Here's Lookin' at You, Tim

Hello All,

Well, you know it is time for a new blog post when your friend in Azerbaijan tells you it has too long since you put one up.

While I would like to blog more, it has been a little hard to find time since I moved out to the West Coast. Not only did I have to pound the pavement until I found a place to stay (a room in an apartment owned by a sixty year old lady in a neighborhood called Little Ethiopia) and a job (bussing tables at Barney’s Beanery), but I also had to deal with things like avocado on pizza (and sandwiches…and eggs…and as a garnish for cocktails…and pizza; okay I made one of those things up) and cleaning massive amounts of bird crap off Sweet Melissa and half hour drives to move 2 miles and paying 20 bucks a day just to be able to watch the ‘Canes play baseball on the weekends. Anyway, this is the first time I have been able to sit down and write something.

I also realized that I had another problem…there is not much to write about right now. I mean, the firs two things I thought about were meeting Melvin Bratton the other night at work and one of the other busboys I work with, Ricardo, beating Kobe, Lebron, Odom, Carmelo and Barkley in Pop-a-Shot on Jimmy Kimmel Live (and winning a car). Writer’s block, anyone?

Then I remembered that for three years now I have done a player by player breakdown of the roster and have only heard minimal feedback telling me it is stupid. To be honest, I kind of like doing it and then looking back at the end of the season. Plus, I know you are all waiting with baited breath for my next genius, awe-inspiring bit of prose. So without further ado, all aboard.

Quarterback

The Season That Was: Jacory Harris showed that when he is on he is among the best in the nation. However, he also showed a penchant for crippling interceptions, particularly in the North Carolina game.

What Was Lost: Nothing of note. Matt Perelli moved on, which means the ‘Canes need a new holder.

Roll Call

Jacory Harris (Jr.) – Harris will look to grow in his second year in Mark Whipple’s system. This means knowing when to throw it away behind an inexperienced offensive line and when to take a sack. It also means knowing his limits, as in where he can throw the ball and where he opens himself up to interceptions. I expect a big growth season, and if the ‘Canes win enough he will be in the Heisman race.

Spencer Whipple (Jr.) – Whipple transferred in and ran the Scout Team last season. This year he is on scholarship and might get the call off the bench if Jacory were to go down (knockonwoodknockonwoodknockonwoodknockonwood). Smart kid but very limited physically.

A.J. Highsmith (So.) – Ran the second team effectively in limited appearances. A very good athlete who many think will switch to defensive back when Uber-Recruit Teddy Bridgewater arrives in Coral Gables. Personally, I never count out someone whose last name is Highsmith, regardless of position. Also, if I didn't mention this already, I met Melvin Bratton last night.

Stephen Morris (Fr.) – Arrived as an Early-Enrollee and looked good in the Spring Game, but still has a lot of work left to do. Most likely will redshirt.

Running Back

The Season That Was: Graig Cooper broke out as the multi-purpose threat we all knew he could be. Damien Berry broke out as one of the toughest between-the-tackles runners UM has seen in some time. Javarris James once again was limited, but had his moments, such as a 151 yard outburst against Oklahoma. Pat Hill proved that the offense is much more effective when he is on the field then off of it. Mike James filled in ably at fullback and showed glimpses of a bright future.

What Was Lost: Baby J graduated. While he was long a Stein on the Sidelines favorite, he is far from irreplaceable. Tervarris Johnson is gone, but his duties can be absorbed by others after his surprising rise to contributor last year.

Roll Call

Graig Cooper (Sr.) – Coop is showing signs that he will return from his bowl game knee injury at some point this season. Do I think this is smart? No. He needs to sit the year and not come back until he is at full strength. The guy became a real playmaker last season, but his game is predicated on speed. His draft stock will suffer if he comes back and looks slow, which he most likely will. Take your time, rehab and come back 100% Coop. Best case, he comes back at 80% strength and makes a contribution as a runner and receiver. Worst case, he pushes it back too early and does more damage.

Damien Berry (Sr.) – The backup who became the star last year. He runs hard and has a nose for the end zone. Not afraid to run people over, but needs to show more speed and learn to pick up the blitz to become a complete back. Either way, there were games last season that could have been won if he had just been handed the ball more often. Look for big things this season.

Pat Hill (Sr.) – The senior fullback/snow plow will be crucial this season. Not only was the run game more effective early in the season with Hill as the lead blocker, but the passing game was too, as Jacory had more time to sit in the pocket and throw thanks to Hill’s blitz pickup. A healthy Hill could boost Miami’s running attack (which was already good) and help cut down on interceptions.

Lee Chambers (Jr.) – Has shown flashes for years but can’t stay healthy. At this point, it will take a Lion’s effort to keep the young guns from passing him on the depth chart. However, the talent is definitely present, so anything is possible.

Mike James (So.) – Played mostly at fullback last season once Hill was injured but showed the ability to contribute as a pass catcher out of the backfield, pick up the blitz and return kicks last season. With Hill healthy, James will battle for carries all season and should be on the field in third down situations if Berry’s blocking doesn’t improve.

John Calhoun (So.) – Calhoun is a bit of an H-Back type that hasn’t shown much yet. He will be relied on if Hill were to go down again and might see some snaps at tight end. Think of the contribution Tervarris Johnson made last season and envision Calhoun in a similar role.

Lamar Miller (R-Fr.) – Miller is one of the fastest guys on the team and a real home run threat who say out last season. He will figure to be in the return game conversation as well as the running back rotation. Probably the most exciting name on this list. Like Lindsay Lohan before she lost her boobs.

Storm Johnson (Fr.) – Early enrollee that impressed everyone with his combination of size and speed but more than likely will redshirt due to sheer numbers. A very good problem to have. Could be a future superstar, like Melvin Bratton, who I met last night.

Eduardo Clements (Fr.) – Maybe the fastest guy in this group aside from Miller and a dangerous guy out of the slot as well. Mark Whipple loves his pass catching ability and might create a role for him in this year’s offense. However, there has also been rumor that he will move over to DB, which would certainly necessitate a redshirt.

Darrion Hall (Fr.) – Hard runner who is probably the sleeper of this running back roster. After a ‘shirt, he might be the one most likely to surprise people.

Maurice Hagens (Fr.) – A big, muscular kid to play fullback and take over for Hill. Depending upon Calhoun’s performance and Hill’s health, Hagens might have to see the field this season.

Always guard the inbound passer. And remember, I met Melvin Bratton last night.