Monday, August 31, 2009

The Crystal Ball

Hello All,

Aside from being excited that there is FINALLY A
HURRICANE DANNY, I have spent the past week thinking about one thing and one thing only: The 'Canes.

The Miami Hurricanes will begin the first season of the Post- Stein era one week from today, so it is naturally time to take a look at this season's expectations (before Randy Shannon even breaks fall camp).

This season should be the next step towards National Championship contention, perhaps as early as next season. However, the next logical step is a birth in the ACC Championship Game, which would give Miami its best shot at a BCS pay day this season.

It has been well documented that the key to the season will be the first four games, and it is a true sentiment.

This team will get better as the season goes, as the youngsters become veterans. It is of note that this team's depth chart is potentially just as young as last season's, which is a little disconcerting.

It would be nice for Miami to be able to play a tune-up game against someone from the MAC or Sun Belt, or even a team like UCF, to start the season before hosting Oklahoma, and then playing an ACC schedule, featuring spread out games against Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Florida State, the three conference biggies.

However, when you do not win you do not often get the benefit of the draw, and Miami has not won lately.

I think it is reasonable to expect a 2-2 record after the first 4 games, and 2-2 should be enough to springboard the 'Canes to a big finish. Keep in mind that the 'Canes still have a very young offense under a new offensive coordinator and a defense that has a lot to prove, and 2-2 against FSU, VTech, GTech and Oklahoma is pretty damned good.

The two teams that Miami has the best shot against are FSU and VTech. FSU is on the road, but it is a rivalry game, so none of that matters. Furthermore, Kirby Freeman won the game the last time Miami traveled to FSU, so I would throw homefield advantage right out the window. FSU will have their typical attacking defense, and they will probably be making a concerted effort to put Jacory Harris out of the game, given Miamis lack of depth at quarterback. It will be a sloppy, poorly exectued game, as it always is when these two teams face off in the first game (still one of the dumbest scheduling decisions in football). My expectation is that it will be a battle of attrition until the fourth quarter, when the offenses begin to open it up. At that point, I have to take Jacory over Christian Ponder, who had a field day against the 'Canes last year mostly thanks to a fault in our defense in which the outside linebacker received no help from the defensive end in containing the option, leaving the linebacker in what was essentially a 2-on-1 fast break.

Virginia Tech is overrated as usual coming in to the season, and Miami does not fear Blacksburg. I expect a game similar to last season's, with scores getting in to the low-20's at best. That is the type of game this Miami team is built to win, because it will not win a slugfest per se and it will probably not have the ammo to keep up in a shootout this early in the season.

If Miami can get to 2-2, then they will be running downhill into the softER half of the schedule, where every game should be won with the possible exception of North Carolina, another overrated team (they really should not come out with the first poll until Week 6, but I guess they have to sell magazines). That is not to say that Miami will win every one of these games, as teams like Clemson and Wake Forest are always dangerous, but they should.

With that in mind, here are some Pre-Season Superlatives:

Best Player: Sean Spence

Last season, Spence shot up the depth chart early and provided the first consistent linebacker play since the days of Beason. He will only get better this season with a better line in front of him and added weight.

Most Important Player: Jason Fox

Fox has got to keep defenders off of Jacory's blindside. If Harris stays healthy, this team has a very solid shot at a BCS bowl. If he doesn't, it will struggle to make the Eagle Bank Bowl.

Breakout Player: LaRon Byrd

Byrd seems to have become the Go-To Receiver in the offense, and if the offense is as good as it is being made out to be, than that will mean big production.

Surprise Player: Kendall Thompkins

From the sound of things, Thompkins has catapaulted over Thearon Collier and possibly Travis Benjamin to become the team's best "Smurf" receiver. This after howls of outrage amongst fans just over a year ago, when the 'Canes accepted a commitment from the underhyped Thompkins (Dan Stein has a king memory, folks).

