I intended this morning to write an introduction to this blog that was a loose connection between the billboards that are starting to come out in full force for the new television series scheduled for this fall on the networks.
Then I caught wind of the upcoming tear down of the ‘Canes by Sports Illustrated. Call it “Why Miami Should Drop Football, V2.0”. Well, as a subscriber to Sports Illustrated, I decided it was time to end that financial relationship and do a little venting.
You will recall last summer I wrote a post about the evils of this magazine. At that time I said I would send my post in e-mail form to Sports Ill once a week until they printed a retraction or an apology.
Times have changed and certainly so have circumstances. So today I decided to cancel my subscription. But not before I fired off this letter to their editors:
“Your personification of the University of Miami is shameful. For years I
have subscribed to your magazine despite your checkered history with my alma
mater, but after your most recent smear job, I will never read your magazine
again. Congratulations, you lost a 5 year subscriber who, at the age of 24, had
roughly 50 years left as a consumer of your publication. It would be one thing
if you condemned Miami after FACTUAL EVIDENCE was discovered in wake of the ALLEGATIONS made by a scorned ex-booster guilty of $930 million in fraud (I
would define fraud for you but you clearly know what it means, as you base your
journalistic standards upon it). It would be one thing if you covered them in
the same light as you covered every other program that gets hit by scandal. But
you haven't. Where are the articles saying why North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn
State, Florida State, Florida, Oregon, Georgia Tech, LSU or Oklahoma should drop
football? Where are the highlights of Miami having a Top 10 APR performance
among all FBS football programs? Those are rhetorical, which I know is a fancy
word for someone like Alexander Wolff to understand, but what it means is you
don't actually have to answer. Not that you would anyway. You clearly have an
axe to grind and those questions can only be answered by an organization not
totally immersed in self-fellating. I am not surprised at your complete and
total sham of a story. What I am surprised by is that I ever expected any better
of you.”
Damn, now I feel better. And no, I am not sure if “fellating” is a word. But I think I got my point across. Hey Sports Ill, you’re f*ckin’ out, as Kenny Powers would say.
I kind of wish I could have a Michael Corleone moment with Wolff, sitting in my swivel chair in
dimly lit Casa de Bro.
SCENE:
My muscle (my roommate Graham) walks him in as I sip from my glass of Scotch and blot my face with a cool towel.
Stein on the Sidelines, not turning around: Sit down Alex. *Takes puff of cigar* You have to answer for Miami, Wolff.
Wolff: Stein on the Sidelines, you got it all wrong.
SOS: Ah, that little farce you played with The Buckeyes. You think that would fool a 'Cane?
Wolff: I'm innocent, I swear on my kids. *stands up and tries to approach the chair*
SOS: *swiveling around* Sit down, Wolff.
Wolff: Don't do this to me...
SOS: Shapiro is dead. Wetzel, Robinson, May, Holtz. Today I settled all family business, so don't tell me that you're innocent. Admit what you did.
Wolff: *accepts airplane ticket from consiglieri (Billy Stein)*
SOS: Get him a drink. Don't be afraid Wolff. You think I'd make Sports Illustrated a widow? I am a five year subscriber.
SOS: Go ahead. Drink. Drink. No, you're out of the family business, that's your punishment. You're finished. I'm putting you on a plane to Vegas. Billy?
*Billy hands Wolff a ticket*
SOS: I want you to stay there, alright? Only don't tell me your innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry. Now, who approached who? You or the magazine?
Wolff: It was me.
SOS: Good. There's a car outside that will take you to the airport. I'll call your wife and tell her what flight you're on.
Wolff: Listen, Stein on the Sidelines...
SOS: Go. Get out of my sight.
*Wolff never makes it out of the driveway*
END SCENE
Now who wants to retract that article?
Every time I have to write something about this scandal (and by “have to” I mean I get so angry and distracted at work that no amount of Words With Friends or Angry Birds can help me) it makes me yearn for the days when I could just write about our very unproven football team.
Because we are running out of time to break down these players, this is going to a breakdown of the entire front 7 on defense and therefore maybe a little briefer than usual. I know this upsets the 23 of you who actually read this blog. To you I say…meh, I guess I have no excuse. This is just a long post. Deal with it.
