[WizKhid]

Hurricanes 2011Roster Preview

Its All About The U!

(2001 National Champs Miami Hurricanes)

When people think about the hurricanes, they mention the countless All-Americans, the five time national champions and the Swagger that the players carried on and off the field. Now when they think about the "U" they ask "Will it ever be the same as the class of 2001?"

Offense

Quarterback: Jacory Harris (SR), Stephen Morris (SO) Spencer Whipple (SR), Ryan Williams (SO)

- This position has to be one of the biggest question mark? The "U" has produced some great quarterbacks but none in recent years. Jacory Harris has his ups and downs since coming to Miami. He had a break out year as a sophomore but then regressed in his junior year. Harris should be the clear cut start for the hurricanes when the season starts but needs to make smarter choices in the passing game. Stephen Morris was thrown into the fire last year as a true freshmen when Harris went down. He comp. 82 passes for 1,240 yards but he threw 9 INT to his 7 TDs. Morris has great pocket presence and hopefully will make some stride in his sophomore year. Spencer Whipple surprised people in the spring as he was the number 1. Whipple has yet to throw a TD but managed to throw 2 INT in his limited time on the field. Whoever gets the starting job...its theirs to loose.

Runningback: Lamar Miller (SO), Mike James (JR), Darion Hall (FR), Kevin Grooms (FR)

- The Strength of the canes' offense comes from the backfield. Miami was once suppose to have one of the best running trios in the ACC but with Storm Johnson transferring. Lamar Miller looks to be the featured back in this offense as he rushed for 646 yards on 108 carries.as the back-up last year.He exploded in the spring game with 10 carries for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Mike James looks to be complementing the speed back Miller with his power style of running. James carried the ball 70 times for 398 yards as the third running back.Darion hall and Kevin Grooms should be trying to buy a spot as the third running back on the team. Hall was red-shirted last year and looks to prove himself to the new coaching staff in Miami. Kevin Grooms an amazing 3 star RB/Ath with an amazing burst out of his breaks, change of direction and closing speed.

FullBack: Maurice Hagens (SO)

- Maurice Hagens will be the start at fullback replacing Patrick hill. Hagens is a type of workhouse type of rb when he was in high school. The only thing he lacks is a great speed but makes up for it with his blocking ability, Durability, and plays with great power.

Wide Receiver: Travis Benjamin (SR) LaRon Byrd (SR),Aldarius Johnson (SR), Tommy Streeter (JR), Phillip Dorsett (FR), Kendal Thompkins (JR), Davon Johnson (JR), Allen Hurns (SO)

- Miami Has produced some great wide receiver over the years that went on to have great NFL careers. This year could be abit different with no go to receiver out of the bunch. Travis Benjamin has some big shoes to fill with Leonard hankerson gone. Benjamin needs to be more consistence with catching the ball this year. He has amazing speed and athleticism that can clearly be seen on the field. He will also be look to as the kick/punt returner. LaRon Byrd should be the clear #2 receiver he had the third most receptions and yards last year. The position for the number #3 spot is anyone's who wants it. Tommy Streeter and Kendal Thompkins both showed some flashes during the spring.

Tight end: Blake Ayles (SR) , Chase Ford (SR), Asante Cleveland (SO) , Clive Walford(SO)

- Miami Has also been know for some great tight ends [Kellen Winslow Jr., Jeremy Shockey, Greg Olsen...etc] Asante Cleveland is suppose to be the starter at tight end but was injured during the spring. So Blake Ayles a USC transfer looks to have secured the starting role. Ayles hasn't been as productive at USC with only catching one touchdown at his time there. He has always had some type of injury during his three years at USC. Chase Ford looks to be the #2 tight end on the roster. He started in 11 games last season only to catch couple of passes.

