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Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes: Jordan and Mallory Heirs to “TE U”?

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The Miami Hurricanes continue Fall camp this week.

Head coach Manny Diaz and the Hurricanes program opened practice to the public again Monday.

 

One group that the fans will want to pay attention to is the tight end corps.

A name you will recognize from the past is hoping to continue their family legacy after a tough start.

While others will look to make their own name at “Tight End U”.

 

No Sophomore Slump in Sight for Jordan

Brevin Jordan leads the tight end group entering after a outstanding campaign as a true freshman. The 6-foot-3, 245 pound Jordan earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2018 and once again is on that watch list going into this season.

Jordan finished the year with 11 starts and was second on the team in both receptions (32) and touchdowns (4).

One of those touchdowns put the spear in FSU.

His size and athleticism are a nightmare for opposing defenses, and if he can build chemistry with whoever starts at quarterback, he could be special.

He is coming off a knee injury but all indications are he should be at full speed once the games count.

 

Another Playmaker in the Wings?

Some names are practically impossible to live up to, no matter how great you may be.

Michael Irvin is one of those names.

His son Michael Irvin, Jr. has been at Miami since 2016, but has struggled to leave his own mark on the program yet.

After little playing time as a freshman, mostly on special teams, he saw action in 12 of 13 games in his sophomore season.  He finished that year with nine receptions for 78 yards but was poised for a larger role as an upperclassman.

A knee injury completely derailed his 2018 regular season but he did manage a return in the Pinstripe Bowl to end the year.

Right now he is inline to be the backup to Jordan based on tenure, however he should be looking over his shoulder.

Irvin, Jr. may be in the mix some as the season rolls on, but does not have the same upside as Jordan or Will Mallory.

If he can stay healthy and continue to contribute on special teams, he may earn more reps on offense along the way.

 

Don’t be Shocked When Mallory Awes

Will Mallory looks the part.

Standing at 6-foot-5 he has the stature to feast in the red zone.

With the skills to finish plays and the size to get in position, Dan Enos has to be excited to let him loose.

 

Enos’s offense is known to be tight-end friendly based on his previous tenures, and Mallory compliments Jordan well as they each bring something different to the table.

Mallory could be seen as more of a deep threat up the seams, with Jordan a bit quicker over the middle and crossing.

He could be a great safety valve for the quarterback as well, with the ability to move the chains and make something happen after the catch.

If Mallory can get ahead of Irvin, Jr. on the depth chart his potential is immense.

Next up will be the wide receivers then we’ll wrap up the offense with the offensive line later in the week.

Follow us on Twitter for more Miami Hurricanes news @SportsWaveDave and @5ReasonsSports.

Make sure to subscribe to the 5 Rings Canes podcast for exclusive Hurricanes content all season long.

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Miami Hurricanes RB Group Full of Promise, yet Unproven

 

 

 

 

Miami Hurricanes RB Group Full of Promise, yet Unproven

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The Miami Hurricanes kick off fall camp Friday with the regular season less than a month away.

Like the quarterback group, the running back position has many questions along with high hopes.

Whoever is under center (or in shotgun if you’re Tate Martell), they will need a strong running game to lean on.

Go Deejay, ‘Cause That’s my DeeJay

DeeJay Dallas is a good bet to be the top back on the depth chart in week one, and rightfully so.

After a sensational sophomore season where he led the team in all purpose yards and played in every game, Dallas looks to build on that and lead a young running back corps.

As the only upperclassman, his role as a proven leader could pay dividends.

 

A good chunk of those yards he accumulated were via kick and punt returns, it remains to be seen the workload Dallas will see in that role. He was able to break 100 yards three time last year, despite never carrying the ball more than 17 times in a game. With just 10 receptions last year, that could be an area of improvement for Dallas in a new system. He also slimmed down a bit from last season which may help him gain some quickness in the open field.

Harris Looks to Build on Strong Finish

One player to watch who could earn a steady diet of carries is Cam Harris, who continued to improve as the season progressed. Standing at 5-foot-10, Harris clocked in at around 190 pounds last year.

