struggled - offensive line, linebackers, special teams, defensive line - something needs to be done.

Jeff Stoutland. Micheal Barrow. Joe Pannunzio. Clint Hurtt. All great guys, all solid recruiters, but the positions they're paid to coach aren't thriving. Look at the tape.

Same to be said for strength and conditioning. I'm not quick to knock Andreu Swasey as his resume speaks for itself. When you have former NFLers coming back to train with you during the off-season, you're doing something right. Swasey's guys were in shape when Miami had the talent. Since the drop off, not so much.

Are these current freshmen and sophomores developing as quickly as they should? I don't know and I don't pretend to know. Furthermore, I'm not paid to know and it's not my decision whether they stay or go.

As a fan, I simply hope that some serious evaluation takes place this off-season. Shannon rolled some heads each of his first two years and with deficiencies still prevalent, I expect some change on some level in the coming days.


All the anti-Big Ten folk out there, now might be a good time to admit that the conference was a little stronger in 2009 than most want to give credit for. A lot of us have our preconceived notions about the Big Ten, but look at their bowl play this year for proof that they not only came to play, but they're not as pasty and slow as some like to think.

Wisconsin whipped Miami in the trenches. A few days later, Northwestern gives the SEC's Auburn all it could handle. Mike Kafka might've thrown five interceptions, but he also threw for 532 yards and four touchdowns in a game the Wildcats should've won late. (So much for that Big Ten "smashmouth" football.)

A few hours later the SEC finally did fall to the Big Ten when Penn State beat LSU in the Capital One Bowl and by nightfall it was Ohio State smacking up Pac-10 winner, Oregon. Many hyped the Pac-10 as one of the better conference this year, but its best was owned by the Big Ten's best. 419 yards to Oregon's 260 in the convincing 26-17 beating.

If you're a betting man, you have to like Iowa's chances in the Orange Bowl against Georgia Tech on Tuesday night.

Wisconsin finished fourth in the Big Ten this year, which might not sound like much in past years but when you consider the teams ahead of them (Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa) and the damage they inflicted on bowl foes, it should put things into a little bit of perspective.

All of that doesn't excuse the loss. Miami's line could've played better, the coaches could've better worked through what was being thrown at them and defense/special teams could've gotten some turnovers, better field position, put up some game-saving points.

Still, for those of you who see this loss as the be all/end all and who can't wrap their arms around Miami losing to Wisconsin, give the Big Ten an ounce of credit this year. They came to play, they're tougher than expected and they're no longer playing like a slow bunch.

The conference seems to have taken things to the next level since Ohio State got ripped by Florida and LSU in back-to-back title games a few years back. After a horrid bowl season in 2008, the Big Ten is dominating in 2009.


Lastly, as the BCS Championship game gets ready to play out, be wary of comparisons some jaded Miami folk will make between Shannon and Alabama coach Nick Saban.

Many love to point at Saban's recent success, getting the Tide to the title game in three years - equally as long as Randy's been at Miami's helm. 7-6 year one, Saban went 12-2 last year and is 13-0 headed into Thursday's title game against No. 2 Texas.

No one is arguing the fact that Saban is a better head coach than Shannon; as he should be having done it for sixteen years to Randy's three. (Alabama was also in much better shape talent-wise entering 2007 than Miami.)

If you want to compare Saban to Shannon, go back to the mid 90s when Saban was coaching at Michigan State. Fresh off a four-year stint as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, Saban took over for the Spartans in 1995 and went 6-5-1 out the gate.

6-6 in year two, 7-5 in year three, 6-6 in year four and 9-2 his final season in 1999. MSU was on probation during most of Saban's tenure, but he was still losing games and learning on the job, as is Shannon. Miami may not be probation-strapped, but the Canes arguably fielded their worst team in 2007 since the 1997 scholarship-stripped Canes.

From East Lansing, Saban was LSU bound where it was 8-4, 10-3 and 8-5 before 13-1 and a split national championship in 2003. A year later, 9-3 before taking the Miami Dolphins gig - where he failed miserably.

Saban looks like a genius today, but he didn't achieve this level of success right out the gate. He learned how to become a solid head coach in due time. Here's hoping Shannon follows a similar path. He doesn't have Saban's pedigree as part of the Bill Belichick coaching tree, but Shannon learned his fair share from Jimmy Johnson, Butch Davis and counts Bill Parcells and Pete Carroll as mentors on his speed dial.

All of you quick to throw in the towel on Shannon, think twice. Where does Miami really go next? What is your post-Shannon agenda? How do you see things playing out?

Many fans have delusions of grandeur regarding the head coaching position at UM. Sorry folks, but this isn't the premier job you think it is. High risk that can bring high reward, if you're looking for a stepping stone to the NFL. This isn't a "lifer" type job as the city and fan base will swallow up the weak. Winning is expected, even though it hasn't been the norm in half a decade.

The Miami-bred Shannon is a lifer. He's a Cane through and through. Your love for this program can't touch his feelings towards the University of Miami. This is his dream job. He knows the city, he has recruiting in-roads that took decades to build and he's doing all in his power to turn UM back into a monster. Lord knows this man has been around Coral Gables long enough to know what it'll take get the Canes "back".

Nobody else wanted this job when Randy took it. No one except some Texas Tech coach who looks a little whacko these days after locking a concussed player in a closet. Hell, Greg Schiano preferred to stay in New Jersey, choosing Rutgers over Miami. Rutgers, people.

A lot of Shannon haters pegged Tommy Tuberville as their dream coach in waiting, should Shannon falter soon. A Miami assistant in the Canes' hey day (1986-1993), Tuberville always stated that he appreciated his time in Coral Gables, but never expressed a desire to return.

Last year the recently fired Tuberville sat in with ESPN U's recruiting gurus to talk shop and drove home how difficult it is to coach at Miami. The expectations. The competition. The ghosts of Hurricanes past. The culture. The lack of fan support. The facilities. Tubbs hardly came off as a guy ready to sign on for the challenge.

Conversely, there's a reason Tuberville threw his hat in the ring for the recent opening at Texas Tech. Tuberville made $2.8M a year at Auburn and former Red Raiders coach Mike Leach pulled down just shy of $2M last year in Lubbock - a town that lives and dies with college football.

Tuberville can roll into west Texas, welcomed with rock star status. Hardly the case if he took over at The U.. for much less than $3M a year, to boot.

The landscape in college football is shifting and what allowed Miami to dominate in the past, that won't be the case moving forward. Money (or lack thereof). Off-campus stadium. Fickle fan base. In-state competition (and state schools with much larger athletic budgets.)

The Canes don't just need a Shannon-type if they're every going to be "back" -- they need Randy Shannon. All your flavor of the year coaches? UM is a stepping stone to a bigger gig. They're not in it for the long haul. Miami needs a "Miami guy" if the Canes are ever going to be the Canes again.

There are a lot of other big name Canes out there, but none with the coaching experience of Randy. He's UM's most seasoned coaching alum and this is his time. He's three years into a five-year rebuild and he's pressing on regardless of the fans being on board, or not.

A revolving door regarding head coaches will send this program into a tailspin. It'll take several recruiting class, a la Butch Davis, to get this thing back on track. Davis went 5-6 year three. Shannon went 9-4. Davis inherited a better team before facing probation. Shannon inherited a dog with talent comparable to a probation-laden team.

Either way, three years isn't enough time to right the ship. Shannon deserves your support for two more years. If the Canes aren't rolling by 2011, carry on with your anti-Randy ways. The bandwagon will be full then... and justifiably so.