CATEGORY 6

It's all about . . . The U!!!

Tag Archives: Anthony Chickillo

Portrait of a ‘Canes fan.

I recently came across a thread online of a blog that will remain unnamed in which rival bloggers exchanged thoughts via a Q&A session. (Sound Familiar??) One of the more intriguing questions Blogger A asked Blogger B was, “What is your typical fan like?”

Who are Miami Hurricane fans?

This got me thinking, What is the typical ‘Cane fan really like?  Reflecting back on my days at UM, my visits to the Orange Bowl, my far too many interactions via Social Media, and my experiences from this BLOG I came to a conclusion:

There is NO typical ‘Cane fan.

Yes they are all passionate. And there’s a good chance a Miami fan watching a game from home will scare a neighbor or two with a well placed obscenity.

Miami fans are always expressive.

But more then anything, Miami fans  are a diverse group that simply can not be typified. They reside not only in South Florida but all over the country, and the world. ‘Cane fans come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds.

What makes them special is how despite their distinctiveness, they come together (and party) like a family when the ‘Canes play.

Miami fans even make yard work fun.

On that note, I petitioned the social network world & asked Miami fans the following questions:

C6: Which game in 2012 are you most looking forward to and why??

Hamid Mustafa: “The Criminoles, Our rival and we owe them.”

C’mon Man: “FSU, they got us twice in a row, we need pay back.”

Lauren Lynn Lococo: “Ga Tech, because I am going.”

Jake Cravens: “Notre Dame, because we don’t play them every year.”

JPMorgan41: “BC because it will tell us pretty quickly what kind of year we will have and we get to see the freshman in action for the 1st time.”

Shaun Martin: “I am looking forward to the FSU game, will be my first one at home attending.”

Ymoni Churchhill: “Noles,Virginia,and Virginia Tech, why 1 word: REVENGE.”

Alexander James Loucks: ” Notre Dame. We shall take revenge and show the world and Heather Dinich that the []_[] is back!”

Raena Alexis Latin Lawson: “UM vs Notre Dame so I can shut up my husband and everyone else here in Indiana!”

Kevin Harris: “Oct 20th homecoming vs FSwho? Because the 1987 Championship team will be honored.”

Miami has many big games in 2012.

C6: Who will be UM’s offensive MVP in 2012 & why?

Kevin Sutherland: “Stephen Morris, because he has to be.”

Bo Jackson: “Morris, because he is going to have a break out year.”

Lauren Lynn Lococo: “Mike James, definately going to carry the load.”

Phillip Cornell: “Dont see one standout, see success by committee.”

Shayla Loroncia: MVP will be Duke Johnson because, I think he will have many big plays and will probably set a record for most yards by a freshman.

ColinB: “Mike James . He is going to surprise a lot of people.”

Shaun Martin: “Gotta be Allen Hurns!”

Shawn Hazelwood: “Stephen Morris – If it’s not we’re in trouble!”

The play of QB Stephen Morris could be key.

C6: Who will be UM’s defensive MVP in 2012 & why?

Matt Ludens: “Denzel Perryman just because the dude’s a stud!”

Jake Cravens: “Got to go with Chickillo.”

Phillip Cornell: “D.P.52. He will be all over the field.”

DannyBoyCane: “Anthony Chickillo. Look for him to be a leader and one teams are going to have to double against. He’ll make his teammates on the D-Line much better, especially the ones on the Interior like Smith and Porter, provided the latter stays healthy.“

 Anthony “Hellfresh” Rollings: “Denzel Perryman,  Do I have to explain?”

Canes00: “Chick, expecting double digit sacks.”

Defensive stalwart Anthony Chickillo.

C6: Favorite game-time snack? Favorite game-time drink?

Matt Ludens: “Cheese, sausage, and crackers. Whatever cold beer I have in the fridge.”

Jake Cravens: “Home Games – Lemon Chill at the stadium, Away Games – Chips/Salsa.”

Shayla Loroncia: “Favorite game time snack and drink is pizza, wings, vodka and cranberry juice, Mike’s hard lemonade or wine!”

