Few things in life truly get me pumped up. Actually, I consider it one of my better traits. A calm demeanor has served me well both personally and professionally. However, I’m not a cyborg nor am I Dr. Spock.
There have been moments nonetheless, when I have gotten an energy boost similar to that of drinking 10 cortaditos (if you don’t know what this is, ask for it at any Cuban restaurant next time you’re in Miami) with the concurrent desire to get something accomplished. This transformation best summarizes how I felt after watching several motivational speeches by Ray Lewis.
RL52 obviously needs no introduction here. Truth be told, his jersey number alone brings joyous mental images of opposing players getting plastered all over the field. While I’m pretty sure he never intentionally attempted to hurt another player, his intensity between the lines is unquestioned.
52 was always a man amongst boys, but never for the most obvious reasons. He wasn’t the tallest, fastest, or even the strongest player at “The U.” But he could never be superseded mentally. He was more determined than his opponent, worked harder, and knew that his relentless desire would ultimately crush anyone he faced. For Lewis, mental toughness and preparation were his biggest advantages. Lewis’ swagger isn’t merely arrogance or self-aggrandizing talk. He doesn’t just think it. He lives it.
While his on-field accomplishments alone make one gush, it’s the story behind those awards, numbers and highlights that is truly amazing. Though 52 came from your tragically typical broken inner-city home, his results are anything but usual. He is the most self-motivated and determined person I have ever witnessed. Watching some of these video’s inspire me to want to better myself. His speeches are filled with passion and personal stories that make one both motivated and acutely aware of how special this man truly is. His love of “the U” is unmatched and comes straight from the heart.
I remember driving home from work one day a couple of years ago listening to “The Dan LeBatard Show” on 790 “the ticket.” They had RL52 on and towards the end of the interview Dan asked Ray to give him an impromptu pregame motivational speech. Well, let me tell you something. I was so pumped up by his speech that I literally wanted to jump out of my moving vehicle and go tackle someone; anyone. I wish I could have found the audio. Simply incredible…
After recently coming across his motivational speech given to UM players last year, and the speech at the “powered by me” conference, I had to write about it. With all the new kids coming in this year (a class of 33) I thought this was the perfect time. It’s important to not only indoctrinate them (considering how young they are) on what means to be at “The U”, what our history is, and what the future demands are, but to also increase attention to what are the real factors that lead to success, both on the field and in life. Ray Lewis is the embodiment of all these and more. I only hope it has the same effect on those reading this as it did to me: hunger and desire to become better. This also summarizes everything Golden and his staff are trying to re-establish at Miami.
These four videos below caption RL52 at his best. And this new series will emphasize the history of Miami; its players, alumni, and coaches. Some will be fun, while others will take a more serious tone. Regardless, all will focus on the ‘Canes and hopefully give you some nuggets of enjoyment and knowledge.
Hope you Enjoy.
An aside: I hope someone writes an in-depth book about RL52 soon. My personal preference would be Michael Lewis (The Blind Side, Money Ball, The Big Short, etc..) He’s an incredible writer who loves sports and business, and has an uncanny ability to tell a story.
Ray speaking with players last year.
Speech at the “Powered by Me” Conference. Incredibly introspective by 52.
Here’s his basic offseason workout.
One Word: INTENSITY
If these video’s don’t move you, nothing will. Thank you Ray Lewis, for being a leading symbol of the greatness that is “The U.”
With the NFL Combine slated to begin on Feb. 22, I have decided to make a list of players from Miami that have declared for the 2012 NFL draft. We have added our two cents and also included the rankings and write-ups from WalterFootball.com.
Our thoughts:
Though some of the players are joining the draft for the right reasons, some others’ decisions are questionable. Personally, I come from the mind-set that you only leave early if you are projected to be drafted in the first or second round (there are some exceptions to this but this is my general principle.) This is especially true if you are a RB, since the wear-and-tear (i.e. number of carries) and risk of injury is so great. For all others, they should enjoy the benefits of staying in school for another year, finish getting their degree, and put together another strong year of play, thereby increasing the chances they get drafted higher, which results in a bigger payday and a larger commitment level from the NFL front office and coaching staff.