Key Injury: Adewale Ojomo/Eric Moncur

These are probably the two best defensive ends on the roster, and Miami could be without both for long periods of time. Their absence will be most notable against Georgia Tech's option attack, which is geared toward exploiting inexpereinced defensive ends.

Key Game: Florida State

It is a HUGE game in terms of momentum for this younfg team, not to mention I hate Florida State.

Potential Trap Games: @ Wake, Clemson, @USF

Really any non-marquee game qualifies here for the young 'Canes, but these three are dangerous teams who would love to run all over the 'Canes.

That's it for the Pre-Season preview. I could go on and on, but these previews usually end up on the wrong side of overkill for a team that we will know nothing about until they step on the field.

Here come the 'Canes.

Always guard the inbound passer.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Not So Patiently Waiting

Hello All,

I have now been back from California for about a week. Upon returning, I immediately got in a car and drove with my brother to Mississippi to help him move in to his new house at school (the same moron brother that tore his knee up giving a piggy back ride).

When I got back to this prison (Gainesville) on Wednesday, I immediately began waiting for a phone call from the fine people at Warner Bros.

After my interview 10 days ago, I was told that they would hopefully know one way or another by the middle of the week (last week). When Tuesday rolled around, I of course started staring at my phone with more angst than Barack Obama
eyeing his next television appearance....than Bill Maher eyeing his next bad interview...than Don Draper eyeing the new intern...let's just say I wanted the phone call pretty badly.

To be clear, I do not want this job out of depseration. To be honest, if it were just a job for a job's sake, than I would work in a restaurant as a waiter until I figured out what I wanted to do next.

However, I am hungry. I graduated over three months ago, and so far I have essentially been told that it doesn't matter, that I am as qualified to work as high school kids (not even high school grads, mind you). I have probably applied to over 50 jobs, most of which I felt I was overqualified for, and have come away with something like 3 job offers, all of which are for part time, minimum wage paying gigs.

The assumption for all of these jobs was that they would be space-fillers until I could afford to move out to LA and get a job in the television and film industry, most specifically on the research side of things (it is what I enjoy and what I am good at).

What I learned, however, is that you cannot fake passion. I find it impossible to tell someone that I would love to sell Home Depot remodeling packages to potential buyers, or that working in the cart garage is exactly what I wanted to do after spending over $150k on an education. That is why when I was forwarded the project that I was to complete as Round 2 of my interview for the job in LA I knew that it was the right fit.

I attacked the project. For the first time in three months, I felt like I was doing the right thing. I devoured the data and did probably twice as much work on it as I needed to. I checked and re-checked figured. I tweaked and prodded. I probably saved fifteen different versions of the final draft. And the entire time, I enjoyed the hell out of what I was doing.

When I was in school, I grabbed life by the balls. I was in charge of organizations, I got good grades, and I did everything I could to make myself marketable. I used my brain, a brain that has usually gotten me where I need to go.

Three months of sitting around and looking, planning my next move has made me hungry. To compound the issue, I did some driving around while I was in LA. A lot of it. And the result was that I saw a busy, happening city. Things happen there. People are active, in one way or another. It certainly has its downfalls, as does every city. But it is the type of place where an aggressive young adult FITS. And to be honest, I would rather scrape by in LA then live comfortably in Gainesville. It is just not in my nature to sit idly by when there is good work to do.

So I continue to wait for my phone call, praying that it is the first one of the summer that delivers the type of message I grew so accustomed to hearing in school and always expect to hear when I pursue things, something like "When can you start?" or "We'd love to have you." Hell, I'd even settle for "Don't embarass me." At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how I get hired, as long as I do.

A few people have told me that I will become a leader one day in whatever it is that I choose to do. As arrogant as it might sound, I happen to agree with them. However, before that can happen, I need the opportunity to get started.

So until I get my phone call, I really will be focusing on nothing else, just staring at my phone screen like some high schooler waiting around home on a Friday night for their crush to call.

