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- Oct 21, 2011
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First of all, Head Coach Al Golden clearly is personally excited.
He tweeted this:
@GoldenAl WELCOME TO THE U!
As many have often said, leadership and culture starts at the very top. Al Golden sets the tone for the entire University of Miami program. So, why is he so excited about an 18 year old recruit who may or may not be physically mature enough to deeply contribute right away at his position?
This commitment means more.
1. Distance
While we made late charges at stars Tyriq Mccord and Deon Bush last year, they were still relatively local big names. Both guys were from Florida and Bush went to High School 15 minutes from the Coral Gables. Golden and his staff have made it clear that their intent is to lock down the South Florida area. It's often said that some "lesser" South Florida recruits should never be overlooked over the "bigger" name out of state guys. After all, our history indicates that's when we've gotten in personnel trouble in the 90s and the early part of this century.
Nevertheless, in order to take this program to the level we all expect, the University of Miami must cherry-pick star players who specifically fit their system. In the case of selectively grabbing top name guys who they've evaluated to be impact players in their system, this effectively serves as an extremely important data point for the program.
2. Against all Odds
Succeeding as the underdog has long been the University of Miami's most effective fuel. The program was built on "Us against the World." As it relates to this particular commitment, Miami was going up against the #1 and #2 teams in the entire nation. Almost more impressively, Miami went 7-5 last year. Most impressively of all, Miami cherry picked a star player who announced on national TV despite still not having the sanctions issues settled.
Let me repeat that: Miami pulled a star HS player being recruited by the top teams in the country while still being in a mediocre state (based on results) and not having the NCAA investigation outcome fully settled.
This data point makes almost anyone wonder what Al Golden and staff will be capable of doing when those variables are worked out.
3. Starts up front
Looking at this decision from a narrow perspective, the specific commitment was extremely needed. Most will immediately concede that football starts up front (along the lines). Defense is no different and maybe even further accentuated. Miami currently has a group of Defensive Ends who generally lack explosion and the "it" factor. Behind our best DE, Anthony Chickillo, who is more of a high-motor guy, the notable names are Tyriq Mccord, Shayon Green, Jelani Hamilton, Dwayne Hoilett, Jake Odonnell, and JuCo recruit Devonte Bond.
Mccord needs to gain at least 15-20 pounds in order to be the type of player we need next year.
Green is a veteran who's been physically limited by injuries.
Jelani Hamilton is a rising true sophomore who some feel is currently between positions.
Hoilett showed some promise as a True Freshman, but needs to put it together.
We know very little about Odonnell.
Bond, even being a JuCo player, still needs to put on necessary weight.
This commitment was extremely needed not because Alquadin Muhammad will *certainly* be an impact guy this upcoming year, but because he's the type of physical talent who can earn 15-20 snaps a game as a True Freshman.
Putting it all together, this commitment was needed because of what it means for the future. In times of trouble you look for glimpses of positivity. Cane fans can feel better that this is one of the bigger glimpses of hope on a number of different levels.
He tweeted this:
@GoldenAl WELCOME TO THE U!
As many have often said, leadership and culture starts at the very top. Al Golden sets the tone for the entire University of Miami program. So, why is he so excited about an 18 year old recruit who may or may not be physically mature enough to deeply contribute right away at his position?
This commitment means more.
1. Distance
While we made late charges at stars Tyriq Mccord and Deon Bush last year, they were still relatively local big names. Both guys were from Florida and Bush went to High School 15 minutes from the Coral Gables. Golden and his staff have made it clear that their intent is to lock down the South Florida area. It's often said that some "lesser" South Florida recruits should never be overlooked over the "bigger" name out of state guys. After all, our history indicates that's when we've gotten in personnel trouble in the 90s and the early part of this century.
Nevertheless, in order to take this program to the level we all expect, the University of Miami must cherry-pick star players who specifically fit their system. In the case of selectively grabbing top name guys who they've evaluated to be impact players in their system, this effectively serves as an extremely important data point for the program.
2. Against all Odds
Succeeding as the underdog has long been the University of Miami's most effective fuel. The program was built on "Us against the World." As it relates to this particular commitment, Miami was going up against the #1 and #2 teams in the entire nation. Almost more impressively, Miami went 7-5 last year. Most impressively of all, Miami cherry picked a star player who announced on national TV despite still not having the sanctions issues settled.
Let me repeat that: Miami pulled a star HS player being recruited by the top teams in the country while still being in a mediocre state (based on results) and not having the NCAA investigation outcome fully settled.
This data point makes almost anyone wonder what Al Golden and staff will be capable of doing when those variables are worked out.
3. Starts up front
Looking at this decision from a narrow perspective, the specific commitment was extremely needed. Most will immediately concede that football starts up front (along the lines). Defense is no different and maybe even further accentuated. Miami currently has a group of Defensive Ends who generally lack explosion and the "it" factor. Behind our best DE, Anthony Chickillo, who is more of a high-motor guy, the notable names are Tyriq Mccord, Shayon Green, Jelani Hamilton, Dwayne Hoilett, Jake Odonnell, and JuCo recruit Devonte Bond.
Mccord needs to gain at least 15-20 pounds in order to be the type of player we need next year.
Green is a veteran who's been physically limited by injuries.
Jelani Hamilton is a rising true sophomore who some feel is currently between positions.
Hoilett showed some promise as a True Freshman, but needs to put it together.
We know very little about Odonnell.
Bond, even being a JuCo player, still needs to put on necessary weight.
This commitment was extremely needed not because Alquadin Muhammad will *certainly* be an impact guy this upcoming year, but because he's the type of physical talent who can earn 15-20 snaps a game as a True Freshman.
Putting it all together, this commitment was needed because of what it means for the future. In times of trouble you look for glimpses of positivity. Cane fans can feel better that this is one of the bigger glimpses of hope on a number of different levels.
