Plant some seeds, watch 'em grow...

I hope the cynical, opinionated, know-it-all portion of the Miami Football fan base is paying attention to what we're seeing out of The U's baseball team - as well as what was just displayed on the hardwood this post season.

Success doesn't happen overnight. It's a calculated process. Hell, it's scientific. Plant some seeds, give them time to grow, nurture and in due time, prepare for the harvest.

Right now, it's 'grow' time for Miami Football.

A year from now it's back to 'go' time.

Randy Shannon is entering year two on the job. Year one - a disaster. Make no bones about it. Little positive comes out of 5-7 losing six of seven down the stretch.

Outside a Thursday night beat down of Texas A&M and a win at Florida State, the 2007 highlights included some off-season firings, a few new hirings and the dismissal of some players this coaching staff felt were dead weight.

Amazing what you can get done when your season ends late November instead of early January.

Miami's final spring game took place just over a week ago and a few things were apparent. (1) The Canes have some playmakers and (2) most of said playmakers are underclassmen or true freshman.

Youth is king in Coral Gables and with youth you have to expect some inexperience.

I believe wholeheartedly that Miami is on the mend and will be a top the hill again. It's not if, it's when. I echo the sentiments of defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, Clint Hurtt in a recent Sports Illustrated article:

"In my heart of hearts I believe we're back on the path to being what we were again."

Amen, Clint.

Miami will reap what it soughs and the past few seasons, the Canes haven't been soughing much worth writing home about.

Andy Staples hammers this point in this recent and rare SI gem on The U. Former coach Larry Coker went after the nation's top talent instead of finding success in his own back yard. Simply put, Coker didn't put the focus on the Tri-City area - Dade, Broward and Palm Beach - the way Shannon and staff are.

As Staples points out, some of the highly touted talent between 2003-2006 was big time on paper - but many kids failed to live up to the hype/their rankings due to playing against inferior competition in high school. The lack of production and lack of development during the tenure in Coral Gables, combined with a change in mentality helped produce the Canes recent decline.

You don't need to over-recruit the rest of the nation when you're this close to so much South Florida talent - quite possibly the hottest hot bed of high school football stars in the nation.

Any Texas or California doubters, look no further than Class 6A champs and national champions, Miami Northwestern. Same to be said for St. Thomas Aquinas of Ft. Lauderdale - the 5A state champs - and Miami's Booker T. Washington, who took home the 4A title.

After Northwestern showed Southlake (Texas) Carroll who was boss back in September, there's little doubt that the rest of Florida's best wouldn't take it to their 5A and 4A counterparts nationwide. The Miami kids 'outtalented' the Texas kids the same way great Hurricanes teams have over the years. Stronger, faster and better. Men amongst boys.

Shannon and staff target local ballers because they are damn well sure what kind of talent these highly touted players face daily in practice as well as Friday night, under the lights. That's why eleven of the aforementioned state and national champs are suiting up for The U this fall and ready to make an immediate impact.

Not only do the local high schools again have strong ties with Canes coaches - something that fell off during Coker's tenure where he didn't even employ a recruiting coordinator - but these local Miami-bound Bulls and Tornadoes were barely teenagers when the Canes made their last run.

"The Canes were gladiators that never could get beat," said freshman Miami defensive tackle and former Northwestern Bulls star Marcus Forston. "They always found a way to win. When I was growing up, those were my heroes, my role models."

How many incoming freshman across the nation had that same love and adoration for the Canes? Some, but nothing like the impact it had on the locals. When asked about the first time Forston runs through the smoke on game day as a Cane? "I might cry," he said.

Kids like Forston are the foundation for this rebuilding project. Local kids that could've played anywhere, but wanted to be a part of the Canes resurgence.

All the 'feel good' stories aside, Miami remains a work in progress. As impressive as these newbies are, fans have to remember that underclassmen are going to make rookie mistakes.

Ed Reed and Mike Rumph were both a huge part of Miami's title run in 2001, but peel it back a few years and you'd be hard pressed to forget both sophomores blowing their coverage in a 27-23 loss to No. 2 Penn State in 1999.

Nursing a 23-20 lead with 1:52 left to play, Chafie Fields streaked past Rumph and Reed, scoring the game winner on a 79-yard strike from Kevin Thompson. Years later, both Cane defenders would cite that as a career-defining moment and a learning experience, en route to a national championship and first round NFL Draft picks.

A similar tale regarding recent first rounder, Brandon Meriweather.

Trucked by running back Quincy Wilson on a nationally televised nailbiter against West Virginia, the sophomore safety endured the embarrassment of that highlight for the rest of 2003. A year later, a stronger, more experienced Meriweather was on the delivering end of a bigger blow when he sent a woozy Louisville tight end to the sidelines after breaking up a pass during Miami's thrilling 41-38 comeback win.

Even Mr. 38-2 Ken Dorsey proved mortal as a true freshman. Hurled into action at No. 2 Virginia Tech when Kenny Kelly went down, a wide eyed Dorsey's head was swimming during a 6-of-17 performance for 45 yards and an interception during that 43-10 loss.

Fans expecting Robert Marve or Jacory Harris to walk on water from day one and overcome all obstacles simply because of their high school accolades - look no further than the early history of the great Canes listed above. There will be mistakes when you're thrown into the fire and expected to perform early. There are gonna be some growing pains.

That said, if Miami Faithful remain patient, there will be also be reason to celebrate down the road. This thing is being rebuilt carefully from the ground on up. Patience must remain a virtue a while longer.

The seeds have been planted and the nurturing is underway. Anyone that's followed spring ball can attest to that. Shannon and staff threw the depth charts out the window a la Jimmy Johnson. No more seniority and other Coker-esque tactics are being employed. The best players will see the field.