My usual distractions are failing to fill the void: Miami football is in top-secret mode right now, where no one is really sure what is going on (to be honest, I just want to fast forward to FSU kickoff); I have been doing a morning and afternoon workout every day and see no need to fit anothr one on; and for the first time, school is not going to start for me on Wednesday. Let's just pray I get my phone call soon, before this knot in my stomach turns in to an ulcer.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

In the Airport

Hello All,

I don't have much time, but saying as I am in the Phoenix airport on my way back home from the coast, I figured I would throw up the rest of my player breakdowns.

Some quick observations from the Coast, Larry King style:

-Overall, I loved it.

-Why do they refuse to dress like human beings? IT IS SUNNY ALL THE TIME! There was so much black clothing I could not believe it.

-Why do all the men wear their hair longer than their girlfriend does?

-Driving is intense, moreso than I imagined. The roads are just too broken down to handle the sheer volume of humanity held in that city. Also, I spent the entire trip trying to figure out which way was North.

-Santa Monica Promenade and The Village District of Downtown Burbank were my two favorite
spots.

-I got a personal tour of the Warner Bros. lot, and that was one of the most impressive, fascinating things I have ever seen.

-Could not find a grocery store. How could I not find a grocery store?!?!?

-Do not stay at the Burbank Airport Ramada. Awful service, ants in the room, not close to anything, literally located ON AN ON RAMP!

Here are the breakdowns:

SECONDARY

Last Season

There is no other way to say it: the Miami secondary was awful last season. As a group, they generated only two interceptions. Bruce Johnson was supposed to be the best corner and he did not perform. DeMarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Harris experienced growing pains but were better at the end of the season. Chavez Grant proved what we already knew: he is solid, nothing better or worse. Carlos Armour was awful at corner. Jo Jo Nicolas looked lost at safety, and Ryan Hill was learning on the job in place of the injured Randy Phillips, the leader of the secondary. Lovon Ponder should have been a linebacker, and it showed when he was paired with Nicolas. Vaughn Telemaque might have contributed, but he missed most of the season injured. Armour, Ponder and Johnson graduated. Joe Wylie transferred, and Ramon Buchanon and C.J. Holton were moved to linebacker.

Roll Call

Randy Phillips, Senior

Phillips is back after missing last season injured and should be the group’s glue. He will play strong safety and be relied on to boost the turnover numbers for the secondary. When on the field, he is always around the ball. I consider him one of the team’s most underrated players. He should not be guilty of the same bad angles and breaks in coverage that plagues the safety position last year.

Chavez Grant, Senior

Grant is a fine nickel back. He possessed neither the speed nor the strength to be left on an island with a receiver on the outside for extended periods; however, in the slot he does a good job of executing his assignment. The nickel back job should be his if the projected depth chart holds true, and he is also going to play some safety in the fall.

Ryan Hill, Senior

Hill has played just about everywhere for the ‘Canes in his career, and now he is back to where he started: corner. He did a pretty good job at safety most of the time, and I think he will play a utility role in the secondary and challenge for the nickel and dime back roles. He is no doubt a great athlete but has never been able to truly settle in to one position, spending time at kick returner, receiver, safety and corner during his career.

Sam Shields, Senior

Shields had a promising freshman season at receiver but attitude problems derailed his career at the position. He made a few plays last season but was mostly buried on the depth chart. However, he starred as a gunner on special teams, making several big plays. His physicality in that role prompted coaches to move him to corner, where he could see a lot of playing time if he learns the scheme quickly. He is a natural athlete, but his primary role will most likely be special teams.

DeMarcus Van Dyke, Junior

Van Dyke is very athletic, but his tall and skinny frame precludes him from being as physical as most would like. He has poor tackling technique, but he is a good pure coverage corner. He is working to get more physical and is being counted on to hold down one of the starting corner jobs.

Brandon Harris, Sophomore

Harris is expected to start at the other corner spot. He is physical but must work on his tackling technique. He should be much improved this season from last. He did have a series of strong efforts in the second half after his inexperience cost the team in the first half. Harris also should be a factor in the kick return game.

