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Grading UM at end of camp: Offense, special teams
With school starting Wednesday, the Canes getting a day off Thursday, and preparation for Boston College beginning in earnest Friday, here's a closer look at where the team stands position-by-position at the end of camp based on observations and interviews with players and coaches.
> Quarterbacks: It didn't really take junior Stephen Morris long to wrestle the starting job from sophomore Memphis transfer Ryan Williams. Even before he went out and performed well in the team's first fall scrimmage, Morris (6-2, 214) pretty much had it in the bag by showing his leadership and displaying his physical strength and ability coming off back surgery in the spring. Scouts will tell you Morris has a stronger arm and is a more elusive quarterback than 6-5, 221-pound Williams, who should make for a decent backup because of his accuracy, but at times lumbers in the pocket too long. The key for Morris in keeping the job will be avoiding turnovers. He's thrown seven touchdowns compared to 11 picks in his career. Coach Al Golden said he would like for a third-string quarterback to emerge between freshmen Preston Dewey and Gray Crow. So far, nobody really has, which means both could end up red-shirting if Morris and Williams stay healthy the whole season.
Grade: B. Believe it or not, Jacory Harris finished 19th in the nation last season in passing efficiency (150.61). Now let's see what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch can do with a quarterback who has a stronger arm. I'm expecting good things from Morris if receivers emerge.
> Running backs: Replacing the team's first 1,000-yard back in a decade in the explosive Lamar Miller won't be easy. But so far senior Mike James (5-11, 220) has received a lot praise in camp. While James will get the bulk of the work early, don't be surprised if true freshman Duke Johnson (5-9, 188) runs past everybody and into the leading role quickly. The former Miami Norland All-American has already worked himself into a backup role alongside junior third-down and short-yardage specialist Eduardo Clements (5-9, 195). Junior Maurice Hagens (5-11, 240) will probably hardly see the field since Miami will rarely be in two-back sets. But when he's in there, he will be the guy opening up holes at fullback.
Grade: B. Miller finished 18th in the country last season in rushing and the Canes finished 71st as a unit. Johnson could eventually provide the same explosion as Miller. But there's no doubt losing Miller hurts. It's like losing your cleanup hitter in baseball. Everyone in the lineup is affected.
> Receivers: The Hurricanes need some youngsters to step up here -- and fast. With last year's top two targets in Tommy Streeter and Travis Benjamin gone, the hope was junior Allen Hurns (6-3, 192) and sophomores Phillip Dorsett (5-10, 185) and Rashawn Scott (6-2, 198) would elevate themselves. But injuries have slowed Hurns and Scott, opening the door for fifth-year seniors Kendal Thompkins (5-10, 182) and Davon Johnson (6-0, 188) to work themselves into the mix. Johnson hasn't caught a pass since 2008. Thompkins has six catches for 66 yards in his career. The only freshman who appears to know the playbook well enough to play is former Miramar High standout Malcolm Lewis (6-0, 192). At tight end, Fisch believes junior Asante Cleveland (6-5, 260) and redshirt sophomore Clive Walford (6-4, 248) can combine for 50 catches. Together, they have 27 catches for 292 yards in their careers. I'm betting on the under.
Grade: C. I've got no doubt Hurns, Dorsett and Scott are talented, but you have to wonder how Thompkins and Johnson -- not good enough to sniff the field in their first four seasons -- are suddenly in the mix for real playing time. This unit worries me the most on offense.
> Offensive line: Junior Seantrel Henderson (6-8, 340) finally made it out for a fall practice on the first day of school Wednesday, but only after missing 21 practices and all of training camp. Henderson, penciled in to be the starting right tackle and the second-most experienced starter on the line (11 starts), has since lost his job to true freshman Ereck Flowers (6-6, 314). What may be more troubling than Henderson's absence (he lost a friend and a relative and was involved in a car accident) and having a true freshman at right tackle, is that Flowers was able to surge past older players such as fourth-year junior Jermaine Johnson (6-6, 318) and fifth-year senior Ben Jones (6-5, 315) with ease. Those two at the moment are the primary backups at tackle and guard on the right and left sides respectively. Outside of that, the starting lineup looks solid with junior right guard Brandon Linder (6-6, 312) and sophomore left guard Jonathan Feliciano (6-5, 314) providing 25 games combined of starting experience. New sophomore starters Shane McDermott (6-4, 295) at center and Malcolm Bunche (6-7, 323) have received solid reviews throughout camp. But staying healthy will be a huge key as it appears quality depth is light. Freshman Danny Isidora (6-4, 320) could be an option later in the year.
