Over much of the past two decades, the professional football factory of Coral Gables, better known as the University of Miami, has put out some of the top NFL talent year after year. Throughout that time, the players and the program, continued to struggle with following NCAA rules, and it seems that we are back there again. Promising HC Al Golden took over the program last year, just before the NCAA began their newest investigation into the program. It resulted in the program having a considerable number of players suspended, and ending in a 6-6 season. So how will Golden's second year go.
Despite being one of the more maligned QBs in recent Miami history, Jacory Harris left the program as the #2 passer of all-time. This year, JR QB Stephen Harris will get his first chance to be the full time starter, and he will have his work cut out for him. Last year's top back, Lamar Miller has gone pro, leaving the team's power back from a year ago, SR Mike James, as the primary ball carrier this year. I am not sure James will be the guy for long though. Very highly touted freshman, Duke Johnson will also line up in the backfield, and I expect him to get a majority of the carries by mid season. The receiving corp is also going through major transition. Tommy Streeter, Travis Benjamin, and Aldarius Johnson are all gone, and it leaves the team with a very inexperienced unit. SO Phillip Dorsett is promising though, as is 6'7" SO TE David Perry. It may take a year or two though before these guys become major factors. The biggest asset for the "U" is their offensive front. JR OT Seantrell Henderson is a mountain of a human being, and if he can stay healthy, he should secure the right side of that line very well. JR Brandon Linder is an athletic OG who shows a lot of promise too.
As good as Miami's offenses have been, it has always been the defense that is the pride of this team. Stars like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Vince Wilfork, and Jon Vilma, are just a few of the headliners that have made playing on the Hurricane defense a true aspiration for many a young football player in Miami. This year's defense however, is a noticeable step down from units in the recent past. JUCO transfer Darius Smith is the team's best player on the front. He is good, but I wouldn't call him great. Also, there is no one from the defensive front that looks as if they are going to get major pressure off the edge. Olivier Vernon has gone to the NFL, and there is now a hole that must be filled. The linebackers however, should be one of the better units on this team again. The speedy Ramon Buchanan return from injury to man his OLB position, and last year's standout tFR, Denzel Perryman will retun for his second year as the starting MLB. These guys make a nice pair, and will cover a lot of ground, making a lot of tackles. The secondary, another traditional stregnth, has a nice pair of safeties, but some questions at corner. SR S Vaughn Telemaque is a good ball player, but not overly prolific. His battery mate, Ray Ray Armstrong is definitely the better ball player, but he struggles with his attitude sometimes. Last year's secondary was possibly the worst secondary for the "U" in the last 20 years, so despite some limitations, this year's group could very easily improve.
With the talent rich South Florida high schools in their backyard, Miami will return to prominence once again. I just think it could take a few years. Al Golden seems to be the kind of guy the program needed to restore some dignity. Now as his recruiting classes begin to come aboard, and his scheme begins to become familiar, we can see how long it will take before the "U" rises again.
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