Jo Jo Nicolas, Sophomore

Nicolas had a rough season. He was usually out of position, which cost the team dearly in games against Georgia Tech and Cal. Nicolas is at best a second stringer this year unless his football intelligence greatly improves. The skills are there, but they are not being used properly.

Jared Campbell, Sophomore

Campbell is a step slow for safety. He is too small for linebacker or fullback. His best bet to make a name is on special teams; if not, he will forever be known as “Calais’s little brother”.

Vaughn Telemaque, Freshman (Redshirt)

Telemaque has seemingly locked down a starting safety spot and has drawn rave reviews from everyone who has seen him play. He has a nose for the ball and should be the type of centerfielder the ‘Canes have lacked recently.

Ray Ray Armstrong, Freshman

Armstrong is the most hyped of any Miami freshman and is expected to make an instant impact. He played safety and quarterback for his high school team, and along with Andre Debose and Dyron Dye led that team to a state title in a massive comeback victory against Miami Northwestern. Armstrong has superstar potential. Many compare him to Sean Taylor. That is a bit ridiculous. However, I think he could be what Kenny Phillips was supposed to be: a big, athletic, intelligent safety that can play the run and the pass equally well. He will push Phillips and Telemaque as soon as he exhibits knowledge of the system.

Brandon McGee, Freshman

McGee enrolled early and performed well at corner. He will push for major playing time. He might be the fastest player on the team and will also have a shot to return punts and kicks. He is a great athlete, and showed toughness in the spring by playing through injury. He also has football intelligence, having played quarterback in high school.

Jamal Reid, Freshman

Reid is another superior athlete being placed in the secondary, much like Armstrong and McGee. He will be tried at both corner and safety in the fall. He put on a show at the Under Armor All American Game as a receiver, and could be a returner as well. Reid has also spoken about a desire to play baseball in the spring.

PREDICTION

The secondary will certainly make more plays this season, if for no other reason than it is hard to make less than they did last season. The return of Phillips and the additions of Telemaque and the three freshman will raise the quality of talent and ensure that every starting spot has competition throughout the season. The numbers are low at the position, but the players that are here are at least talented. This infusion of talent coupled with an improved pass rusher should create more turnovers, and it would surprise no one if Telemaque lead the team in interceptions. The starters will be Telemaque, Phillips, DVD and Harris, with Grant/Hill, McGee and Armstrong all factoring in. That is much better than last season’s starters (DVD/Harris, Johnson, Nicolas, Ponder). This might not be the team’s best unit, but it might be the most improved.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Last Season

The kicking game was very reliable, as Matt Bosher had a borderline All- America campaign, missing only one field goal (even the one miss was excusable, as it was off the dirt infield at Dolphin…I mean Landshark…I mean Joe Robbie Stadium). He also handled punting duties and consistently pinned the opponent deep. Bosher’s kickoffs left something to be desired, but he still was named Team MVP at the end of the season (kind of sad really). Travis Benjamin returned excitement to the team’s return game, and Graig Cooper got into the act as well, returning a punt for a touchdown in the opener. Sam Shields was the team’s best player in coverage, although Arthur Brown had his moments. Colin McCarthy made the special teams play of the year in the UNC game, and Richard Gordon blocked a punt.

PREDICTION

Bosher will continue to hold down punting and field goal duties. The hope is that either Jake Wieclaw, a redshirt freshman, or Taylor Cook will be able to handle kickoff duties in order to ease Bosher’s burden.

Benjamin will figure into the return game again, as he is the most electrifying player on the team. Cooper, Thearon Collier, Lamar Miller, Brandon McGee, Jamal Reid, Kendall Thompkins, Davon Johnson, Brandon Harris and Ryan Hill will also figure into the return game as they are all fast and will get auditioned at some point.

The coverage units will be anchored by McCarthy, the young linebackers and Damien Berry.

Special Teams used to be where Miami broke the game open. Not since 2004 has the been the case. Success in this phase of the game usually is generated by depth in the second half of the roster. Miami is beginning to build this depth back up, and I expect 2 or 3 game turning plays from this unit this season.