Ymoni Churchhill: “Chicken tenders and fries with a Sprite.”

Jason Elledge: “Ribs and Crown.”

JPMorgan41: “Kettle,  Red Bull and Buffalo wings.”

PowerCane1: “Kooter Brown’s Wings & Coors Light.”

Shaun Martin: “Chips and dip for snacks, Bud light lime to drink.”

ArmChairQB: “Bratwurst & Bud Light.”

Shawn Hazelwood: “Pizza rolls – Coke or Heineken.”

Dee Kieft: “Snack-jello shots, Drink-jello shots.”

Natalie Ann: “Pizza, pretzels, & sweet leaf tea.”

Canesboy60: “Charcoal cheeseburgers and 7 dollar stadium beers.”

Super Fan Shelton Douthett and friends enjoys some tailgating.

C6:If you had a chance to meet Al Golden, what would you say/ask to him?

Dawn Thompson: “I LOVE YOU!”

Kevin Sutherland: “Damn good job!”

Ymoni Churchhill: “How can you make us a National Champion again?”

Matthew Pollack: “Do you need an assistant or intern?”

JPMorgan41: “I would thank him for his fire and dedication.”

MadDog71: “God Bless You… Bring em Back.”

Canesboy60: “I met him last year, during the Spring Tour, and asked him what he thought about non-conference scheduling. Does he prefer to continue to schedule top notch opponents, or go the ***** way, like UF. He straight up said that he prefers a mix (no surprise there), but said we are playing opponents ahead of where the program needs to be”

Miami fans love Al Golden.

C6: Favorite place to watch a game?

Dawn Thompson: “Section 126 row 7 seat 1.”

JPMorgan41: “The Orange Bowl!”

Cory Edmonson: “Sec 130 row 12 at Sun Life.”

Jason Elledge: “Anywhere there are Ribs and Crown and a 50 inch TV.”

ColinB: “The OB, always and forever.”

CaneAtty: “Orange Park Poker Room.”

Christopher Traye: “Grilling, corona’s and firing up the projector.”

Game day at Sun Life.

C6: What’s more annoying “Fear the Spear” or “Catholics VS Convicts”
& why?

Matt Ludens: “Catholics vs Convicts. So old school and now ND is more the convicts than we are so it doesn’t even make sense.”

Cane1996: “Thug U and Da U and “All About the U” and other such variations are more annoying to me.”

Pete-cohete Vic: “Catholics vs. Convicts…because if you really think about it, it’s the “Catholics” that have been going around doing naughty things.”

Jake Cravens: “Niether,  FSU’s retarded war chant.”

Alexander James Locks: “”The” Ohio State University is the most annoying thing ever. Period.”

Raena Alexis Latin Lawson: “Still wish I had my old CatholicsvsConvicts shirt!! Fear the Spear is ANNOYING!”

 Anthony “Hellfresh” Rollings: “Fear the Spear. This catchphrase just screams of failure.”

Natalie Ann: “Both are annoying but the fswhoo chant is like nails on a chalkboard.”

Dee Kieft: “Catholics vs Convicts-I was at 3 of these games and Miami had more Catholics on their team than ND.”

Sebastian fires up the fans.

Thanks to all who responded!!

Category 6 Breaks down the 2012 Miami Hurricanes Football Season.

Al Golden’s second season gets underway on September 1st with a trip to BC to face the Boston College Eagles. While 2012 will be played under the cloud of pending NCAA sanctions,  there is still plenty of room for optimism. Miami is coming off a top 10 recruiting class and has a plethora of young talent. Golden has promised the best players will play, so the season promises to be exciting.  Today, Category 6 takes a look at the 2012 Miami Hurricanes.

Denzel Perryman and the ‘Canes are set for 2012.

What better way to get the preview started then another great video by CaneFreak2001.


Best Unit: Offensive Line.

