Miami Storms into Football Season
July 28, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Hurricanes head into the 1999 season looking to build upon the momentum captured at the end of the ’98 season. Miami closed out last year with a monumental 49-45 upset victory over second-ranked UCLA to spoil the Bruins hopes of an undefeated campaign and ruining their chances of playing for a National Championship. The Hurricanes then parlayed that success into a convincing 46-23 win over ACC representative North Carolina State in the Micron PC Bowl and a final season ranking of 20th in the Associated Press poll.
Offensively, the Hurricanes return seven starters from last season’s unit. However the Canes need to replace their entire starting backfield from a year ago with the graduation of quarterback Scott Covington and fullback Nick Williams, and the early departure of running back Edgerrin James to the NFL. The graduation of right guard Damond Neely also creates a void along the Hurricanes’ offensive line. Miami returns a deep and talented corps of wide receivers to compliment an offensive line that has gained valuable experience and maturity over the last two seasons.
Experience reigns supreme on the defensive side of the ball for Miami as 10 of 11 starters return. The challenge will be in replacing defensive end Derrick Ham, who led the Hurricanes with 12 sacks last season. The Hurricanes also return the BIG EAST’s top two tacklers from a year ago in linebackers Dan Morgan and Nate Webster. They anchor a defense that returns two Freshman All-Americans and four All-Big East performers from the 1998 season.
This spring will also mark the debut of defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, who comes to Miami after spending the last three seasons on the coaching staff of the Chicago Bears. Schiano replaces Bill Miller who left the program after serving four years and inherits a unit that ranked 62nd nationally and fifth in the BIG EAST last season in total defense, allowing 374 yards per game.All total the Hurricanes head into 1999 with 29 players returning that made starts last season, 17 of which started six or more games.
Quarterback
One of the focal points will be replacing Scott Covington. After one year as a starter, Covington departs the UM program following a five-year career in which he ranks among the top 10 all-time at Miami in passing yardage (10th-3,862), completions (10th-281), completion percentage (6th-56.5) and touchdown passes (9th-26).
Redshirt sophomore Kenny Kelly enters ’99 tabbed as the Hurricanes first-team quarterback. Kelly combines a strong arm with scrambling ability to bring an added dimension to the Hurricane offense. In eight games last season Kelly threw for 433 yards and five touchdowns on 23-of-43 passing. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays out of high school, Kelly spends his summers playing baseball in the organization’s minor league system.
Providing back-up at the position will be redshirt-junior Zachary Hart. A former walk-on, Hart was placed on scholarship prior to last season, where he appeared in three games. Hart has yet to attempt a pass during his collegiate career.
Running Back
Replacing a two-time 1,000-yard running back, such as Edgerrin James, would be a major concern for most programs. However, replacing James, who re-wrote the UM record book by becoming the school’s first two-time 1,000 yard rusher, should be a smooth transition for coach Butch Davis. The Hurricanes’ rushing attack features a pair of battle-tested backs in James Jackson and Najeh Davenport.
Providing back-up to James last season, the pair combined to rush for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns on 137 carries, an average of 6.8 yards per carry.
Jackson was second on the team in rushing in ’98 with 545 yards. An explosive back, he averaged 6.6 yards per carry and ran for five touchdowns on 82 carries. Jackson tallied 17 runs of 10 or more yards last season.
Redshirt sophomore Najeh Davenport will be pushing Jackson for playing time. Davenport burst onto the scene last year with a team-high average of 7.0 yards per carry. In 10 games last season, Davenport rushed for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries.
Fullback
For the second straight year the Hurricanes look to replace the returning starter at fullback. Competing for the spot left by the graduation of Nick Williams are senior Mondriel Fulcher and a pair of juniors in Will McPartland and Wilbur Valdez.
Fulcher spent the past two seasons as a tight end in the Hurricanes’ offense and enjoyed a breakthrough season in ’98. Fulcher appeared in every game last season, posting career best numbers for receptions (17) and receiving yards (289). He averaged 21.5 yards per catch over the last half of the season, totaling 11 receptions for 237 yards over the last six games. The 6-3, 245-pounder made several clutch catches last year, including a 29-yard touchdown reception against UCLA and a 36-yard reception at West Virginia that directly led to a UM score.
As the second-team fullback behind Williams last season, Will McPartland appeared in nine games, including one start. Noted for his blocking skills, the former walk-on rushed for 17 yards on six carries in ’98.