Strength Coach David Feeley will probably be happy with his offseason as he added 15 pounds according to the official UM roster.

If Harris can pick up where he left off in 2018 it will be interesting how the snaps get divided with Dallas as the season unfolds.

Harris will be the primary backup as Lorenzo Lingard works his way back into the fold.

Lingard Could be Lightning in a Bottle

One of several intriguing skill position players is sophomore Lorenzo Lingard.

The 6-0, 202 pound Lingard was one of the most coveted recruits coming out of Orange City, FL and showed why in limited action as a freshman. Lingard had a 64-yard scamper for a touchdown against Savannah State and averaged eight yards per carry in that small sample.

 

A track star out of high school, his breakaway speed is a known commodity After a leg injury derailed his freshman season, it will be encouraging if he can stay healthy and earn more reps as the season progresses.

Dallas will likely get the call early and often, with Harris as the prime backup and Lingard situationally.

Special teams is a place where Lingard could get some more playing time as well.

Each brings their own skill set and abilities to the table, and every game will be its own story. If one back has the hot hand it could change the landscape quickly.

Make sure to check out the 5 Rings Canes Podcast for exclusive Miami Hurricanes content.

 

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Miami Hurricanes – QB’s in Spotlight as Camp Nears

 

 

 

 

Miami Hurricanes – QB’s in Spotlight as Camp Nears

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The 2019 Miami Hurricanes football team will kick off Fall Camp this Friday, and one group in particular is in the spotlight.

It’s no secret there is open competition in the quarterback room, with three main contenders.

N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell, and Jarren Williams are the three to watch, each has their own intriguing storyline.

Who Steps up?

There is no clear favorite one month from the regular season, so whoever emerges first may get the call in week one.

Jarren Williams has all the athletic tools and skills you look for at the position.

A top ranked recruit entering college, the 6-foot-2 red shirt freshman should get equal run in camp with his competitors under a new coaching staff.

Williams has great feet and a strong arm with solid fundamentals and footwork, and may be the most well-rounded of the three.

It remains to be seen where he lands on the depth chart, and that could determine his long term future with the program as well.

Incumbent Perry at no Advantage

N’Kosi Perry comes off of a 2018 season where he showed flashes, yet struggled with consistency.

Accuracy was the real problem for Perry as he completed just 50.8% of his attempts (97 out of 191) as a redshirt freshman.

There were a few highs during the season. In his first sustained game action in week three against FIU, he notched a career high 224 yards to go along with three touchdowns.

Perry and the team were riding high after a 5-0 start, but the wheels fell off for the quarterback in the second half.

Miami dropped three straight in ACC play and Perry managed only two touchdown passes in his final six games.

Perry has had some off field concerns as well which have called his maturity into question.

He did have a solid spring so it will be important for him to show continued poise and leadership, along with improved performance if he wants to secure the starting gig.

Martell the Wildcard

Adding competition and complication to the mix is Ohio State transfer Tate Martell, whose journey to Miami is well known.

Martell joined the Hurricanes via the transfer portal, something that sounds like a time machine.

It was suspenseful leading up to his arrival due to his transfer status, with that behind him he must prove he can take control and be the alpha.

One of the most hyped prospects nationally out of high school, Martell spent two years in Columbus but never took hold of the starting job.

His vocal leadership style and intensity are a breath of fresh air for the quarterback group and his teammates alike.

Martell seems like the type of personality that could galvanize a team. He doesn’t possess the same arm talent as Williams or Perry but has great mobility and excels outside of the pocket, traits that may suit him well under new OC Dan Enos.

 

In one of the more wide open quarterback competitions in recent memory, each player brings his own strengths and weaknesses to the table.

On an even playing field, it may come down to intangibles to determine who wins the starting job.

Chemistry and leadership will be a factor.

It should be an interesting battle, and one that could determine the fate of the 2019 Miami Hurricanes.

Follow us on Twitter @5ReasonsSports and @SportsWaveDave.

Check out the 5 Rings Canes podcast for exclusive Miami Hurricanes content all year long.