Grade: B. Linder, Flowers, McDermott, Feliciano and Bunche should provide a solid starting five and something for opponents to respect. But when Johnson, who was almost switched to defense, and Jones, who hasn't played his entire career, are your sixth and seventh options, it's time to worry a little about depth. Canes fans eager to wave good-bye to Henderson should think twice. Miami, by the way, gave up 19 sacks last year (43rd fewest in the country).
> Special Teams: Punter Dalton Botts, the only Hurricane to make the All-ACC Preseason Team, has been the only player to wear a black jersey from the start of fall camp until the end. He finished season second-best in the ACC in punt average at 42.7 yards per punt last season and should be a strong asset. Senior kicker Jake Wieclaw was 11 of 14 on field goal attempts last year and limited opponents to a 18.6 kick return average, which ranked 13th nationally. With Benjamin gone, UM will turn to Dorsett and Duke Johnson to handle punts and kickoffs. Johnson excelled at it in high school. Dorsett handled four kickoffs and averaged 20.5 yards a return last season as a freshman
Grade: B. Johnson and Dorsett will end up being just as explosive as Miller and Benjamin were in their careers, if not better. Botts and Wieclaw should both have very good senior years. It will be interesting to see how the NCAA kickoff rules change the game. Now, kickoffs are at the 35 and balls that end up in the zone go out to the 25.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umia...camp-offense-special-teams.html#storylink=cpy
Grading UM at end of camp: Defense, coaching
Here is the second part of my report card from the end of fall camp focusing on defense and coaching.
Anthony Chickillo is looking for three quality players to run with him on the defensive line
> Defensive line: Coaches were looking for players to emerge, but it wasn't a stellar fall camp for this group -- particularly at tackle. Redshirt junior Curtis Porter (6-1, 308), whose career has been riddled with injuries, has an off-the-field health issue he's dealing with and its uncertain when he will be back. Senior Darius Smith (6-2, 315), who started seven games last season, lost his starting spot. That's left junior Luther Robinson (6-3, 290) and sophomore Olsen Pierre (6-4, 300) -- with seven career tackles between them -- sitting at the top of the depth chart. Freshmen DeQuan Ivery (6-1, 303) and Earl Moore (6-1, 300) are their backups. The situation at end is a little less dire, even though sophomore Anthony Chickillo (6-4, 262) pass rusher with a college sack under his belt. Juniors Shayon Green (6-3, 260) and Kelvin Cain (6-3, 245), a pair of converted linebackers, have been praised during camp. But beyond those three at, only true freshmen Jelani Hamilton (6-5, 271) and Tyriq McCord (6-3, 236) have excited coaches enough to be listed on the depth chart.
Grade: D. Chickillo might feel like a one-man show at times this season unless some other guys step up here. UM ranked 68th in run defense last season, giving up 161.92 yards a game. The Canes also produced just 23 sacks, 59th in the nation. By the way, what happened to sophomore Ricardo Williams? Suddenly he's invisible on the depth chart again.
> Linebackers: The return of second-leading tackler and sophomore Denzel Perryman, who has moved over to the middle, should ease the loss of Steelers' third round pick Sean Spence. But there are plenty of questions at linebacker beyond that. Junior Jimmy Gaines (6-3, 232) has been battling an ankle injury from the spring throughout camp and hasn't locked down a starting spot despite being one of the most experienced players on the field. He's currently Perryman's backup. Fifth-year senior Ramon Buchanan (6-1, 228) is back and the starter at weakside linebacker, but it's unclear how effective he'll really be coming back from knee surgery. Meanwhile, a number of other young, inexperienced players are in the mix for playing time. At strongside linebacker, sophomore Thurston Armbrister (6-3, 222), a converted safety, and redshirt freshman Eddie Johnson (6-1, 238) are listed as co-starters. Johnson, however, may have bowed out of the race recently as it appears he could face disciplinary action. Another player in the mix for playing time, sophomore Gionni Paul (6-1, 230) still doesn't appear to be 100 percent healthy after sustaining a knee injury early in camp. It also hurts that true freshman Raphael Kirby, who had been impressing since the spring, went down with what appeared to be a season-ending knee injury. Freshman Gabe Terry (6-3, 215) could see some third down work as a pass rusher.
Grade: C. Without all the injuries, this group might have had a chance to be real good and deep. But there are a lot of questions now heading into the start of the season. If a converted safety all of a sudden is your starting strongside linebacker you have to be concerned.
