The Latest at The U...

Another football recruiting class is in the books, spring ball is underway, men's basketball remains in the toilet and the baseball team opened the season with a three-game sweep of an old Big East foe. Such is life at The U early in 2010. The latest:

Toughening up is the new mantra around Greentree this spring. When asked his one overall goal for spring, Randy Shannon answered "get tougher".

"It's going to be physical football this spring. I want to see how our mindset is. I want to see us take the next step in improving in a lot of different areas. We're really going to go after it", said Shannon.

Many were critical after the Canes were pushed around by a mid-tier Big Ten squad in the bowl game. Wisconsin owned both trenches and Miami came off soft. Jacory Harris was sacked five times, UM never got any offensive rhythm and defensively never got any pressure on the Badgers, proven by an unscathed quarterback, a powerful ground game and tight ends who ran rampant all night.

Practice officially kicked off today and the Canes have just over a month to 'get it', as does Shannon. This is more than just rededication in the weight room; it's a change in mindset. How does Miami get mentally stronger? How does Shannon coach up his team without wearing them out down the stretch?

This marks Shannon's fourth spring as head coach. Time for another step forward. He has the coaches he wants and February marked his third full recruiting class. Will Shannon's message resonate? Will these kids respond? Will we see a tougher bunch come fall?

Miami is at Ohio State on September 11th - the defending Big Ten champs, not a mid-tier Wisky bunch. Toughness is a must.


J-12 is limited to non-throwing drills this spring as he recovers from shoulder surgery, meaning sophomore A.J. Highsmith, true freshman Stephen Morris and scout team quarterback Spencer Whipple, son of Mark, will trade snaps.

Two sides to the argument - a sky is falling mentality to Harris' absence or acceptance and understanding that the back ups will get some valuable playing time. Whatever the mindset, Harris is gone and Miami will deal with the blow.

One optimistic take; Harris physically needs the rest. He took an ass-beating in 2009 between a line that faded down the stretch. At 6'4" and 190 pounds, Harris needs to focus on building man weight and healing for fall.

Get healthy, study film and come back strong in fall while the Canes settle on a legit second option.


Regarding the younger Whipple, some good ink in the Herald recently. Son is helping explain father's schemes to his teammates. On the surface doesn't seem like much, but probably a bigger deal than most would initially give credit for.

Where the elder Whipple might not relate to some teenage quarterbacks, a quarterback son who is their peer can. Son knows father, his schemes, what he means and can help deliver that message.

Curious to see how the Spencer Whipple experience plays out, but whether he takes a meaningful snap or not, his presence and lineage will absolutely help the development of University of Miami quarterbacks while he's on campus and his father is calling plays.


Marcus Forston looks to be out all spring after missing most of last season with a lower extremity issue. Gavin Hardin continues battling neck issues and rumors swirl regarding not when he'll return, but if.

Any question as to the importance of building depth, look no further. Miami's defensive line can't afford the hit, proven last year when Adewale Ojomo missed the season due to a broken jaw. The Canes lacked the numbers, forcing young, inexperienced players to play more than they should've.

Miami brought in some defensive line talent in last year's class - Dyron Dye, Curtis Porter, Luther Robinson and Oliver Vernon. Time for all four to take a step forward and help out an in-need line.

Creating pressure up front; a Miami staple for all great Cane teams. UM hasn't seen top-flight line play in years. The last three classes can hopefully turn the tide.


Random thought; why so much chatter about the state of Shannon's contract? You can't turn anywhere Cane-related and not see a slew of opinions on the subject.

Shannon is heading into the final year of his contract and has been offered a three-year extension and a 'modest' bump regarding his $1M a year salary. Shannon was the eighth-highest paid coach in the ACC last season. Conversely, first-year Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is earning a cool $1.8M as a first-time head coach.

For all the idle chatter and questions, it sounds like an agreement is close to being reached. Either way, it's late February and as long as it's dealt with in the coming weeks, what's the big deal? The 2010 class is in the books and Miami is just beginning to turn up the heat recruiting-wise for next season.

Whatever the subject matter, if it's Shannon-related you can be ensured opinions will be voiced. The 'anti' contingent loves to make something out of nothing, in this case taking it upon themselves to determine what Shannon "deserves" to be paid - clueless to the process of negotiating, as well.

If nothing more than to shut some mouths, here's hoping an agreement is reached sooner than later. The commentary surrounding the new contract, or lack thereof, is tiring.


I've received a few emails asking about Miami Basketball and the lack of coverage here. Living on the left coast, I haven't seen much of the 18-9 Canes, so it's tough for me to cover them or to have much of an opinion. If/when they make the post-season, it's easier to follow with the national coverage, but the regular season is tough from So Cal.

From what little I have seen, it's been disappointing and I've made a conscious effort to not get emotionally involved with Miami Basketball over the years. The football program sucks the life out of me every fall and I sweat out the regionals and College World Series for the baseball program annually. Another Miami sport tough to cover from out west, but growing up going to Ron Fraser's camp, Hurricanes Baseball remains near and dear.

A 4-9 ACC record is pretty brutal in what looks like a down year for the conference. Even more frustrating, seeing Leonard Hamilton and his Seminoles at 8-5 in conference and continuing to grow annually. Florida State is far from being a powerhouse like Florida turned into a few years back, but they look to be closer to getting over the hump than the Canes are.

Miami got a much-needed ACC win over Virginia a few days back, but is still 0-7 on the road against conference foes. The Canes have one road game remaining - at North Carolina on March 2nd - meaning Miami has a good shot at winless in ACC road games for '10. Pretty pathetic.