I understand the logic of some coaches and agents: players, especially with the new NFL rookie contracts, are really playing to get a second contract in which they receive their payday. It not an irrational or flawed decision, but I believe the added experience of staying all four years has more positives than leaving early does.
That being said, the NFL Combine will give some UM players the opportunity to display their talents – especially their speed and athleticism – which can make a considerable difference come draft day. This was especially true for the Raiders Organization (loved speed, just ask DVD) pre-Al Davis. Now it may be slightly less significant. Regardless, this is a great opportunity for many “day 2ers” to showcase themselves. Many ‘Canes have a lot to gain from this event.
Currently, 7 of the 10 players who declared for the draft have been invited to attend the event. They are: Brandon Washington, Marcus Forston, Olivier Vernon, Tommy Streeter, Travis Benjamin, Lamar Miller, and Jacory Harris.
Lamar Miller is projected as a late first, early second round pick (#2 RB overall), so his decision is a total no brainer.
Tommy Streeters’ decision on the other hand, being a red-shirt Sophomore, and only 1 real season of game tape, is a bit questionable. Yes, he’s ranked as the #8 WR, but with another year of film, he could have gone much much higher. Although, I’m sure the uncertainty of who was going to throw him the ball, and that many of his buddies are leaving probably factored into his decision. Overall, I don’t totally disagree with Streeter.
Spence, as a senior, had no choice, but he is highly ranked anyway, being the #7 overall LB prospect (may have improved after senior bowl). J12, Ojomo, Benjamin, Byrd, and Regis are also all seniors, so no questions here. Unfortunately though, Regis, Ojomo, Benjamin, Byrd and Jacory will all be lucky to get drafted (per the draftniks), but as usual, will likely get a Free Agent contract considering the number of players over the past several years that have underwhelmed at Miami and have gone on to have success at the NFL level (thanks again Coker and Shannon!!!!!!!).
The other players choosing to depart early leave me a bit confounded. Vernon has played few games over his three year career. Talented? Unquestionable. Proven? No chance. So why not return as the dominant favorite to start and potentially zoom up the draft board? No idea. Projected as a 4-5rd pick is nothing to laugh at, but little downside and huge upside exists if he returned in my opinion. Overall, don’t love the decision.
I view Forston exactly the same as Vernon. See above. Only thing I can add here is that all his childhood buddies from Northwestern are leaving, so he probably had little interest in staying behind. Probably part of their master plan hatched in High School.
Guard Brandon Washington is similar to Vernon and Forston with one major exception, he would have likely been a lock as a day 1 pick if he stayed one more year. He has the size, speed, aggression, and talent to be a top pick. Last year he played tackle, but his natural position is guard (projected at guard in NFL.) Another year in the system would have made a huge difference stock-wise. This is especially true if Seantrel Henderson moved to left tackle and the coaches allowed Washington to return to his natural position.
Though I have stated my case above its hard to really come down on a guy for wanting to leave early and reach his dream. All these guys have a chance to make a difference at the next level. I wish good luck to all the ‘Canes on their quest for success in the NFL!!!!!!
(So, I have included this tangential highlight reel of monster UM hits. I literally couldn’t help myself. See it in your heart if you can forgive me.)
Personal note: Dear Coach Golden, please show this video before each game next season. I think each and every current and future ‘Cane needs to know what we expect from players at “The U.” This is what our former glory looks like. Teams were literally afraid of playing Miami. Like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson in their heyday, the game was half over before it even started…….. Man am I excited for football season already!!
Here are the individual rankings and write-ups by WalterFootball.
DEFENSE
Olivier Vernon*, DE, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Position Rank #21
Projected Round (2012): 4-5. 12/21/11: Vernon was suspended for the first six games of the season by the NCAA. In six games, he had 18 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Vernon played well against Boston College in the season finale. He is a good athlete who should test well before the draft. Vernon has decided to skip his senior season, which looks like a questionable decision.