 

Pre-Season Watch Lists, All-ACC Mentions for Hurricanes

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With the beginning of Fall Camp approaching , the Miami Hurricanes football team continues to grab attention.

Preseason watch lists are a lot of speculation, but recognition at least sets a tone of high expectations.

Miami has had several position groups mentioned in pre-season watch lists for major awards, including multiple players on the Butkus Award list.

 

Seniors Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney lead an impressive linebacker corps for the Hurricanes. Quarterman comes off a stellar 2018 season where he earned first team All-ACC honors with 82 tackles, including 14 TFL.

Not to mention he has started every game in his UM career, a streak which enters the season at 39 games.

Pinckney has also been a solid performer and a mainstay in the middle in his four years on campus. Coming off a season with 74 tackles and 11 TFL, he also earned pre-season All-ACC mentions along with tight end Brevin Jordan.

 

Jordan looks to follow a nice freshman campaign (32 receptions, 287 yards, four TD) and set the tone for a young tight end group on the rise.

Trajan Bandy joins his fellow Hurricanes on the trophy hunt, earning a spot on the Jim Thorpe Award list for best college defensive back.

 

Bandy had a breakout sophomore season in 2018 and looks to continue right where he left off.

Wearing the Turnover Chain.

Bandy led the squad with five such occasions last year.

These lists are a nice indicator of potential but really don’t mean a whole lot once the season starts.

What is shows is that the team seems to be reaching top level talent across multiple positions, on both sides of the ball.

A nice step to building elite depth on a team level.

Now let’s hope they can end the year with even more recognition.

Make sure to check out the 5 Rings Canes Podcast for in-depth Miami Hurricanes football coverage.

Hurricanes’ Paradise Camp Lives up to Hype

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The Miami Hurricanes hosted top flight recruits from across the nation at their fourth annual Paradise Camp this past weekend.

Numerous alumni and NFL greats were present and the scene was intense for a summer workout.

Michael Irvin was among those in attendance and as usual made his presence felt.

 

For the Miami Hurricanes, Paradise Camp is a weekend to showcase the many positives of the program in an atmosphere second to none.

Look at the tight end coaching.

 

For these recruits to be able to learn from Hurricanes legends and NFL stars in a competitive setting has to be special.

A lot of commits from the 2020 and 2021 classes were in attendance, a great sign as these recruits begin to build early comradery.

Manny Diaz and his coaching staff are truly bringing the swagger back, the amount of hype for this Paradise Camp was impressive.

One player who stood out in particular was 2020 commit Tyler Van Dyke, the 6-foot-4 quarterback out of Suffield Academy in Glastonbury, CT.

 

Weekly Recruiting Recruiting Roundup: 6/21/19

 

Van Dyke showcased his talent in 7-on-7 drills according to reports, and found instant chemistry with star tight end target Darnell Washington out of Las Vegas, NV.

Washington is a five-star prospect with multiple scholarship offers on the table, including SEC powers Alabama and Georgia.

A setting like this definitely won’t hurt Miami’s chances in landing the highly regarded Washington, we will update his status as recruiting continues.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @SportsWaveDave for more Paradise Camp and Miami Hurricanes content.

For more great Miami Hurricanes news and insider access, the 5 Rings Canes podcast is a must listen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hurricanes’ Running Backs big on Potential, Short on Experience

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The Miami Hurricanes enter the 2019 season with many questions, as do a lot of teams.

Uncertainty at the quarterback position looms, but there is time to figure out the starter.

Meanwhile the running back room has seen a lot of transition.

Beyond entrenched junior DeeJay Dallas there are many unproven underclassmen.

Dallas led the team with 1260 all-purpose yards in a breakout sophomore campaign, and will likely be a larger part of the offense this year.

 

Then Who?

After Dallas on the depth chart there are many questions, but the answers could be exciting and productive.

Sophomore Lorenzo Lingard showed flashes in limited action as a true freshman, averaging eight yards per carry in six games. A leg injury derailed his season but the big play potential is there.