6’4 296 pound C Shane McDermott and 6’6 312 pound G Brandon Linder  came to UM as highly touted recruits and have not disappointed. Linder is good enough to fill in at tackle or center if needed.  6’7 323 pound LT Malcolm Bunche is having the best fall of anyone on the O Line. 6’5 314 pound Jon Feliciano played tackle last year as a true freshman, but has the nasty streak ideal to fill out the other guard spot nicely. The one question on the unit is RT, where true freshman 6’6 314 pound Ereck Flowers has come in and surprised everyone with his play. Flowers’ competition at RT, former #1 overall recruit 6’8 340 pound Seantrel Henderson, has had all kinds of issues off the field this summer. Look for both to play. If Miami can get Henderson to reach his full potential, they will not only have one of the better offensive lines in the ACC, but also the country.

The key to any offense starts up front.

Most Improved Unit: Defensive Backs.

The loss of Ray Ray Armstrong will hurt, but plenty of talent remains. CB Brandon McGee has earned the coaches’ praise throughout the offseason. McGee, a senior, will need to lock down the oppositions best WR while newcomers Ladarius Gunter and 5 star freshman Tracy Howard get their feet wet on the other side. At S senior Vaughn Telemaque will be counted on to provide leadership as Tracy Rodgers, AJ Highsmith, and another freshman Deon Bush fill out the other spot. With a nice mix of veterans and newcomers, look for the UM secondary to produce far more interceptions then the ACC low 6 they had in 2011.

Brandon McGee has worked hard this offseason.

Sleepers:

OLB Gabe Terry. The 6’3 215 pound freshman Terry has earned the praise of coaches and teammates alike with an endless motor and a knack for disruption.

“He’s our ball-disruption king,” said UM LB Denzel Perryman.

“Last week, he had eight sacks. In one practice.”

Look for Terry to earn immediate PT as a pass rusher and on special teams.

#58 Gabe Terry is a force

WR Kendal Thompkins. The heady 5’10 184 pound senior Thompkins remains on top of the depth chart at WR with Allen Hurns, despite the impressive play of freshman Malcolm Lewis and sophomores Rayshawn Scott and Phillip Dorsett. Thompkins has just 8 catches over his career to this point, but its hard not to be impressed by the hard work he has put in this offseason thus far.

Star Power: DE Anthony Chickillo.

As a true freshman last season, Chickillo produced 6 sacks. Anything less than double figures this season would be a shock. Chickillo’s talent is matched only by his effort. This season he should become a household name amongst ACC fans.

Anthony Chickillo is ready for a breakout season.

Keys to a Successful Season:

1) Stephen Morris has to be a better then average ACC QB.

The running game looks to be a strength. Behind one of the better offensive lines in the country, an improved and faster Mike James is set for a big senior year. Explosive freshman Randy “Duke” Johnson looks the part of a true superstar in the waiting. But when UM starts to face 8 man fronts, it will be up to Morris to keep opposing defenses honest. Additionally running the ball against Virginia Tech and FSU, and their NFL sized front sevens, is going to be tough sledding. Fortunately for Miami, Morris possesses a huge arm and Allen Hurns is a steady reciever who can make plays in the red zone. TEs Asante Cleveland and Clive Wafford will be keys as well.  Offensive Coordinator Jedd Fisch has promised to feature the TE more this season. If Morris can limit the turnovers and be productive week in and week out, UM should light up the scoreboard.

A UM tradition

2) Stuff the Run!

Too often last season Miami gave up huge chunks of yards on the ground.  The ‘Canes finished 7th in the ACC in rushing yards allowed, and often those yards were accumulated at the worst possible times. The latest depth chart shows Luther Robinson and Olsen Pierre as the starters at DT, but we expect massive senior Darius Smith to be the biggest key to stopping the run. Smith has dropped from 360 pounds down to 320, which should mean improved stamina.  If he can plug the middle and allow potential ALL ACC LB Denzel Perryman to clean up, Miami’s run defense should be much more stout in 2012.