On the defensive line, the ‘Canes return essentially everyone. Allen Bailey was a stud, but he always seemed to be achieving about 75% of what he was capable of. Bailey never could settle in as he shuffled between end and tackle, cutting into his production at both. He is gone to the NFL, but the d-line has more than enough bodies to throw into the mix. The question is, will they get enough disruption?
I am a huge proponent of a good defense starting with the defensive tackles, or as I like to call it, the Trickle Down Effect for football. If the tackles tie up the 3 interior linemen, then the defensive ends see single blockers on the outside, battles which they can win.
This frees up the linebackers from dealing with bigger linemen, and either has them going up against weaker running backs and tight ends or leaves them free to roam sideline to sideline and attack the ball.
The increased pressure on the quarterback means you can leave your corners in isolation more often, as they won’t have to go as long covering a receiver; they also benefit from rushed throws from quarterbacks, leading to more turnovers. Safeties become weapons instead of just over the top protectors.
In other words…it all starts down low (a fact I believe the Ying Yang Twins once waxed poetic on). While most of us watch the ball on every snap, try to take some time out of the next game you are at to watch the battle at the line of scrimmage. It will open your eyes to just how important these big men are to a football team; the team that moves the line of scrimmage in their favor wins the game.
DT
Micanor Regis, Sr.
Regis has been one of the few guys in the last few years who has gotten markedly better every year. He is one of the leaders of the team and showed up this season lighter and stronger (‘leaner’, I think they call it). People peg him as the run stuffer that we play next to Marcus Forston, but in reality he has a lot of playmaking ability of his own; this is illustrated by his three career picks, which is a bigger number than all of our cornerbacks…combined.
Ceiling: All ACC performer and outshines Forston as a more versatile player who can also flex out to end in a 3-4 situational alignment
Floor: Solid run stuffer
Marcus Forston, Jr.
Forston has been dogged by injuries throughout his career but has shown flashes of the promise the had folks comparing him to Warren Sapp and Jerome Brown when he came out of high school. He was one of the few that showed a consistent motor throughout the bowl game and has emerged as a leader this offseason. Has gotten rave reviews from the staff, and seemingly the only thing that could keep him from having a monster season in an injury or the NCAA Investigators dragging their feet.
Ceiling: First Team All American
Floor: Injured/Suspended
Darius Smith, Jr.
Smith arrived from Junior College this summer and has mad quite an impression, muscling his way to the 4th defensive tackle spot. He is nicknamed “plug”, so you know what kind of game to expect from him.
Ceiling: Terrance Cody
Floor: Out of shape and falls out of the rotation
Curtis Porter, So. (I hope)
Porter is probably the most underrated player on the team when he is healthy. He just clogs everything up in the middle and is a very formidable third tackle that is essentially a co-starter and takes pressure off of the Regis-Forston tandem.
Ceiling: Stays healthy and has the breakout season that earns him the recognition he deserves
Floor: Hurt
Luther Robinson, So.
Robinson has a lot of talent and started to see playing time last season, but still has a way to go to become a consistent contributor. In a dogfight for one of the fringe spots on the traveling roster.
Ceiling: Forces his way into playing time as a penetrating situational tackle as the season goes on
Floor: Out of the playing rotation
Jalen Grimble, Fr.
Grimble will be used as both a tackle and an end. He is very talented, as he was a 5 star recruit. However, he most likely redshirts this season.
Ceiling: Instant impact freshman
Floor: Forced into playing time by injury or suspension before he is ready.
Olsen Pierre, Fr.
Another big freshman, Pierre enrolled early and actually has a more realistic shot of playing time than the higher rated Grimble as a freshman. Another guy that will see snaps at both tackle and end in practice to boost the depth at both.
Ceiling: See “Grimble, Jalen”
Floor: See “Grimble, Jalen”
Corey King, Fr.
King was a late addition to the class and will most likely be headed to prep school, as he has run into NCAA Clearinghouse issues.
Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Prep School
DE
Adewale Ojomo, Sr.
Ojomo is one of the team’s most fiery players and also one of its best when he is in shape and on the field. He is a leader of the defense and looks poised to make some big noise before he graduates (I should write for Athlon or an equally cheesy publication). Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: 10 sack season, All Conference
Floor: Suspended
Marcus Robinson, Sr.