> Defensive backs: UM signed eight defensive backs in their 2012 class and one -- freshman Vernon Davis -- has already left because of how tough the competition is. While senior Brandon McGee (6-0, 194) was in-and-out of Al Golden's doghouse at times in camp, it appears he's solidified a starting spot at field corner. The other guys who will be at corner with him are all new arrivals with the exception of sophomore Thomas Finnie (5-10, 183), who is battling for the backup job at boundary corner. Junior transfer Ladarius Gunter (6-2, 198) has impressed coaches with his ability to break up passes in camp and is the starter there. Former Miramar High All-American Tracy Howard (5-11, 185) wore a black jersey for most of camp and appears as though he's worked himself into the top three at the position. Freshman Antonio Crawford (5-11, 188) has also flashed and is McGee's backup. At safety, fifth-year senior Vaughn Telemaque (33 career starts) will provide more leadership and experience than anyone at any other position. Junior Kacy Rodgers (6-2, 210) has run with the first team throughout camp alongside Telemaque, but has recently gotten a push from 6-1, 195-pound true freshman Deon Bush, an All-American out of Miami Columbus.
Grade: B. No position has improved more dramatically than the secondary. The results may not be immediate in terms of wins and losses because the talent is so young. But in the long run, Miami should be much improved in the coming years. UM ranked 95th in pass efficiency defense last season and produced just 6 INTs while giving up 16 TDs. My guess is the INTs and defensive pass efficiency rating goes up.
> Coaching: For the first time in a long time there wasn't a single coaching change on the staff at Miami from one season to the next. There hasn't been that kind of stability since the last national championship season of 2001. Having the same offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator two years in a row should help a lot. The question on defense is how much assistant Mark D'Onofrio will use a 3-4 scheme instead of a 4-3 scheme. Considering UM's problems at both linebacker and on the defensive line, it will be interesting to see what combinations D'Onofrio uses. Offensively, the Hurricanes should be able to try and stretch the field more with Morris under center and not Jacory Harris.
Grade: A. With all the Hurricanes have had to deal with in terms of the NCAA investigation, for Golden and his staff to still produce a Top 10 recruiting class and get so many freshmen ready to play in a short amount of time Canes fans have to be ecstatic. Golden and his staff have definitely opened the door up to real competition and position battles. The guys who don't like it have moved on. If Golden can improve on last year's 6-6 record with this young, injured team that still is missing quality players at defensive tackle, he will have done a fine job this season.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umia...d-of-camp-defense-coaching.html#storylink=cpy
With school starting Wednesday, the Canes getting a day off Thursday, and preparation for Boston College beginning in earnest Friday, here's a closer look at where the team stands position-by-position at the end of camp based on observations and interviews with players and coaches.
> Quarterbacks: It didn't really take junior Stephen Morris long to wrestle the starting job from sophomore Memphis transfer Ryan Williams. Even before he went out and performed well in the team's first fall scrimmage, Morris (6-2, 214) pretty much had it in the bag by showing his leadership and displaying his physical strength and ability coming off back surgery in the spring. Scouts will tell you Morris has a stronger arm and is a more elusive quarterback than 6-5, 221-pound Williams, who should make for a decent backup because of his accuracy, but at times lumbers in the pocket too long. The key for Morris in keeping the job will be avoiding turnovers. He's thrown seven touchdowns compared to 11 picks in his career. Coach Al Golden said he would like for a third-string quarterback to emerge between freshmen Preston Dewey and Gray Crow. So far, nobody really has, which means both could end up red-shirting if Morris and Williams stay healthy the whole season.
Grade: B. Believe it or not, Jacory Harris finished 19th in the nation last season in passing efficiency (150.61). Now let's see what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch can do with a quarterback who has a stronger arm. I'm expecting good things from Morris if receivers emerge.
> Running backs: Replacing the team's first 1,000-yard back in a decade in the explosive Lamar Miller won't be easy. But so far senior Mike James (5-11, 220) has received a lot praise in camp. While James will get the bulk of the work early, don't be surprised if true freshman Duke Johnson (5-9, 188) runs past everybody and into the leading role quickly. The former Miami Norland All-American has already worked himself into a backup role alongside junior third-down and short-yardage specialist Eduardo Clements (5-9, 195). Junior Maurice Hagens (5-11, 240) will probably hardly see the field since Miami will rarely be in two-back sets. But when he's in there, he will be the guy opening up holes at fullback.
Grade: B. Miller finished 18th in the country last season in rushing and the Canes finished 71st as a unit. Johnson could eventually provide the same explosion as Miller. But there's no doubt losing Miller hurts. It's like losing your cleanup hitter in baseball. Everyone in the lineup is affected.