Schedule/Prediction:

The schedule is daunting. Opening up at BC will be a challenge that we think the young ‘Canes will pass. Following up with another road win at Kansas State however is a lot to ask. After what should be a gimme at home against Bethune Cookman, Miami travels to ATL to take on Ga Tech, in what will be a close game. By the time they get  a very good NC State team at home, the young players should have their feet wet. Just in time to head to Chicago to take on Notre Dame in what promises to be an emotional game. The ‘Canes reward should they win is a three game home stretch no team in the country would envy. UNC starts it off, followed by visits from bitter rivals Va Tech and FSU. The season concludes with a home game against improving USF sandwiched by trips to Virginia and Duke.  WOW!!!!  We see the ‘Canes finishing 8-4, with wins against BC, Bethune, Ga Tech, NC State, UNC, Virgina, USF, & Duke. UM might be one season away from beating the likes of Kansas State, NC State, FSU, and Va Tech.  But if Al Golden and Co surprise a few folks, we wouldn’t be shocked. Look for Randy “Duke” Johnson to earn ACC freshman of the year award, and Brandon Linder, Allen Hurns, Mike James, Anthony Chickillo, Denzel Perryman, and Dalton Botts to contend for ALL ACC honors.

Randy “Duke” Johnson looks like a natural.

Scores & Schedule - All postseason broadcasts are subject to availability
 Date Opponent Time/Result Audio/Video
Sat, Sep 1 at Boston College 3:30 pm –
Sat, Sep 8 at (22) Kansas State 12:00 pm –
Sat, Sep 15 Bethune-Cookman 12:00 pm –
Sat, Sep 22 at Georgia Tech TBA –
Sat, Sep 29 North Carolina State TBA –
Sat, Oct 6 at Notre Dame 7:30 pm –
Sat, Oct 13 North Carolina TBA –
Sat, Oct 20 (7) Florida State TBA –
Thu, Nov 1 (16) Virginia Tech 7:30 pm –
Sat, Nov 10 at Virginia TBA –
Sat, Nov 17 South Florida TBA –
Sat, Nov 24 at Duke TBA –

 

Category 6 Breaks Down ACC Defenses.

As we creep closer and closer to the start of the 2012 season, (51 days and counting) we continue our break down of the ACC today with defenses. The individual talent across the board is impressive, including a number of guys who should go early in the NFL draft, but who has the best overall unit?? Here’s our breakdown:

FSU's Brandon Jenkins.

 

Ranking ACC Defenses 1-12:

#1 FSU. Will 2012 be the year that FSU’s on field play catches up with its’ immense talent? Time will tell. But one thing is clear, this is a loaded unit, especially the front and the back four. Future NFL 1st round draft pick Brandon Jenkins (21.5 sacks over the past two seasons) is a beast at DE.  German born DE Bjoern Werner (7 sacks in 2011) may not get the press of Jenkins, but he is a solid all around player. Timmy Jernigan mans the middle, and there is no shortage of depth behind these guys.  5 star freshmen DTs Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards could play right away. If anything gets past the D line, Christian Jones and Telvin Smith are solid LBs. But the biggest strength of this unit despite all the talent up front, are the DBs. If Greg Reid can overcome his off the field issues, he could be the best cover corner in the ACC. Lamarcus Joyner is a spectacular safety, and some FSU fans will argue Xavier Rhodes is a better CB then Reid. With all this talent, it will be the coaching staff’s job to get this unit to gel. In 2011 the on field results did not match the talent on paper. This should be the year FSU’s defense produces to its ability.

#2 Va Tech. The Hokies return all 4 starters on the defensive line, and the front seven as a whole looks to be one of the best in the country. James Gayle (12.5 TFL in 2011) anchors the defensive front, but he’s not alone. DE JR Collins and NT Derrick Hopkins are solid proven performers. Behind these behemoths are 2 of the best LBs in the conference in 6’2 253 pound Bruce Taylor (7 TFL 5 sacks in 2011 despite missing 6 games) & Tariq Edwards (71 tackles 11.5 TFL in 2011). If Bud Foster’s unit has one potential weakness it will be the defensive backs. Losing Jayron Hosley to the NFL leaves Kyle Fuller and Antone Exum as the CB starters. Expect them to be tested early and often by opposing CBs. True freshman Donaldven Manning could be forced to contribute immediately should they falter.