Not sure what has to happen, but something's gotta give. Here's hoping Frank Haith can turn it around next year. You have to think the clock is ticking.


Speaking of Miami Baseball, 3-0 out the gate after a home sweep of Rutgers. Last night's game against Florida Gulf Coast was postponed and Manhattan visits this weekend, so 6-0 should be a reality come Monday. The Canes' first real challenge comes the weekend of March 5th with the Gators come to town.

Tough to get fired up about baseball this early in the year as it's really all just a race for the Super Regional and Omaha. Two years back the Canes waltzed into the College World Series a top seed, choked against Georgia in the opening round, beat Florida State and were sent home by Stanford... while nobody Fresno State went on to win the whole thing. Last year Miami couldn't even find its way out of the Gainesville regional, losing to the Gators twice.

The Canes look promising this year with some more depth, stronger pitching and a good unit... but until June, who really knows where this season will go.


Lastly, a lot of ink on Ojomo's return this week. After sitting out all of 2009 with a broken jaw, resulting from a sucker punch, Ojomo is healthy and good to go.

You hate to see a young man suffer such a setback, but the older we get the more we realize the growth that comes from loss. Sometimes you have to lose something to realize the love and passion you have for it. Ojomo was sidelined for a 9-4 season where the Canes truly needed some help at defensive end. He's now back on the field and will have the chance to make up for lost time.

Miami is in need of some leadership on defense and Ojomo looked fiery in his freshman campaign two years back. Here's hoping he can pick up where he left of - bigger, stronger, faster... and more appreciative of the opportunity in 2010.

Barrow to Florida rumor false... or is it?

It's not a question of where the rumor starts as much as it's about the fuel added to the fire and the harsh opinions formed before said rumor is a proven fact.

The latest topic beat up on the message boards yesterday; defensive assistant Micheal Barrow supposedly headed to Florida to lead the recruiting charge out of Gainesville and to coach linebackers for the Gators.

A day later, Barrow is staying put at UM and has been moved back to linebackers coach, after spending 2009 as an assistant.

Instead of sitting back, playing the wait and see game, Miami faithful took to the Intraweb to voice their displeasure with the situation. Some choice nugs posted online yesterday on various message boards:

"Why work for an unqualified lightweight at the U when you can work for the best in Gainesville?"

"This move was done simply by CUM for Barrow's contacts with SoFla high schools. It was a recruiting move plain and simple. Shannon is toast."

"One incontrovertible fact is it is hard for a team to gain traction when assistant coaches leave after one or two years. A new coach comes in and the team has to start at square 1 all over again. I don't understand why Miami can't keep its coaches around. Its hard to believe its just pay."

"Good. He sukked as a LB coach anyways."

"Sorry to say this but, it might be true because Urban is trying to hire another black coach. He only has one black on his staff rite now. He also needs to get someone to recruit S. fl, and Mike wants to further is career and not just be a assistant. Randy this is bad if you cant keep Mike B."

"His specific job will be to come into Dade and Broward and take our kids. Not honorable. Guy cares more about a few extra bucks than the U. A true Cane would not accept that job. Either that, or he would and then literally derecruit kids he is going after. Eff Urban, and eff Barrow."

"It's a damn shame to see how much Shannons ego is affecting this program. I have been saying it all along. COACHES DONT WANT TO WORK WITH SHANNON."

"Money obviously means more to Barrow than his core ties to Miami. Now you think "honor" is more important too? LOL. CUM hired him for one thing. To tell the kids the truth about the Miami program and Randy Shannon. I'll take back the word "trash". All he has to do is tell them the truth. How inept the head guy is. CUM will close after Barrow tell recruits the truth."

"Meyer now has a former Miami guy who worked directly under Shannon who can relay to the kids how inept Shannon truly is."

"First he gets demoted from LB coach to basically no real responsibility on the defense. Then Randy uses him to bring in the top talen nationally for visits b/c of his name recognition and then he gets passed over as recruiting coordinator. You think maybe he is fed up with being treated like a dog on this staff and is now looking for better opportunities elsewhere (even if it is with the enemy)??"

"I'm glad he is moving on. Just find it traitorous that he will now spend his time trashing his own university just for some extra bucks. Sold his soul. Not a Cane ne more."

"Michael, you're nothing to me now. You're not a brother, you're not a friend. I don't want to know you or what you do. I don't want to see you at the games, I don't want you near my school. When you see our Canes, I want to know a day in advance, so I won't be there. You understand?"

"I might hate Meyer, but man the guy is a genius. He's now got the one thing he didn't have. A former Miami assistant and Shannon loyalist who can now give props to the Gates and bad mouth Miami."

"I can't f*ckin believe this guy, I guess he didn't save a dime of his NFL money, what a f*ckin Benedict Arnold. Go F yourself Bam Bam."

Is it any wonder why Miami fans get such a bad rap nationwide? Nice work, superfans. Way to trash one of our own before the body was even cold. The rumor wasn't an hour old before the hatefest started.

Barrow is Miami born and bred. A Homestead kid who came to The U in 1989, won two national championships and was an All-American his senior year, finishing seventh in the Heisman race.

After a thirteen-year NFL career, Barrow returned to Homestead High as defensive coordinator and came back to UM in 2007 as linebackers coach. Barrow spent 2009 as a defensive assistant, which according to Randy Shannon was done to help Barrow learn more about coaching the entire defense, possibly grooming him for a defensive coordinator gig down the road.

According to the Herald's Manny Navarro, Barrow will be coaching linebackers again in '10 and to date there's no evidence that the former Cane linebacker even traveled to Gainesville, outside of a few premature Internet reports.

