hurricane head coach butch davis
As Butch Davis enters his sixth year as head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes’ football program, his tenure thus far can best be described as one of accepting challenges and overcoming obstacles. However, the 18th head coach in Miami history thrives on challenges. A fiercely competitive person, Davis has said he loves recruiting because it is another way to compete.

Davis believes that challenges test the heart of a champion. With the precision of a master craftsman, Davis has put to use the tools that have made him successful at every previous stop in his coaching career as he crafts the Hurricane football program. His goal is to return the program to the level of unprecedented success it enjoyed in the 1980’s through early 90’s when the Hurricanes played for the National Championship eight times–capturing four National Titles–in a 12-year period.

Davis is not building the UM program on a house of cards. The head coach has created an environment that enables players to reach their full potential on and off the field as student-athletes. Davis molds his players into responsible adults by demanding that they be held accountable for their actions, while instilling a work ethic that lasts a lifetime.

Davis’ challenge when he accepted the head coaching position at Miami in 1995, was to keep the program afloat with a short-handed deck. NCAA sanctions reduced the number of scholarships Davis had to offer over his first three years on the job by 31. Yet even during these lean years, UM twice shared the BIG EAST title, while the 1997 Hurricanes captured the school’s first bowl win in five seasons.

A visionary with an eye to the future, Davis’ plans include upgrading and expanding facilities. This spring, motions are underway for the expansion of the weight room, and creating additional meeting rooms. In 1998 the Greentree Practice Field underwent a $2 million facelift

During his five years on the job, Davis’ name has often been mentioned as a NFL head coaching candidate. Davis has said he is flattered to hear his name mentioned, but his focus is on building UM into a national power again.

Under Davis’ tutelage the Hurricanes have taken on a strong presence in the South Florida community. Hurricane players are involved in numerous community service projects. In 1997, all 71 returning players and the entire coaching staff spent a Saturday building homes in Miami’s Overtown area as part of Greater Miami Habitat for Humanity. Davis and wife, Tammy, are active in the athletic department’s involvement in “Red Ribbon Week” where UM student-athletes go into area schools to address the student body about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

For the fifth consecutive Thanksgiving, Davis arranged the donation of full turkey dinners which Hurricane football players delivered to the area’s less fortunate. In four years UM players have delivered over 225 Thanksgiving dinners in the Miami area.

Early in Davis’ UM tenure his fortitude was put to the test. Four games into his inaugural 1995 season the Hurricanes stood at 1-3 before regrouping to win seven straight and close the season at 8-3, launching his young squad back into the Top 20.

By the season finale against Syracuse, Davis had the Hurricanes playing championship-caliber football again. In a thriller at the Orange Bowl, the ‘Canes capped the turnaround and created a foundation for future success with a come-from-behind 35-24 victory to earn a share of the BIG EAST Football Conference championship.

In 1996 Davis stood fast and earned the praise and respect of the college football world for his refusal to waver in dealing with the modern day college athlete. At the same time he led the Hurricanes back into the Top 10 for the first time since the last week of the 1994 regular season.

Once again the Hurricanes finished strong. With a share of the BIG EAST title on the line, Davis’ troops pulled off the upset with a 38-31 triumph at Syracuse in the regular season finale. The ‘Canes culminated the campaign by earning their first bowl victory in five seasons with a 31-21 victory over Virginia in the Carquest Bowl.

Compounding the reduced numbers the season’s tone was set early in the off-season when defensive end Kenard Lang, defensive back Tremain Mack and receiver Yatil Green announced they would forgo their senior seasons for the NFL. Lang and Green were first-round picks, while Mack was a fourth round selection.

In the season opener against Baylor, guard Richard Mercier was lost for the year due to a knee injury and senior receiver Jammi German was declared ineligible for the season by the NCAA. When the Hurricanes played Arizona State in the season’s second game they were without five all-conference caliber players they expected to have at the end of the ’96 season.

The 1998 season bore proof that the UM program had turned the corner as a youthful squad put an end to UCLA’s hopes of an undefeated season and a National Title with a thrilling 49-45 win in the regular season final. Davis also led the ‘Canes to the brink of a BIG EAST Championship while recording the program’s second bowl victory in as many tries under his guidance, as the Hurricanes returned to the top 25.

1999 marked another major step toward Davis and the Hurricanes realizing their goals. The Hurricanes opened the year with a 23-12 win over Ohio State in the Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium in E. Rutherford, NJ. Two games later, Miami lost to then-No. 2 Penn State, 27-23, as the ‘Canes pushed the Nittany Lions to the threshold in the game’s waning minutes. On October 9, Miami traveled to No. 1 Florida State where UM played FSU even for a half, before fallling, 31-21.

Another challenge reared its head on October 23 at Boston College as Miami went to Chestnut Hill with a 2-3 record. UM fell behind BC, 28-0 in the third quarter before staging the greatest comeback in school history to win 31-28. The win over Boston College provided UM with momentum as the ‘Canes would win seven of their final eight games, the only loss coming to No. 2 Virginia Tech. Following the loss to the Hokies, UM would win its final three regular season games by combined score of 155-10, the highest point total in school histoy over a three-game span.

The successful ’99 campaign was capped off by a 28-13 win over Georgia Tech in the Toyota Gator Bowl. The win came in Davis’ first ever New Year’s Day bowl game and provided a springboard toward 2000.

Under Davis the Hurricanes have put the word “special” in special teams. In Davis’ five years (58 games) UM has blocked 37 kicks. In the 10 years prior to Davis’ arrival (1985-94) the Canes combined to block 23 kicks. In Davis’ first-year, the Hurricanes established a new single-season record with 12 blocks, shattering the previous high of six set in 1970.

The Davis Philosophy
Hard work … conviction … pride …responsibility … class … character … success.