> Receivers: The Hurricanes need some youngsters to step up here -- and fast. With last year's top two targets in Tommy Streeter and Travis Benjamin gone, the hope was junior Allen Hurns (6-3, 192) and sophomores Phillip Dorsett (5-10, 185) and Rashawn Scott (6-2, 198) would elevate themselves. But injuries have slowed Hurns and Scott, opening the door for fifth-year seniors Kendal Thompkins (5-10, 182) and Davon Johnson (6-0, 188) to work themselves into the mix. Johnson hasn't caught a pass since 2008. Thompkins has six catches for 66 yards in his career. The only freshman who appears to know the playbook well enough to play is former Miramar High standout Malcolm Lewis (6-0, 192). At tight end, Fisch believes junior Asante Cleveland (6-5, 260) and redshirt sophomore Clive Walford (6-4, 248) can combine for 50 catches. Together, they have 27 catches for 292 yards in their careers. I'm betting on the under.
Grade: C. I've got no doubt Hurns, Dorsett and Scott are talented, but you have to wonder how Thompkins and Johnson -- not good enough to sniff the field in their first four seasons -- are suddenly in the mix for real playing time. This unit worries me the most on offense.
> Offensive line: Junior Seantrel Henderson (6-8, 340) finally made it out for a fall practice on the first day of school Wednesday, but only after missing 21 practices and all of training camp. Henderson, penciled in to be the starting right tackle and the second-most experienced starter on the line (11 starts), has since lost his job to true freshman Ereck Flowers (6-6, 314). What may be more troubling than Henderson's absence (he lost a friend and a relative and was involved in a car accident) and having a true freshman at right tackle, is that Flowers was able to surge past older players such as fourth-year junior Jermaine Johnson (6-6, 318) and fifth-year senior Ben Jones (6-5, 315) with ease. Those two at the moment are the primary backups at tackle and guard on the right and left sides respectively. Outside of that, the starting lineup looks solid with junior right guard Brandon Linder (6-6, 312) and sophomore left guard Jonathan Feliciano (6-5, 314) providing 25 games combined of starting experience. New sophomore starters Shane McDermott (6-4, 295) at center and Malcolm Bunche (6-7, 323) have received solid reviews throughout camp. But staying healthy will be a huge key as it appears quality depth is light. Freshman Danny Isidora (6-4, 320) could be an option later in the year.
Grade: B. Linder, Flowers, McDermott, Feliciano and Bunche should provide a solid starting five and something for opponents to respect. But when Johnson, who was almost switched to defense, and Jones, who hasn't played his entire career, are your sixth and seventh options, it's time to worry a little about depth. Canes fans eager to wave good-bye to Henderson should think twice. Miami, by the way, gave up 19 sacks last year (43rd fewest in the country).
> Special Teams: Punter Dalton Botts, the only Hurricane to make the All-ACC Preseason Team, has been the only player to wear a black jersey from the start of fall camp until the end. He finished season second-best in the ACC in punt average at 42.7 yards per punt last season and should be a strong asset. Senior kicker Jake Wieclaw was 11 of 14 on field goal attempts last year and limited opponents to a 18.6 kick return average, which ranked 13th nationally. With Benjamin gone, UM will turn to Dorsett and Duke Johnson to handle punts and kickoffs. Johnson excelled at it in high school. Dorsett handled four kickoffs and averaged 20.5 yards a return last season as a freshman
Grade: B. Johnson and Dorsett will end up being just as explosive as Miller and Benjamin were in their careers, if not better. Botts and Wieclaw should both have very good senior years. It will be interesting to see how the NCAA kickoff rules change the game. Now, kickoffs are at the 35 and balls that end up in the zone go out to the 25.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umia...camp-offense-special-teams.html#storylink=cpy
Grading UM at end of camp: Defense, coaching
Here is the second part of my report card from the end of fall camp focusing on defense and coaching.
Anthony Chickillo is looking for three quality players to run with him on the defensive line
> Defensive line: Coaches were looking for players to emerge, but it wasn't a stellar fall camp for this group -- particularly at tackle. Redshirt junior Curtis Porter (6-1, 308), whose career has been riddled with injuries, has an off-the-field health issue he's dealing with and its uncertain when he will be back. Senior Darius Smith (6-2, 315), who started seven games last season, lost his starting spot. That's left junior Luther Robinson (6-3, 290) and sophomore Olsen Pierre (6-4, 300) -- with seven career tackles between them -- sitting at the top of the depth chart. Freshmen DeQuan Ivery (6-1, 303) and Earl Moore (6-1, 300) are their backups. The situation at end is a little less dire, even though sophomore Anthony Chickillo (6-4, 262) pass rusher with a college sack under his belt. Juniors Shayon Green (6-3, 260) and Kelvin Cain (6-3, 245), a pair of converted linebackers, have been praised during camp. But beyond those three at, only true freshmen Jelani Hamilton (6-5, 271) and Tyriq McCord (6-3, 236) have excited coaches enough to be listed on the depth chart.
