2001 Season Outlook
March 16, 2001
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Spring NotesCoach Coker On The 2001 Hurricanes
With the return of 14 starters and both specialists in the kicking game, the Miami Hurricanes hope to follow up their impressive 2000 season with another run at a national championship in 2001. New head coach Larry Coker assumes the helm of a program that has shown remarkable resilience over the past 20 years.
Miami, a school that has achieved four national titles under four different head coaches since 1983, returns eight starters on offense and six starters on defense from a team that came within a whisker of an undefeated regular season in 2000. Obviously, Coker takes over a team that is loaded with talent and experience as 47 lettermen return from last year’s BIG EAST champions who defeated Florida in the Nokia Sugar Bowl and finished second in the national polls.
“Taking over as head coach at a school such as Miami is a tremendous challenge, but also an excellent opportunity and this year’s team is certainly one any coach would like to lead,” Coker said. “We’ve got some outstanding players coming back, but that’s not to say we’re set across the board. There are definitely some questions to answer this spring and some positions where we need people to step up.
“In addition to adjusting to a new staff and building a chemistry on the team like we had last year, the top priority this spring is replacing some players who left their mark on the program. That’s never easy.”
Miami lost eight starters (five on defense, three on offense) and 17 lettermen from the 2000 team. That group is an immortal one in UM football lore, leaving an indelible mark on the program. Included in that group was college football’s outstanding defensive player (middle linebacker Dan Morgan), the top two receivers in UM history (Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne), a defensive tackle who set a career record for games started (Damione Lewis), and several other veterans who were instrumental in the return to national elite status nationally.
Indeed, Coker’s challenge in 2001 is more than just replacing personnel it lies in replacing an intangible quality that every team strives for: outstanding leadership developed by unparalleled respect.
“That group of seniors may go down in UM history as one of the most memorable ever to come through this program – and that’s saying a lot,” Coker said. “Obviously, you can’t count on having the quality of character, leadership and talent that group had with every group of seniors. But it set a tremendous example for the players to follow. They know the bar is set high here – not just on the field but in their daily work habits. That’s what we can build upon.”
Offensively, Miami returns the bulk of a unit that set numerous team and individual school records. The Hurricanes return players who produced 80 percent of last year’s 5,069 yards of total offense. Eight starters return to the offense, led by quarterback Ken Dorsey and offensive tackles Bryant McKinnie and Joaquin Gonzalez – both of whom received first-team All-America acclaim last season. Miami returns four of five starters in the offensive line, but must replace its top two receivers (Moss and Wayne), along with leading rusher James Jackson.
On defense, the Hurricanes have more space to fill. The big loss is at middle linebacker where all-everything middleman Dan Morgan leaves a void. UM also must find new starters at free safety and cornerback, but has capable veterans who seem ready to assume starting roles. Replacing a tackle in the interior also is a concern, but UM coaches like their depth and talent in the line.
Special teams concerns revolve around the return men. UM returns a solid placekicker and one of the nation’s best punters, but finding a replacement for Moss to return punts is a priority.
One of the most obvious changes this Spring involves the coaching staff. Two new coordinators take over the controls, in addition to new coaches at quarterback and in the secondary. Tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski takes command of the offense while Randy Shannon debuts as defensive coordinator. While Chudzinski is a holdover from the old coaching staff, Shannon returns to UM after a three-year stint as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins. Defensive backs coach Mark Stoops joins the staff from the University of Houston while quarterbacks coach Dan Werner comes on board after leading explosive offenses at Murray State and Auburn.
The systems utilized on both sides of the ball will change very little, if at all. Miami remains committed to a balanced Pro Set on offense and will employ an aggressive 4-3 defense.
QUARTERBACK
Ken Dorsey, a candidate for the Davey O’Brien Award and the Johnny Unitas Award, returns for his junior season after a sophomore campaign in which he displayed intelligence, poise and talent beyond his years. In just his second season as a college player, his first full year as the starter, Dorsey threw for 2,727 yards and 25 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions. Along the way, Dorsey broke the UM mark for passes thrown without an interception and his totals for completions, completion percentage and yardage rank among the top 10 single-season performances by any Hurricanes quarterback. What’s more, Dorsey has led Miami to victory 14 times in his 15 career starts and already is prominent on UM career lists for completion percentage (4th, 59.3%), touchdown passes (7th, 35) and total offense (3,501 yards).