Anyone with an ounce of logic knows this was a power play. UF showed interest, Barrow - like any working stiff - responded in an effort to show his current employer that he's a desirable employee. The result; a move back to coaching linebackers and probably a bump in pay. Safe bet Barrow had zero intention of coaching for the enemy... but played the game to jockey for better position at UM. The whole scenario played out in less than a day, yet the harsh words remain out their in cyberspace because some fans have no filter or patience.

Whether Barrow is on Miami's sideline next fall, Florida's or Homestead High's, the reacting from the Canes fanbase was pathetic and it's time for some folks to take some serious inventory. Message boards give everyone an outlet for their opinions, but sadly most commentary is knee-jerk, poorly thought out and nobody is held accountable for their brash, biased opinions.

For some idiots to state that the move to another sideline means Barrow "is no longer a Cane" - shame on you fools. A local kid that suited up for the hometown team, won two rings, did the program proud, played in the NFL and now coaches at his alma mater - he's no longer part of the family if he takes another job?

Give it a rest, uber fan, hiding behind your keyboard bitching away instead of showing up for home games on Saturday. Barrow is more a Cane than every clown combined in a chat room on any given night.

To the mods at CaneSport and CanesTime, tighten up your game. The inmates are running the asylum and it's time you remember that coaches, players, parents of players, alum, boosters and a slew of others are reading what a small percentage of this fan base are saying. Don't let these people represent what for the most part is a stand up group of fans.

Weed out the morons and promote the words of those who do this program a service, not a disservice. Other message boards have their gestapos and it's time Miami message boards employ a similar mentality. Enough is enough.

More recruiting perspective; Canes class '10

ESPN released their top 25 list regarding this year's recruiting haul and Miami fell smack dab in the middle at #13. The rest looked like this:

1. Florida... 2. Texas... 3. Alabama... 4. Auburn... 5. Oklahoma... 6. Florida State... 7. Southern Cal... 8. LSU... 9. Tennessee... 10. UCLA... 11. Penn State... 12. Georgia... 13. Miami... 14. Michigan... 15. California... 16. Ohio State... 17. Texas A&M... 18. Stanford... 19. Clemson... 20. Washington... 21. Notre Dame... 22. Oregon... 23. South Carolina... 24. North Carolina... 25. Mississippi

On paper and according to some online 'gurus', twelve teams finished ahead of the Canes... yet Miami fans remain up in arms over this most recent class. Forget the fact that 28 new kids pledged their allegiance to "The U", par for the course the focus remains on those that got away, as opposed to those who are on board.

Florida snagged the top spot, a program with two titles in four years. Texas rolled in second, just like they did in last year's title game. National Champion Alabama was third. Perennial BCS staples Oklahoma and Southern Cal were number five and seven, respectively. LSU - a two time champ this decade - was eighth. Traditional powers Penn State and Georgia rolled in eleventh and twelfth. Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee and UCLA were also ahead of Miami. Not exactly bad company.

But what about those behind the Canes? Funny how few focus on that.

Big Ten and Rose Bowl winner Ohio State came in at #16. Feel good story Stanford and superstar coach Jim Harbaugh came it at #18. Dabo Sweeney and Clemson #19. Notre Dame and new coach Brian Kelly came it #21. Chip Kelly and Oregon at #22. The 'amazing' Butch Davis pulled in the #24 class.

And what about the flavor of the week-month-year type teams? Boise State, TCU, Utah, Cincinnati and BYU were unranked. So was Bobby Petrino's Arkansas bunch. So was Dave Wannstache's Pitt program. Same for Greg Schiano and Rutgers. Same for Mike Leach/Tommy Tuberville's Texas Tech squad.

Mark Stoops at Arizona or Dennis Erickson at Arizona State? Unranked and nothing to write home about. BCS winner Kirk Ferentz, nada at Iowa. In state rival South Florida, nowhere to be found.

Time for some perspective, Hurricane nation. Miami pulled in a top class in 2008 and followed up with a top ten class in 2009. Gone are the days of promising immediate playing time. The Canes are loaded at some positions and are depth challenged at others.

Offensive line is not a 'sexy' pick with recruiting sites. (Seriously, there's a reason these guys are referred to as the 'big uglies'.) UM took five o-linemen in this class and filled other voids at tight end and linebacker. Miami got some quality four-star players and some three-star kids that should pan out over time. They also rolled the dice on a few two-star guys and took a ton of premature grief for doing so.

This class should be judged at the end of the 2011 season - not days after the ink dried on the LOI.

Give these kids time to make a name for themselves... and pay attention to your surroundings. The 13th rated class in the nation is nothing to sneeze at. Especially in the wake of 9-4, 7-6 and 5-7. Miami is still rebuilding and this is part of the process. Relax.

Perspective on recruitment of Seantrel Henderson...

There's a common theme among some bitter Miami fans that Randy Shannon can't close. After top-ranked offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson picked USC earlier today, those complaints were voiced yet again.

Below is a blurb from Thayer Evans of the New York Times regarding the Henderson recruiting process and hopefully shedding some light for those who live in the dark:

"The decision of Henderson, who has yet to qualify academically, capped a frantic final recruiting week.

It started last Wednesday with a visit by Southern Cal coaches: Lane Kiffin, the head coach; his father, Monte, the defensive coordinator; Ed Orgeron, the assistant head coach; and James Cregg, the offensive line coach.

Sean Henderson recalled telling his son in his freshman year, “If you really, really kill it, who knows, you might get a call from U.S.C. someday.”