These terms have followed Butch Davis throughout his football coaching career.

And far more important to Davis are the results not readily noticed by outside observers. Win or lose, Davis and his staff are totally committed to getting the job done right. The players eagerly accept Davis’ firm but fair leadership. And they have learned that placing aside egos, being responsible to yourself and teammates, making a commitment to academics and working as a team are the foundations of a successful college football program.

“I want us to be successful, but I want kids to leave here with the sense that there’s more important things to individual success than winning football games.

“Character, integrity and honor go along with great success. Those things have been kind of stepped on in athletics over the last decade. I’ve been lucky to be part of two Super Bowl teams with the Dallas Cowboys and a national championship team at Miami. I promise you that integrity and character, and players sacrificing for one another were a big reason why all those teams succeeded. I’m determined to instill that mind-set here.”

When Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee named Davis the 18th head coach of the Hurricanes on January 24, 1995, he knew the type of man he was getting.

“Butch Davis exemplifies the qualities we were seeking in our search for the complete coach,” said Dee. “He demonstrates outstanding leadership ability, integrity, commitment to academics and is among the best recruiters in the country. He has achieved success at the highest levels and we are privileged to have him return to the University of Miami.”

Welcome Back
Davis’ hiring at Miami was a homecoming of sorts. He was an assistant for the ‘Canes for five years under Jimmy Johnson. It was a position he had longed for his entire life.

“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to be a head football coach, and the position at the University of Miami is one of the best at any level of football,” Davis said. “This school, football program and community are all very special to myself and my wife, Tammy, and we are very excited to be back in South Florida.”

Davis’ lifelong dream quickly turned into reality as he found himself in a very challenging position his first days in office. The national letter-of-intent signing period began in just eight days and Miami had just five commitments from high school seniors.

The transition from coaching the world’s finest professional football players with stars on their helmets to recruiting high school seniors with stars in their eyes was met head on and with fury. When the dust had settled eight days later, Hurricane Head Coach Butch Davis had signed 17 student-athletes — a Miami recruiting class that came from out of nowhere to be ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Two Super Bowl Championships at Dallas
At Dallas, Davis helped in one of the most spectacular turnarounds in sports history as the Cowboys went from a 1-15 season in 1989 to consecutive Super Bowl championships in 1992 and ’93.

Davis spent six years with Dallas, the last two seasons as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. His 1994 unit ranked No. 1 in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 269.6 yards per game. That team also ranked first in pass defense (172.0 ypg), 10th in rushing defense (97.6 ypg) and third in points allowed (15.5 ppg).

Davis coached three Cowboys who earned starting positions on the 1994 NFC Pro Bowl team (end Charles Haley, tackle Leon Lett and strong safety Darren Woodson), the most all-pro defensive starters for the Cowboys since 1983.

Davis’ 1993 defensive squad helped the Cowboys capture their second consecutive Super Bowl and allowed just one offensive touchdown or less in 12 of 16 games. On the season, the ’93 Cowboys set a club record by allowing just 21 total touchdowns in 16 games.

That same season, Davis coached the Cowboys’ first defensive representatives to the Pro Bowl since 1985 as former Hurricane tackle Russell Maryland, linebacker Ken Norton and free safety Thomas Everett earned trips to Hawaii.

Prior to being named to the defensive coordinator’s post, Davis coached the Dallas defensive line for four seasons. In 1992, Davis’ line helped the Cowboys to the franchise’s third Super Bowl championship and finished the season as the NFL’s top-ranked unit against the rush–allowing 77.8 yards rushing per game.

National Title at Miami
Davis spent five seasons as the defensive line coach for the University of Miami from 1984-88, including the Hurricanes’ 1987 National Championship team. During his first stint at Miami, Davis coached a defensive line corps that sent 15 linemen to the NFL Draft, including All-Americans Bill Hawkins, Cortez Kennedy, Russell Maryland, Daniel Stubbs and the late Jerome Brown.

Davis’ line was a key part of a Miami defense that finished second in the nation in both scoring and total defense in 1988. The Hurricanes also set a school record with 49 sacks in 1986, then broke the mark with 50 in 1988, and held opposing rushers to fewer than 2.3 yards per carry in 1987 and ’88.

An Offensive Coach
Davis entered the collegiate coaching ranks on the offensive side of the ball as an assistant on Jimmy Johnson’s Oklahoma State teams from 1979-83. At State, Davis was responsible for coaching the receivers and tight ends and serving as the recruiting coordinator.

Prior to Oklahoma State, Davis was the head coach at Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK for one season (1978) after spending time as an assistant at two high schools in Oklahoma and one in Arkansas.

Davis played defensive end for Arkansas under Head Coach Frank Broyles and earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1974.

Born in Tahlequah, OK on November 17, 1951, the 48-year old Davis and his wife Tammy have one son, Andrew, age 7.

Coaching Experience:

1995-	Head Coach, University of Miami
1993-94	Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas, TX
1989-92	Assistant Coach, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas, TX
1984-88	Assistant Coach, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
1979-83	Assistant Coach, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
1978	Head Coach, Tulsa Rogers High School, Tulsa, OK
1976-77	Assistant Coach, Sand Springs High School, Sand Springs, OK
1974-75	Assistant Coach, Pawhuska High School, Pawhuska, OK
1973	Assistant Coach, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR

Playing Experience:

1971-74

Two-year letterman at def. end, Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

Education:

1974	B.S. in Anatomy and Physiology, Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
1970	Graduate of Bixby High School, Bixby, OK

Personal Data:

Full Name:	Paul Hilton Davis
Age:	48
Born:	November 17, 1951, in Tahlequah, OK
Wife:	the former Tammy S. Townsend of Tulsa, OK
Children:	Andrew, 7

Hurricane Spring Outlook

The University of Miami football team enters 2000 spring practice in its best position in Head Coach Butch Davis’ six years at UM to be considered among the nation’s top teams. Miami, coming off a 9-4 record and a No. 15 final ranking, returns an abundance of impact players on both sides of the ball in 2000.