Adewale Ojomo, DE, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Position Rank #26
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA. 12/21/11: Ojomo was suspended for the first game of the season by the NCAA. He had 19 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Ojomo tried to return for another season but was denied a sixth year by the NCAA.
Marcus Forston*, DT, Miami
Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.97.
Position Rank #17
Projected Round (2012): 3-4. 12/16/11: Forston was suspended for the first contest of the season. He recorded five tackles in three games before going down with a season-ending knee injury. Ohio State center Mike Brewster had a good game against Forston. Forston declared for the draft and signed with Drew Rosenhaus, so he cannot change his mind and return to school. Forston is a good athlete with potential but has legitimate durability concerns entering the NFL.
Micanor Regis, DT, Miami
Height: 6-2. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
Position Rank #29
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA. 12/16/11: Regis had 41 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks this season. He did not look good going against Ohio State center Mike Brewster.
Sean Spence, OLB, Miami
Height: 6-0. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Position Rank #7
Projected Round (2012): 2-3. 12/26/11: This season, Spence was all over the field, yet constantly around the football, for Miami. He is a good tackler who rarely gets caught out of position. For 2011, Spence had 106 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble. He played very well against Georgia Tech, Miami and in many other games. The only thing that holds him back from being ranked higher is a lack of size. Getting off blocks could be an issue for Spence at the next level
OFFENSE
Jacory Harris, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Position Rank #22
Projected Round (2012): FA. 1/9/12: After showing some improvement throughout the season, Harris ended the year with a four interception game at home against Boston College. He was suspended for the Hurricanes’ first game of the season for his role in the Miami scandal. Harris completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,486 yards for 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Lamar Miller**, RB, Miami
Height: 5-11. Weight: 212.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Position Rank #2
Projected Round (2012): 1-2. 1/16/12: Miller was a dynamic playmaker in 2011. He ran for 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns rushing while averaging 5.46 yards per carry this year. Miller showed the speed to break off long touchdown runs, and is a threat to score with any touch. He also has the size and strength to handle a large amount of carries. The redshirt sophomore was one of the most dynamic backs in college football.
Tommy Streeter*, WR, Miami
Height: 6-5. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Position Rank #8
Projected Round (2012): 2-3. 12/12/11: In his first season of playing time, the junior Streeter was a source of big plays. He is a tall, lanky wide receiver who has the speed to stretch the field. In 2011, Streeter caught 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns. He is an excellent red-zone weapon due to his height and leaping ability. Streeter is raw and needs a lot of work as a route-runner. His draft stock probably could have been enhanced if he returned to Miami for his senior season before going pro, but Streeter declared and hired an agent, so there is no turning back.
Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami
Height: 5-10. Weight: 175.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Position Rank #33
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA. 12/12/11: Benjamin was suspended to start the season. He ended up catching 41 receptions for 609 yards and three scores. Benjamin needed to be more productive than that, and he also could have been more aggressive on some balls thrown to him deep downfield.
Brandon Washington*, G, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
Position Rank #7
Projected Round (2012): 3-4. 1/16/12: After being a 2010 All-ACC pick at guard, Miami moved Washington to left tackle after Seantrel Henderson was injured. Washington had a mixed season at left tackle. He did a quality job of run blocking for Hurricanes running back Lamar Miller. Washington has a nice combination of power and mobility, but belongs on the inside.
Head coach Al Golden was openly critical of Washington after he struggled against North Carolina and defensive end Quinton Coples. Washington took offense at his coach’s criticism, but remained the starter at left tackle. He has some talent, and his situation at Miami led him to entering the draft. In the NFL, Washington definitely has to move back inside.
Coach Jim Larranaga started out his pressor last Thursday by telling a neat story regarding a chance encounter on a NJ expressway and how that encounter turned into a great long-term personal relationship.