In May, that dream came to be with a call from Pete Carroll, then the Trojans’ coach. During his son’s recruitment, Sean Henderson said, recruiters from other colleges mentioned that the Trojans might face penalties from an N.C.A.A. investigation of their athletic program. But while visiting the Hendersons last week in Minneapolis, Lane Kiffin told them not to be worried, Sean Henderson said.

“As far as he’s been informed — he was very, very choosy with his words — there shouldn’t be anything going wrong because there was no knowledge of anything going on by the staff,” Sean Henderson said. The Hendersons asked Kiffin to be clear about what impact the N.C.A.A. might have on the Trojans’ football program, Sean Henderson said. Just before Seantrel chose U.S.C. on Wednesday, Kiffin reiterated not to listen to others who said the Trojans might face sanctions.

The day after U.S.C.’s visit, Miami Coach Randy Shannon made his home visit, but it was delayed by an hour and a half while Seantrel was having his hair done.

After saying that he thought he was bound for U.S.C. just after midnight Friday, Henderson and his father left freezing temperatures in Minneapolis in a limousine sent by Miami to head to the airport for their official visit to the university. The trip was Henderson’s fifth and final official N.C.A.A. visit, and came on the weekend of the Pro Bowl in Miami Gardens, Fla.

That night, Seantrel Henderson was taken to a Miami club, where he met the former Miami stars Willis McGahee and Bryant McKinnie. The next day, McKinnie was kicked off the National Football Conference Pro Bowl team after two unexcused absences from practice. On Saturday he went to a South Beach nightclub, where he met Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed, another former Miami player.

Sean Henderson said his son told him, “Wow, Dad, this trip right here is making my decision even harder.” Besides the Hurricanes’ storied history, father and son liked that the university was private and that the team was 9-4 last season and seemed to have a bright future. They also liked the warm weather, but had concerns about Miami’s fast pace."

How can anyone say that Miami and this staff didn't go after Henderson with a vengeance?

Shannon heads to Minneapolis for an in-home visit and is left waiting for ninety minutes while Henderson gets his hair done for his Wednesday close up. Days later UM sends a limo for the Henderson family's trek to Coral Gables.

Henderson meets up with McGahee and McKinnie at a club, Friday night on South Beach during Pro Bowl weekend. The next night, he's hanging out with NFL great and all-time Cane, Ed Reed.

Both Sean and Seantrel loved the UM experience, see the program improving, like where it's headed and feel Miami has a bright future... and that STILL wasn't enough, which is sometimes the case.

Henderson had USC on the brain for years and the family chose west over east. It happens, but not for lack of trying. All that "Miami is too fast paced" stuff would've flown if the big man chose Columbus (OH), but calling Miami too 'big city' and then choosing LA - not the smartest play.

Sounds like Cane coaches set up a perfect weekend for the top-ranked recruit, but the big man wasn't to be swayed. His mind was made up before that free limo ride to the airport. It was a weekend away from freezing Minnesota while every NFL somebody was tearing up South Beach. Not exactly a bad weekend for a free trip.

It sounds a bit like the teen-friendly MTV series "Parental Control", where a mom and dad aim to get their offspring to break up with said loser boyfriend/girlfriend by introducing a dreamy new partner into the scenario. In the end, offspring is forced to choose between current love interest or one of the two picks from mom and dad's screening process.

The overwhelming majority of teens wind up sticking with their first love, despite being shown the flaws. That's how it works when you're young - you ignore sound advice and simply do what you want to do regardless.

Henderson and family know that the NCAA is ready to crack down on USC and choose to listen to Lane Kiffin's cries of, "everything's gonna be alright" and take it as gospel. "Ignore what they're saying - we'll be fine".

Sounds like something the CEO tells his shareholders right before the hammer falls and the stock tanks.

Even though Henderson has verballed to USC, he'll wait until late February to sign a letter of intent. USC will meet in front of the NCAA infractions committee between the 19th-21st to discuss the Trojans fate and while no clear cut answer will come that day, the Henderson family feels it'll have a better feel on what the punishment will be.

Worth keeping an eye on the next few weeks? Absolutely. In the end, Henderson to Los Angeles doesn't quite seem like a done deal.

Signing Day '10 comes to a close

To the twenty eight new Canes who signed letters of intent today, welcome to 'The U'. To those who didn't want in, best of luck in your future endeavors. All parties need to move forward.

That's where it starts and where it ends. Appreciate and embrace those who got on board instead of lamenting over those who you feel got away - the term 'got away' used loosely as they were never yours to begin with.

Those caught up in the recruiting process, enamored with player rankings and YouTube highlight reels, this class isn't going to "wow" you. No five stars. Six four stars. Eighteen three stars. Four two stars. Only a few kids from ESPNs' Top 150, too. 2010 wasn't about flash, it was about substance.

For Randy Shannon, a "great class" that can "help us get that next step" regarding his take on its impact on the future of the program.

Needs were met - most notably offensive line, tight end and linebacker. Miami reeled in five offensive linemen, three tight ends (including a JUCO transfer) and five linebackers. Five defensive linemen were also added, bringing some depth to the trenches.

Anyone who watched Miami's lines getting manhandled by Virginia Tech and Wisconsin this year should obviously welcome the upgrades.

To say that college football recruiting has gotten out of hand - the understatement of understatements. Played out hat tricks. Flip flopping and double-talk. Coach-speak coming out of the mouths of babes. Star rankings rising and falling based on the outcome of one game. Not taking 'competition faced' into the evaluation. Everything is so arbitrary, which makes for less accountability and more wiggle room when making predictions.