Robinson is a pure speed rusher who wears down when played too much but can be devastating attacking from the edge. They have been using him as a flex end/linebacker in fall camp and that is probably where he should be. Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: Spencer Adkins if they had ever figured out how to use him; Javon Nanton type of season
Floor: Suspended
Andrew Smith, Sr.
Smith is the guy who doesn’t look that great in the uniform and doesn’t jump off the screen at you but always seems to be around the ball making plays. Will continue to be a mainstay of the defensive end rotation this season.
Ceiling: 5+ sacks in a supporting role
Floor: Passed by more skilled players on the depth chart
Olivier Vernon, Jr.
An absolute monster physique and the physical tools to be an All American. Plays the game hard and with a chip on his shoulder. Will be a beast if he maxes out this season. Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: All American
Floor: Suspended
Shayon Green, Fr.
One of the team’s hardest workers but also one of the most injury prone. Was tried as a middle linebacker last season before being moved back to end. Isn’t the biggest but plays his ass off.
Ceiling: Forces playing time through effort and motor and finds a role
Floor: Special teams demon
Dyron Dye, So. (MOVED TO TIGHT END)
Including him here because he moved from defensive end to tight end since I posted my breakdown of the receivers group. Dye is linked to the NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: Special teams demon
Floor: Suspened
David Perry, RS-Fr.
Tall guy with a lot of speed and talent but has a lot of development left, even after last season’s redshirt.
Ceiling: Kick blocker extraordinaire
Floor: Forced into duty too early by suspension
Anthony Chickillo, Fr.
“3G” will play from day one, whether by suspension or not. He is a supremely talented kid who plays with the heart and tenacity of someone trying to get by on guts and guts alone. The future leader of the program and a contender for a starting job from day one.
Ceiling: Starter and Freshman All American
Floor: Fourth end in the rotation and special teams demon
Ricardo Williams, Fr.
Tall and skinny with a big motor. Needs to put on weight but has the potential to become a dynamic pass rusher, rather with his hand down or as a stand up edge guy.
Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Redshirt
At linebacker, the ‘Canes lose Colin McCarthy, another guy with a very productive career at Miami but deemed a failure by many who expected him to be Dan Morgan because he was white and wore the same jersey number. He will be tough to replace, but there is no shortage of talent in this group and definitely no shortage of competition.
LB
Because we are running out of time to break down these players, this is going to a breakdown of the entire front 7 on defense and therefore maybe a little briefer than usual. I know this upsets the 23 of you who actually read this blog. To you I say…meh, I guess I have no excuse. This is just a long post. Deal with it.
On the defensive line, the ‘Canes return essentially everyone. Allen Bailey was a stud, but he always seemed to be achieving about 75% of what he was capable of. Bailey never could settle in as he shuffled between end and tackle, cutting into his production at both. He is gone to the NFL, but the d-line has more than enough bodies to throw into the mix. The question is, will they get enough disruption?
I am a huge proponent of a good defense starting with the defensive tackles, or as I like to call it, the Trickle Down Effect for football. If the tackles tie up the 3 interior linemen, then the defensive ends see single blockers on the outside, battles which they can win.
This frees up the linebackers from dealing with bigger linemen, and either has them going up against weaker running backs and tight ends or leaves them free to roam sideline to sideline and attack the ball.
The increased pressure on the quarterback means you can leave your corners in isolation more often, as they won’t have to go as long covering a receiver; they also benefit from rushed throws from quarterbacks, leading to more turnovers. Safeties become weapons instead of just over the top protectors.
In other words…it all starts down low (a fact I believe the Ying Yang Twins once waxed poetic on). While most of us watch the ball on every snap, try to take some time out of the next game you are at to watch the battle at the line of scrimmage. It will open your eyes to just how important these big men are to a football team; the team that moves the line of scrimmage in their favor wins the game.
DT
Micanor Regis, Sr.
Regis has been one of the few guys in the last few years who has gotten markedly better every year. He is one of the leaders of the team and showed up this season lighter and stronger (‘leaner’, I think they call it). People peg him as the run stuffer that we play next to Marcus Forston, but in reality he has a lot of playmaking ability of his own; this is illustrated by his three career picks, which is a bigger number than all of our cornerbacks…combined.
