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 He wasn’t the tallest, fastest, or even the strongest player at “The U.” But he could never be superseded mentally.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.
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)
Hold on to your hats Canes’ fans, Coach Golden and company are putting together a monster recruiting class. Before being hired to lead the Canes in 2011, Golden was known as a tireless recruiting machine with unparalleled determination. Well, Golden’s reputation is hard at work, and it seems to be paying off in spades.
Though this is technically Al Goldens second recruiting class (last year he had less than 2 months to put a class together and still got studs Chickillo and Perryman), for all practical purposes, its his first full class. And while nothing is officially on ink yet, the kids headlining the 2012 class have elevated Miami to #6 in the country, according to Rivals.com
Here is the list of committed recruits per Rivals.com
Though we will not highlight every player individually, we are certain that many will become good players, some will become great, and we look forward to highlighting them in future blogs as they become established parts of the UM Football family.
However, the headliners of this class are: Deon Bush, Randy “Duke” Johnson, Jelani Hamilton, Jacoby Briscoe, Raphael Kirby, Ereck Flowers, Tyriq McCord, and Angelo Jean-Lewis.
Here are some highlights:
Deon Bush (US Army All-American)
Randy “Duke” Johnson (Under Armor All-American)
Jelani Hamilton
Jacoby Briscoe
Raphael Kirby
Ereck “tiny” Flowers
Tyriq McCord (US Army All-American)
Angelo Jean-Lewis (US Army All-America)
(I could go on and on, but you have to stop somewhere……..)
Golden and Co. are not finished yet either. There are several additional recruits the Canes are targeting this year, with the hopes of landing one or two more studs. Below is a list of kids with, at minimum, a medium amount of interest in attending (including Northrup and Waters who were verbal commits at one point).
Landing one or two more kids from the list above would be a cherry on top of the cake. Already this class is loaded across the board with talent.
If this years recruting class is any indication of what is to come in the years ahead, all signs point up.
However, as well all know to well, the real key is developing the talent, not just recruiting it. If Jacory Harris’s play this year is any indication of what the coaching staff is able to do, I for one, could not be more excited for the future of our program.
Recently pint sized former NBA slam dunk champion Nate Robinson hinted he may try out for the NFL. With the success of former college basketball stars like UM big man Jimmy Graham with the New Orleans Saints, Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers, and Atlanta Falcons future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez, it might not be that outlandish. While we don’t recommend any or every hoopster try it, here’s a list of a few former & current UM players I think may have had what it took.
Mario Bland, defensive end. Imagine Big Mario chasing down QBs the way he gobbled up rebounds. At 6’6 250 he certainly had gridiron size. Plus his nifty moves around the basket would have translated nicely to the kind of footwork he’d have needed to perplex bigger offensive lineman. Think Kenard Lang here.
Jack McClinton, slot reciever. McClinton was often the first, second, and third focus of opposing teams defensive schemes. With quickness and determination he worked around screen after screen after screen until he got open. In addition he had the kind of swagger Santana Moss used to display in his Cane days.
Tim James, special teams ace. James would be my designated field goal/extra point/punt blocker. Not to mention if anyone cracks a long return, he had the desire to run them down. Just ask Richard Hamilton.
Guillermo Diaz, goal line running back. Diaz once starred in volleyball in Peurto Rico. While I am not sure how that translates to football, I do know I’d love to see this high flyer jump over the pile from the one yard line.
Kevin Norris, defensive back. Norris always could stick to his guy like glue. He also had the confidence and swagger coaches love in a DB.
Reggie Johnson, defensive tackle/linebacker. Think 300 pound linebacker Levon Kirkland from the Steelers in the 90′s. We really hope Reggie sticks to basketball, but it’s still fun to imagine.
I think all of the gentleman listed above made the right choices to stick with basketball. Nonetheless some of my favorite players are the ones with football mentalities.
Now on to my non basketball thoughts of the week:
The Jimmy V foundation always seems to ramp up its efforts around this time of year. We are now closing in on the 18th anniversary of JimValvano’s legendary ESPY speech. I encourage all who can, to donate at http://www.jimmyv.org/………
In Honor of Jimmy V I give you this quote, part of his famous speech.
“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” …………..
I think the media criticizing Derek Jeter for not showing up the MLB all star game is ridiculous. If he shows he doesn’t belong because of a mediocre year, but when he doesn’t he’s disrespecting the game? ……..
Paul Williams won a majority decision over Erislandy Lara on Saturday night in what appeared to be an awful decision. Aside from the controversial decision the theme of Saturday night was the dramatic fall of Williams who was one of boxing’s former pound for pound best. Here’s hoping Paul hangs em up before he goes the route of Roy Jones.