In an effort to promote camaraderie, locker room assignments are being reshuffled every few weeks. As Staples' article mentioned, defensive backs will get used to sitting next to receivers, quarterbacks will suit up next to defensive lineman and scholarship players will be hanging out with the walk ons.

"You can sit by a guy for four years, and that's the only guy you're going to talk to," said Shannon. "Now, you mix them around the locker room, so you get to talk to four or five guys every so often. By the time your senior season is over, there are about 70 guys that you've had two to three months to spend every day with."

On paper it doesn't sound like much, but the mental aspect of the coaching game is as important as Xs and Os come Saturday. To the average fan, who cares about locker room assignments? In the coaches eyes, this promotes a "personal connection" to each teammate - making them more accountable to each other and less likely to want to let those guys down.

A far cry from the rumored issues a worn out defense felt these past few seasons regarding a lethargic and non-productive offense.

All these little moments, adjustments and fine-tuning are how you build a champion. Great teams don't just "happen". They're built from the ground up and only after you're a top the mountain can you look back and add up all these experiences, realizing the profound impact the had on a championship team.

Miami Basketball is coming off a 23-11 season, a No. 7 seeding in the NCAA tourney and a mid-season upset of No. 4 Duke. A year ago, 12-20 and no post season.

Miami Baseball goes 37-24 last season and has a streak of 13 consecutive NCAA Regional titles snapped. A year later, the Canes are No. 1 in the nation for the first time since 2004, are riding a 13-game win streak and sit pretty at 27-2 halfway through the season.

A year ago, this fan base wouldn't have given you a nickel for either squad. Critical of coaches and players involved with both squads, only the long-sighted fan base realized it was a rebuilding process and that both teams were a few players away from getting things back where they belong.

I hope the short-sighted contingent takes the lead of the long-sighted folks. Miami Football has officially turned the corner and the resurgence is on - but the ship won't be righted overnight. This is a process. Shannon and staff need to nurture these young, talented kids and grow some champions.

Leach rumor growing some legs?

Mike Leach to Miami? We'll see. But it's definitely the latest stop in Rumorville.

Word is Paul Dee met with Leach this evening in New York. Both are in town for the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame event. Several coaches are in attendance, so Miami is making the rounds.

Word on other sites is that things could move quickly here. One report had Leach's agent has being contacted to speed up the process.

"Leach to Miami" would also shed some light on the rumors of Miami being in contact with Bob Stoops recently. Both sides have been talking, but no one has confirmed if this is a recommendation for Leach, or is Miami talking-talking to Stoops?

Earlier I read Miami could have a new coach as early as Tuesday. The latest reports now say the meeting was informal, but that talks could heat up.

I don't know if Leach is the 3rd, 4th or 5th choice for The U, but with so many coaching vacancies out there, Miami can't sleep at the wheel. But it also can't overreact either.

Miami can't knee-jerk their way into a hire. Coker got the boot ten days ago and consultant Chuck Neinas was hired to show everyone Miami means business. This is a nationwide search. It's time to swing for the fences and get that A-list guy.

Leach is a B-list guy with an A-list offense. This job would make him or expose him.

A Monday morning meeting with Greg Schiano, turned down by lunch. A dinner meeting with Leach and talks are turning serious? That's too quick for a headhunter to take Miami's wish list, merge it with his own, contact all candidates, review information, discuss with the administration and make a decision.

College football's regular season ended two days ago. Most coaches can't discuss other offers until the post-season. Miami is officially 48 hours into the process. They can't be at a point where they're already offering the position to Leach. Can they? Is he that impressive or are Dee and Donna Shalala that desperate?

On Monday, Stanford canned Walt Harris and Louisiana Tech fired Jack Bicknell. Two more to add to the growing list of programs looking to hire new leaders in a hurry.

Miami doesn't have to be desperate. Let Neinas do his job, interview a handful of guys, mull it over and make a play in the next ten days.

Unless you have that "ace in the hole" signed, sealed and delivered.


.:Canes305:.

The calm before the storm?

ESPN reported that Greg Schiano officially turned down Miami today, deciding to take the $20M Rutgers offered and run. You go, Greg. $2M a year for 10 years is hard to turn down. Plus, you were NEVER going to see a ten year commitment out of The U. Not after one good year at Rutgers.

I've received a ton of emails from Scarlet Knight faithful attempting to break balls about Miami being "turned down" by Schiano, as if that's an indictment on The U. Please. If Schiano put these rumors to rest by lunch on Monday that tells you two things, (1) he wasn't all that interested and (2) Paul Dee didn't pursue him vigorously.

If Miami threw it all at Schiano, this thing would've taken a few days to mull over. You don't turn down a multi-million dollar deal over a hoagie. You let it sink in a bit. The way it all played out today, this meeting seemed like it was just a formality.

I've been on the phone this morning, curious to get to the bottom of things and a few different sources have reported the same name back to me, Bob Stoops.

While I have NO CLUE how Miami will compete for one of the game's highest paid coaches, there are some signs (albeit far fetched at this point) which could point to Stoops being Miami's guy.

>>> The talk has been of a "high profile" coach coming to Miami. Schiano and Steve Spurrier were mentioned early on and seemed to fit the bill. Spurrier used Miami for leverage (once a Gator...) and Schiano merely seemed logical based on ties to The U and the fact he's a an up and coming coach.

Both names were thrown out there to feed the masses the past few weeks. People devoured anything Spurrier or Schiano related, but at day's end neither had merit.

Stoops has been contacted by Miami. We know that much. What hasn't been confirmed is the purpose of the call. Is Stoops a candidate or a sounding board? He did employ Mike Leach as offensive coordinator (1999-2000) his first two seasons at Oklahoma. Was this a brain-picking session regarding Leach, or is Stoops that "big name" guy the Miami boosters wanted and have kept mum on?