Offensively, the ‘Canes return nine players that made at least three starts last season, including six that made six or more starts. There is a deep talent pool at the wide receiver and running back positions to compliment experienced personnel at quarterback and fullback. The biggest challenges for the ‘Canes will be replacing senior offensive linemen Richard Mercier and Ty Wise, as well as junior tight end Daniel “Bubba” Franks. Franks left UM early to enter the NFL Draft where he is projected to be a first-round selection.

On defense the Hurricanes return eight starters that made six or more starts in ’99, returning starters at two linebacker and all four defensive back positions. Competition will open up on the defensive line as two of the four first-team spots are up for grabs as the Canes look to replace departed seniors Michael Boireau and Matt Sweeney.

All total UM returns 19 players that recorded a start last season, including 14 that made at least six starts in 1999. Moreover, the Hurricanes return 39 of the 50 players listed on their Gator Bowl depth chart.

QUARTERBACK
Second-year sophomore Ken Dorsey takes over the reigns as the University of Miami’s starting quarterback. Dorsey, who started three games in 1999, takes over for Kenny Kelly. Kelly left UM in February to pursue his professional baseball career on a full-time basis after signing a new four-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Dorsey appeared in six games as a true-freshman, completing over 60 percent of his passes, throwing for 807 yards and 10 touchdowns on 74-of-120 passing. Additionally, Dorsey threw just two interceptions, contributing to a 142.3 passing efficiency rating.

In his three starts last season Dorsey exploded with record-setting numbers. Facing Rutgers, Syracuse and Temple to close out the regular season, he engineered a Hurricane offense that combined for 155 points, the most points ever scored by UM over a three-game span. In those three games, Dorsey’s completed 64 of 91 attempts for 718 yards and nine touchdowns. Against Temple his four touchdown passes established a new single-game mark for a true-freshman signal caller at UM, breaking the old record held by Jim Kelly and Bernie Kosar.

Third-year sophomore Ethenic Sands moves to quarterback from wide receiver. A former high school quarterback Sands guided Carol City HS to consecutive Class 6A state titles.

RUNNING BACK
The Hurricanes return a plethora of talented running backs in 2000, all of whom bring a different dimension to Miami’s offensive attack.

Senior James Jackson returns for his fifth season at UM. Jackson, a lightning quick runner who can score from anywhere on the field, ranks fifth on Miami’s career rushing chart with 1,947 yards. Last season Jackson was hampered by nagging injuries that limited him to nine games, rushing for 782 yards and nine touchdowns.

Fourth-year junior Najeh Davenport is back after missing the final 12 games of 1999 following ACL reconstructive surgery. Davenport, a rare combination of power and speed at 6-1, 235, brings a punishing running style to the Hurricane backfield.

Clinton Portis and Jarrett Payton return for their sophomore seasons following productive true-freshman campaigns. Both players look to improve upon last season’s numbers. Portis, thrust into a starting role for five games due to injuries to Jackson and Davenport, responded with five 100-yard rushing performances en route to setting the UM freshman rushing record with 838 yards. Portis also delivered in the Gator Bowl where he led UM with 117 yards including a 73-yard touchdown run which broke the game open.

Payton, in just his third season of football, ran for 262 yards and one touchdown in seven games. The son of NFL Hall Famer, Walter, Jarrett switched to #34 late in the season in honor of his father’s memory.

Several players are in the mix to replace departed senior Mondriel Fulcher at fullback. Senior Will McPartland is the incumbent at that position. McPartland played in 11 games, making three starts, last season, rushing for 51 yards on nine carries.

Junior Robert Williams, redshirt-sophomore Nick Nettles and freshman Antwain Joyce are expected to press McPartland. Williams played in 11 games in 1999, mostly on special teams, while Nettles moves from defensive line and Joyce makes the switch from the defensive backfield to fullback this spring.

WIDE RECEIVERS
As talented and deep as Miami’s running back unit is, the Hurricane receiving corps may be even more lethal. UM has seven receivers who will compete for playing time at the flanker and split end positions.

Santana Moss, the team leader in receptions (54), yards (899), and receiving yards per game (75) last year enters the spring ready to improve on a superb junior season that saw him garner first-team All-BIG EAST honors. Moss, the fastest runner on the UM team, holds the Hurricane indoor track record in the 60-meter dash and looks to use that speed to blow by defensive backs. He currently ranks third on UM’s career receiving yards list (1,788) and fourth on the career touchdowns list (14).

Reggie Wayne bounced back from reconstructive ACL surgery that forced him to miss the final three games of the 1998 season to have an outstanding ’99 campaign. Wayne ranked third on the team in receptions (40) and yards (486). He ranks third on Miami’s all-time receptions list with 130 and fourth on the career receiving yards list with 1,755.

Andre King continued the solid play he has provided since his arrival on the UM campus. One of the top blockers among the receiving corps, King was fourth on the squad in receptions (20) and receiving yards (397) last season. As a kick returner, King had nine returns for 154 yards.

Daryl Jones, who red-shirted this past season, provides the ‘Canes with another deep threat. He took first place honors in the 100-meters at the 1999 Big East Outdoor Track Championships.

Rounding out the receiving corps are red-shirt freshmen Kevin Beard, Andre Johnson and Anthony Johnson. All three possess great quickness and instincts that will enable them to compete for playing time.

TIGHT ENDS
The Hurricanes enter the spring with several capable candidates looking to fill All-American Bubba Franks’ shoes. Ivan Mercer, Robert Williams and Dan Smith will all battle for time at the tight-end spot.