A special teams mainstay, Wilbur Valdez returns from shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the last two-games of ’98. A converted linebacker, Valdez appeared in 10 games last season, recording one carry for zero yards.
Receiver
The Hurricanes have a full arsenal of receivers at their disposal in 1999. UM returns a quartet of wideouts for their junior years that cracked the lineup as true-freshmen two seasons ago (Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss, Andre King, Daryl Jones). Again this season, the position features a balance between speed and possession receivers.
Reggie Wayne, the team leader in receptions each of the last two years, missed spring drills as he continued to rehabilitate his left knee following re-constructive ACL surgery. The injury, which occurred in preparation for the Syracuse game, forced the junior to miss the final three contests of the ’98 season. In nine games, the former BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, grabbed a team-high 42 passes for 629 yards and four touchdowns.
One of the fastest players on the team, Santana Moss looks to improve upon a sensational sophomore campaign which saw him garner second-team All-BIG EAST accolades. Moss led the Hurricanes in receiving yards (631), receiving touchdowns (8) and yards per reception (21.0) last season. A speed merchant, Moss is the defending BIG EAST indoor track champion in the 60-meters. A threat to score from anywhere on the field, Moss registered touchdown catches of 47, 52, 71 and 71 yards last year.
The 1998 season saw the emergence of Andre King as an offensive weapon. King was the only UM wideout to register a reception in every game last season. One of the top blockers among the receiving corps, King was third on the squad in receptions (28) and receiving yards (397).
Daryl Jones suffered through nagging injuries most of ’98 to haul in 12 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Jones, the 1999 BIG EAST 100-meter champion, appeared in every game last season and possesses tremendous speed, giving the Hurricane offense another deep threat. Among his 12 catches was a three-yard score in the final minutes at West Virginia to give UM its biggest road win of the season.
Rounding out the corps is junior Aaron Moser. Moser missed three games last year after suffering a concussion against Virginia Tech. The BIG EAST champion in the decathlon and pentathlon, Moser caught three passes for 37 yards in ’98, including a touchdown against UCLA.Also looking to make a mark and compete for playing time is redshirt-freshman Ethenic Sands.
Tight End
The Hurricanes possessed one of the top tight end tandems in the nation last season in Daniel “Bubba” Franks and Mondriel Fulcher. Franks returns to the role, but Fulcher will be used at the fullback position during the spring.
A two-time All-BIG EAST selection, Franks is expected to contend for All-American honors in 1999. Described as the “complete package” by the coaching staff, Franks combines tenacious blocking, with exceptional receiving skills and “freight train” running ability. Franks averaged 13.8 yards a reception last year, snaring 13 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns.
Redshirt-sophomore Dan Smith looks to increase his playing time. A special teams mainstay, Smith’s only reception last season was a one-yard TD catch against Pittsburgh.
Junior college transfer Ivan Mercer looks to make an impact after playing two seasons at Orange Coast J.C. in California.
Offensive Line
The Hurricanes return an experienced offensive line with three players that started every game last year. The unit enters fall drills healthy and with depth.
Again this season, the line will be anchored by 6-2, 285-pound center Ty Wise. A hard-nosed competitor, Wise started every game last season and was named the team’s Weight Lifter of the Year. Redshirt-sophomore Scott Puckett provides back-up to Wise. Puckett gained valuable experience last season appearing in five games.
Arguably the most valuable member of the offensive unit is left guard Richard Mercier. The 6-3, 290-pound senior returned from re-constructive knee surgery to start every game in ’98. A first-team All-BIG EAST selection, Mercier is expected to contend for All-America honors this season. His return to the lineup last season saw the production of the Hurricane offense go from averaging 30.6 points and 395.1 yards total offense in 1997, to an average of 36.5 points and 451.5 yards total offense in ’98. During his career the Hurricanes are 27-8 in games that Mercier starts and 4-7 in contests in which he does not play.
Sophomore Brett Romberg will also be competing for playing time at left guard. As a true freshman, Romberg gained valuable experience, playing in eight games as a back-up to Mercier.
Competition will be fierce at the left tackle spot. Senior Robert Hall started in each of the last nine games last season. He will be pushed by another senior, Robert Sampson, who played in 11 games in ’98, and 6-6, 313-pound redshirt-freshman Sherko Haji-Rasouli.
Martin Bibla and Eric Schnupp enter the fall in a battle to replace Damond Neely at the right guard spot. Schnupp made a miraculous recovery from off-season re-constructive surgery on his right knee last year, needing 18 weeks of rehabilitation before returning to the lineup to play in five of the last six games in ’98. Bibla appeared in every game, including four starts, last season as a redshirt-freshman. Redshirt-freshman Joe Fantigrassi is also in the mix.