I don't know if there's any merit to this Stoops talk. I'm going on a tip that Miami and the Oklahoma head coach have been in discussions since last Thursday. What that means, we'll find out soon enough.

There are $3,400,000 reasons why I don't believer Stoops would bail Oklahoma for Miami, but I'll play devil's advocate below:

>>> If this plays out, then Chuck Neinas stayed true to form and was worth every dollar. Neinas helped bring Stoops to OU years back and helped bring Urban Meyer to Florida in 2004. He knows how to work with big name coaches, top universities and every article I've read mentions how discreet he is in the process.

Because this is so under the radar, it deserves some consideration. Speculation is that "Spurrier to Miami" blew up when the media got a hold of it. If Stoops is Miami's ace in the hole, that news is being held close to the vest and these other coaching rumors are just a smoke screen.

>>> Random message board rumors have mentioned Stoops being frustrated with the booster situation at OU and the events leading to QB Rhett Bomar's dismissal. Others say Carol Stoops is over Norman and is ready for change. The Stoops own a condo in South Florida, so they obviously dig the area.

Pure speculation? Absolutely but after eight seasons in the midwest, it's not far fetched for the Stoops to be thinking change and trek back to the Sunshine State. The most dominant program in Florida awaits. Howard called it The State of Miami.

Christy Schiano supposedly didn't care for South Florida, which obviously played into her husband's decision to stick around New Jersey. Don't underestimate a wife's influence whether Coach stays or goes.

>>> Miami message boards are reporting that Dee is in New York today conducting interviews at The National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame. Coaches and athletic directors from across the nation are all gathered in this centralized location. Stoops and Leach are both at the event. Dee will talk to one or both of them.

>>> After Stoops, I'm not sure what Miami is thinking outside of a current NFL guy, if they're still thinking "big name" head coaching hire. Leach continues to get press, but that's because he's the only one vocal about wanting the opportunity. As of this morning Leach stated that no one from Miami has contacted him, but who knows? His interest level alone might vault him to the #2 guy. He told a mutual friend of ours that he'd "gnaw off his arm" for a chance to coach The U.
That's exactly the kind of guy Miami needs.

>>> Randy Shannon is still a viable candidate, but I believe that's only if plans A, B and C fall through. Shannon had to be publicly named in an effort to keep other schools at arm's length. The premise of Leach's offense with Shannon's defense would be a helluva fit, but is that too many egos under one roof? Shannon will get offered a head coaching job somewhere. Miami would have to sweeten the pot to keep him around as a coordinator. More money and the Assistant Head Coach title, you'd think.

>>> More to come, but for now make note; Stoops is a viable candidate. There's enough stuff floating around out there to warrant throwing his name in the mix. Bear with me, Sooners.

It's highly unlikely Miami lands an A-list guy like this. But it's a dream scenario and Miami is at a huge turning point regarding the program's future. The Canes don't just need a hire, they need a proven entity who's not a retread.

Stoops got his first title at Florida in 1996. He knows the state and how to recruit it. Took over a national power in Oklahoma. Won a title year two. Solid teams year in and year out, he's possibly coming off of his greatest coaching feat yet.

10-2 and a BCS berth after dimissing Bomar, getting robbed of a win at Oregon and losing would-be Heisman winner, Adrian Peterson to a busted collarbone weeks back. Stoops kept his team focused and they got a hell of a consolation prize in a "down" year; a Fiesta Bowl berth against Boise State.

Stoops has the resume of an old timer.

He's only 46.

The guy's in his prime. Does he want a new challenge or is he set to stay put? We'll see.

Either way, you don't let something like this out of the bag until it's a done deal. Not with a big name, big money guy like this. "Stoops to Miami" is out of left field, but until he officially says he's not a candidate, my interest will remain piqued.

The more this is playing out, the more I believe Stoops was Miami's #1 option after firing Coker. Spurrier and Schiano were thrown in so the media would muck up the waters. This could be the calm before the storm. The Canes are pursuing the Sooners top dog. Does Dee have enough in the tank to lure Stoops back to the Sunshine State? Let's see how it all unfolds.

>>> OU folks already flooding the Inbox, let's clarify a few things. I am not reporting this as a done deal. I got a tip, I read some rumors and I'm connecting the dots from a Miami fan's perspective.

Two Miami sources mentioned Stoops to me. When I posted it on CanesTime, I got a few PMs from guys close to The U who told me the same thing. Does that give it legs? Who the hell knows.

I'm just reporting what I heard this weekend. Stoops is talking to Miami. Whether that's to recommend Leach or to test the waters for himself, we'll see.

Until then, let us Miami folk speculate.

We're bored as hell and less than thrilled about New Year's in Boise.



.:Canes305:.

Decision time, Greg...

A failed two-point conversion was the difference-maker in triple overtime. An Orange Bowl berth died on an incomplete try for two. Rutgers' Greg Schiano earned Coach of the Year honors days before Saturday's 41-39 (3OT) loss at West Virginia.

How little does that award mean after going down in gut-wrenching fashion with millions in bowl revenue on the line? Ask runner up Jim Grobe.

Wake Forest won the ACC and is Miami-bound to take on Louisville. I'll bet Grobe woke up Sunday a lot happier with and Orange Bowl berth, than a trophy from the Home Depot.

Schiano and the Scarlet Knights wrapped up the season a more-than-respectably at 10-2. The highlight - a last second, 28-25 win over #3 Louisville. After that win, Rutgers went 1-2 down the stretch, losing at Cincinnati and West Virginia.

The Miami rumors have been persistent and with Rutgers' regular season finally over, it's time for Schiano to mull it over a few days and make a decision. Recruits, a fan base and the nation await.