Always guard the inbound passer.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

LA LA LAND

Hello All,

Later today, I depart for the coast, where I will get my first crack at a job in the entertainment industry. Therefore, we will get straight into the linebacking unit as I break down every player on the roster.

LINEBACKERS

Last Season

Sean Spence emerged as the best player on Miami’s roster despite his lack of size. The last season of the Glenn Cook era was seen, and although there were frustrating moments, the quality of the linebacker corps was much improved. Cook and Romeo Davis graduated (sigh of relief).

Roll Call

Daryl Sharpton, Senior

Sharpton is short and squat. He hits hard and makes plays from time to time, but not as consistently as one would like. He is the favorite to start at middle linebacker (Mike), and I am not sure I like that. The upside is that he has been in the system for long enough to know it well

and put people in the right formations. The downside is that he is a day slow and a dollar short too often, and I am tired of middle linebackers not being able to blow up plays. Last year it was understandable, as Cook served as a calming influence to the young linebackers. This year, the corps is older and everyone needs to pull their weight. Pencil in Sharpton as the starting Mike.

Colin McCarthy, Junior

McCarthy is a beast at linebacker when healthy. He plays with speed and passion and thumps ball carriers. He is also a special teams demon who is out to hurt people when blocking. However, he has missed significant time due to injuries throughout his career. If he can stay on the field, he would be my pick to move to the middle and run the defense for the next two seasons, allowing Spence and Arthur Brown to roam the outer thirds of the field and make plays. However, it appears likely he will start at weakside (Will) and only play the Mike at times.

Kylan Robinson, Junior

Robinson is a career backup who I think should have been made in to a hybrid fullback-tailback in the Quad Hill mold. He instead was tried at tailback and then moved to linebacker. The hope is that he can at least contribute on special teams and hold his own at strongside (Sam) linebacker if called upon.

Sean Spence, Sophomore

Spence will start at Sam because of his ability to stop the run, blitz and cover tight ends. Spence made a number of highlight-worthy plays last season and has become the leader of the defense. He will be a lynchpin of the defense. In anticipation of a possible future move, Spence will also play some Mike this season as Shannon tries to get his three best ‘backers on the field.

Arthur Brown, Sophomore

Brown is maybe the most talented linebacker on the roster. He is currently the backup Mike. There is no doubt that he has the physical ability to be a star; the question is whether or not he is able to handle the mental load of being the leader of the defense in the huddle. I think it is FAR too early to label him a bust, and that his talent is just too evident to keep off of the field. It is also worth keeping an eye on whether McCarthy and Spence taking snaps in the middle leads to Brown moving to Sam, where his pure athleticism plays better.

Ramon Buchanon, Sophomore

Buchanon is a thumper who moved from safety to linebacker in the offseason. He played sparingly on special teams and in blowouts last season, but has gotten good reviews since moving closer to the line. He will be a backup to start this season but could be a very solid starter in two months.

Jordan Futch, Freshman (Redshirt)

Futch is a physical specimen but a bit of a project. He is certainly talented, but his inconsistency is all that is keeping him off the field. On his good days he is great, but those days are too infrequent. He is athletic enough to play tight end, but the hope is that he will play solid special teams this season while providing depth at Will before challenging for a starting job next season.

C.J. Holton, Freshman (Redshirt)

Holton is a great athlete who, like Buchanon, is a hitter that was moved from safety. He has a bright future but will mostly play special teams this season as he learns the defense from his new spot.

Shayon Green, Freshman

Green is a high intensity freshman who may play defensive end but is being tried at middle linebacker first. He will probably redshirt.

PREDICTION

Spence will be the best of the group, but the question is who the other four to receive significant playing time will be. Sharpton and McCarthy are the frontrunners to start, and Brown and Buchanon will most likely be the top two backups. Ideally, the starting lineup will end up being Spence, Brown and Buchanon by the end of the season with McCarthy the top backup. The days of the Bermuda Triangle at linebacker are not yet back, but they are getting closer.