Offensive Line:LT Seantrel Henderson (SO), LT Malcolm Bunche (FR), LG Harland Gunn (SR), LG Brandon Linder (SO) C Tyler Horn (SR), C Shane McDermott (SO), RG Brandon Washington (JR), RG Jared Wheeler (SO), RT Jermaine Johnson (SO), RT Ben Jones (JR)

- Former UM O-line coach Art Kehoe has return to the "U" which means great things for this offensive line. They have all the tools to be great with all the start returning expect for former LT Orlando Franklin who left for the NFL. They question here is how will Seantrel Henderson do on the left side of the line? Many people have compared him to Bryant Mckinnie who now plays in Minnesota. Henderson has all the right things to be great [Athleticism, Great footwork and Size]. Since Henderson made the move to left tackle the right side of the O-line is up for grabs. Jermaine Johnson looks to be the bookend to Seantrel. Johnson has played in 11 games and recorded 3 pancakes last season. The Interior of the offensive line is the most experience. Harland gun has started in 26 game for the canes recording 13 pancakes and six lumberjacks last year. Gunn has great blocking skills, he explosive and quick off the line. A three star prospect JR Brandon Washington showed that he can play and play at a high level his coming to Miami. Washington fires well off the ball for a 300 big men. He is quick, nimble, and shows light feet for a 300+ pounder. He is an excellent run blocker who plays with a great low base. The leader of the offensive line Center Tyler Horn had a great season last year finishing 39 pancakes and six lumberjacks. He looks to the center piece that holds this offensive line together.

Defense

Defensive Ends: LE Adewale Ojomo (SR), LE Marcus Robinson (SR), RE Olivier Vernon (JR), RE Dyron Dye (FR), RE Anthony "3G" Chickillo (FR)

- The Defensive Line should be the strength of the Defensive with it anchored by Adewale Ojomo and Olivier Vernon who combined recorded 11 sacks last season. The standout 5 Star defensive end Anthony chickillo was born to be a hurricane. He is relentless and will rundown the opposition from sideline to sideline. There will most likely be a rotation used to maximize everyone skill set.

Defensive Tackles: Marcus Forston (JR), Micantor Regis (SR), Luther Robinson (SO), Curtis Pointer (JR) Jalen Grimble (FR)

- The Defensive Tackles position hasn't been the same since Warren Sapp played the position. This defensive line feature a highly touted linemen in Marcus Forston. Micantor Regis looks to play beside forston, between the two of they have combined for 6 sacks and two interceptions. The Canes adds another 5***** star prospect along the defensive line in Jalen Grimble. He run extremely well for a big man which lets him be able to chase down plays from the back side and make an impact when the ball is going away from him.

Middle Linebacker:Jordan Futch (SR), Kelvin Cain (SO), Shayon Green (SO)

- The Middle linebacker position is up for grabs with Colin McCarthy leaving for the NFL. Jordan Futch looks to be the top candidate for the position. He has made a name for himself on the team for his big hits on special team. Right behind him is Kelvin Cain who recorded one sack last season. He has shown some great athleticism, quick feet and great size.Futch could get the starting nod because of his experience but don't be to see Kelvin make a name for himself.


Outside Linebacker: LOLB Ramon Buchanon (SR), LOLB James Gaines (SO), LOLB Gionni Paul (FR), ROLB Sean Spence (SR) ROLB Anotnio Kinard (FR) ROLB Denzel Perryman ( FR)

- Everyone knows that Sean Spence is a lock for the starting job but who will be on the other side of him? Buchanan looks to be in prime shape to get the other OLB spot as long as he can stay out of trouble that is. Another option at the OLB position could be freshman Gionni Paul. He lacks ideal height at 5'11 but he makes up for it with some serious big hits.

Cornerback: Jojo Nicolas (SR), Brandon McGee (JR), Lee Chambers (SO), Thomas Finnie (FR), Dallas Crawford (FR), Kenneth Jackson (FR)

- One of the many weakness of the Defense unit. Miami has Lost both starting corners to the NFL [Demarcus Van **** & Brandon Harris]. The question is who will step up? Jojo Nicolas is a former safety who will be playing corner this year. McGee is the only player out of the group who has experience playing. Coach Golden has made sure to add depth to this position with the signing of 2 3*** star recruits in Thomas Finnie and Dallas Crawford. Both of them have great closing speed on the ball and instinct to reaction when the ball is in the air.

Safeties: FSVaughn Telamaque (JR), FS Kacy Rodgers (SO), SS Ray Ray Armstrong (JR), SS Alonzo Highsmith (JR) SS Eduardo Clements (SO)

-Telamague & Armstrong are the notable starters at the safety positions. Both of them have great coverage awareness and great instinct to reaction on the ball. The only other player at this position with any experience would be Sophomore Kacy Rodgers. Alonzo Highsmith was the former 3rd string QB but switched to Safety during the spring. He isn't the only one making the transition from offense to defense. Eduardo Clements one of the back-up running backs last season makes the move to Safety to add more depth to what is a weak secondary group.