Mercer looks to make an impact after grabbing five passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns, while appearing in nine games for the ‘Canes. Mercer came to UM after being an honorable mention All-American at Orange Coast J.C.

Smith, who also plays for the UM baseball team, and Williams were both used primarily on special teams last season. Both players possess good size and blockingability.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Hurricanes return three starters along the offensive line. The unit enters spring drills healthy and with depth while looking to fill the holes left by All-American guard Richard Mercier and All-BIG EAST first team selection Ty Wise at center.

The right side of the line is solid for the ‘Canes. Two-year starter Joaquin Gonzalez returns for his junior year at right tackle. Gonzalez has started every game (25) over the last two seasons and in 1998 became the first offensive lineman in BIG EAST history to earn Rookie of the Year honors. Redshirt-sophomore Ed Wilkins will be

serving as the primary back-up for Gonzalez and has the skills to become a dominant force.

At right guard Martin Bibla started every game last year and enters his junior year with 17 career starts at the position. Bibla remains one of the strongest ‘Canes and is very explosive coming off the ball. Pushing Bibla for playing time will be sophomore Joel McGrath out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Competition will be fierce at center as redshirt-junior Scott Puckett and junior Brett Romberg look to assume first-team status following the departure of starter Ty Wise. Puckett served as Wise’s back-up last season, as Romberg moves over to the position from left guard.

Greg Laffere, who started the last nine games at left tackle, looks to nail-down the left guard position. Battling Laffere for time will be redshirt-freshman Vernon Carey (6-5,340). Carey, a Parade All-American, was one of the highest rated offensive lineman in the nation coming out of high school. Both players look to fill the void left by All-American Richard Mercier who started 48 games at the postion.

Redshirt-sophomore Sherko Haji-Rasouli and redshirt-junior Bryant McKinnie look to crack the starting lineup at left tackle. The 6-6, 310-pound Haji-Rasouli saw action in nine games last season, while the 6-10, 315-pound McKinnie was redshirted after spending two seasons in the junior college ranks.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The Hurricanes return two starters on the defensive line in senior Damione Lewis and redshirt-sophomore William Joseph. The biggest challenge will be replacing defensive end Michael Boireau and tackle Matt Sweeney.

Fifth-year senior Damione Lewis will anchor the defensive line in 2000. A three-year starter, Lewis recorded 57 tackles, 12 for loss, and 6.5 sacks last season. Battling behind Lewis at right tackle are redshirt-senior Brian Stinson and redshirt-freshman Larry Anderson. Stinson, who backed up Michael Boireau last year saw action in 11 games, while Anderson red-shirted to prepare for the demands of playing major college football.

Junior Adrian Wilson looks to take over for Matt Sweeney at the other interior line spot. Wilson played in every game last season, recording 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Wilson will be pushed by third-year sophomore Matt Walters, who tallied 27 tackles in his first season. Fifth-year senior Clint Hurtt will be battling for playing time at both of the interior line positions.

Third-year sophomore William Joseph looks to retain his hold on the starting left end position which he won last year and maintained throughout the season starting in every game. Joseph totaled 48 tackles in 1999 to go along with 1.5 sacks. Competing behind Joseph for playing time will be redshirt-senior Jevon Rhodes and third-year sophomore Lavar Scott, who is switching from linebacker to defensive end this spring.

At the right end position, fifth-year senior Quincy Hipps and third-year sophomore Jamaal Green will battle for the starting position. Both players served as backups to William Joseph last season with Green recording four sacks and Hipps tallying 17 tackles. Pushing both Hipps and Green will be 6-5, 245-pound redshirt-sophomore Jim Wilson.

LINEBACKERS
UM’s linebacking corps looks to fill the void left by the early departure of All-American Nate Webster, but with the return of All-BIG EAST second-team selection Dan Morgan and eight-game starter Chris Campbell, big things are expected.

An AP second-team All-American Nate Webster recorded 150 tackles, four sacks and four interceptions in 1999. Junior Sheven Marshall looks to bounce back from a neck injury that sidelined him for the final five games last year to become the heir apparent to Webster in the middle.

Butkus Award semi-finalist Dan Morgan returns for his senior year as the Hurricanes starting weakside linebacker. After leading Miami in tackles during his first two seasons, Morgan finished second on the team last year with 139. Morgan registered double digits in tackles in ten games last year and recorded five sacks to go along with one fumble recovery and three forced fumbles. Providing depth behind Morgan will be third-year sophomore Howard Clark, who saw action in every game last year, recording 20 tackles, and redshirt-freshman Jermell Weaver.

Junior Chris Campbell, who stepped in for the injured Michael Smith last year, started the final eight games of the ’99 season. Campbell recorded 55 tackles, including a career-high 13 against Boston College in the greatest comeback in Miami history. As well as recording over 50 tackles, Campbell also placed fifth on the team with nine tackles for a loss. Challenging Campbell for playing time will be redshirt-sophomore Ken Dangerfield, who played in all 13 games last year, in addition to redshirt-freshman Jerrell Weaver.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
One of the most experienced units on the team, Miami returns its entire defensive backfield from last season. Great things are expected from this veteran group, which boasts outstanding depth at all positions.

At right corner, junior Mike Rumph looks to retain his starting position. An All-BIG EAST second-team selection, Rumph recorded 75 tackles, four interceptions, and four pass breakups in 1999. Pressing Rumph for playing time will be fourth-year junior Markese Fitzgerald and senior Delvin Brown. Fitzgerald has 13 career starts to his credit, while Brown has four.

All-BIG EAST second-team selection Al Blades looks to become a three-year starter at free safety. Blades, the brother of former ‘Canes Bennie and Brian, finished the year third on the team with 89 tackles, while also tallying two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Backing up Blades, will be junior James Lewis and redshirt-sophomore James Scott. Lewis, started for the ‘Canes vs. East Carolina last season and recorded 4 tackles in that game and 38 on the season. Scott played mostly on special teams, but looks to increase his playing time this year.