#3 NC State.  If Greg Reid isn’t the best cover corner in the ACC, Thorpe nominee David Amerson is. Amerson had a remarkable 13 INTs last season and he is just one of four returning starters at DB for the Wolfpack. 6-0 207 pound Earl Wolf provides veteran leadership at S. While the DBs are an unquestioned strength, there are some questions on the front 7. 6’3 205 pound converted S Rodman Noel will be counted on to make some plays at LB. On the D line they have some very good young talent. 6’1 242 pound Art Norman tallied 10 TFL and 7 sacks in 2011.  Joining him will be talented youngsters T.Y. McGill and Thomas Teal. Overall this will be a quick, ball hawking squad that piles up turnovers to make up for their lack of size.

David Amerson is a Ball Hawk

# 4 Miami. It may seem presumptuous to rank the “Canes defense this high, but a closer look reveals that UM has a very talented, albeit young defensive squad. Up front it all starts with Anthony Chickillo. Coming off an impressive freshman season in which he got better as the season progressed, we expect Chickillo to finish 2012 as one fo the best DEs in the conference. In the middle Miami hopes 6’2 360 pound Darius Smith can fill holes the way Vince Wilfork used to. Stopping the run will be a huge key for this squad. MLB Denzel Perryman shows the ability to run down ball carriers sideline to sideline. He could emerge as the leader of this group. True freshman LB Raphael Kirby is the latest in the classic mode of fast and athletic LBs that are a signature at the U. Look for him to get on the field early. The DBs should be the most improved unit on the team. No one has ever questioned Ray Ray Armstrong’s talent. If Armstrong and fellow senior S Vaughn Telemaque put it together, they are a formidable pair. At CB Brandon McGee has shown signs of being a lock down corner, and fellow corners Larry Hope, and Ladarius Gunter have  had very good springs. The wildcard of the group could be 5 star freshman CB Tracy Howard, who could be too good to keep off the field for long.

Freshman Tracy Howard may see the field early for UM

 

#5 UNC. While the Tar Heels may not have the eye-popping talent of years past this unit still has the ability to be one of the best in the ACC. Quentin Coples is gone to the NFL but Kareem Martin (4 sacks in 2011) and massive 6-3 320 pound Sylvester Williams return. Kevin Reddick is an experienced LB who racked up 71 tackles last year. Running against this team will be no easy chore. Tre Boston is a ferocious safety who loves to lay the wood on opposing recievers. The CBs could be the biggest question on the team, Jabari Price and Tim Scott will need to step up.

# 6 Virginia. 6’3 225 pound LB Steve Greer is a tackling machine, expect him to improve on last year’s total of 103. Joining Greer on the outside is the dynamic 6’2 230 pound Laroy Reynolds (8 TFL in 2011). The biggest problem for this unit will be replacing the 3 starters on the D line who have graduated. Additonally, Demetrius Nicholson is the only returning starter amongst the DBs. The coaching staff loves the young talent, but there could be growing pains early on.  Despite the inexperience, expect this unit to compete hard every game for coach Mike London, much like they did in 2011.

Tackling machine Steve Greer

#7 GA Tech. With a good ball control offense, the Yellow Jackets defense often spends long stretches of time on the sideline. However when they do hit the field there are some very good players. 6’3 235 pound OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (11 TFL 6 sacks in 2011) may be the best of the bunch. GT hopes that massive NT T.J. Barnes and talented DE Izaan Cross develop into consistent playmakers. S Isiah Johnson (78 tackles 3 INTs) leads the secondary. With an experienced DC in Al Groh leading the way, this defense should be very solid in 2012.

# 8 Clemson. The offense overshadowed and often masked the poor play of the defense in 2011. In 2012 under new DC Brent Venables there should be improvement. All 3 starting LBs return including 6’3 235 pound Stephone Anthony and Jonathan Williard (75 tackles in 2011) . The defensive line will be very young, but 6’4 280 pound Malliciah Goodman should be a good one. The secondary will also lack experience, but there’s plenty of young talent. More than anything this unit needs to just make a few plays while its offense wins games.