Freshman All-American and BIG EAST Rookie of the Year Joaquin Gonzalez looks to lock-down the right tackle position. Gonzalez made league history last year by becoming the first O-lineman to be named top newcomer. In starting every game, Gonzalez became just the third freshman this decade to start along UM’s offensive front. Junior college transfer Greg Laffere and freshman Ed Wilkins used last year’s redshirt season to learn the UM system and prepare for the demands of major college football. Both will compete for playing time at right tackle.
Defensive Line
The Hurricanes return an experienced nucleus along the defensive front with three of four starters back. The biggest challenge facing the group will be replacing 1998 sack leader Derrick Ham.
Senior end Michael Boireau is the heir apparent to replace Ham at the right end position. Boireau was able to step in last season after playing his first two years in the junior college ranks to make three starts and play in 10 games. He tied Ham for the team-lead with 13 quarterback hurries, while registering 21 tackles and a sack. Pushing Boireau at the right end is Brian Stinson, who appeared in 10 games last season behind Ham. Stinson made one start (Florida State) and totaled 13 tackles on the season. Redshirt freshman Jamal Green will offer depth at the position.
Junior Damione Lewis will anchor the defensive line in ’99 after starting every game during the course of his first two years at Miami. Last season, he led all defensive linemen with 52 tackles. A trio of young players look to spell Lewis at the right tackle position. Redshirt-sophomore Clint Hurtt, who missed the ’98 season with a knee injury, and redshirt-freshmen William Joseph and Matt Walters will battle for playing time.
Senior Matt Sweeney returns to his left tackle position after starting every game last season. Sweeney posted career-high numbers as a junior, recording 45 tackles. He led all UM defensive linemen with 21 solo stops. Junior Adrian Wilson looks to earn playing time at left tackle in ’99 after appearing in every game as a sophomore last year. Freshman Nick Nettles adds further depth to the tackle spot.
The emergence of junior Quincy Hipps at left end in ’98 makes him the man to beat in ’99. Hipps started eight of the 10 games he appeared in as a sophomore and was credited with 35 tackles. The left defensive end spot is backed-up by junior Jevon Rhodes who moves to the line after two seasons at linebacker. Rhodes appeared in 10 games last season seeing most of his time on special teams. Redshirt freshman Jim Wilson will also compete for playing time.
Linebackers
Perhaps the strongest unit on defense, UM’s linebacking corps is as solid as any in the nation as the Hurricanes return the BIG EAST’s top two tacklers in Dan Morgan (150 tackles) and Nate Webster (134 tackles), plus 10-game starter Michael Smith.
All-BIG EAST First Team selection Dan Morgan returns for his third season as the starting weakside linebacker. Morgan has led the Hurricane defense in tackles each of his first two years. Of UM’s 11 regular season games in ’98, Morgan recorded double-digit stops in nine contests. Providing depth behind Morgan are redshirt freshmen Ken Dangerfield and Howard Clark, and fourth-year senior James Sutton. Sutton appeared in five games last season as a reserve, seeing majority of action on special teams.
Nate Webster enjoyed a breakthrough season during his sophomore campaign. Aside from placing behind Morgan as the No. 2 tackler on the BIG EAST charts, Webster was also named to the all-conference first team and garnered third-team AP All-American honors, while averaging 13.4 tackles per game in 1998. He established a UM single-game tackle record with 23 stops in UM’s win at West Virginia.
Competition for the second-team spot in the middle behind Webster will be fierce between sophomore Sheven Marshall and senior Rod Mack. Marshall was one of four true freshmen to play in 10 or more games last season. He was also one of two true freshmen to make starts in ’98. Marshall started in place of Webster for the Pittsburgh and UCLA games. In total, Marshall made 30 stops as a freshman, including 17 solo. Mack brings experience and versatility to the lineup. Last year he provided back-up to Dan Morgan on the weakside, recording 33 tackles.
Michael Smith started 10 games last season and enters his senior campaign looking to improve upon his 68-tackle effort of a year ago. Regarded as a solid pass coverage linebacker, Smith finished off the ’98 regular season with a career-high 17-tackle performance against UCLA. Sophomore Chris Campbell, who appeared in 10 games as a true freshman last year, returns to the strongside. Last season, he recorded 19 tackles and was a valued member of the special teams unit. Redshirt freshman LaVaar Scott will add depth and compete for playing time.