The strong safety position is anchored by All-BIG EAST second-team selection Ed Reed. A starter in 12 contests last season, Reed tallied 74 tackles, four sacks, two blocked kicks and two interceptions. Pressuring Reed for playing time will be converted wide receiver Aaron Moser, sophomore Maurice Sikes and sophomore Darell Arline.

At left corner, Leonard Myers enters spring as the incumbent. The 5-11, 200-pound senior recorded 49 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups and one sack during ’99. A duo of speedsters, Phillip Buchanon and Tory Mitchell, will battle Myers for playing time.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Hurricanes return veteran punter Freddie Capshaw, who handled the punting duties for much of last season. Capshaw finished with a 39.7 yards per punt average, as well as dropping nearly 30 percent of his 47 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line. Battling Capshaw for the punting duties will be sophomore Jesse Ohliger, who handled some of the Hurricanes kick off duties last year.

With the loss of senior place kicker Andy Crosland, the bulk of the field goal and kick off duties look to fall on the shoulders of Todd Sievers. Sievers, who redshirted last season, appears ready for the task and looks to put his booming leg to use.

The battle at long snapper looks to be fierce, with five players competing for the spot vacated by Pat Del Vecchio. Joe Fantigrassi, James Scott, James Sikora, Chris Harvey and Mike Hartley are all battling for this spot on the special teams. The holding position is also up for grabs, with the departure of Jeff Popovich.

RECRUITS
To date, Miami has signed 21 players to its 2000 recruiting class. Regarded as one of Butch Davis’ top classes, this year’s class ranks among the country’s best and is highlighted by USA Today Defensive Player of the Year D. J. Williams.

SCHEDULE
Miami’s 2000 schedule is highlighted by visits from last year’s No. 1 and 2 teams, in Florida State and Virginia Tech. Five of UM’s opponents advanced to bowl games last year, with Florida State and Virginia Tech battling for the National Title, while seven of Miami’s opponents posted winning records.

The Hurricanes open the season on Thursday, August 31 against McNeese State at the Orange Bowl. Following the home opener, the Canes do not return to the Orange Bowl until October 7, when they face Florida State. In between, the Hurricanes travel over 2,500 miles to play the University of Washington on September 9, over 900 miles to play West Virginia on Sept 23, and following a bye week, over 1,000 miles to play Rutgers on the evening of September 30.

After the Rutgers game, the Hurricanes come home for an intra-state battle with rival and reigning National Champion Florida State. Following a bye week the Canes head to Temple on October 21, before home contests against Louisiana Tech on October 28, and conference rivals Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh on November 4 and 11.

The Canes then close out their season with a trip to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on Nov. 18 and a home game against Boston College on Nov. 25.

Hurricane Football opponents

Boston College
Sat., Nov. 25 at the Orange Bowl

Series	Miami leads 18-3
First Played	11/4/55 (Miami 14, Boston College 7)
Last Played	10/23/99 (Miami 31, Boston College 28)
1999 Record	8-3
1999 Bowl Game	Insight.com vs. CO (L, 62-28)
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	8/5
SID	Chris Cameron

Florida State
Sat., Oct. 7 at the Orange Bowl

Series	Miami leads 23-20
First Played	10/5/51 (Miami 35, Florida State 13)
Last Played	10/9/99 (Florida State 31, Miami 21)
1999 Record	12-0
1999 Bowl Game	Sugar Bowl vs. VA Tech (W, 46-29)
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	1/1
Starters Returning (O/D)	6/7
SID	Rob Wilson

Louisiana Tech
Sat., Oct. 28 at the Orange Bowl

Series	Miami leads 1-0
Only Meeting	9/29/79 (Miami 6, Louisiana Tech 0)
1999 Record	8-3
1999 Bowl Game	n/a
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	5/5
SID	Malcolm Butler

McNeese State
Thurs., Aug. 31 at the Orange Bowl

Series	First Meeting
1999 Record	6-5
1999 Bowl Game	n/a
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	8/7
SID	Louis Bonnette

Pittsburgh
Sat., Nov. 11 at the Orange Bowl

Series	Miami leads 17-9-1
First Played	10/28/50 (Miami 28, Pittsburgh 0)
Last Played	11/6/99 (Miami 33, Pittsburgh 3)
1999 Record	5-6
1999 Bowl Game	n/a
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	8/7
SID	EJ Borghetti

Rutgers
Sat., Sep. 30 at Piscataway, NJ

Series	Miami leads 7-0
First Played	11/13/93 (Miami 31, Rutgers 17)
Last Played	11/20/99 (Miami 55, Rutgers 0)
1999 Record	1-10
1999 Bowl Game	n/a
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	6/4
SID	John Wooding

Syracuse
Sat., Nov. 18 at Syracuse, NY

Series	Miami leads 11-7
First Played	11/19/60 (Syracuse 21, Miami 14)
Last Played	11/27/99 (Miami 45, Syracuse 13)
1999 Record	7-5
1999 Bowl Game	Music City Bowl (W, 20-13)
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	5/7
SID	Sue Edson

Temple
Sat., Oct. 21 at Philadelphia, PA

Series	Miami leads 8-1
First Played	11/18/30 (Temple 34, Miami 0)
Last Played	12/4/99 (Miami 55, Temple 0)
1999 Record	2-9
1999 Bowl Game	n/a
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	6/5
SID	Bob Lange

Virginia Tech
Sat., Nov. 4 at the Orange Bowl

Series	Miami leads 12-5
First Played	11/13/53 (Miami 26, Virginia Tech 0)
Last Played	11/13/99 (Virginia Tech 43, Miami 10)
1999 Record	11-1
1999 Bowl Game	Sugar vs. Florida State (L, 46-29)
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	2/3
Starters Returning (O/D)	8/3
SID	Dave Smith