Lingard finished 2018 with 17 carries for 136 yards and two scores. including a 64-yard scamper. He was a top recruit from not only the state of Florida but nationally as well, Lingard can be an excellent compliment to Dallas with his quickness.

Camron Harris enters the year with a similar profile to Lingard, except that his season ended better than it started. Another local product out of Carol City High, Harris was a four-star prospect when he committed to the Hurricanes, he finished with 166 yards on 28 carries (5.9 avg) last season and came on late in the year.

Latest UM Hurricanes Recruiting Outlook

Lingard and Harris should compete for the carries that don’t go to Dallas, each brings a change of pace to the offense. Their inexperience may be a factor, especially with a new quarterback trying to find his way as well.

Dallas is an exemplary teammate and should help mentor both, along with sophomore Robert Burns who fills out the depth chart. Burns is another highly recruited player from Miami out of Gulliver Prep.

If the Hurricanes can get complimentary contributions from their depth backs, along with another productive season from Dallas, this could be a group to watch.

 

 

Five 1st Round Picks From South Florida In NFL Draft. None From UM.

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As most first rounds are, the NFL Draft saw South Florida represented well beyond just the Dolphins picking at 13. Five players from the Dade/Broward area were selected in the opening 30 picks.

Nick Bosa, the Fort Lauderdale product who went to St. Thomas, went 2nd to the 49ers.

Devin Bush, the Flanagan alumnus from Pembroke Pines, went 10th to the Steelers, who traded up to get him

 

Brian Burns, from Plantation and American Heritage, went 16th to Carolina

Hollywood Brown is from… Hollywood, Florida and went 25th to the Ravens

Deandre Baker went 30th to the Giants, who also traded up to get him, and went to Miami Northwestern

The talent in our communities is staggering. Unfortunately, from a college point of view, none of those players went to UM. Bosa followed his brother to Ohio State. Bush came out of Michigan. Brian Burns from FSU. Hollywood Brown went to the least Hollywood place in America, Oklahoma. And Deandre Baker went to Georgia.

While none of this is a particular indictment on anyone currently in the program. Nor is there any reversing the reality that major college football programs are going to come to Miami and Fort Lauderdale on the lookout for the best players in America.

But we really won’t see the University of Miami back at the highest levels of college football until the commissioner starts saying “from the University of Miami” at the end of these picks. Which seems obvious, but Manny Diaz has a lot of work to do to regain his turf.

Everyone is here now, but this talent base is the reason why UM should always be at the top of this sport. And it’s his job to win these recruiting wars and have the NFL stars stay in their backyard and win ACC Championship for the Hurricanes.

Jeffrey Loria: Your worst person in Miami sports history

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We probably didn’t need to do this.

It was kind of a foregone conclusion, when we selected 52 of the least popular sports figures in South Florida history — split into Sports Figures and Athletes brackets — that the frugal, former owner of the Miami Marlins would eventually tear down the nets like he tore down baseball in this market.

Still, we went through it anyway, and Jeffrey Loria was the big winner… or loser.

(We won’t show his face because, well, why?)

He was never really challenged, not against another former Marlins owner (John Henry), not against former Dolphins GM Mike Tannenbaum, not against the destroyer of the University of Miami football program Nevin Shapiro, not in the Futile Four against former Dolphins coach Nick Saban — who upset Loria’s son-in-law David Samson in the Awful Eight — and certainly not in the Final against the person you oddly deemed the worst athlete (former Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin).

This was a rout.

And why not?

Loria did win a World Series as owner, but he also made decision after decision to destroy the Marlins franchise. (Oh, and he called me a “piece of crap columnist” once, so I’ll acknowledge some bias.

He’ll probably take this condemnation as a compliment.

What was strange was the other side of the bracket, where four former Dolphins (Martin, Dion Jordan, Mike Wallace, Jay Cutler) were the last four left, not exactly the quartet we expected. In fact, Dolphins kept beating Heat, Marlins, Panthers and Hurricanes players in terms of how much you disliked them.

But no one beats Loria, not at this game.