Defensive Backs
Miami returns virtually its entire defensive backfield intact from a year ago, with the lone departure being special teams standout Nate Brooks. In addition, eight players return to the UM secondary who have recorded starts during their careers.
At right corner, Markese Fitzgerald enters spring practice as the incumbent. In ’98, Fitzgerald started nine games at the left corner and totaled 34 tackles. Heralded sophomore Mike Rumph looks to gain increased action behind Fitzgerald after an impressive true freshman season in ’98 where he appeared in every game, while making three starts. Redshirt freshman Darell Arline adds the depth at right corner.
Al Blades made his mark at free safety during his sophomore season in ’98. The brother of former ‘Canes Bennie and Brian, Al emerged as the Hurricanes starting free safety for the season’s final eight games. Blades finished the season fourth on the team with 82 tackles. Redshirt junior Delvin Brown, who started the season’s first four contests, will look to rotate with Blades for playing time and will be used in the nickel package. Brown had 38 tackles, while appearing in 11 games. Sophomore James Lewis adds further depth to free safety after appearing in every game as a true freshman in ’98.
The strong safety position is anchored by Freshman All-American Edward Reed. In ’98, Reed started every game at the position, recording the team’s third -highest tackle total, 90 stops, including 61 solo tackles. He also made two interceptions, two quarterback sacks and seven pass break-ups. Jeff Popovich, a two-time GTE District III Academic All-American, has five starts during his career. He recorded 36 tackles last season and saw time in the Hurricanes dime package.
At left corner, Leonard Myers enters spring as the incumbent. Myers was a second team All-BIG EAST selection in ’98, while leading the league in passes successfully defended (15). Versatile senior corner Nick Ward, who has nine career starts, returns to add veteran strength. Ward made 23 tackles, 20 of which were solo stops, in ’98. Freshman James Scott will add further depth behind Myers and Ward.
Special Teams
The Hurricanes return veteran kicker Andy Crosland who has handled the punting and place kicking chores each of the last three seasons at Miami. Crosland finished fourth in the BIG EAST with a 40.3 yards per punt average and is a tested veteran. He converted 7-of-11 field goal attempts in ’98, while making good on 51-of-55 point after attempts.
Todd Sievers is expected to once again handle the lion’s share of kick offs again this season and to push Crosland for place kicking responsibilities. Last season, Sievers handled the bulk of kickoffs for UM, due to his long range ability. He saw action in 10 games and kicked-off for Miami 53 of 68 times. Fourteen of his kickoffs were for touchbacks.
Pat Del Vecchio returns as the team’s long snapper. He handled all the snapping for Hurricane punts and place kicks in ’98. Jeff Popovich will continue as the team’s holder.
Recruits
For the second time in as many years, Miami had a full complement of 25 scholarships to offer. Regarded as one of Butch Davis’ top recruiting crops, this year’s class ranked among the nation’s top 10.
Schedule
Miami’s 1999 schedule is highlighted by the No. 2 and 3 teams in last year’s final poll in Ohio State and Florida State, plus a visit from Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Six of UM’s opponents advanced to bowl games in ’98, while eight posted winning records last year. For the second time in program history, UM opens up the season in the Kickoff Classic where the Hurricanes face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Meadowlands on Aug. 29th.
The Hurricanes then return to Miami for their home-opener against Division I-AA Florida A&M on Sept. 4. Following an open date, Outback Bowl champion Penn State travels to town for a Sept. 18 meeting in the Orange Bowl. To close out the month, Miami travels to East Carolina on Sept. 25.
After an open date to begin October, UM heads north for its annual showdown with intra-state rival Florida State on Oct. 9th to close out the non-conference portion of its schedule.
UM opens BIG EAST competition on Oct. 16 against the Temple Owls. The Hurricanes play their conference schedule without the benefit of an off-week, playing seven games in seven weeks. The Canes take their show on the road the next week to Chestnut Hill, MA for their BIG EAST road-opener against Boston College on Oct. 23. The Hurricanes then have a pre-Halloween meeting at the Orange Bowl against West Virginia on Oct. 30.
November begins on the road for Miami as it travels to Pittsburgh to face the Panthers on Nov. 6. Continuing on the road, the Hurricanes then travel to conference-rival Virginia Tech on Nov. 13.
Miami’s final two regular season games are both at the Orange Bowl as UM plays Rutgers on Nov. 20 and then faces reigning BIG EAST champion and Orange Bowl participant Syracuse on Nov 27.