This has loomed for weeks now, as much as it's publicly been denied. Schiano will be en route to Miami tomorrow, the day after. Soon. It's in the works. Paul Dee made the call today.

Schiano will get Donna Shalala and Dee's best sales pitch and then it's time to choose. It's a huge fork in the road for him, personally and professionally. What will be the deciding factor?

Before we get into that, I'll say I think Schiano is Miami's best bet. Still, I'm not completely sold yet. There are some solid traits, but there might be a better fit out there. This process can't be taken lightly. Chuck Nienas better earn his consultant's fee and help The U figure it all out.

Schiano turned around a Rutgers program which could've easily been confused for Temple a few years back. Both were bottom dwellers and punching bags for the rest of the Big East. In 1999, Miami beat both the Scarlet Knights and Owls, 55-0.

Today Rutgers is 10-2. A few weeks back they peaked, knocking off #3 weeks ago. Yesterday they came within an overtime of an Orange Bowl berth. A far cry from 2-9 in Schiano's inaugural season of 2001. That's more than "progress."

Hell, it's just short of a miracle.

Schiano also proved he can recruit South Florida. He's known this neck of the woods just shy of a decade now. He also cut his teeth at The U. It was 1999-2000. The end of the probation era and the dawn of a new day. Schiano saw the difference between a four-loss season at Miami and a one-loss campaign. He knows the culture and expectations.

Does he want to take on that challenge again, running the whole show this time, or is he comfortable in Jersey?

There's your million dollar question. Schiano's career-altering "fork in the road." This move determines what kind of man he really is.

There's no right or wrong here. I wouldn't fault Schiano for staying put, though I'd respect him more if he accepted the bigger challenge. Rutgers is the seemingly easier route. He's already the Prince of Piscataway. They were thisclose to an Orange Bowl berth this year. Combine that with the love he'll get for turning down big, bad Miami for his New Jersey hometown roots.

Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi could write a dozen songs between them on the subject matter.

Schiano can make Rutgers a consistent top-20 program with random bright spots due to overachieving and good coaching. 2006 is a prime example. Signature wins here and there. Two BCS berths a decade. Competitive football played by a once laughing stock. He'd be a god among men up there.

But he'd never sniff a National Championship unless he came to Miami.

Today's golden boy could also string together a couple of four-loss seasons. 2006's Coach of the Year, when? Fans have a short memory once you've showed them you can win and then lose your mojo. Larry Coker, who?

This is a case for getting out while the getting is good. Anything less than 10-2 last year is now considered a "down year" at Rutgers. That won't bode well for a coach some speculate is waiting out the Penn State job. Schiano's star has to keep burning bright if he expects to succeed a living legend. A few three-loss seasons with the Scarlet Knights and there will be another "coach of the year" type dominating the headlines then.

How high up the coaching ladder does Schiano want to climb?

Is Rutgers a high enough peak, or is there a more appealing challenge in Coral Gables? Schiano turned 40 this year. A new decade brings new challenges. He's in his prime. This is an ideal time for a Type A, "go getter" to take a leap of faith.

If he's got that fire in the belly and sky's the limit, then Greg Schiano will be the next coach of the Miami Hurricanes.

This is not a job for the weak, but succeed here and the reward is that much sweeter. Miami was college football's punching bag in 2006. Everyone made sure to get their licks in now because they know the Canes don't stay down long. They know the right coach will come in here and right this ship and when they do, to the victor goes the spoils.

When Miami was tabbed NFL U, that wasn't just for players. Hurricane coaches get snatched up like first round draft picks. Howard. Jimmy. Dennis. Butch. All went on to big money at the next level.

During the Rutgers/West Virginia game, the commentators stated that Schiano and Butch Davis were slated to talk early this week. You don't even have to read between the lines on this one.

Schiano is asking Davis about the upside/downside to taking over the program and Davis is telling him what five years and some success at that program will do for an up and comer. Davis rebuilt Miami and Cleveland turned it into a huge NFL payday. Things crapped out, Butch still got paid and spent this season pimping himself on the NFL Network as a commentator.

Weeks ago, North Carolina ponied up some big money to bring Davis to Chapel Hill. Those opportunities happen to "Miami" guys , not Rutgers.

By week's end, Schiano will have visited The U and talked to Davis. Rutgers top brass has answered back with a 10-year/$20M extension, waiting for him when he returns. It's real life "Let's Make a Deal" and Schiano is days away from choosing doors #1 or #2.

Stay at Rutgers, lose no more than three games a year, earn a few BCS berths per decade and you're a hero.

Or, Door #2. Come to Miami and play with the big boys. The stakes are higher, but so are the rewards when you get the job done. There's been a lot of negative focus on the media cracking down on Larry Coker as of late, but ask him about 2001-2002.

During the 24-0 run, Coker was Teflon and received nothing but praise as the good guy who finished first.

Schiano needs to look no further than Urban Meyer, another up and comer facing an identical situation, this time in 2004.

Meyer's Utah Utes rolled to 12-0 and whooped Big East champs Pittsburgh, 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. The Urban One knew his star wasn't going to shine any brighter, so he got out while the getting was good. Utah is only going so far - which never sits well with a guy who wants to win it all. They're always ready to pounce on the next great opportunity.

Meyer accepted the Florida job weeks before the Fiesta Bowl, yet still coached his kids in the big game. His Florida team went 9-3 in 2005. Instant improvement from the back-to-back 5-loss seasons under Ron Zook, showing Florida had some talent but needed someone more skilled to run the show.

A year later, Meyer and his Gators (12-1) were voted #2 in the BCS and head to Glendale, AZ to take on #1 Ohio State for the National Championship.

Coach Schiano, here's your Urban-like moment. Miami or Rutgers. One or the other. You can't have both. You currently have a seemingly safe and secure out. Ride that wave and lay low for that Penn State dream gig, if you think that's the play.