Always guard the inbound passer.

Below, you'll find a video of my plans for my trip to Los Angeles.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Manifest Destiny

Hello All,

Coming to you live from Panera, perhaps the best people watching spot in Gainesville. For a "healthy" restaurant, there sure are a lot of fat people here. Not to mention a lot of double knits and jean shorts. Gotta love it.

Alas, today holds good news. I have managed to get an interview out in LA next week, which means I am in rapid trip planning mode. Not the most fun thing in the world, but certainly a better way to use my brain then making up all star teams of fictional baseball movie characters with my brother (for the record, my first pick to build a team around is ALWAYS Roy Hobbs).

I cannot figure out whether I am nervous or excited, but I will go ahead and assume that its a combination of both and call it anxious. Regardless, I cannot wait to get out there and get this job. Again, if any one reading this has any advice on what to expect in LA, please let me know. It is always nice to hear from fellow 'Canes.

With that said, here is the continuation of my breakdown of every player on the UM roster (excluding walk-ons). The defensive line, which has been restocked by Randy Shannon and staff
at this point, is today's focus.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Last Season

The position improved last season, allowing the linebackers and defensive ends to roam around a little bit more freely than in the previous two seasons. Antonio Dixon was a load against the run at times, but never could get completely in shape. Joe Joseph and Marcus Forston had their

moments, most notably against Virginia Tech, and Dwayne Hendricks filled in admirably despite his size. Dixon and Hendricks graduated.

Roll Call

Joe Joseph, Senior

Joseph is a solid tackle. He will make a big play occasionally, but ideally is a backup on a good team. However, because of his size and experience, he will begin the season as a starter.

Allen Bailey, Junior

This is Bailey’s third position in three years. He is perhaps the best physical specimen in the

nation, with the agility to play end and the size to play tackle. When Bailey learns the position he will be a nightmare for interior linemen and most likely command a double team.

Josh Holmes, Junior

Holmes has been injured for most of his time at The U, but in limited time last season he looked disruptive. He is undersized, so Holmes most likely will figure prominently in to pass rush packages.

Marcus Forston, Sophomore

Forston was solid last season and has the potential to be an absolute hoss. He is big with a great burst, and if his conditioning is in order he will be on the field the majority of defensive snaps. His talent is too good to deny, and he can stuff the run and rush the passer with aplomb.

Micanor Regis, Sophomore

Regis seems to be a forgotten man, but I have high expectations. Regis has drawn praise over the summer as one of the most improved players on the team, and people do not realize that he played a lot last season as a true freshman. He has the type of attitude that coaches love and keeps his pad level low. Regis plays well against the run, and will be a great partner in crime for Forston and Bailey for the next couple of seasons.

Jeremy Lewis, Freshman (Redshirt)

Lewis is a beast on the inside, and is very athletically gifted. However, he still has a lot of work to do on his technique, so he will probably not see the field much.

Curtis Porter, Freshman

Porter enrolled early and surprised people with his ability to step in and play. Depending on numbers and injuries, he will either redshirt or contribute as the fourth tackle in the rotation.

Luther Robinson, Freshman

Robinson has the potential to become a disruptive force on this inside, but will most likely redshirt this season.

PREDICTION

The defense is as successful as its interior line, a sort of “trickle down” from the point of attack in the trenches. If the tackles occupy the three interior offensive linemen, then the linebackers are better able to roam from sideline to sideline; however, if the tackles fail, guards and centers can get to the second level and put a body on much smaller linebackers. Additionally, if the offense is forced to commit an offensive tackle to helping their interior line, defensive ends get one- on- one matchups with tight ends and running backs, creating open lanes for blitzing linebackers and safeties. This increased pressure on quarterbacks allows less time for read progression and forces rushed, inaccurate throws which spawn turnovers. One of the main problems that the Hurricane defense had last season was an inability to force turnovers. A better pass rush will at least double the number of interceptions the team records (improved defensive back play will increase it further). The pass rush will not be effective without better play from the tackles.