That short story, along with other interviews by former players and coaches, encapsulated the general feel of being around Coach Larranaga. People describe Coach L as a genuinely kindhearted, determined, detail-oriented, passionate, intense, and intelligent man, who also just so happens to be a phenomenal coach.
Here are some quotes to digest.
Coach Derek Kellogg from UMASS, a former Larranaga assistant had this to say: “I have the utmost respect for Coach Larranaga and his program. Some of the things we’re doing I can attribute to when I worked with him at George Mason. He’s been a mentor to me,” Kellogg said. “He’s going to have this program where everyone’s looking for it to go. He’s a great coach and a great mentor.”
and
“I had a great time with him,” said Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who was Larranaga’s co-coach in 2006 (during a Michael Jordan event.) “He’s a really neat guy to be around. He has as good people skills as any coach I’ve seen. Being around him, that was the first thing I noticed, and that is why he’s been successful. He’s able to get the most out of people in a positive way.”
Coach Larranaga’s not your run-of-the-mill coach that solely cares about winning at all costs. He’s in it for the betterment of the student-athletes, and that’s why kids gravitate to him; pleasantly describing their experiences in being coached by him.
Like all great coaches, he is a teacher first. His demeanor is calming, focusing on the process of playing well and knowing that wins are a by-product of having the right kids receiving the right instruction and being put in a position to win. He quotes everyone from Ghandi to Aristotle to the NBA’s Kevin Garnett, usually to prod and motivate his players to achieve more then they think they are capable of.
On the sidelines you can see him interacting with the players, especially the players sitting on the bench. Constantly coaching and instructing them on what to look, and do, should your number be called. His passion and intensity is tangible and players obviously feed off that energy. They sometimes lose, but never quit. Even in two tough games this year (home vs Maryland and @ Duke), when historically they may have floundered, they found a way to win, riding the confidence of their coach.
This is a truly welcomed reversal of the underwhelming experiences “The U” has endured under the Perry Clark and Frank Haith era’s, and this is only his first season with the team.
If nothing else, its the smallest and simplest of details where one can instantly notice the considerable difference in coaching (for some additional color check out his coaching instructional videos on youtube). In previous years, Miami had considerable trouble in-bounding the ball and breaking the press. Today, no such difficulty exists. They get the details right. The players look and feel like a real team, capable of beating anyone.
Coach L is also known for finding kids in the “Money Ball” mold, i.e. he focuses more on statistics than he does on a kid passing some “eye test.” Not only is that used as part of game planning, but it was also a strategy he exploited while recruiting at George Mason and it will unquestionably be used at Miami; although, it should be a bit easier to recruit kids to Miami.
Like virtually all organizations, things are top down oriented. That’s how culture is created and it must be constantly reinforced over time. Larranaga’s demeanor, passion, caring, and teaching are the bedrock of this new culture. Furthermore, the recruits he brings in will be a reflection of him: hard-working, caring, passionate, intelligent, determined to win, and more than just a number on a jersey. In short, they will be successful.
Here are two video’s that really show you what we are getting in Coach Larranaga.
The kids that attended George Mason – coach Larranaga’s previous school, played their hearts-out, making the NCAA tournament 5 times in 12 years – a enviable record for any coach (for more on that click here.) On numerous occasions they beat “better” teams (on paper) including GM’s fantastic road to the final four in 2006 in which the commuter school beat titans Michigan State and UCONN. The reason for their success? Its not just talent, its what you do with that talent.
Over his career as a college head coach, Coach L has coached 66 players that have gone on to play professionally (the full list is here.) Consider that for a moment. Here is a coach, that until this current season has only been at 1 mid-major (George Mason) and several smaller programs, and yet his players have gone on to play professionally.
And that’s what should be the norm from here on out. In his first season as head coach at Miami, Coach Larranaga is already proving that he can make guys better. For the first time since joining the ACC, Miami is above .500 in conference wins at 7-5, with 4 to go. Though not a given, the team also has a chance to make it to March Madness, instead of watching it from their couch’s. What a welcomed and exciting possibility that is!