Star rankings for high school players may sell subscriptions to paid sites, but it's as inexact a science as you'll find. Want proof? Look no further than some past Miami classes:

>>> In 2002, wideout Ryan Moore was a five-star prospect out of Dr. Phillips in Orlando and was listed as the top receiver nationwide, according to some. Moore's career flamed out at 'The U' before it even started and he's more known for smacking up a female bar patron than any catch he ever made on the field.

Others to flame out in that highly-touted '02 class; Kareem Brown (#1 defensive player in Florida), Marc Gullion (nation's #10 quarterback), Akieem Jolla (#5 wideout in nation), Curtis Justus (highly-touted TE that flamed out), Alex Pou (#21 OL in nation), Greg Threat (#21 DB in nation), Alton Wright (highly-touted DL).

Miami had the 7th ranked class in '02 and of those 20 players, only three made the NFL - Eric Winston, Sinorice Moss and Brandon Meriweather - and over a dozen could easily be referred to as 'busts'.

>>> Larry Coker reeled in what was rated the sixth-best class in 2003. Five-star quarterback Kyle Wright led the charge and obviously never became the next big thing, as expected. Devin Hester and his speed have taken him to new heights in the NFL, but his role proved limited at UM. Tyrone Moss was a local four-star back expected to be the next great. He wasn't.

Again, a highly-ranked class full of more misses than hits: Glenn Cook (#26 linebacker in nation), Willie Cooper (#21 safety in nation), Vegas Franklin (#18 outside LB in nation), Dave Howell (drew comparisons to Vince Wilfork), Terrell Walden (#9 DB in nation).

The '03 class was thought to have reeled in a top-flight offensive line with Derrick Morse, Cyrim Wimbs, John Rochford and Andrew Bain, but outside of Morse the rest flopped.

Regarding "those who got away", this should've been a class that included Ali Highsmith (LSU) and H.B. Blades (Pitt) -- UM legacy that went elsewhere, yet Coker wasn't raked over the coals as Shannon would've been. Amazing how that happens on the heels of a 24-1 start to ones coaching career - not to mention inheriting such tremendous depth that a few "misses" could be absorbed without missing a beat.

A lot of the kids Miami reeled in earlier this decade were thought to be big time talent and they proved to be busts, meaning two things - the players weren't developed and the so-called experts were wrong regarding the overblown rankings, which can happen when trying to predict the career path and future of a high school superstar.

Miami didn't win the beauty contest on Signing Day '10, but there's substance which should pay off down the road. Tom Luginbill agrees:

“I term this class an upside class, a class that you could look back in two or three years and say, ‘You know what, there’s some really fruitful kids that came out of this class that not a lot of people talked about", said longtime ESPN recruiting analyst.

"I just think there are some targets who are really special. Even without (Seantrel Henderson), I still think its a very, very good class... Because of how young they are I think they've found some kids who they can redshirt and develop down the road -- real gifted athletes. I know some people may criticize that, but I'm not sure that wasn't done by design. Plus, you look at the six kids they already have in school.''

The six early enrollees - Malcolm Bunche (OL), Stephen Morris (QB), Allen Hurns (WR), Storm Johnson (RB), Tyrone Cornelius (LB) and Shane McDermott (OL). This is the third straight season Shannon and staff have been successful getting kids on campus for spring ball, helping build depth and experience - as well as getting an eight-month jump on a freshman's first season.

The Canes landed only one Signing Day 'bonus' in tight end Asante Cleveland. Shannon stressed the importance of adding depth at the position, so a fourth tight end in this class was a huge pick up. JUCO transfer Chase Ford should vie for immediate playing time, while either Andrew Tallman or Clive Walford could redshirt. Regardless, today's addition will help ease the loss of Dedrick Epps and Jimmy Graham.

Some are saying Miami whiffed, but last minute pick ups haven't been Shannon's style down the stretch. The Canes take care of recruiting business all year long, landing more than the average amount of mid-season verbal commits. Entering this morning, UM had over two dozen kids (almost) signed, sealed and delivered, whereas other programs had much less, allowing them to 'close' on Signing Day.

Of the supposed "misses", Ivan McCartney picked West Virginia over UM. The Canes are loaded at wideout, McCartney's former Miramar quarterback is in Morgantown and his high school coach was a Mountaineer. Is it really a 'miss' when a kid chooses playing time over being buried on the depth chart? Same could be said for Florida's Quinton Dunbar, a local wideout who decommitted from Miami months back.

OT Shon Coleman chose Auburn and was always considered a Miami "longshot" so again, is it really a "miss" when the odds were considered low?

Ego Ferguson surprised everyone last minute and chose LSU over UM, FSU and Texas Tech. The DE out of Virginia's Hargrave Military Academy had no real UM ties and was recruited late and while he'd have been a great addition, he wasn't Miami's to lose.

California LB Josh Shirley decided to stick with a hometown program and chose UCLA over Miami and USC. A left coast kid wanted to stay out west and like some others who went elsewhere, he was never a Cane and UM was a underdog in the three horse race.

Lastly, Seantrel Henderson gave Miami a late look, but went with Southern Cal - a favorite of his, along with Ohio State. The Minnesota product was beyond a longshot, but again the staff will be blamed for an inability to 'close'.

Of the six final day prospects, Cleveland was the lone signee - a northern California kid committed to Washington State who essentially defected because of Miami's need at tight end. The exact opposite of the situation at wide receiver which obviously weighed in McCartney's decision to seek out a weaker depth chart.