Ceiling: All ACC performer and outshines Forston as a more versatile player who can also flex out to end in a 3-4 situational alignment
Floor: Solid run stuffer
Marcus Forston, Jr.
Forston has been dogged by injuries throughout his career but has shown flashes of the promise the had folks comparing him to Warren Sapp and Jerome Brown when he came out of high school. He was one of the few that showed a consistent motor throughout the bowl game and has emerged as a leader this offseason. Has gotten rave reviews from the staff, and seemingly the only thing that could keep him from having a monster season in an injury or the NCAA Investigators dragging their feet.
Ceiling: First Team All American
Floor: Injured/Suspended
Darius Smith, Jr.
Smith arrived from Junior College this summer and has mad quite an impression, muscling his way to the 4th defensive tackle spot. He is nicknamed “plug”, so you know what kind of game to expect from him.
Ceiling: Terrance Cody
Floor: Out of shape and falls out of the rotation
Curtis Porter, So. (I hope)
Porter is probably the most underrated player on the team when he is healthy. He just clogs everything up in the middle and is a very formidable third tackle that is essentially a co-starter and takes pressure off of the Regis-Forston tandem.
Ceiling: Stays healthy and has the breakout season that earns him the recognition he deserves
Floor: Hurt
Luther Robinson, So.
Robinson has a lot of talent and started to see playing time last season, but still has a way to go to become a consistent contributor. In a dogfight for one of the fringe spots on the traveling roster.
Ceiling: Forces his way into playing time as a penetrating situational tackle as the season goes on
Floor: Out of the playing rotation
Jalen Grimble, Fr.
Grimble will be used as both a tackle and an end. He is very talented, as he was a 5 star recruit. However, he most likely redshirts this season.
Ceiling: Instant impact freshman
Floor: Forced into playing time by injury or suspension before he is ready.
Olsen Pierre, Fr.
Another big freshman, Pierre enrolled early and actually has a more realistic shot of playing time than the higher rated Grimble as a freshman. Another guy that will see snaps at both tackle and end in practice to boost the depth at both.
Ceiling: See “Grimble, Jalen”
Floor: See “Grimble, Jalen”
Corey King, Fr.
King was a late addition to the class and will most likely be headed to prep school, as he has run into NCAA Clearinghouse issues.
Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Prep School
DE
Adewale Ojomo, Sr.
Ojomo is one of the team’s most fiery players and also one of its best when he is in shape and on the field. He is a leader of the defense and looks poised to make some big noise before he graduates (I should write for Athlon or an equally cheesy publication). Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: 10 sack season, All Conference
Floor: Suspended
Marcus Robinson, Sr.
Robinson is a pure speed rusher who wears down when played too much but can be devastating attacking from the edge. They have been using him as a flex end/linebacker in fall camp and that is probably where he should be. Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: Spencer Adkins if they had ever figured out how to use him; Javon Nanton type of season
Floor: Suspended
Andrew Smith, Sr.
Smith is the guy who doesn’t look that great in the uniform and doesn’t jump off the screen at you but always seems to be around the ball making plays. Will continue to be a mainstay of the defensive end rotation this season.
Ceiling: 5+ sacks in a supporting role
Floor: Passed by more skilled players on the depth chart
Olivier Vernon, Jr.
An absolute monster physique and the physical tools to be an All American. Plays the game hard and with a chip on his shoulder. Will be a beast if he maxes out this season. Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: All American
Floor: Suspended
Shayon Green, Fr.
One of the team’s hardest workers but also one of the most injury prone. Was tried as a middle linebacker last season before being moved back to end. Isn’t the biggest but plays his ass off.
Ceiling: Forces playing time through effort and motor and finds a role
Floor: Special teams demon
Dyron Dye, So. (MOVED TO TIGHT END)
Including him here because he moved from defensive end to tight end since I posted my breakdown of the receivers group. Dye is linked to the NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: Special teams demon
Floor: Suspened
David Perry, RS-Fr.
Tall guy with a lot of speed and talent but has a lot of development left, even after last season’s redshirt.