Needless to say, I am proud to be a ‘Canes basketball fan, and this is easily the most excited I’ve been for the future of this program since I started obsessing over it in 1996. I am attending every game I can with a blend of intrigue, hope, and passion, so I can help support Coach L and the players in their quest to make the Tourney. Its vital that you do the same.
How can you not be enthralled with “The U’s” future?
Miami fans have much to cheer about, even with the loss to FSU on Saturday. Not only are the ‘Canes currently above .500 in the ACC, but the schedule looks favorable from here on out. With 4 of the remaining 6 games at the BUC, Miami has a real shot to finish with 10 wins and earn a trip to the “Big Dance.”
While that would be truly great feat (especially considering its Coach L’s first season and the underwhelming start to the season), what Miami fans should really feel good about is the future of the program. Though not a forgone conclusion, K2 and Big Reg have additional eligibility, we have the right coach to lead this program (Kudos to AD Eichorst for getting him an extension), and Shane Larkin is only going to get better.
Since Shane was originally committed to DePaul University little attention was paid to him by Miami fans coming out of High School. Upon arrival on UM’s campus, not much was known about the 6’1” point guard other than his pro sports pedigree (his father, Barry Larkin was an elite baseball player.) So, before we move forward, let me go backwards.
Coming out of Dr. Phillips (“DP”) High School, in Orlando, Larkin, was a two-time Class 6A first-team all-state player, the second-leading scorer in DP history (with 1,633 career points) and he holds Panthers records for steals in a season (114) and career (320). As a senior, he led DP to a 27-6 record and state runner-up finish with team-high averages in scoring (18.8 points), assists (6.4), rebounds (6.3) and steals (3.5).
Shane was the #3 Recruit in Florida and #93 Nationally. He was the #2 Point guard in Florida (behind that Rivers guy at Duke) and was ranked as the #16 PG in the country.
Here is a video of Larkin vs. Rivers in High School.
At our first sighting (Midnight Miami), it was easy to see that inherited talent on display. His quick hands, lighting fast speed, and incredible poise (as a true freshman nonetheless) was something to behold.
Since being put into the starting line-up, the ‘Canes are an impressive 5-1, beating Duke and having only FSU’s loss as a blemish (we couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn, no thanks to FSU’s tough D). This is no mere coincidence; Larkin is as talented a pure point guard as they come and is the glue that keeps this team together on the court. And while just a newbie to UM, he has quickly risen up the ranks of my favorite all-time UM hoops players.
However, this Michelangelo is not yet complete. There are several things (though mostly minor) that need to be refined in order for Larkin to become an elite player. Under Coach Larranaga’s tutelage, Larkin has a real chance to become a truly special player.
Tonight will be a tough match-up and a good test for Larkin as the ‘Canes are going up against one of the premier teams in both the ACC and Country in No. 5 ranked UNC. With practically 4 starting caliber NBA players on their team, UNC will be hard to contain. However, after toppling Duke at Cameron (I’m still riding high on that one), I believe the Hurricanes have enough to win this game.
Al Goldens second recruiting class is something to behold. All ‘Canes fans should be very happy today, as nearly every need was filled and some monster recruits were pulled in.
According to Rivals.com, 5 ‘Canes are in their top 100 rated players in the country list. They are: Tracy Howard #13, Duke Johnson #30, Deon Bush #83, Tyriq McCord #92, and Raphael Kirby #94.
If there was ever any doubt about Golden’s recruiting ability, that concern can firmly be put to rest. He and the rest of the coaching staff did a marvelous job with the class of 2012. Though final rankings are not out, I wouldn’t be shocked if we pulled in a top 5 class.
This is a very large class, with 33 in total (9 were additions to last years class), so it was both quantity and quality. No doubt this further helps in reestablishing the “State of Miami”, with the vast majority of kids coming from South Florida to Tampa.