Miami started the day with 27 commitments and ended with 28. Cleveland is a nice pick up (the nation's #15 TE) and is one more played than the Canes began the day with. Plus, he fills a huge void at tight end - where some who've seen him film are reminded of former Cane great Bubba Franks.

Jacory Harris is the key to Miami's offense and the first-year starter was tossed around like a ragdoll late last fall. A new-look Mark Whipple offense worked early on, but the offensive line fell apart when different schemes were tossed at them. The lowlight, a 20-14 bowl loss to Wisconsin, where Miami was owned in the trenches and Harris was sacked five times.

Offensive line was a glaring hole and while Henderson would've been a dream left tackle, again, focus on who's on board.

Brandon Linder is a top-notch prospect from St. Thomas, a program that churns out some college-ready talent like Sam Young (Notre Dame) and Andrew Datko (Florida State).

The 6'6" almost 300 pound Linder is joined by high school teammate Jermaine Barton, prep school transfer Bunche, local product Johnathan Feliciano and Wellington's McDermott, a 6'3" down and dirty center who looks like he'll bring some piss and vinegar to the line.

What the line has been to the offense, the linebacking core has been to the defense - spotty, undeveloped and full of holes and a day after Arthur Brown decided to "take some time off", five new Cane backers are on board.

I guess four-star Travis Williams leads the charge, if you're judging rankings. A solid pick up out of Virginia. Miami also added three-star Tyrone Cornelius, two-star James Gaines, three-star Gainesville product Kevin Nelson and two-star Kelvin Cain.

Gaines, Cain and defensive linemen Delmar Taylor and Jeffery Brown are the under the radar types that Shannon and staff have made a habit of targeting. Miami coaches obviously go after top talent - proven by the half dozen four-star players and the heavy pressure put on a five-star like Henderson. Yet in the same breath, Cane coaches won't shun a kid who doesn't garner the same hype.

Gaines sent a highlight tape to Miami mid-January. He planned on playing for the hometown team, but after Buffalo head coach Turner Gill booked for Kansas it was game off. Cane coaches dug what they saw and the academically sound, hard hitting linebacker received an offer.

Taylor, a local product, hand delivered his reel to Cane coaches and everyone liked what they saw. Taylor is raw, but Miami is his dream school and there's said to potential and upside.

California-bred Cain said his heart dropped when Miami offered and the versatile athlete committed on the spot. His coach calls him a born leader and made him team captain. Sounds like the kind of kid you take a chance on. Especially late in the game when a D.C. linebacker breaks his commitment, defecting for Maryland and staying closer to home.

At some point, everybody is unheralded. The greats eventually have that first 'next level' moment and it grows from there - but at some point, everybody is a nobody.

Gaines, Cain and Taylor could become 'all world' or 'no world'. Time will tell, but at least give them the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to prove themselves.

If "can't miss" products like Wright, Moore, Moss, etc. all missed, who's to say today's "nobody" can't become tomorrow's superstar?

All the so-called 'experts' who earn a living ranking classes, a bit of advice - save your opinions as you're way ahead of yourselves.

You can't rank a class based on potential. You have to let it develop over time and rank it when it's fact, not theory. "On paper" means nothing. High school and college are night and day. Just ask Kansas-bound Brown, passed on the depth chart two years in a row by "lesser" players, according to Internet rankings.

Signing Day is simply the starting line. Don't predict how the race will be run. Watch it go and write about it when it's done.

A slew of new Canes on board today. Welcome them with open arms as they signed on and will spend the next four years putting this program back on the map. Another class is in the books.

Celebrate the victory instead of dwelling on perceived loss.

Devont'a Davis & Kevin Nelson bailing Gainesville...

A little more perspective regarding appreciating those who got on board instead of lamenting those who got away. Here's some footage of two Gainesville High products - Devont'a Davis and Kevin Nelson - signing their letters of intent to play for the University of Miami.

Check out the final third where both Davis and Nelson talk about this being a dream come true regarding playing for "The U" and joining the U Family.

Besides plucking two kids out of Florida's backyard, Miami reeled in two quality kids here and solid athletes.

Choosing the 305 over the 352, welcome to The U, fellas.

Miami Hurricanes : 2010 Recruiting Class

Please welcome the 2010 Miami Hurricanes recruiting class to Coral Gables. To those who wanted in, thank you for signing on to help rebuild 'The U'. To those who went elsewhere, it's a Canes thing and you obviously didn't understand.


Jermaine Barton
Offensive Lineman, 6-7, 283
Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas HS
- Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com ... Named second team All-Broward by the Miami Herald and the Florida Sun Sentinel ... Allowed only two sacks his senior season ... Very good athlete who also is a gifted basketball player ... Helped St. Thomas Aquinas to a 28-1 record the last two seasons and a Class 5A state title in 2008 and No. 1 national ranking in 2009.

Jeff Brown
Defensive Line, 6-3. 275
Evanston, Ill./Evanston HS
- Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, a three-star recruit by ESPN.com and the No. 75 defensive tackle in country by Scout.com ... As senior, totaled 42 solo tackles, five sacks, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks ... Also wrestled in high school and compiled a 39-1 record as a senior ... Also lettered in track and was a state qualifier in the shot put.

Malcolm Bunche
Offensive Line, 6-7, 328
Newark, Del./ Milford (N.Y.) Academy/Newark HS
- Enrolled at Miami in January 2010 ... Rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and the No. 8 prep school prospect in the nation regardless of position ... Ranked the No. 18 best offensive guard by Scout.com, No. 39 best offensive tackle by Rivals.com and No. 86 best offensive tackle by ESPN.com out of high school ... Originally signed a national letter of intent with Miami in the spring of 2009.