Washington
Sat., Sep. 9 at Seattle, WA

Series	Washington leads 1-0
Only Meeting	9/24/94 (Washington 38, Miami 20)
1999 Record	7-5
1999 Bowl Game	Holiday Bowl (L, 24-20)
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	9/7
SID	Jim Daves

West Virginia
Sat., Sep. 23 at Morgantown, WV

Series	Miami leads 12-3
First Played	11/28/42 (Miami 21, West Virginia 13)
Last Played	10/30/99 (Miami 28, West Virginia 20)
1999 Record	4-7
1999 Bowl Game	n/a
1999 Final Ranking (AP/C)	n/a
Starters Returning (O/D)	7/6
SID	Shelly Poe

Hurricane Football Spring Notes

ELEVEN’CANES NAMED ALL-BIG EAST: A total of eleven University of Miami players were named to 1999 All-BIG EAST teams. Five Hurricanes garnered first-team honors, while seven others were named to the second-team, with Santana Moss winning first-team honors for receiving and second-team honors as a kick returner. Earning first-team accolades for UM were Richard Mercier (OT), Daniel Franks (TE), Ty Wise (C), and Nate Webster (LB). James Jackson (RB), Damione Lewis (DL), Dan Morgan (LB), Mike Rumph (CB), Ed Reed (S), and Al Blades (S) all received second-team honors.

Offensive Player of the Year	Michael Vick
Defensive Player of the Year	Corey Moore (Virginia Tech)
Special Teams Player of the Year	Shayne Graham (Virginia Tech)
Rookie of the Year	Michael Vick (Virginia Tech)
Coach of the Year	Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech)

all-big east First-Team

Offense		Defense
WR	Santana Moss, Miami	DL	Corey Moore, Virginia Tech
WR	Latef Grim, Pittsburgh	DL	Chris Hovan, Boston College
OT	Mark Baniewicz, Syracuse	DL	John Engelberger, Virginia Tech
OG	Richard Mercier, Miami	DL	Duke Pettijohn, Syracuse
C	Ty Wise, Miami	LB	Barrett Green, West Virginia
OG	Shaun O’Hara, Rutgers	LB	Keith Bullock, Syracuse
OT	Darnell Alford, Boston College	LB	Nate Webster, Miami
TE	Daniel Franks, Miami	CB	Hank Poteat, Pittsburgh
QB	Michael Vick, Virginia Tech	CB	Anthony Midget, Virginia Tech
RB	Shyrone Stith, Virginia Tech	S	Ramon Walker, Pittsburgh
RB	Avon Cobourne, West Virginia	S	Pedro Cirino, Boston College
RB	Cedridc Washington, Boston Coll.	P	Jimmy Kibble, Virginia Tech
PK	Shane Graham, Virginia Tech
KR	Ricky Hall, Virginia Tech

all-big east Second-Team

Offense		Defense
WR	Andre Davis, Virginia Tech	DL	Damione Lewis, Miami
WR	Khori Ivy, West Virginia	DL	Wayne Hampton, Rutgers
OT	Tim Leach, Temple	DL	Demond Gibson, Pittsburgh
OG	Paul Zukauskas, Boston College	LB	Michael Hawkes, Virginia Tech
C	Mike Short, Virginia Tech	LB	Dan Morgan, Miami
OG	Matt Lehr, Virginia Tech	LB	Jamel Smith, Virginia Tech
OT	Dave Kadela, Virginia Tech	LB	Frank Chamberlain, Boston College
TE	Anthony Becht, West Virginia	CB	Ike Charlton, Virginia Tech
QB	Marc Bulger, West Virginia	CB	Mike Rumph, Miami
RB	James Jackson, Miami	S	Al Blades, Miami
RB	Kevan Barlow, Pittsburgh	S	Ed Reed, Miami
PK	Jay Taylor, West Virginia	P	Mark Fazzolari, West Virginia
KR	Santana Moss, Miami	P	Greg DeBolt, Pittsburgh

HURRICANES STORM NFL: During the past 13 years (not including the 2000 draft), National Football League teams have turned to the University of Miami more than any other program when it comes to premium picks (first three rounds) in its annual draft. During this time a Hurricane has been selected in the first round 20 times, more than any other school (Ohio State trails with 16). All total since the 1987 draft, 43 Canes have been chosen in the first three rounds (Flordia State and Notre Dame trail with 37). In addition to the 20 first round selections, 13 UM players have been taken in the draft’s second round and 10 in the third.

2000 SCHEDULE FEATURES Florida State, Virginia Tech: UM opens the 2000 season with a Thursday night game with McNeese State in the Orange Bowl. In addition to Florida State and Virginia Tech, Miami will host Louisiana Tech, Pittsburgh and Boston College in the Orange Bowl.

On the road, the ‘Canes will travel to Washington on September 9 in UM’s lone non-conference road game. In conference play, Miami travels to West Virginia, Rutgers, Temple, and Syracuse.

Three Miami games have already been selected for television broadcast and start times have been determined for two contests. Those games are: Florida State (CBS, noon), Virginia Tech (CBS, TBD) and Syracuse (ESPN, 7:30). Additional television selections will be announced as they are made.

FINAL POLLS: With a 9-4 record, Miami finished ranked in each of the final 1999 college football polls. In the final polls, the Hurricanes finished 15th in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches poll.

MIAMI-FLORIDA SERIES RESURRECTED: Athletics directors Paul Dee of Miami and Jeremy Foley of Florida have jointly announced that the University of Miami and the University of Florida will meet in football in 2002 and 2003. The 2002 game will be played September 7th in Gainesville and the 2003 game will be played September 6th at the Orange Bowl. The Gators and Hurricanes have met 49 times in the all-time series with Florida holding a 25-24 lead. The teams last played in their 1987 season-openers.

