LB Sean Spence
2011 SCHEDULE
9-5-11 at Maryland (Mon.)
9-17-11 OHIO STATE
9-24-11 KANSAS STATE
10-1-11 BETHUNE-COOKMAN
10-8-11 at Virginia Tech
10-15-11 at North Carolina
10-22-11 GEORGIA TECH
10-27-11 VIRGINIA (Thur.)
11-5-11 DUKE
11-12-11 at Florida State
11-19-11 at South Florida
11-26-11 BOSTON COLLEGE
Coach: Al Golden
1st year

2010 Statistics
2010 RESULTS: 7-6
FLORIDA A&M WON 45-0
at Ohio State LOST 24-36
at Pittsburgh WON 31-3
at Clemson WON 30-21
FLORIDA STATE LOST 17-45
at Duke WON 28-13
NORTH CAROLINA WON 33-10
at Virginia LOST 19-24
MARYLAND WON 26-20
at Georgia Tech WON 35-10
VIRGINIA TECH LOST 17-31
SOUTH FLORIDA LOST 20-23 (OT)
SUN BOWL
Notre Dame LOST 17-33

COACHES

Head Coach: Al Golden
Previous: Temple Head Coach

Off. Coordinator/Quarterbacks: Jedd Fisch
Previous: NFL Seahawks QB Coach

Def. Coordinator: Mark D'Onofrio
Previous: Temple Def. Coor.

Running Backs: Terry Richardson
Previous: Connecticut RB Coach

Receivers: George McDonald
Previous: NFL Browns WR Coach

Tight Ends: Brennan Carroll
Previous: Southern Cal TE Coach

Offensive Line: Art Kehoe
Previous: UFL California Redwoods OL Coach

Defensive Line: Jethro Franklin
Previous: Temple DL Coach

Linebackers/Special Teams: Micheal Barrow
Previous: Miami FL LB Coach

Defensive Backs: Paul Williams
Previous: Temple DB Coach

 

2010 Final Rankings
AP-NR, Coaches-NR, BCS-NR
OUTLOOK

For the fourth time in 12 seasons the Canes will open with a brand new head coach and for that matter an entirely new staff. The once proud alums have hopes that Al Golden can turn the struggling program into a beloved winner. If he could do it at Temple, surely he could get this legendary program back on the national map. But don't expect such a move in this his first Miami attempt.

Considering this 2011 version will still be dealing with the same exact issue of whether to choose one shaky quarterback over another, or who will fill the empty cavity of depth and experience on the defensive side, or how they can produce the same points/results without longtime kicker/punter Matt Bosher, enough time might not be available before September gets here. Things would be simpler if quarterback Jacory Harris were playing like a senior or better yet matched the preseason Heisman talk a few ESPN broadcasters predicted him to achieve a few years back. His "Plan B" substitute Stephen Morris has his moments, but more times than not produces the same costly errors. Between them last year, they managed 24 interceptions to 21 touchdown passes. Harris has found a repetitive knack for tossing the pigskin to opposing defensive backs as if they were intended for his own receivers. Or as one Palm Beach Post writer put this quarterback situation into perspective for the new coach as to who will start, "More likely this guesswork will continue all summer, as it did for most of Randy Shannon's final season as Miami coach, like a blind taste test between dusty cans of Coke and Pepsi that have lost their fizz"

The running backs are more than capable of carrying the weight, but they cannot compensate for the same type of turnover margins (104th nationally). The receivers have been little to no help dropping balls, running wrong patterns and just plain losing focus. New offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch cannot have all his pass catchers spending most of their time limping around on the sidelines either. For all that went wrong a year ago, there are some positives to draw from. After all, this was the ACC's No. 1 rated offense at season's end. The offensive line with four starters returning was second best in the conference in sacks allowed.

The defense, too, is likely to experience a few growing pains. The depth, especially at tackle and the secondary, is worrisome. Opponents found little success throwing the ball last year. But three of those cornerbacks are history. On the other hand, Miami could not stop anyone from ramming the ball right down the field via the ground attack. And this defensive line is not expected to have the bodies in order to keep these legs fresh.

Improving on a 7-6 record won't take a whole lot, but it will take something. This new staff cannot instantly erase certain aspects mentioned here. Most longtime fans of the U seem to be excited about what has transpired thus far with the hiring of Al Golden. Any immediate expectations need to be tempered. Enough high school talent exists in this state for everyone. Any chance of getting back to resembling the glory days of old are still a couple or three seasons away. Unless Harris and Morris get it right, 2011 could still end up looking and feeling a lot like last year -- regardless of how much UM improves in other spots.