# 9 Wake Forest. Former LB Nikita Whitlock (14 TFL) is a 5’11 260 pound force up front. Mike Olson is a very solid MLB. But this is a defense that produced just 11 sacks last year. This lack of pass rush puts tremedous pressure on the corners, who are good ones. Merrill Noel and Kenny Okoro can both play. But in a league filled with explosive WRs, the Demon Deacons need a lot more up front. The big question is will anyone step up to help Whitlock create havoc and keep the talented corners from being exposed?

# 10 BC. The loss of All World LB Luke Kuechly will make a drop off near impossible to avoid. The good news is 6’2 222 pound OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis returns. The defensive line looks to be a bit undersized overall, but 6’3 302 pound Kaleb Ramsey will anchor the unit. CB Al Louis-Jean Jr. came out of high school as a highly touted prospect, and will need to step up for the secondary to be successful.  Expect this unit to compete hard, but struggle with a lack of size up front.

# 11 MD. The Maryland Terrapins gave up a whopping 457 ypg last year, dead last in the ACC. This is especially surprising considering they have one of the best DTs in the conference in Joe Vellano (94 tackles in 2011). Vellano led all of FBS in tackles by a defensive lineman, and plays with an endless motor. He will need continued help in 2012 from 6’4 220 LB Kenny Tate (100 tackles, 3 INT as in 2010), a converted S. Additionally S Matt Robinson returns from injury to shore up the back-end. There’s a chance this unit could surprise and end up better then this ranking. Lots of young players gained valuable experience in 2011, and their improvement in 2012 will determine if this unit exceeds expectation.

#12 Duke. Duke’s strength defensively should be its secondary. 6-1 220 pound Walt Canty (87 tackles) returns. CB Russ Cockrell also shows promising ability. DE Kenny Anunike will need to get some pressure on the QB to protect the DBs, but overall the front 7 appears to be undersized. Duke will have its’ hands full in 2012 trying to keep opposing offenses out of the end zone.

Projected All ACC Defense:

DL: Brandon Jenkins FSU, Joe Vellano MD, Anthony Chickillo UM, James Gayle Va Tech.  (Honorable Mention: Nikita Whitlock Wake, & J.R. Collins Va Tech)

LB: Denzel Perryman UM, Bruce Taylor Va Tech, Steve Greer UVA, Kevin Reddick UNC. (Honorable Mention: Jeremiah Attaochou Ga Tech, Christian Jones FSU)

DB: David Amerson NC State, Greg Reid FSU, Lamarcus Joyner FSU, Isiah Johnson Ga Tech. (Honorable Mention: Ray Ray Armstrong UM, Merrill Noel Wake)

Best Tackler: Steve Greer UVA.

Hardest Hitter: Tre Boston UNC.

Best Playmaker: David Amerson NC State.

Breakout Performer: Anthony Chickillo UM.

Best Freshman: Mario Edwards FSU.

UM hopes for big things from Anthony Chickillo in 2012

 

Category 6 Food for Thought (and Video) for the Long Offseasons.

99 days until the Miami Hurricanes open up at Boston College, (Wednesday September 1, 3:30 PM EST on ABC/ESPN2)  and we know you can’t wait!!  The big questions remain who will be the starting QB and how well will he play, and which newcomers will have an immediate impact?? Can the pinpoint accuracy of Ryan Williams supplant the NFL ready arm of Stephen Morris?? Is there any chance Duke Johnson or Tracy Howard red shirt?? In just over 3 months we will all find out.

Stephen Morris can really launch it!

My early predictions: Morris earns the starting job, and Johnson and Howard crack the special teams’ lineups immediately. With Morris limiting the INTs and the young studs making the defense better, the ‘Canes will win 8-9 games. Anthony Chickillo at DE, Denzel Perryman at LB, and Brandon McGee and Ray Ray Amstrong in the secondary will give Miami stars at all 3 levels of the defense.

Here’s a little 2012 Pump-Up video courtesy of the YouTube Legend “Canefreak 2001″:

 

Next season could be a banner year for UM Basketball. Nearly everyone is returning to a squad that overcame numerous injuries, suspensions, and personal tragedy to finish one game short of an NCAA birth. In addition to the young players’ improvement (Shane Larkin & Rion Brown in particular) the focus for the ‘Canes this offseason has to be staying healthy (Reggie Johnson) and getting stronger (Kenny Kadji).