Or you head to Miami for that "next level" kind of opportunity.

The good and the bad are all intensified down here. You want to climb the coaching ranks? Having "The U" on the resume gives you instant credibility. Hell, you already saw that first hand. After two years as Miami's defensive coordinator (1999-2000), Rutgers rolled out the scarlet carpet to bring you home.

The orange and green carpet is being rolled out now. Big time. Miami is digging deep. Schiano has supposedly been identified as their #1 and Randy Shannon is a distant #2. Dee and Shalala aren't going to hold back. Schiano will get their best pitch and then it'll be on him to make his move.

Whatever the choice, it's the "right" answer.

If Schiano has the stones to accept the Miami gig and invites the challenge, then good things are in store for The U. If he can turn around Rutgers, he can flat out make Miami a winner again.

If he stays put and takes the cushy route, then he lacks the character Miami needs out of its next coach who will clean up this current mess. Step up to the challenge of putting this program back on the map. Miami should have to sell someone on the premise. This is the most dominant program in the game these past 25 years. It always claws its way back to the top unconventionally. Just watch.

Schiano downplayed things well the past few weeks, but it's decision time. My take? The chat with Davis is a difference-maker. Schiano's old boss let's him know that while torn, Miami is too big of an opportunity to pass up.

The U is ripe for the taking. Schiano needs to speak now or forever hold his peace. Academic standards? Money? Facilities? He has a very captive audience who's been vocal he's their top choice. Don't hold back with demands that will help the program. Lay it out there. Chop that wood.

Schiano's facing a tough decision and a no-brainer all at once. Curious to see how it all plays out. Right now I'll put the "Schiano Bolts" odds at 53% entering Monday.

Watch it play out and check back Tuesday...


.:Canes305:.

"Banner Guys" relive Thanksgiving in OB...

I received an email from Rory Ellis and the Orange Revolution guys a few days after Thanksgiving and wanted to post.

The Orange Revolution was an effort to get Canes fans to wear orange to home games, starting with Virginia Tech on Homecoming. Miami played two road games the following weeks and the next home game was Thanksgiving night. In the wake of the Bryan Pata murder, fans opted for white as a way to show their respect.

Ellis and his crew again stepped up, this time raising almost $3,000 for Jeanette Pata and family. A few dollars of that donation money was put aside in an effort to create several banners honoring Pata in what would've been his final home game and run through the tunnel.

Below is a photo of the guys with one of their banners; the one which made ESPN and was taken to midfield by a handful of Miami players, as they honored Pata.

Check out Rory's email below:

Damn man, I must tell you what a night Paul, Jason, and I had Thanksgiving in that stadium. We were treated with such respect and gratitude. Everyone there - players, coaches, staff, security, fans, etc. - helped in every way they could. Getting us in early, keeping people clear ofthe signs, thanks, recognition, etc. Watching people go up to the banners through out the game to pose for pictures and pay their respects, shaking people's hands, being greeted as "the banner guys" - it made all the hard work worth it.

Just before the end of the game, we made our way back to the WEZ to take them down and give them to Bryan's brother, as had been prearranged. However, we saw Anthony Reddick leading a group of players who were making their way over to us and pointing at the banner with Bryan's picture on it. I damn near lost my composure. These guys just won a huge game and all they wanted to do was memorialize their fallen brother.

They all asked us (kindly, I might add) if they could take that banner to the field. Obviously, we gave it to them and they couldn't thank us enough. The look in their eyes and the emotion on their faces was unforgettable; they didn'tneed to say a word.

As we were giving the other four to Bryan's brother Edwin, our cellphones began to erupt. Family and friends all well aware of what we did with the banners were telling us our efforts were being shown all over the ESPN broadcast and SportsCenter, for the world to see.

Still, the most important calls were from Edwin and earlier from Bryan's mother. They truly made everything we did just that much more important. These people were grateful for the donation, but they were very proud of the way their son's memory was able to be shown to people all across the nation. Man, what an epic moment!

When we got together to pull this thing off, it started as just a simple idea. Ideas were thrown out left and right. From airplane banners to digital displays onthe Goodyear blimp. All seemed to have their limitations. Then this banner idea was put out there. It seemed so simple, yet the effect felt monumental.

I've done a few good things in my life and so have the people who helped out with the project. But this takes the cake. We're proud of what we did, we're very proud of these players and we're proud to be Miami Hurricanes.

Thank you for the mention on your blog and the pics on your MySpace page. I'll send you some more pics soon of us setting these things up. - Rory Ellis


Great job, guys. Damn shame we don't have more fans like you.


.:Canes305:.

Olsen leavin'? We hardly knew ye...

Rumors are swirling that Greg Olsen is NFL bound after the bowl game and won't even stick around to find out who the next Miami head coach will be.

Part of me doesn't blame Olsen. If I were 6'5" and an athletic 252 lbs. I too would be frustrated with my lack of production in the Miami offense. Though there's still a bowl game in a few weeks, Olson currently has 38 receptions this season and one touchdown; the late, garbage score against Georgia Tech in a 30-23 loss.

The past two seasons weren't much better. In 2005, Olsen had a mere 31 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns. He replaced Kellen Winslow II in 2004, splitting time with Kevin Everett and only had 16 receptions for 275 yards and one touchdown, which came in the thrilling 41-38 victory against Louisville.

Over the past three seasons, Olsen has seen two different offensive coodinators and three different quarterbacks. Not exactly the consistency this Notre Dame transfer was looking for when he bailed the Irish a few years back.

NFL teams literally salivate over athletic tight ends. Tony Gonzalez started the trend and Miami its part sending guys like Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and K2 to the league. Since their arrival, guys like Antonio Gates and Heath Miller have also emerged. Some team out there is ripe and ready for a kid like Olsen to show up and get it done.