 


Projected 2011 record: 7-5
QB Jacory Harris
MIAMI FL
2010 Statistical Rankings
OFFENSE
 
National
Conf.
Rushing:
30
3
Passing:
43
5
Total Off:
31
1
Sacks Allow:
24
2
DEFENSE
 
National
Conf.
Rushing:
84
9
Passing:
3
1
Total Def:
22
3
Sacks:
9
3
RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Jacory Harris, 148-270-15, 1793 yds., 14 TD

Rushing: Lamar Miller, 108 att., 646 yds., 6 TD

Receiving: Travis Benjamin, 43 rec., 743 yds., 3 TD

Scoring: Lamar Miller, 7 TD, 1-two pt. conv., 44 pts.

Punting: None

Kicking: None

Tackles: Sean Spence, 111 tot., 59 solo

Sacks: Olivier Vernon, 6 sacks

Interceptions: Ray-Ray Armstrong, 3 for 41 yds., 1 TD; Vaughn Telemaque, 3 for 0 yds.

Kickoff Returns: Lamar Miller, 8 ret., 26.8 avg., 1 TD

Punt Returns: Travis Benjamin, 23 ret., 4.6 avg., 1 TD

 
 
MIAMI FL
2011 College Football Preview
OFFENSE - 6
----RETURNING STARTERS----
DEFENSE - 7
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Patrick Hill-FB, Damien Berry-RB, Graig Cooper-RB, Leonard Hankerson-WR, Richard Gordon-TE, Orlando Franklin-OT, Matt Bosher-K/P
DEFENSE: Allen Bailey-DE, Josh Holmes-DT, Colin McCarthy-MLB, Ryan Hill-CB, DeMarcus Van Dyke-CB, Brandon Harris-CB (NFL)
2011 OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK  
When head coach Al Golden was asked at the conclusion of spring practice who he would chose as his starting quarterback between either Jacory Harris or Stephen Morris his reply was, "I’m not going to make a decision on any of that right now. I just think it’s too close to call and we’ll let them compete for the next 140 days and figure it out." It seems like the new coach is dealing with the same dilemma as the previous in that neither quarterback can eliminate the mistakes nor end the controversy. And a quarterback controversy when things are going bad is a potion for death. Both Harris and Morris still have a long way to go. If the spring game was any indication, where each threw two easy interceptions operating with a vanilla playbook, they have a VERY long way to go. Both are still making poor choices, holding on to the ball too long at times and just not locating open receivers. The understatement of the year would be that these current Miami signal callers throw way too many interceptions. Can that change? New offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch also doubles as the Quarterbacks Coach. Suffice to say he has his hands full.

RUNNING BACK  
Recall when the Canes had Portis, McGahee and Gore? This season might come close to producing similar results as Miller, James and Johnson form a potent trifecta. All of them were showcased in the spring game but the sophomore Lamar Miller was the top dog rushing for 166 yards on just 10 carries. He has another gear the others don't seem to possess. All three are going to see the field. Just how they split the carries is a task offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch has to work out...one of his more positive issues. Miller never carried the ball more than 11 times last year. Neither did Mike James, cousin of former Cane running back Edgerrin James. Storm Johnson and Miller are probably the primary ball carriers (both appear to be more explosive than James) with James being utilized more as the primary pass catcher out of the backfield and on short yardage situations. Getting the ball into the hands of these backs has to be priority one and the base of this offensive game plan. At fullback John Calhoun missed last year with an injury but is the frontrunner to take over for the departed Pat Hill. It also remains to be seen how much the fullback will factor into a new offensive attack and if Mike James will be asked to spend more time there.

RECEIVER  
Step it up! Three of the top four pass catchers from 2010 are back in the lineup. Travis Benjamin has tremendous talent but has been woefully inconsistent while running wrong routes and dropping passes. LaRon Byrd has an NFL body but has not put a complete game together in a long while. Aldarius Johnson at once was a favorite target of Jacory Harris. He lacks top speed but has a knack for finding open holes in the secondary. Last year he caught just 15 passes however. These three seniors have to step up in a big way to help this offense. Every team gets a M*A*S*H Award for the spring...the unit with the most injuries. This group is the winner, which did not bode well for struggling quarterbacks trying to improve their game. Nor did it help a receiving unit that needs vast improvement. Allen Hurns, Davon Johnson, Ben Bruneau, Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson and LaRon Byrd have all missed time due to injury this spring. In the process at least Miami may have found some other playmakers. Every UM fan has become familiar with the legends of former Miami Northwestern HS receivers Kendal Thompkins and Tommy Streeter before they even arrived on campus. Then the talk about how great they look in practice followed and on a few occasions their talents could be seen on the field. It's time to step up full time. The tallest of the bunch, 6'5 Tommy Streeter, seems to be finding his way and could wind up being the top target. Thompkins has continued to make plays too but only in games that don't count. Miami cannot get over the mediocre hump if this unit does not begin to play like they are capable of.