Very Early Prediction: Miami finishes top 3 in the ACC and makes a big run in the NCAA Tournament. Larkin will be an all defensive player, Kadji and Johnson will be the best frontcourt duo in the league, and Durand Scott will emerge as a clutch player by season’s end.

Here’s a look at some of the work former Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach Todor Pandov implemented with the ‘Canes hoops team.

(Editor’s note: Jim Krumpos has replaced Pandov, it was earlier reported erroneously that Pandov was still with UM)

 

Congratulations to the baseball team on upsetting # 6 UNC 5-3 on Thursday in the ACC Tournament. The #21 ‘Canes (35-20) appear primed to make some noise in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

(Editor’s note: If there are any ‘Canes fans interested in covering baseball please contact us at category6um@gmail.com)

With that said, we hope everyone enjoys the long weekend.

 

Category 6 Breaks down UM Football Post Spring!!

Miami’s spring concluded this Saturday with the annual spring game. The Orange team defeated the Green 7-6 in what amounted to either sloppy offense, great defense, or a little from both column A and a little from column B. With Stephen Morris out until summer practice, Memphis transfer Ryan Williams had a great opportunity to get a leg up on the QB competition. All indications are that the battle will continue into the fall, with Williams appearing to be the more accurate of the two (despite the rough outing in the spring game) and Morris clearly having the bigger arm. In addition to the upcoming battle for the starting QB position here are some other things to consider as the ‘Canes get ready for the fall:

# 11 Ryan Williams will battle Stephen Morris for the starting QB job.

Freshman QBs Gray Crow and Preston Dewey both appear to be redshirt candidates heading into the fall. While both have tremendous upside, neither looks to be in position to challenge as a starter at this stage in their careers……

The most improved unit on the team could be Defensive Back.

“I really like how the DBs moved around and swarmed to the ball”,

said Carnell Jenkins, who attended the spring game at Sun Life Stadium.

“Brandon McGee looked especially good.”

McGee joins freshman Larry Hope and transfer Ladarius Gunter having nice springs, as well as veteran Ray Ray Amstrong. The unit will get even better when incoming freshman Deon Bush and Tracy Howard arrive in the fall. Could the days when guys like Ed Reed, Phillip Buchanon, and Mike Rumph dominated, be returning?…….

Miami's current group of DBs may be the best since the days of Ed Reed.

Speaking of the DBs, Miami’s depth chart currently lists AJ Highsmith as the starter at Strong Safety over Senior Vaughn Telemaque. Telemaque came to UM with a lot of hype but has had an up and down career.  Look for VT to regain his starting role by the fall and provide veteran leadership to a young and talented secondary…..

While the DBs maybe the most improved, the O-Line should be the best unit on the team.  Here’s a look at how they could line up:

LT Malcolm Bunche: the massive and talented Bunche may eventually be supplanted by Seantrel Henderson, but for now the job appears his to lose.

LG Jermaine Johnson: Something tells me come fall, Jon Feliciano will be manning this spot. Feliciano line up last year at RT, but appears to have the power and mean streak of a top line guard.

C Shane McDermott: McDermott could be a future all conference player.

RG Brandon Linder: Linder is as talented as McDermott, and could play C should he falter.

RT Seantrel Henderson: Perhaps the most talented player regardless of position on the roster, Seantrel could end up at LT. This guy is a future NFL 1st rounder……….

If Seantreal Henderson stays healthy, he could be a beast.

With the group above leading the way Mike James, Eduardo Clements, and freshman Duke Johnson & Dallas Crawford might get chances to break some long runs this year.

Sophmore DE Anthony Chickillo is coming off a tremendous freshman year, and should produce double-digit second numbers this season.

The sky is the limit for Anthony Chickillo

WRs Rayshawn Scott and Phillip Dorsett had solid springs. Scott was awarded the most improved offensive player by the coaches, and could team up with Dorsett and Sophomore Allen Hurns to form a nice trifecta of targets for the ‘Canes.