He'll test his Draft status in the coming weeks and if Olsen is a sure second rounder, I believe he's gonzo - even though he's done little during his time at The U. Crazy to think that a good showing at the combine is almost as meaningful as four good years as a starter...

Olsen is 21 years old and after three years at Miami, I can appreciate his frustration. He couldn't have picked a worse time to head to The U as the Canes' offense has been an abomination these past four seasons. Not exactly the "Dorsey to Shockey" or "Dorsey to Winslow" scenarios he envisioned when transferring to Miami.

That said, I hope he doesn't rush this decision. He can be an impact player at the next level, but why not at least keep those options open until you know who the next Hurricanes head coach will be?

Sure, a guy like Frank Gore was a third round pick and is blowing it up with the 49ers right now but Gore couldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. With three ACL injuries and a diabetic mother in need of care, Gore literally had to take the money and run. Blow it up (like he is) and get that big pay day when renegotiating a few years down the road.

Olsen doesn't have that same type of pressure. He can afford another year in school, honing in on his craft. Especially if Miami lands a pass-happy head coach who utilizes the tight end. Olsen could stick around and play himself into the first round for big time money and have an immediate impact like Shockey and Miller have.

I can certainly understand the temptation those NFL dollars provide, but #82 needs to realize that day is coming, be it April 2007 or 2008. Don't rush the decision. Wait and see who Miami chooses to take over this program.

We're talking second or third round money versus first round money. You're only an NFL Draft pick once and careers only last so long. Test the waters? Sure. But there's no reason for a rash decision.

Especially if Miami gets an offensive guy in the mix. Olsen could be a household name and first round by the 2008 Draft if he plays his cards right. Right now, physique alone gets him no more than late second round/early third round money.


.:Canes305:.

No Limit Schiano Hold 'Em...

I'm really curious to see how things play out with Greg Schiano. This thing has more suspense and drama built in than all of last year's Hollywood blockbusters combined.

The Larry Coker Era ended just under a week ago and not much has come out of New Jersey other than Schiano pledging his allegiance to his current program.

I've seen a lot of message board action this week where fans of all shapes and sizes are rambling on about this current situation. Many are saying Schiano won't leave RU and others are quick to cut and paste his recent quotes, in an attempt to build their argument.

It's amazing how many don't understand the business side of all this. Come on now Scarlet Knights. Your one-loss season is impressive, as is the fact that you're one tough win away from an Orange Bowl berth. That said, we're still Miami and you're still Rutgers.

The U is where coaches come to win titles and make their careers. Win five National Championships, out 20+ first round Draft picks in the league over a six year span, do something to change your 0-11 record against Miami and then get back to us.

Good God, are we really trading smack talk with Rutgers fans?

Back to the point. College football is big business and with Rutgers one win away from a BCS berth, Schiano would be a moron to talk about the coaching vacancies at Miami and other big time programs. For what? Right now, it's all about RU. He's busy game-planning for a road trip to West Virginia. He's coming up with a defensive scheme to stop the Mountaineers' Pat White and Steve Slaton.

The man is strategizing for the biggest game in his coaching career. Right now he's not concerned with where he'll be coaching in 2007, yet some folks are hanging on to every canned answer which comes out of his mouth as long as it backs their stance on the Schiano situation.

If "Schiano to Miami" has any legs, you're not going to hear a peep about it until a week from now. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. For what? Why would he even "go there" with all he currently has on his plate?

My opinion has wavered on Schiano returning to The U. Right now, I believe he's Miami's best option. He was part of the family, he knows the culture and he recruits South Florida like a madman. Anyone who wants to discredit the job he's done at Rutgers? They've obviously forgotten how bad that program once was.

A few years back Rutgers and Temple were synonymous and now they're a contender. That's unheard of. Rutgers knocked themselves out of the title hunt with a loss at Cincinnati, but the fact they were even IN the title hunt is amazing in its own right. Should Rutgers knock off West Virginia this weekend and end the regular season with one-loss, Schiano should be coach of the year.

I know the job Jim Grobe has done at Wake Forest, but if Schiano can knock off Louisville and West Virginia in the same season, he's got my vote.

My question to the blog enthusiasts here... do you think this weekend's game at West Virginia will make a difference in Schiano's decision? Play out both scenarios. A win in Morgantown puts RU in the Orange Bowl and has optimism riding high for 2007. A loss will end Cinderella's run and puts the Scarlet Knights in a lesser bowl. Will a BCS berth make Schiano feel he's on the brink of greatness and that he can accomplish more there? Or will he know he's hit the ceiling and that it's all downhill from there?

Conversely, if Rutgers falls short of the BCS berth, does that convince him to return in 2007 to finish the job his team couldn't take care of this year?

Right now, I don't think we have a clue what Schiano is thinking. As I wrote a few weeks back, I haven't heard a coach deny these types of coaching rumors since Butch Davis fawned over his gig at Miami and bailed weeks later for Cleveland. There are uncharted waters for Schiano. What does he want as an up and coming 40-year old coach? How high does he want to climb regarding the coaching ladder?

Is he on the fast track or is he content to hang around Rutgers for a while, either building them up or waiting for the Penn State job to open? Many talk about Schiano's wife (Christy) not being a fan of South Florida, but what does that really mean? She married a coach. Bouncing around is part of the job description. She knows what she got into the day she said "I do" and it's a safe bet the Schiano family will move a half dozen times between now and the day he retires.

A 3 to 4 year stint at The U is a career-changer. Even the most diehard Rutgers enthusiast has to see that. Can Schiano really afford to turn Miami down?

We should know in the coming week. Stay tuned!


.:Canes305:.