Offensively, major questions surround who will be QB next year. With several kids on campus someone will need to step up in the spring (Morris obviously has the advantage.) Thankfully, with this recruiting class and last years class combined, there will be no lack of talent to hand or pass the ball off too. The O-line (the best returning unit) will definitely do their part in providing running lanes and time to throw. Overall, I’m not overly concerned with the offense.
Defensively, besides Telemaque, Armstrong, Perryman and Chickillo, 7 positions are unsettled. Opportunities to impress and play immediately were likely big reasons Deon Bush and Tracey Howard, Tyriq McCord, Raphael Kirby and Jelani Hamilton decided to join. However, it will not be easy to immediately replace Sean Spence and the experience of last years team.
While, next year might be a tough year record-wise – with the number of Freshmen and Sophomores set to take considerable snaps – we should start to see some new players provide much needed hope towards building a dominate future, that we ‘Canes fans need so desperately.
Here is the complete list of committed recruits per Rivals.com:
Pos
Nat’l Rank
HT/ WT/ 40
Nat’l Rating
Name, School, Hometown
CB
4
Tracy Howard
6-0/175/4.40
(Miramar HS)
Miramar, FL
RB
5
Duke Johnson
5-9/188/4.48
(Miami Norland HS)
Miami, FL
DE
15
Jelani Hamilton
6-5/245
(St. Thomas Aquinas HS)
Fort Lauderdale, FL
OLB
17
Raphael Kirby
6-2/218
(Stephenson HS)
Stone Mountain, GA
S
18
Deon Bush
6-1/185/4.40
(Christopher Columbus HS)
Miami, FL
OT
23
Ereck Flowers
6-6/300
(Miami Norland HS)
Miami, FL
DE
28
Tyriq McCord
6-3/223
(Jefferson Senior HS)
Tampa, FL
WR
35
Angelo Jean-Louis
6-0/185
(Palm Beach Central HS)
Wellington, FL
MLB
27
Jawand Blue
6-1/200
(West Boca Raton HS)
Boca Raton, FL
QB
43
Gray Crow
6-4/220
(Countryside HS)
Clearwater, FL
OLB
48
Josh Witt
6-2.5/210
(Cypress Bay HS)
Weston, FL
DT
49
Jacoby Briscoe
6-4/310
(Carencro HS)
Lafayette, LA
DE
49
Jake O’Donnell
6-6/235/4.67
(Central Bucks HS-East)
Doylestown, PA
OG
51
Danny Isidora
6-4/300
(Cypress Bay HS)
Weston, FL
S
52
Rayshawn Jenkins
6-1/190
(Admiral Farragut Academy)
Saint Petersburg, FL
DT
56
Earl Moore
6-2/280/4.85
(Hillsborough Senior HS)
Tampa, FL
RB
63
Danny Dillard
6-2/200/4.40
(Venice Senior HS)
Venice, FL
QB
65
Preston Dewey
6-3/196
(St. Andrew’s)
Austin, TX
DT
67
Dequan Ivery
6-1/310
(Columbia High School- South)
Lake City, FL
OLB
77
Gabriel Terry
6-3/210/4.60
(Palm Beach Central HS)
Wellington, FL
CB
81
Vernon Davis
5-10/170
(Coral Reef Senior HS)
Miami, FL
WR
83
Herbert Waters
6-0/170/4.50
(Homestead Senior HS)
Homestead, FL
CB
86
Nate Dortch
6-1/165
(South Fort Myers HS)
Fort Myers, FL
CB
89
Antonio Crawford
5-11/180
(Plant Senior HS)
Tampa, FL
WR
90
Malcolm Lewis
6-0/185
(Miramar HS)
Miramar, FL
CB
98
Larry Hope
6-0/160/4.50
(American Senior HS)
Hialeah, FL
DE
99
Dwayne Hoilett
6-3/215/4.80
(Vero Beach HS)
Vero Beach, FL
WR
170
Jontavious Carter
6-4/190
(Crisp County HS)
Cordele, GA
WR
PG
Robert Lockhart
6-2/180
(Fork Union Military Academy)
Fork Union, VA
OT
PG
Taylor Gadbois
6-8/300
(Fork Union Military Academy)
Fork Union, VA
QB
99
David Thompson
6-1/215
(Westminster Christian School)
Miami, FL
WR
226
D’Mauri Jones
6-4/185
(Leesburg HS)
Leesburg, FL
CB
JC
Ladarius Gunter
6-2/200
(Fort Scott)
Fort Scott, KS
Since it would result in an encyclopedic blog entry, we will not highlight every player individually. However, we are looking forward to highlighting these student athletes in future blogs as they become established parts of the UM Football family.