Kelvin Cain
Linebacker, 6-3, 226
Clovis, Calif./Buchanan HS
- Rated the 10th best outside linebacker in the state of California ... As a senior, recorded 80 tackles and nine sacks while also returning eight kickoffs for 150 yards ... Played at Portland (OR) Grant High School, where he finished with 61 tackles and seven sacks as a junior.

Eduardo Clements
Running Back, 5-9, 183
Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington HS
- Rushed for 3,105 yards and 50 touchdowns in four seasons at Booker T. Washington ... Rated the No. 79 player in the Sporting News 100 ... Rated the No. 43 prospect in the Mobile Register Super Southeast 120 ... As a junior rushed for 892 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 34 passes for 296 receiving yards and three total touchdowns ... In limited action as a senior, rushed 694 yards and nine touchdowns ... As a sophomore on the state champion team, ran for 961 yards and 19 touchdowns ... Rated the No.62 player in the Sports Illustrated Takkle Top 200 ... Rated the No. 11 running back by Rivals.com, a four-star recruit and the No. 156 player nationally ... Named first team All-Dade by the Miami Herald as a senior and second team All-Dade as a junior and sophomore ... No.76 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List.

Asante Cleveland
Tight End, 6-5, 240
Sacramento, Calif./Christian Brothers HS
- Ranked the No. 15 tight end and a three-star recruit by Scout.com ... As a junior earned all-league honors after leading his team with 21 receptions for 262 yards and four touchdowns ... As a senior had 24 receptions for 412 yards and seven touchdowns.

Tyrone Cornelius
Linebacker, 6-2, 195
Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson HS
- Enrolled in January 2010 ... Ranked the No. 39 outside linebacker prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and three-star recruit by Scout.com ... Finished his senior season with 108 tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles, two blocked punts and eight tackles for loss and helped lead Stephenson to an 11-1 record and the second round of the playoffs ... As a junior tallied 118 tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), two forced fumbles (one returned for a score), four sacks, 11 tackles for losses, a blocked punt and three safeties ... Named a first-team all-state selection by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Associated Press ... No. 28 player on the AJC Top 50 List.

Devont'a Davis
Defensive Back, 6-0, 166
Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville HS
- Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com ... Named first team all-area by the Gainesville Sun ... Finished his senior year with 75 tackles, seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 12 passes broken up which included a season-best 12 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles against Buchholz ... As a junior had 50 tackles - seven for losses - with one interception and 15 passes broken up.

Jeremy Davis
Defensive Back, 6-0, 188
Cape Coral, Fla./Ft. Myers HS
- Three-star recruit and No. 49 cornerback by Scout.com and No. 77 wide receiver by Rivals.com ... No. 92 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List ... Tallied 71 tackles, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 15 pass break-ups and three blocked punts as a senior ... On offense carried 72 times for 1,047 yards and 15 touchdowns ... As a junior at Ft. Myers High School, played mostly offense and had 30 catches for 500 yards and 12 touchdowns ... As a sophomore played defensive back and had 50 tackles, 11 passes broken up and an interception.


Jonathan Feliciano
Offensive Lineman, 6-5, 318
Davie, Fla./Western HS
- Three-star recruit and No. 19 offensive guard by Scout.com ... Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com ... No. 56 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List ... First Team All-Broward by the Sun Sentinel.

Chase Ford
Tight End, 6-6, 245
Corrigan, Texas/Kilgore J.C.
- Second team junior college All-American ... Named first team Southwest Junior College Football Conference's MVP after leading the conference with 32 receptions and 545 receiving yards ... Named first All-SWJCFC ... As a high school senior at Corrigan-Camden High, earned All-District honors as a senior.

James Gaines
Linebacker, 6-3, 205
Getzville, N.Y./Canisius HS
- NYSSA Second Team All State, Class A ... Played linebacker, safety, tight end, tailback and receiver at Canisius this past season ... Finished with 61 rushing yards and a touchdown, 15 catches for 270 yards and two scores along with 154 tackles (108 solo), three sacks, an interception and fumble recovery.

Tavadis Glenn
Offensive Lineman, 6-5, 300
Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS
- Under Armour All-American ... A four-star prospect who is rated the No. 22 defensive tackle prospect in the nation by Rivals.com ... No. 105 Mobile Register Super Southeast 120 ... No.62 player in Sports Illustrated Takkle Top 200 ... finished with 50 tackles, 17 for losses, along with six sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal as a junior at Terry Parker HS ... Played senior season at Raines HS and had 50 tackles, 10 for losses, and three sacks on defense.

Maurice Hagens
Running Back, 5-11, 237
Riverview, Fla./Tampa Bay Tech HS
- Three-star recruit and No. 4 fullback by Scout.com and No. 8 fullback by Rivals.com ... No. 47 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List ... Helped Tampa Bay Tech to a final record of 9-2 with 1,300 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging six yards per carry ... As a junior, finished with 1,019 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. ... Ran for 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Darion Hall
Running Back, 5-11, 190
Naples, Fla./Lely HS
- Three-star recruit and No. 49 running back by Rivals.com ... No. 34 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List ... Finished his senior season with 965 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 107 yards per game and 7.6 yards per carry ... Had 1,791 yards with 21 touchdowns, averaging 179 yards per game and 10.6 yards per carry as junior.

Allen Hurns
Wide Receiver, 6-3, 175
Miami, Fla./Carol City HS
- Enrolled in January 2010 ... Three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Ranked as one of top 100 receivers by Rivals.com and Scout.com ... Finished his junior year with 23 receptions for 450 yards and seven touchdowns ... As a senior had six catches for 110 yards before suffering a season-ending injury.