Jimmy extends a helping hand...

With all the negative press about the Miami coaching vacancy, it's nice to see someone in the mainstream sticking up for the program.

Jimmy Johnson went on record recently as saying he's been in touch with Miami pres Donna Shalala and that he'd do anything in his power to help The U in their search for a new head coach. Johnson almost seems out to "prove" that the Miami gig hasn't lost any appeal and wants to remind the college football community that the Canes won't have to do much to get back in the title hunt.

"They're very close," said Johnson. "With all the adversity and distractions, they could have very easily won three or four more games, which would have been a decent season. Without question, this is a great job. UM will always attract talent, and the administration and president Shalala are fully committed to getting back on the right track. There are good, young players there. Someone will come in and make an immediate impact.'"

Thanks for the ringing endorsement, J.J. No one knows this situation better than you. The Miami program made Johnson a household name. Before that, he was just a guy from Oklahoma State who was taking a cush job many wanted to see handed over to former assistant, Tom Olivodatti.

Johnson left Miami a champion and went on to win two Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys a few years later.

He and Shalala have spoken twice recently and his message is simple; he wants to help in any way, shape or form. J.J. has oft expressed his love for the University of Miami and still gets choked up when talking about what a special time that was in his life and career.

Johnson has no desire to coach again, but stated he does have contacts and would like to help. It's now on Miami's top brass to decide if they want Johnson's input, or not.

Is Randy Shannon a legit candidate?

Does Randy Shannon really have a shot at being Miami's next head coach? It depends who you ask. Paul Dee certainly thinks so.Reports out of Miami today are that Shannon is getting serious consideration for the top spot.

Personally, I don't see it happening UNLESS all of The U's other options result in dead ends. I think the top brass is throwing Shannon's name in the mix in an effort to hedge their bets.

Miami has been candid in stating that Greg Schiano is their first choice, but right now it seems a 50/50 shot he winds up at The U. The Steve Spurrier chatter of a few weeks back has quieted, leading many to believe this was just another Internet rumor and possibly an effort to force South Carolina to renegotiate his contract.

Other names are being thrown around and rumors of the week? Jim Grobe of Wake Forest. Bob Stoops of Oklahoma. Steve Kragthorpe of Tulsa. Even recently fired Mike Shula of Alabama was mentioned in an article this morning.

All of this should be expected in a slow media week and one where several programs are prepping for conference title games or season finales. Answering questions and showing interest regarding coaching vacancies isn't a top priority for these coaches right now.

Miami will have their man nailed down sometime between next week and just before the bowl game.

As this master list is complied, Shannon should be a part of it. Especially when thinking about the worst case scenarios. Should Miami be turned down by the aforementioned coaches, the only worse situation for the program would be watching Shannon get lured away during the hunt.

I personally don't believe Miami wants to promote from within again, but they also can't let Shannon head across town to FIU or to another ACC program. Shannon is a hell of a recruiter and he knows South Florida like the back of his hand. With Butch Davis at North Carolina, Schiano succeeding at Rutgers and the NC State gig opening up, the Canes can't lose an uber-recruiter with South Florida ties.

Davis, Schiano and Shannon all recruiting South Florida for other programs other than Miami would be disastrous.

If Miami hires a defensive-minded coach like Schiano, obviously Shannon will hit the road in search of a new gig. But if the Canes were to bring in an offense-minded leader, the new could retain the 2001 Frank Broyles Award Winner for top assistant.

Yet another interesting sub plot in the search for the next great Miami coach.

Personally, I don't think Miami will go with Shannon, but it's smart business to theoretically put him a top their wish list with Schiano. After conference championship weekend passes, there will be several universities looking to replace their head coach. Miami. Alabama. NC State. Arizona State. Big time programs looking to land big time guys.

For Miami to not get "their guy" would be tragic. The only thing worse would be losing Shannon in the process. Especially to an ACC rival.


.:Canes305:.

Canes training regimen in Men's Health...

With all this talk about Miami's facilities, it prompted me to go back and look up a recent article in Men's Health magazine.

In September 2006, The Rock was on the cover and there was a spread about Miami alum in the NFL who return to train at The U.

For those who have the mag, it's on pages 162-168 or click here to check it out online.

Pete Williams' article talked about the Canes who return every off-season to train on their old stomping grounds. It focuses on how they root each other on, push their former teammates to work harder and how current strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey (pictured left) gets down and dirty, training with them.

For those too lazy to read the article, here are some highlights from the day Williams spent at The U's training facility last spring:

>>> 6:25am on a late April morning and you have former teammates Frank Gore and Jon Vilma training intensely with Swasey.

"I understand where the Jets are coming from, but I've always gotten a good workout down here," says Vilma. "This is what took me to the NFL."

>>> By 7:00 am the lot is filling up. Within minutes over twenty former Canes and current NFLers are on campus to train. Even though their Miami playing days are over, they still line up and listen to Swasey as he barks comments. In this case, it's 100-yard wind sprints.

After six sprints, players are gassed by nobody takes a knee. In Swasey's world, the only "acceptable posture" is hands on hips. No bending over or showing fatigue.

>>> While training, Reggie Wayne shows Williams his "U" tattoo on his arm.

"Look at this. It's like our own fraternity, our brand. When you get that tat, you've made it. You're a brother. You've been through the blood, sweat and tears," said Indianapolis' top-notch receiver.

>>> By 10:30am, the parking lot looks like an exotic car show. Santana Moss rolls up in his Redskins' colored Mercedes S550 the same time D.J. Williams parks his BMW 760Li. Further proof that if you want to get paid in the NFL, The U is a helluva stepping stone.

>>> Other notable names usually seen on campus but not around today? Ed Reed. Clinton Portis. Bubba Franks. Willis McGahee. Jeremy Shockey. Even Miami native Alex Rodriguez trains at The U instead of in New York with the Yankees.