“Ken became a very strong leader for us last year and he needs to continue to develop as a leader,” Coker said. “He will have the responsibility of bringing our young receivers along, much like the veteran receivers did during his early days as a starter. So you could say he’s come full-circle.”
Finding a backup for Dorsey is a point of concern this Spring. The departure of would-be redshirt freshman T.J. Prunty to focus solely on baseball, along with the return of Ethenic Sands to receiver, creates an opportunity for redshirt freshman Derrick Crudup and junior Troy Prasek to step in behind Dorsey. Prasek saw limited action in three games last year, completing one pass in two attempts for 15 yards.
“Derrick Crudup has obvious talent and is a player we need to develop this Spring,” Coker said. “Prasek has developed from a walk-on to a scholarship player who can help us out. But we’re pretty thin behind Ken and we need someone to become a capable player for us in a backup role at quarterback.”
TAILBACK
The loss of James Jackson, UM’s third-leading rusher in history with 2,953 career yards, must be dealt with immediately. But the plethora of backs awaiting a chance to fill Jackson’s role is an impressive one. Chief among them is junior Clinton Portis (485 yards in 2000) and senior Najeh Davenport (308 yards last season). Add to the mix redshirt sophomore Jarrett Payton (a steady backup in 1999) and redshirt freshman Willis McGahee and it is easy to see why watching the competition at tailback figures to be one of the most intriguing tasks of the Spring.
Portis rushed for a UM freshman record 838 yards in 1999 before injuries interrupted his 2000 campaign. But he returned as a force late in the season and had an impressive outing in the Sugar Bowl win over Florida. Davenport can play tailback or fullback and has shown his talent at both positions the last few seasons. He recovered from major knee surgery to be a force in critical games last season. Payton rushed for 262 yards as a true freshman in 1999 before sitting out with a redshirt last year and figures to be a factor this fall. McGahee was one of the nation’s top prospects, signing with UM and redshirting in 2000.
Payton will be limited during the beginning of Spring workouts due to a foot injury suffered recently, but Coker expects all the other candidates to be ready to show their skills. “This is a versatile group of backs and we’re really blessed in this area,” Coker said.
FULLBACK
The battle to man the starting job at fullback will be an interesting one, as well. Sophomore D.J. Williams played much of 2000 at fullback, along with Davenport. But Williams moved to linebacker in the offseason, leaving another opening for UM’s group of talented running backs to fill. While Davenport could fill the slot, others to watch include veteran reserve Nick Nettles and redshirt freshman Kyle Cobia, a 2000 signee who was highly touted out of high school.
Another possibility at fullback is senior Robert Williams. A tight end by trade, Williams saw some action at fullback last season as injuries depleted the ranks there early in the season. But it appears Williams has found a home at tight end, at least for now. Nevertheless, don’t rule out the chance that Williams could be a player to watch as the situation unfolds.
“We’re fortunate in the backfield with Willis and Najeh able to do so much,” Coker said. “They see the things we can do to expand the role of the position into a big-play position. It’s a perfect role for those guys. Kyle Cobia is more of the traditional fullback and he’s one we’re really going to watch closely this Spring.”
RECEIVERS
Receiver is of particular concern because, in addition to Moss and Wayne, Miami also lost top reserve Andre King. Miami boasted perhaps the nation’s finest group of receivers in 2000. But three-quarters of the main foursome is gone. Only senior Daryl Jones returns, but he has all the credentials to be considered a player to watch in the BIG EAST this fall. Overshadowed by the excellence of Moss and Wayne to this point, 2001 figures to be the year that Jones will step into the spotlight as UM’s go-to guy.
“I’m not concerned about our talent, but I am concerned about molding those guys into our offense,” Coker said. “We’re losing people who are the hardest to replace. Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss and Andre King were good players for a number of years.
