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

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Miami Hurricanes Who Declared For The NFL Draft, With Rankings And Write-Ups.

 

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.

 

GOOD LUCK TO THE CANES IN THE 2012 DRAFT!!!!!!!

Who Can? LarCan!!!

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.

Good Luck to the ‘Canes tonight.

Official ‘Cane Recruits with Video Highlights and Commentary

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)

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)

 

How excited are you right now? I’m pumped!!!!

LETS GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Back, Reggie . . .

The tweets were twitting today as news that ‘Canes C Reggie Johnson is planning to make his season debut on Saturday against the FAU Owls. According to Coach Larranaga, Reggie will play limited minutes.

 

In case you forgot what Big Reggie is capable of, see below:

 

How many minutes does Reggie play? If he plays more than 10 I’d be surprised. Still, it will be a boost for the ‘Canes. Maybe Johnson works as a metronome and the ‘Canes can shoot their way out of an offensive slump. The best part of Johnson returning is that the ‘Canes have 4 games before ACC play starts. Those 4 games are spaced over 22-23 days before a match-up in Charlottesville on January 7th. FAU, Charlotte, Appalachian State, and UNC Greensboro. Assuming some kind of catastrophe doesn’t occur due to 2012 (even though the projected date is later in the year) it looks like Reggie could be pretty close to full strength in time for the Virginia Cavaliers.


We’ve been missing some of this:

You have to figure that the ‘Canes wouldn’t gamble with Johnson’s health and rush him back early. If anything, I’m guessing they probably waited extra-long to make sure Reggie’s knee was sound. Let’s hope he can get acclimated to the new system and help the ‘Canes out on the interior. ACC play is where this team is going to gel and move forward. Johnson is a big piece to the puzzle. How big? Only time will tell, but let’s hope it galvanizes the ‘Canes on the hardwood.

Category6 catches up with Lance Hurdle

We recently caught up with former ‘Cane and current D-League star Lance Hurdle. The high flying point guard from San Diego is still very close to the program. Lance, who finished his collegiate career in 2009 with UM is currently on the Springfield Armor and averaged double figures in scoring this past year.

 

Here is the Q&A:

 

C6: What was your all time favorite moment at UM?

 

LH: I have a couple of favorite moments here. One is beating Duke my junior year, going to the NCAA tournament, and beating Wake my senior year when they were ranked 6th in the country and the students stormed the floor.

 

C6: Who was your favorite teammate at UM? Which current player do you enjoy watching the most?

 

LH: Everyone on the team was cool, we are all brothers so it is hard to chose one favorite, but if I had to choose one I’d say Jimmy Graham because he always set good screens to get me open (LOL). On the current team there are so many talented guys, I can’t wait to see them all play at once.

 

C6: What do you think of UM’s decision to hire Jim Larranaga?

 

LH: I think it was a GREAT hire for the Hurricanes not only as a team, but for the school and also the city. He is a very positive guy and has a great coaching resume. I’m happy for my bros on the team and expect them to make the tournament each year Coach L is there.

 

C6: We’ve seen you at UM games this past year (which is awesome). What do you think is the key to getting more fans to come out and see the Canes?

 

LH: Getting wins will always keep fans coming to the games, but I think with the style Coach L wants to play it will attract more fans because it is fun to watch.

 

C6: How do you expect the Canes to fare this next season?

 

LH: NATIONAL CHAMPS! Only losing one senior and have a tremendous class coming in.

 

C6: Lastly, please tell us anything else you’d like about what your up to in your career and personally?

 

LH: I just finished playing in the D-League and I got a few NBA teams looking at me for the upcoming year so I pray I’ll be on an NBA team’s roster. But for right now I’m in Miami, training at the school and staying in shape and hanging out with the team.

 

Lance we certainly wish you good luck!! And thank you again for letting us catch up with you!