>>> Edgerrin James sets up shop in the middle of the room next to Wayne, his former Colts teammate. Wayne is training with Moss while James and Williams and spotting each other. James is trash-talking a bit with Kenard Lang. They're talking smack about a late season match up between their two new teams, Arizona and Denver.

"That's a warm-up set, right?" Lang deadpans. "Please tell me that's a warm-up set. You'd better do more than that if you want to get by me coming around the corner."

"I'll just stiff-arm your ass," James quips back.

>>> When asked why he trains at Miami, James answered: "They are my fuel source. I goes back to being around successful people, having those healthy habits and doing the things it takes to maintain success."

"If I'm around Reggie Wayne, Clinton Portis or Santana Moss, we look at each other eye-to-eye. They're not going to suck up to me and I'm not going to suck up to them."

>>> The session ends by 1:00pm and will resume the next morning. On his way out, Wayne tells the writer, "We'll be ready. Teams are always waiting to see what kind of condition you're in. If you're in bad shape, be expected to stay in town next summer. But as long as I'm with Coach Swasey, I know I'm going to be in phenomenal shape."

>>> Want to "Train Like a Cane" then click here and check out the Swasey Workout online.

>>> The Canes305 Message to future Miami recruits? Reread this article and decide what drives you. Do you want to be a part of this legacy or are you going to let ESPN reports about "run down facilities" sway you from being the next Hurricane great?


.:Canes305:.

Damn The Facilities!

Miami's facilities suck. Did you get the memo? ESPN made much ado about it during last week's televised 17-14 win over Boston College and since then, every member of the sports media community has ranted and raved about how dilapidated and run down things are inside the walls of The U.

The photo above was taken in the supposedly "run down" Hurricane Strength and Conditioning Complex at the Hecht Athletic Center. The 11,500-square foot facility is barely five years old and is double the size of the old weight room.

It's stocked with the latest in strength and conditioning equipment and is the focal point of Miami's annual NFL Pro Timing Day each spring.

In the off-season, it's a who's who of the NFL. Former Canes show up in droves to work out here. Santana. Sinorice. Edgerrin. Reed. Vilma. Gore. McGahee. Wayne. D.J. Parrish. Kenard. Clinton. Ray-Ray. Bubba. The Playmaker. Shockey.

You name 'em, they're here - and when they show up, they usually don't come alone. Several former Canes have been known to recruit current NFL teammates to spend their off-season training in Miami at The U.

Call me crazy, but if things are so run down and in need of a facelift how come so many NFL superstars spend their time training here instead of at their respective franchise's multi-million dollar facilities? I'll tell you why. Because things aren't as bad as the media are making them out to be and in this case, a winning tradition, attitude and mindset outweight the bells and whistles.

Can Miami compete with the likes of Oregon and their facilities? Not unless a Hurricanes alum has Nike money. Literally. Swooshes and all.

Phil Knight has donated over $50M for the Autzen Stadium renovation and the most state of the art locker rooms in the sport. We're talking plasma screens at every locker and fingerprint biometric locks. This place is straight out of a science fiction movie.

But it's also home to no tradition, history or success. If you want a PlayStation 3 and a once a decade Rose Bowl birth, be a Duck. If you want to earn a ring, head to The U.

"Do you want one of these?" That's what former Miami offensive coordinator Gary Stevens would tell recruits as he extended a hand with a 1987 National Championship ring on it.

Nice locker room? Expanded stadium? Plasma TVs and high-tech fingerprint operated locks? To hell with 'em. At day's end, recruits have to ask themselves one question.

Do they want a ring?

When world class bodybuilders train, where do they go? A candy-ass health club where they hand you a plush towel and lemon-flavored water as you walk through the electric sliding door? Hell no. They get down and dirty and go to and old school gym.

Rocky III ring a bell? Stallone's character was fat and happy as the world champ. He living a cush lifestyle and was caught up in all the frills which come with being a pampered champion.

When Clubber Lang whooped his ass in that first fight, Rocky Balboa did some soul searching. If he was going to get back on top, he needed to get back to his roots. He and Apollo Creed left Philly for a gritty part of LA to train.

Down and dirty and old school, Balboa got knee-deep in it and found himself as there are no distractions when training hard and focusing on the task at hand. While this was simply a movie, people connected with the concept. Strip away all the "filler" and get down to business.

In this day and age, you can wow an 18-year old with a PS3 - but you can win him over with a proven track record. Miami has that edge over everyone else in the modern era.

Kirk Herbstreit mentioned that the Orange Bowl needed a new coat of paint. That and much more will be taken care of. $150M has been allotted by the City of Miami for a full on renovation which officially starts in 2007 an will be complete by the 2009 season opener.

Are the locker rooms as bad as people make them out to be? Hardly. The recent Football Locker Room Improvement dramatically upgraded the team's Hecht Athletic Center facility.

The project includes 105 new maple players lockers, 36" X wide X 24" deep X 88" high with stainless steel hardware and a clear coat finish; 19 maple coaches' lockers; 4 double display cabinets and an expansion to the equipment room.

Will anyone start confusing Miami's facilities with Oregon's anytime soon? Of course not. But a prettier set up for the Ducks won't make them Hurricane-like champs anytime soon, either.

Southern Cal is another program knocked for their facilities, yet it's hardly a chink in the armor of the Trojans current dynasty. Facilities also didn't stop the Canes from tallying up five titles since 1983 and a 34-game win streak between 2000-2003.

The sport's two greatest dynasties this decade and both are supposedly in the bottom 1/3 regarding their facilities.

If that doesn't tell you all this talk is blown out of proportion, nothing will.


.:Canes305:.