TIGHT END  
Five tight ends are listed in alphabetical order on the university's official post-spring depth chart. That's because they are all neck-and-neck. The best of the bunch is Asante Cleveland but he missed the spring with injury. With him out redshirt freshman Clive Walford was the only one who really took advantage. The others have seemingly disappeared at times. This offense won't miss departed starter Richard Gordon too much as he really was nothing more than an extra lineman (only six catches last fall). Cleveland only managed eight catches. If Miami is once again going to be known as Tight End U, the new coaches must start getting more from this position. There is certainly some young talent on the roster that can be developed. It will be interesting to see how transfer Blake Ayles from USC fits in here.

OFFENSIVE LINE  
This should be a fairly solid group. Only one starter has been lost in tackle Orlando Franklin from a group that was second in the conference in sacks allowed. But with huge five-star Minnesota prep talent Seantrel Henderson on board for his second season Franklin's shoes should be capably filled. Henderson is a mammoth, and he's extremely quick for his size. He's got great strength and his future potential is off the charts. He will likely switch from the right side to the left to replace Franklin. However, some interesting developments have taken place this spring. Apparently Malcolm Bunche, who redshirted last year at right guard, has out worked and thus beaten out Henderson on the left side for now. There were some rumors about Henderson being suspended for the fall opener due to a team rules violation and that he might transfer. Those rumors have been shot down. Why Henderson is sitting second on the latest depth chart leaves one to ponder what's going on. But coaches just exclaim that Bunche had a fantastic spring. Ben Jones closed the spring being listed as a co-starter with Jermaine Johnson at right tackle. NationalChamps.net 2011 Preseason All-American Brandon Washington is a rock at guard. From a consistency standpoint he is the team's best offensive lineman. Guard Harland Gunn is a solid run blocker but the senior is likely going to get pushed for playing time by Brandon Linder, who was a rare true freshman to see action last year. The battle to start at center is a tight battle between Horn and McDermott where the pecking order has been reshuffled several times.

 

OG Brandon Washington

 
MIAMI FL 2011 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Jacory Harris-Sr (6-4, 195) Stephen Morris-So (6-2, 210)
FB John Calhoun-Sr (6-3, 250) (TE) Maurice Hagens-So (5-11, 240)
RB Lamar Miller-So (5-11, 212) Mike James-Jr (5-11, 222)
Storm Johnson-So (6-0, 216)
WR LaRon Byrd-Sr (6-4, 220) Aldarius Johnson-Sr (6-3, 205)
WR Travis Benjamin-Sr (5-10, 175) Allen Hurns-So (6-3, 185)
WR Tommy Streeter-Jr (6-5, 215) Kendal Thompkins-Jr (5-10, 182)
TE Asante Cleveland-So (6-5, 255) Chase Ford-Sr (6-6, 245)
Blake Ayles-Sr (6-5, 265)
OT Seantrel Henderson-So (6-8, 345) Malcolm Bunche-RFr (6-7, 320)
OG Harland Gunn-Sr (6-2, 310) Brandon Linder-So (6-6, 310)
C Tyler Horn-Sr (6-4, 305) Shane McDermott-RFr (6-4, 290)
OG Brandon Washington-Jr (6-4, 320) Jared Wheeler-So (6-5, 315)
OT Jermaine Johnson-So (6-6, 320) Ben Jones-Jr (6-5, 310)
K Jake Wieclaw-Jr (6-2, 200) Matt Goudis-Fr (6-0, 160)

 
2011 DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE  
Gone is a pair of talents in Allen Bailey (team sack leader) and Josh Holmes, but it can be argued that both under performed this past season. And the cupboards at defensive end are far from bare. Miami has four proven players on the outside. Three of them are seniors and one is a junior. The experience level is thick. Olivier Vernon is the best man on this front at bringing pressure. He's athletic, tall and fast, presenting mismatches for most offensive linemen. He will draw plenty of double teams that should help out the rest of the line. Andrew Smith can get after the quarterback too. An injury hampered his cause after proving to be special during August camp last year. Marcus Robinson came off the bench but got plenty of reps before undergoing season-ending surgery late in the year. Depth at tackle is what seems to have the coaches worried. Marcus Forston and Micanor Regis are welcomed back as full time starters but what's left behind them is slim. Forston was a highly sought after prospect out of high school and can be a monster if he goes 100% every snap. He's coming off of an MCL knee injury. He likely will declare for the NFL Draft when the season concludes. Micanor Regis is another veteran capable of All-Conference material when he puts his mind to it. A new face will have to elevate his game in order to keep legs fresh. Expect some incoming freshmen from a defensive-line-heavy group of recruits to make an impact.