2000 RECRUITING CLASS AMONG NATION’S BEST: Miami’s 2000 recruiting class is ranked among the nation’s top-ten by several publications. The highest ranking for UM’s class was No. 5 by the Prep Star.

A Sample of Miami’s 1999
Recruiting Rankings

Prep Star:	#5
SportsLine:	#6
CNN/SI:	#9
Rival Net:	#10
Rivals.com:	#13

CAREER MARKS: The University of Miami has several returning players that climbed into the Top 10 on the All-time lists this past season.

James Jackson

Rushing Yardage, 5th, 1,947 yards, 340 attempts 100-yard Rushing Performances, 3rd, 8 times Total Touchdowns, T-10th, 20

Santana Moss

Receptions, 10th, 98 Receiving Yardage, 3rd, 1798 Touchdown Passes Caught, T-4th, 14

Reggie Wayne

Receptions, 3rd, 130 Receiving Yardage, 4th, 1755

Dan Morgan

Total Tackles, 5th, 394

Clinton Portis

100-yard Rushing Performances, T-4th, 5

BOWL EXCELLENCE: With the Hurricanes, 28-13, win over Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1, 2000, Head Coach Butch Davis improved his bowl game record to 3-0 since becoming the head coach in 1995.

ACADEMIC ALL-STARS: A total of ten Hurricanes were selected to the 1999 BIG EAST Football All-Academic team. UM’s Pat Del Vecchio, Joaquin Gonzalez, Dan Joseph, Andre King, Will McPartland, Jeff Popovich, Micahel Stewart, Matt Walters, Jim Wilson, and Ephraim Wittman all made the team. Del Vecchio, Popovich and Stewart were all honored for the third time in their careers, while Gonzalez, King and McPartland were recognized for the second consecutive year.

MORE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Nine Hurricane football players were named to the Fall 1998 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll which requires above a 3.2 grade point average. Pat Del Vecchio, Joaquin Gonzalez, Daryl Jones, Andre King, Joel Rodriguez, Maurice Sikes, James Sikora, Matt Walters and Ephraim Wittman were recognized on the honor roll.

FOOTBALL REUNION: Head Coach Butch Davis is inviting all former Hurricane football players and coaches to the fifth annual Alumni Reunion to be held on the Coral Gables campus on April 7. Former players and coaches interested in attending should call (305) 284-2674.

MOVING ON: The Hurricanes lose 15 seniors from last year’s squad. Hurricanes Michael Boireau, Andy Crosland, Pat Del Vecchio, Mondriel Fulcher, Robert Hall, Rod Mack, Richard Mercier, Jeff Popovich, Robert Sampson, Eric Schnupp, Michael Smith, James Sutton, Matt Sweeney, Nick Ward, and Ty Wise all move on. In addtion, tight end Daniel Franks will not return to the team in 2000, despite having one more year of eligibility.

WEBSTER LOSES ELIGIBILITY: University of Miami Head football Coach Butch Davis announced on Thursday, March 2, that linebacker Nate Webster had been declared ineligible by the NCAA and will have to forfiet his senior year of eligibility.

A two-time First-Team All-BIG EAST selection at linebacker, Webster was a Sporting News, Football News, and Associated Press second-team All-American this past season. He was also a semi-finalist for both the Bronco Nagurski Award and the Football News National Defensive Player of the Year. Webster led the Hurricanes in both tackles (150) and tackles for a loss (19) during the 1999 campaign. During his career at Miami, Webster recorded 301 tackles, 178 of which were solo, 31 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and forced seven fumbles, while starting 22 of the 28 games he appeared in during his three years.

FRESHMEN ALL-AMERICAN: For the third consecutive year Miami’s freshmen class garnered national recognition. The Sporting News named running back Clinton Portis to its freshman All-American first-team and to its Freshman of the Year candidates list, while they also selected defensive lineman William Joseph to their freshman All-American second-team.

HURRICANE TRAVEL: Research imdicates the University of Miami will travel among the greatest distances of all the Division I football programs during the 2000 season, logging a total of 6,992 miles. Miami opens with a 2,734-mile trip to the University of Washington on Sept. 9. The ‘Canes follow their epic trek to the West Coast with their shortest trip of the year, a mere 955 miles up to West Virginia on Sept. 23. The Hurricanes then have three 1000 mile trips left. They begin by traveling 1,067 miles to Rutgers for the Sept. 30 game. They then fly 1,024 miles up to Temple on Oct. 21. Finally, the ‘Canes hike 1,212 miles to Syracuse to end their travel on Nov. 18.

NEW UNIFORMS: The University of Miami football team will unveil their new uniforms on April 8 at the Orange Bowl for their annual spring intra-squad game. However, the team’s helmets will remain the same.

QUOTES FROM BUTCH DAVIS ON SPRING PRACTICE

Spring Practice Outlook
“I think this is an extraordinarily important spring practice. It’s as important of a spring practice in the six years that I’ve been here from several standpoints. One is the continued development and improvement of Ken Dorsey at quarterback, with the departure of Kenny Kelly. Obviously, we have to replace some key personnel on offense, defense and special teams.

“It’s an opportunity to experiment with position changes. We probably have at least a half a dozen to a dozen players that will actually move their position from last fall. We’ll take a look at them for a period of time and see if they can comfortably make that move. The moves of Aaron Moser to safety, James Sikora to tight-end and Robert Williams to fullback are just a few of the changes that we are looking at.

“We also are looking to find replacements for Mondriel Fulcher and Bubba Franks at the fullback and tight-end positions. The key is finding out how effective the guys we have can be.

“Ethenic Sands at back-up quarterback is also one of the key moves this spring. We need someone that we can rely on come next fall, without the back-up duties falling solely on the incoming freshman.