Here are some highlights of the headliners in the Class of 2012:
Tracy Howard (#1 DB in Country and #1 Player in Florida)
The NFL playoffs have a huge Hurricane flavor. Jimmy Graham nearly kept the Saints alive with a remarkable catch and run. Willis McGahee gave the Steelers fits in the wildcard round. Ed Reed clinched the Ravens win over the Texans with yet another remarkable interception. And Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle were all over the field as the Giants pummeled the Packers.
Ed Reed sealed the win over former teammate Andre Johnson
In this years AFC and NFC Championship Games, 11 players will have come from the University of Miami. They are: From the Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis (All-Pro),Reed (All-Pro), Bryant McKinney (All-Pro), Damien Berry (practice squad); NY Giants: Rolle (All-Pro), Phillips, Dwayne Hendricks (practice squad); 49ers: Tavares Gooden, Frank Gore (All-Pro), Corey Nelms (Practice Squad); NE Patriots: Vince Wilfork (All-Pro). This guarantees at least one former Cane will end this year with a championship ring.
This should come as no surprise. No other collegiate team has replicated the NFL talent the “U” has put forth over the past 2 decades. It’s not simply quantity, but most notably quality (at least 4 players listed above will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, including two (Reed and Lewis) who are arguably the greatest to ever play their respective positions).
Some more facts:
The University of Miami‘s football program has set multiple records in producing players who go on to the National Football League. Put simply: There are tons of Miami Hurricanes in the NFL. The Hurricanes hold the record for most players selected in the first round in a single draft (6, in 2004), most first-round draft picks in a two-year period (11, from 2003 to 2004), most first-round draft picks in a three-year period (15, from 2002 through 2004), and most first-round picks in a four-year period (19, from 2001 through 2004). For a 14-year period, from 1994 through 2008, Miami had at least one player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Hurricanes once had a streak of 149 consecutive regular season weeks where a former Hurricane scored a touchdown in an NFL game; the streak started in Week 15 of the 2002 NFL regular season and ended in Week 11 of the 2011 season. During the streak, 33 different former Hurricanes scored touchdowns and a total of 661 touchdowns were scored. The Miami Hurricanes are also 10th overall on the NFL’s all-time number of draft picks with 307 (School only started the football program in earnest in 1970, whereas powerhouses like Michigan and Ohio State have been around since 1944, first year of the NFL).
Since 1999, Miami Hurricanes has had 67 players selected, 2nd-most in the nation, behind only Ohio State University (77). In the same time-span, Hurricanes players were picked 33 times in the first-round, the most of any Division I university.
Though Miami has struggled over the past couple of years record-wise, the school is unequivocally moving in the right direction, under the leadership of Al Golden. There is no doubt that over the next several years, Miami will continue to send impact players to the NFL, thus making it a very attractive destination for all talented and motivated recruits, looking for an ideal “home” around the country.
Hurricanes Recruiting update:
The “U” picked up 3 new recruits for the 2013 class. ATH Jayron Kearse 6’4” 185lbs, RB Alex Collins 5′ 11″ 180lbs, and DT Keith Bryant 6′ 2″ 290lbs. All three are highly touted players from Florida, that join fellow Florida ATH Levonte Whitfield in committing to the ‘Canes. It’s a great sign to see Al Golden focus on recuiting local kids. Howard Schnellenberger’s’ “State of Miami” philosophy appears to have rubbed off on Golden.