LINEBACKER  
Much like the guys in front of them, these linebackers appear to be stout. The glue of this defense will be senior Sean Spence. He's had his share of problems in the past particularly with his smallish size but now he’s a major asset. UM's Most Valuable Player in 2010 after producing a team-leading 17 tackles-for-loss is up to 225 pounds now and shows no signs of letting up. Replacing long time starter Colin McCarthy in the middle was the biggest concern. Three players have stepped in to ease those concerns with Jimmy Gaines, Jordan Futch and Kelvin Cain all seeing time with the first team this spring. All three have had their moments and coaches now have built a more comfortable feeling about this spot. Sharing his veteran experience too will be Ramon Buchanan on the strong side. The senior won the starting job last fall and showed some nice flashes but like many of these Hurricane athletes he needs to get more consistent.

DEFENSIVE BACK  
All three of last year's primary cornerbacks are history. Demarcus Van Dyke and Ryan Hill graduated, and Brandon Harris opted for early entry into the NFL Draft. This has to be a serious concern as the experience factor is extremely on the limited side. One of the bigger moves to offset this issue was JoJo Nicolas shifting from safety to corner. He gives this position a big, physical presence on the outside and may be one of the better moves made during the off-season by this coaching staff. He won't provide the same quality as Brandon Harris did but he could prove to be effective. This young secondary will take it. Brandon McGee will be the most experienced having seen action off the bench in nine games but he has been beaten out this spring by converted running back Lee Chambers. Time will tell if that pecking order sticks. Another big back for this position, the senior Chambers hopes to make his final effort as a Cane the best yet. This looks to be an oversized backfield as 6'4 safety Ray-Ray Armstrong may be the most gifted of the bunch. Armstrong started three games early in the year before coming off the bench behind JoJo Nicolas the rest of the season. He had 79 tackles with 4.5 for losses and three interceptions, which was good enough to earn All-ACC Second Team honors. The hope was that free safety Vaughn Telemaque would develop into the next Ed Reed or Sean Taylor, but last season was just quietly solid for the Californian. He needs to become more of a playmaker. This secondary has a long way to go in the developmental department.

 

DE Olivier Vernon

 
MIAMI FL 2011 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Adewale Ojomo-Sr (6-4, 270) Marcus Robinson-Sr (6-1, 255)
DT Micanor Regis-Sr (6-3, 305) Curtis Porter-Jr (6-1, 300)
DT Marcus Forston-Jr (6-3, 300) Luther Robinson-So (6-3, 295)
DE Olivier Vernon-Jr (6-4, 265) Andrew Smith-Sr (6-3, 250)
WLB Ramon Buchanan-Sr (6-1, 222) Travis Williams-RFr (6-3, 215)
MLB Jordan Futch-Sr (6-3, 235) James Gaines-So (6-3, 220)
Kelvin Cain-So (6-3, 230)
SLB Sean Spence-Sr (6-0, 224) Jordan Futch-Sr (6-3, 235)
CB JoJo Nicolas-Sr (6-1, 200) Thomas Finnie-Fr (5-10, 170)
CB Lee Chambers-Sr (5-10, 185) Brandon McGee-Jr (6-0, 190)
SS Ray-Ray Armstrong-Jr (6-4, 215) Alonzo Highsmith-Jr (6-0, 195)
FS Vaughn Telemaque-Jr (6-2, 200) Andrew Swasey-Jr (5-10, 195)
P Jake Wieclaw-Jr (6-2, 200) Dalton Botts-Jr (6-3, 198)

 

 
2011 SPECIAL TEAMS

Jake Wieclaw has spent the last few years sitting on the bench behind four-year All-Conference performer Matt Bosher. Most any kicker would have sat behind Bosher. The Illinois high school record holder for most field goals in a season, Wieclaw now has the opportunity to do what he came here to do. Much like Bosher, he is currently listed as the starter at both kicker and punter. Walk-ons Alex Irastorza and Cameron Dean have provided back up and joining the group in the fall will be 2011 signees Dalton Botts and Matt Goudis, who comes here from California where he was ranked as one of the Top 15 prep kickers in the country. Travis Benjamin will continue to handle punt returns. The speedy Benjamin didn't post very good numbers last season on average but is extremely dangerous of taking one in for six points on any given return. He will also double as a part of the kick return unit. Impressive running back Lamar Miller maintained the highest average last fall returning kicks. Hopes are the he can be as impressive here as he has proven to be out of the backfield this spring.