Ceiling: Kick blocker extraordinaire
Floor: Forced into duty too early by suspension
Anthony Chickillo, Fr.
“3G” will play from day one, whether by suspension or not. He is a supremely talented kid who plays with the heart and tenacity of someone trying to get by on guts and guts alone. The future leader of the program and a contender for a starting job from day one.
Ceiling: Starter and Freshman All American
Floor: Fourth end in the rotation and special teams demon
Ricardo Williams, Fr.
Tall and skinny with a big motor. Needs to put on weight but has the potential to become a dynamic pass rusher, rather with his hand down or as a stand up edge guy.
Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Redshirt
At linebacker, the ‘Canes lose Colin McCarthy, another guy with a very productive career at Miami but deemed a failure by many who expected him to be Dan Morgan because he was white and wore the same jersey number. He will be tough to replace, but there is no shortage of talent in this group and definitely no shortage of competition.
LB
Sean Spence, Sr.
Spence is a super stud. He was the ACC Freshman of the Year, then went through a tough sophomore season filled with injuries before beating out again last season. He is a downhill linebacker and gets to the ball in a hurry. Once he is there, he is possibly the hardest hitter in the conference. He will always be on the small side but has bulked up to more than 220 lbs for the first time in his career. Along with Forston, Spence is the co-leader of this defense and probably the team as a whole. Linked to NCAA Investigation.
Ceiling: Butkus Award Winner
Floor: Suspended
Ramon Buchannan, Sr.
Buchannan is probably the top athlete on the defense. He is big and fast and agile enough to have been a safety at one point in his career. Has seemingly locked down a starting spot on the strong side, and could be devastating on the blitz.
Ceiling: All ACC
Floor: Rotation guy at linebacker
Jordan Futch, Sr.
This is it for Futch, who has always been one of my favorites but has never found a groove. Whether it is injury or the doghouse or inconsistency, he has been unable to find the field consistently. The current coaching staff has taken several subtle shots art Futch for his effort from play to play, and right now he looks like a backup.
Ceiling: Starting middle linebacker
Floor: 5th linebacker
C.J. Holton, Jr. (MOVED TO FB)
Holton has been moved over to fullback, a move many think is a way to force him out the door. I tend to see the glass half full and think it is more of a move to find a role for a good athlete who is buried on the depth chart. Think Tervarris Johnson.
Ceiling: Tervarris Johnson
Floor: Special teamer
Jimmy Gaines, So.
Gaines has all but locked down the starting middle linebacker job by pairing a breakout spring with a solid fall camp and seems to be one of the leaders of this corps. Great athlete and the type of kid you want to be the face of the program.
Ceiling: Breakout star of the defense
Floor: 4th linebacker
Kelvin Cain, So.
Along with Gaines, went lightly recruited out of high school but has since forced his way into early playing time, including a start last season against Duke in which he recorded a sack, a fumble recovery and 9 tackles. He needs to gain weight but looks like he will be in the mix again and a solid contributor that seemingly came from nowhere.
Ceiling: Beats Buchannan out for the strongside job
Floor: Special teams demon
Gionni Paul, Fr.
Paul has been the best of Miami’s freshman linebackers and has a ready made college body. Is Gaines’ main competition at middle linebacker at this time, or so it seems.
Ceiling: ACC All- Freshman team
Floor: Backup middle linebacker
Denzel Perryman, Fr.
Perryman is also in the mix at outside linebacker. He is on the small side like Spence, but more thickly built.
Ceiling: Freshman starter
Floor: Special teams demon
Eddie Johnson, Fr.
The least highly regarded of the ‘Canes freshman linebackers, he has inserted himself into the mix at middle linebacker and could be used as a blitzer as well. Is big of body and could be this season’s surprise.
Ceiling: Freshman starter
Floor: Redshirt
Antonio Kinard, Fr.
Has been flagged by the NCAA Clearinghouse and most likely is headed to prep school.
Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Prep School
Always guard the inbound passer.
And by the way, Maryland? There’s a freakin’ storm coming that would make Irene crap her pants, suspensions or not. That’s going to be an angry group of boys you’re dealin’ with. If I didn’t hate your fans so much I would almost feel bad for them. 11 days baby. We’re comin’.
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