Grade: D. Chickillo might feel like a one-man show at times this season unless some other guys step up here. UM ranked 68th in run defense last season, giving up 161.92 yards a game. The Canes also produced just 23 sacks, 59th in the nation. By the way, what happened to sophomore Ricardo Williams? Suddenly he's invisible on the depth chart again.
> Linebackers: The return of second-leading tackler and sophomore Denzel Perryman, who has moved over to the middle, should ease the loss of Steelers' third round pick Sean Spence. But there are plenty of questions at linebacker beyond that. Junior Jimmy Gaines (6-3, 232) has been battling an ankle injury from the spring throughout camp and hasn't locked down a starting spot despite being one of the most experienced players on the field. He's currently Perryman's backup. Fifth-year senior Ramon Buchanan (6-1, 228) is back and the starter at weakside linebacker, but it's unclear how effective he'll really be coming back from knee surgery. Meanwhile, a number of other young, inexperienced players are in the mix for playing time. At strongside linebacker, sophomore Thurston Armbrister (6-3, 222), a converted safety, and redshirt freshman Eddie Johnson (6-1, 238) are listed as co-starters. Johnson, however, may have bowed out of the race recently as it appears he could face disciplinary action. Another player in the mix for playing time, sophomore Gionni Paul (6-1, 230) still doesn't appear to be 100 percent healthy after sustaining a knee injury early in camp. It also hurts that true freshman Raphael Kirby, who had been impressing since the spring, went down with what appeared to be a season-ending knee injury. Freshman Gabe Terry (6-3, 215) could see some third down work as a pass rusher.
Grade: C. Without all the injuries, this group might have had a chance to be real good and deep. But there are a lot of questions now heading into the start of the season. If a converted safety all of a sudden is your starting strongside linebacker you have to be concerned.
> Defensive backs: UM signed eight defensive backs in their 2012 class and one -- freshman Vernon Davis -- has already left because of how tough the competition is. While senior Brandon McGee (6-0, 194) was in-and-out of Al Golden's doghouse at times in camp, it appears he's solidified a starting spot at field corner. The other guys who will be at corner with him are all new arrivals with the exception of sophomore Thomas Finnie (5-10, 183), who is battling for the backup job at boundary corner. Junior transfer Ladarius Gunter (6-2, 198) has impressed coaches with his ability to break up passes in camp and is the starter there. Former Miramar High All-American Tracy Howard (5-11, 185) wore a black jersey for most of camp and appears as though he's worked himself into the top three at the position. Freshman Antonio Crawford (5-11, 188) has also flashed and is McGee's backup. At safety, fifth-year senior Vaughn Telemaque (33 career starts) will provide more leadership and experience than anyone at any other position. Junior Kacy Rodgers (6-2, 210) has run with the first team throughout camp alongside Telemaque, but has recently gotten a push from 6-1, 195-pound true freshman Deon Bush, an All-American out of Miami Columbus.
Grade: B. No position has improved more dramatically than the secondary. The results may not be immediate in terms of wins and losses because the talent is so young. But in the long run, Miami should be much improved in the coming years. UM ranked 95th in pass efficiency defense last season and produced just 6 INTs while giving up 16 TDs. My guess is the INTs and defensive pass efficiency rating goes up.
> Coaching: For the first time in a long time there wasn't a single coaching change on the staff at Miami from one season to the next. There hasn't been that kind of stability since the last national championship season of 2001. Having the same offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator two years in a row should help a lot. The question on defense is how much assistant Mark D'Onofrio will use a 3-4 scheme instead of a 4-3 scheme. Considering UM's problems at both linebacker and on the defensive line, it will be interesting to see what combinations D'Onofrio uses. Offensively, the Hurricanes should be able to try and stretch the field more with Morris under center and not Jacory Harris.
Grade: A. With all the Hurricanes have had to deal with in terms of the NCAA investigation, for Golden and his staff to still produce a Top 10 recruiting class and get so many freshmen ready to play in a short amount of time Canes fans have to be ecstatic. Golden and his staff have definitely opened the door up to real competition and position battles. The guys who don't like it have moved on. If Golden can improve on last year's 6-6 record with this young, injured team that still is missing quality players at defensive tackle, he will have done a fine job this season.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umia...d-of-camp-defense-coaching.html#storylink=cpy