 

Summary: Miami has some nice pieces but remains a very very young team. The QB position remains a huge question mark. Either Williams or Morris will have to exceed expectations for UM to challenge for their first ACC crown. The offense will also sorely miss the huge play ability of Lamar Miller.

The linebackers are young and undersized. Head Coach Al Golden and Defensive Coordinator Mark D’Onofrio will have to find the right combination of players on the front 7 to improve on last year’s mediocre run defense.

That being said the O Line is filled with studs. The DBs have just the right mix of veterans and superstar newcomers to be one of the best groups in the country this year. Anthony Chickillo, Denzel Perryman, and Mike James are poised to have break out years.

Coach Golden and staff have their work cut out for them. If the spring is any indication, there are some definate speed bumps to overcome,  but this is a team with a very bright future ahead of them.

Miami Hurricanes Football: 5 to watch in 2012

Since the UM hoops team is out of action until Saturday against FAU, my attention has been diverted to football, at least temporarily. 2011 was an up and down year, but some real talent emerged. In 2012 I expect some players to make even further progress, and even a few who were lost in the shuffle to re-emerge. Here are my 5 to watch in 2012.

 

Allen Hurns. The 6’3 180 pound Hurns really reminds me a lot of Leonard

Allen Hurns has the ability to be a #1 reciever.

Hankerson. Early on Hurns was Jacory Harris’ go to target, but the emergence of soon to turn pro Tommy Streeter limited Hurns’ targets by the end of the year.  I expect Hurns to start opposite deep threat Phillip Dorsett, and be the Canes’ top receiver in 2012. It would not surprise me to see him to nearly double upon last year’s 31 catches 415 yards and 4 touchdowns.

 

Brandon Washington. The 6’4 330 pound Washington was a breakout star in 2010, earning all ACC honors as a guard. This year however Coach Al Golden and staff moved Washington to tackle, where he seemed to take a step back. With Seantrel Henderson healthy and the emergence of Jon Feliciano, I expect Washington to move back to guard. Washington has the ability to be a Brandon Moore (Jets) type at guard on the next level.

 

Clive Walford.The tight end position has been one of many

Clive Wafford has big time potential.

traditional power positions at “The U”. Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, and Greg Olsen among others have created quite the tradition. If Walford can continue to improve, the 6’4 235-pounder will easily surpass the 18 catches and 172 yards he produced in 2011. With his size and athleticism he reminds me some of Packers star Jermichael Finley.

 

Olivier Vernon. Vernon missed the first six games of the season due to suspension for his role in the Nevin Shapiro scandal. When he returned the rust showed as Vernon tallied just 1.5 sacks on the season in 6 games. Everyone knows Anthony Chickillo is going to be a star at the other defensive end, so expect Vernon to get more one-on-one chances next year. The 6’4 260-pounder has Jason Taylor type abilities if he can stay out of trouble.

 

James Gaines. With fellow Linebacker Denzel Perryman named a freshman

#59 Jimmy Gaines has a nose for the ball.

All-American by the CBS Sports, Gaines flew under the radar with 58 tackles including 3 for loss. He needs to add a little more bulk to his 6’3 220 frame to shed blockers, but I like how he finishes tackles and finds the ball. Perryman has been compared to Jonathan Vilma, but I liken Gaines to former Giant great Carl Banks.

 

Sleepers:

Thomas Finnie. The 5’10 170 pound Finnie was mentioned early and often by Coach Golden as a potential starter as a true freshman in the spring. When the season began the coaches went with more experienced guys in Brandon McGee and Wake Forest transfer Mike Williams. With a year of experience under his belt, expect Finnie to find his way back in the good graces of the coaches and use his 4.4 speed to make an impact to the Canes’ secondary.

 

Randy “Duke” Johnson. We fully expect Johnson to stick by his verbal commitment and come to UM next year. With Lamar Miller off to the NFL he may even start. Coming off of 375 yards and 3 touchdown in the class 5A Florida state semifinals, I am hearing folks compare “Duke” to former UM great Frank Gore.  (check out his highlights below)