“I would say of the 22 starting spots, that there are only two or three guys that are assured of the fact that they will be starting. We’re going to put the pressure on everybody to perform.”

About the Offense
“Offensively we have some schematic things that we are really going to take a look at. With Andre and Anthony Johnson and Kevin Beard coming off their red-shirt season, we have an opportunity to work with some multiple wide receiver sets. We’ll take a look at those things to try and see how we can get more of those guys in the game.

“We also have to replace Richard Mercier and Ty Wise, who were the heart and soul of the offensive line. We have to try and find the best five offensive linemen. There may or may not be some shuffling, but we need to try and find places for Bryant McKinnie and Vernon Carey. Trying to find a spot for Brett Romberg will also be one of the goals, and whether the guard or center spot is best for him.”

About the Defense
“Defensively, we’re going to try to continue to grow and pick up where we left off last year. We’re also going to continue to add some things that will utilize our speed.

“With the departure of Nate Webster, we need to experiment to find out who will be the heir apparent at the middle linebacker spot. We may move Dan Morgan or Chris Campbell over, but we will also give Sheven Marshall a good shot, to see how well he would play at that position.

“Quincy Hipps and Jamal Green look to help us out rushing the passer. Moving Clint Hurtt to defensive end is another move that we believe will help, while Adrian Wilson looks to take over for Matt Sweeney. Wilson and Damione Lewis are probably the most physically talented players that we have had in a tandem since I’ve been here. The focus is to cultivate some depth on the defensive line.”

About Special Teams
“On the special teams we have to replace the snapper, holder and the kicker. It’s an opportunity to look at some of the freshman that we red-shirted last year and to see what roles we can find for them and how they can upgrade our special teams.”

Saturday, April 8, 10-2
Orange Bowl Stadium
The annual Spring Game will be held at the Orange Bowl on Saturday, April 8 and this year features the unveiling of the Hurricanes new uniforms. A full day of fun and excitement is planned. CanesFest events include season ticket select-a-seat, “Ask the Coach” session, Fun Zone interactive area, and an autograph session following the game with Hurricane players and coaches. The gates to CanesFest open at 10:00, with the Spring Game scheduled to begin at 11:30.

2000 SEASON TICKET PRICES

General Admission	$99
UM Alumni (Section B or C)	$150
Four Corners–Upper Deck	$150
Reserved	$220
Chairbacks	$255
Publix Family Plan*	$299

*two adults and three children general admission tickets
For ticket information call 284-CANES or 1-800-GO-CANES

2000 University of MiamiAssistant Coaches

LARRY COKER
Offensive Coordinator

Year at Miami:	Sixth
College:	Northeast Oklahoma State, 1970
Born:	June 23, 1948
Hometown:	Okemah, OK

Greg Schiano
Defensive Coordinator

Year at Miami:	Second
College:	Bucknell, 1987
Born:	June 1, 1966
Hometown:	Wyckoff, NY

ROB CHUDZINSKI
Tight Ends Coach

Year at Miami:	Seventh
College:	Miami, 1990
Born:	May 12, 1968
Hometown:	Toledo, OH

ART KEHOE
Offensive Line

Year at Miami:	18th
College:	Miami, 1982
Born:	March 26, 1957
Hometown:	Conshohocken, PA

Greg Mark
Defensive Line

Year at Miami:	Eighth
College:	Miami, 1989
Born:	July 7, 1967
Hometown:	Pennsauken, NJ

CHUCK PAGANO
Defensive Backs

Year at Miami:	Seventh
College:	Wyoming, 1984
Born:	October 2, 1960
Hometown:	Boulder, CO

vernon hargreaves
Linebackers

Year at Miami:	Third
College:	Connecticut, 1984
Born:	April 8, 1962
Hometown:	Manchester, CT

DON SOLDINGER
Running Backs

Year at Miami:	11th
College:	Memphis State, 1968
Born:	November 8, 1944
Hometown:	Miami

Curtis Johnson
Wide Receivers

Year at Miami:	Fifth
College:	Idaho, 1985
Born:	November 5, 1961
Hometown:	New Orleans, LA

mario cristobal
Graduate Assistant

Year at Miami:	Third
College:	Miami, 1993
Born:	Sept. 14, 1970
Hometown:	Miami, FL

Phil Banko
Graduate Assistant

Year at Miami:	Third
College:	Southern, 1985
Born:	August 9, 1964
Hometown:	Belle Chasse, LA

SUPPORT STAFF

Pete Garcia	Dir. Football Operations
Scott McGonagle	Head Athletic Trainer
Bobby Revilla	Head Equipment Manager
Rob Phillips	Strength &Conditioning Coach
Andrew Swasey	Strength &Conditioning Coach
Stewart Cramer	Video Coordinator
Joe Schrimpl	Asst. Video Coordinator
Myrna Schneider	Secretary to Head Football Coach
Shirley Martin	Football Secretary
Aileen Lopez	Football Secretary
Cindy Abraham	Secretary to Director of Football Operations

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Hurricanes Gear Up For Canes Fest 2000

Returning – 14
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Returning – 49

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Hurricanes Gear Up For Canes Fest 2000

Returning – 14 (minimum six games started at position in 1999)

Lost – 8 (minimum six games started at position in 1999)

Returning – 49

Lost – 20

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OTHER STARTERS(less than six starts)

Returning – 5

Lost – 4

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QUOTES FROM BUTCH DAVIS ON SPRING PRACTICE

2000 SEASON TICKET PRICES

2000 University of MiamiAssistant Coaches

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Returning – 14
(minimum six games started at position in 1999)

Lost – 8
(minimum six games started at position in 1999)

Specialists
(minimum six games started at position in 1999)

OTHER STARTERS
(less than six starts)