Storm Johnson
Running Back, 6-0, 212
Loganville, Ga./Loganville HS
- Enrolled in January 2010 ... Under-Armour All-American ... Ranked No. 22 recruit in the country by ESPN.com ... Named a 2009 second team EA Sports All-American ... Rushed for a school record 1,937 yards and 31 touchdowns, caught 11 passes for 150 yards and returned two kickoff s for touchdowns as a senior ... Rated the No. 7 running back in the country, No. 8 player in the state of Georgia and No. 106 player nationally by Rivals.com ... Rushed for 1,300 yards and 21 TDs as a junior at Buford (Ga.) HS in 2008 ...Named the 2009 Atlanta Journal Constitution AAAA Player of the Year ... Earned first team all-state by the AJC and Associated Press ... No. 6 player on the AJC Top 50 list ... Rated No. 34 prospect in the Mobile Register Super Southeast 120 and the No.137 prospect in Sports Illustrated Takkle Top 200.

Brandon Linder
Offensive Line, 6-6, 290
Southwest Ranches, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas HS
- U.S. Army All-American ... Ranked No. 145 in the ESPN Top 150 ... Named first team All-Broward by Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald ... Helped St. Thomas Aquinas to a 28-1 record the last two seasons and a Class 5A state title in 2008 and No. 1 national ranking in 2009 while the offfense averaged 321yards per game ... Rated the No. 47 prospect in the Mobile Register Super Southeast 120 and the No.167 player in Sports Illustrated Takkle Top 200 ... No. 3 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List.

Shane McDermott
Offensive Line, 6-3, 275
Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central HS
- Enrolled in January 2010 ... Palm Beach County First team All-Conference as a center ... First team All-Area by Palm Beach Post ... First Team All-Broward by the Sun Sentinel ... Three-star athlete who is the No. 20th rated center by rivals.com ... Under Armour All-American Game ... No. 44-ranked player in the Sentinel's Florida Top 100 ... Recorded 50 pancake blocks and earned a 93 percent grade for the season ... No. 44 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List.

Stephen Morris
Quarterback, 6-2, 183
Miami, Fla./Monsignor Pace
- Enrolled in January 2010 ... Three-star athlete who is the No. 26th dual threat QB by rivals.com ... Also rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Completed 96 of his 179 pass attempts for 1,531 yards, 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions and also ran for 125 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... Finished his junior year completing 64 percent of his passes with 2,005 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions ... In his career, had 98 carries for 162 yards and four touchdowns and completed 240-of-404 passes for 3,536 yards ... Named second team All-Miami-Dade by the Miami Herald as a junior.

Kevin Nelson
Linebacker, 6-0, 213
Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville, HS
- Three-star recruit and No. 22 middle linebacker by Scout.com ... Nelson finished his senior season with 150 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and six sacks. He scored three touchdowns, two on interceptions returns and one on a fumble recovery. As a junior Nelson had 125 tackles, 10 for losses, and 3.5 sacks along with a blocked punt. Named first team all-area by the Gainesville Sun

Keion Payne
Defensive Back, 5-10, 160
Fort Lauderdale, Fla./ St. Thomas Aquinas HS
- Named All-Broward third team by the Miami Herald and All-Broward honorable mention by the Sun Sentinel ... No. 19 cornerback and four-star recruit by Scout.com ... Rated No. 29 cornerback prospect by Rivals.com ... No.72 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List ... As a senior had three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown and was part of an Aquinas secondary that allowed opponents an average of only 100.7 passing yards per game ... Recorded 33 tackles, 14 passes broken up and four interceptions as a junior at Dillard High School.

David Perry
Defensive Line, 6-6, 230
Pembroke Pines, Fla./University School
- Three-star recruit and No. 39 defensive end by Scout.com ... Ranked No. 115 in the ESPN Top 150 ... No. 94 prospect on the Bill Buchalter's Florida Top 100 State List ... Named first team All-Broward by the Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald... Played defensive end and tight end in high school and recorded 12 sacks as a senior.

Kacy Rodgers
Defensive Back, 6-1, 200
Southlake, Texas/Southlake Carroll HS
- Four-star recruit and No. 14 cornerback nationally by Scout.com ... Rated the No. 37 cornerback prospect in the nation by Rivals.com ... Registered 29 tackles, 10 pass breakups and three interceptions as a junior.

Andrew Tallman
Tight End, 6-5, 240
Carthage, N.Y./Boston College HS
- Three-star recruit who is the No. 5 prospect at his position in the state by Rivals.com ... Three-star prospect and No. 56 recruit at his position by Scout.com.

Delmar Taylor
Defensive Line, 6-3, 270
Miami, Fla./Miami Beach HS
- Three-star prospect by Rivals.com ... Talented athlete, who played in just five games last season mostly on offense and saw limited time on defense ...

Travis Williams
Linebacker, 6-3, 200
Norfolk, Va./Lake Taylor HS
- Under Armour All-American ... Four-star prospect by Rivals.com and ranked the No. 15 outside linebacker and No. 204 nationally regardless of position ... Finished his junior year with 68 tackles, 15 sacks and seven forced fumbles ... On offense, had 32 receptions for over 600 yards ... As a senior had 71 tackles, 14 sacks, seven forced fumbles and 11 passes broken up... Recorded a school record 69 career sacks.

Clive Walford
Tight End, 6-4, 215
Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Central HS
- Three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Had over 400 receiving yards and six touchdown catches as a senior ... Earned All-Palm Beach County honors.