Forston and Bailey showed flashes of dominance last season. Their growth, along with the veteran presence of Joseph and Holmes and the development of Regis, will make the entire defense better and the line one of the team’s strong points.

DEFENSIVE END

Last Season

The position featured several breakout performances after losing Eric Moncur about halfway through the season. Allen Bailey led the team in sacks, Marcus Robinson broke out on national television while Steven Wesley and Adewale Ojomo played strong football when called upon. The team returns all of these players, although Bailey has been moved inside to tackle.

Roll Call

Eric Moncur, Senior

Moncur is the oldest player on the team and is in his sixth year of eligibility after being granted a medical redshirt (Moncur is actually in his seventh year out of high school). He was missed last season, as his consistency and senior leadership had a place on a young defense. This is his last hurrah, and he will start, both for the reasons listed above and for his ability to rush the passer and stop the run equally well.

Courtney Harris, Senior

Harris has always had talent, but has seen a career sidetracked by injury. Harris may miss his second straight season due to a shoulder injury, and rumor is that his career may be over.

Steven Wesley, Junior

Wesley surprised many last season with consistent, solid play at defensive end. He was very good against the run, and is one of the bigger ends on the team. He also has athleticism to get after the quarterback, and was almost moved to tight end by the coaches in the spring.

Adewale Ojomo, Sophomore

When Ojomo was on the field last season, he was the Hurricanes’ best end. However, he missed games due to suspension after “violating team rules”. He seems to have his head on straight, and if he can keep his grades in order he will play a lot. He is strong against the run but a beast in the pass rush.

Marcus Robinson, Sophomore

Robinson is a pass rush nightmare. He is a bit small for an end, but has freak athleticism that reminds many of Dwight Freeney. Personally, I see his role for this season as comparable to that of Jamaal Green in 2001, a player who many forget recorded 9 sacks during the championship season as part of a 5 man rotation. Robinson might not start, but he is my pick to lead the team in sacks.

Andrew Smith, Sophomore

Not many thought very highly of Robinson coming out of high school, but he saw playing time last season and even recorded a sack in the opening game. He has good speed and may develop in to the steal of the 2008 recruiting class. However, he may get a redshirt this year, as the depth chart is stacked and Smith needs to put on some more weight.

Gavin Hardin, Freshman (Redshirt)

Hardin redshirted, but during home games could be seen on the sideline firing up his teammates. Hardin has a lot of athleticism (he was recruited as a linebacker originally) and great size. He does not get talked about, but as soon as he learns the position thoroughly he will be a force.

Olivier Vernon, Freshman

Vernon was the talk of the spring on defense, an early-enrollee who rose to the top of the depth chart even after missing most of his senior season with an injury. Vernon will play this season, if not as a starter than at least as a situational pass rusher (think Javon Nanton). A dime package with Vernon and Robinson on the ends and Bailey and Holmes inside could be imposing.

Dyron Dye, Freshman

Dye is tall and lean and will most likely redshirt. However, his talent makes him a threat to be a large part of the end rotation in the future. His high school coach thinks he may end up as a tight end down the line.

PREDICTION

During the peak of the Miami dynasty, the Hurricanes would rotate in 4 or 5 defensive ends. The depth allowed the ‘Canes to have fresh pass rushers in on every snap. In the past few seasons, depth concerns have made this impossible. However, this season sees the return of the ability to rotate without losing ability. Ojomo, Moncur, Robinson, Vernon and Wesley are a solid top group, and Smith and Hardin threaten to take a spot in the lineup as well. Robinson and Ojomo are the leading candidates to lead the team in sacks, but it would not surprise me if Vernon or the veteran Moncur emerged. This is the team’s strongest position group, and if the young talent emerges and the veterans stay on the field, it will lead to more pressure on the quarterback and as a result more turnovers and three-and-outs. However, this is a position which is reliant upon the big uglies inside to max out productivity.

That's it for the position breakdown. Always guard the inbound passer.