Jones caught 12 passes for 181 yards last season and one touchdown and is a player who has made some big plays in big games for the Hurricanes in the past. Chief among those key plays was a game-winning catch against Boston College two years ago.
Joining Jones at receiver is sophomore Andre Johnson. A player with impressive size and athletic ability, Johnson mainly distinguished himself as an explosive kickoff return man as a freshman in 2000. Now he gets his chance to show the talent that earned him high praise as one of the top prep talents a couple of years back. A trio of other young players merit watching this Spring: Kevin Beard, Willie Dixon and Jason Geathers.
All three were among the nation’s elite receiver prospects when they signed with UM and all of them will get a long look at receiver this Spring. Ethenic Sands returns to receiver this Spring after a stint as the second-team quarterback last year. Sands, who caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in 1999, figures to compete for a starting spot.
“Andre will probably start off at split end with Daryl at flanker, but the real question may be finding out who will be an ‘H’ back for us – a guy who would be our third receiver in certain sets,” Coker said.
TIGHT END
The Hurricanes had one of college football’s top one-two combinations at tight end in 2000 with starter Ivan Mercer and backup Jeremy Shockey providing complementary talents that made opponents worry about the tight end in their game preparations. With Mercer graduating, it is Shockey’s turn to grab the spotlight as the starter – and he figures to be ready to assume that role. So impressive was the transfer from Northeast Oklahoma Junior College in 2000 that he earned first-team All-BIG EAST accolades by the league’s coaches despite not starting a game.
“Jeremy Shockey is the best tight end I’ve been around in my entire college coaching career,” Coker said. “He gives us a big-play weapon at that position.”
Robert Williams returns for his senior season at Miami after showing versatility throughout his career. Having played receiver, fullback and tight end during his UM career to this point, Williams figures to settle at tight end and complete for extensive playing time this season. Williams caught six passes for 115 yards last season.
Redshirt freshman David Williams also will get a chance to shine this Spring. Another highly touted signee from the Class of 2000, Williams could be the future at the position for the Hurricanes.
“Robert Williams and David Williams will see plenty of playing time, as we use multiple tight end sets quite often,” Coker said. “Robert is capable of providing us with an H back or a tight end, in addition to fullback if we need him there. David is extremely talented and will be a player for us.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Hurricanes return one of the most experienced offensive fronts in college football as four starters return from a unit that developed into one of the nation’s best in 2000. Replacing graduated left guard Greg Laffere is the area of concern in the line, but the remainder of the starting unit from last season remains intact. As a unit in 2000, the Miami offensive line allowed just eight quarterback sacks in a whopping 348 passing plays and paved the way for an offense that set a new school single-season scoring record with 469 points (a total that reached 506 with the Sugar Bowl win).
Miami enjoys a wealth of talent and experience up front, led by a pair of Outland Award candidates in right tackle Joaquin Gonzalez and left tackle Bryant McKinnie. But the glue that holds the line together may be returning starting right guard Martin Bibla and center Brett Romberg. The right side of the line returns intact. The three players on that side – right guard Martin Bibla, center Brett Romberg and right tackle Joaquin Gonzalez – combine for 71 career starts.
Bibla, at right guard, may be the line’s finest blocker and one of the best-kept secrets on the team. The senior from Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, has started Miami’s last 24 games (including the last two bowl games) and the fifth-year senior appears ready to burst from the shadows as a dominating blocker this season. He has seen action in all 36 games since coming to UM and is considered the team’s most powerful run blocker.
Romberg is the man who calls the signals for the blocking schemes. He started all 12 games in 2000 and his development as a signalcaller allowed the unit to mesh exceptionally quickly. Romberg blossomed last season after moving from left guard, taking over in spring practice and registering solid performances throughout the season.
Gonzalez is the team’s top scholar-athlete and earned first-team All-American acclaim in 2000 from the Football Writers Assocation of America. Entering his fourth season as the starter at right tackle, Gonzalez lends experience and talent to the position with 37 career starts in 37 games at UM. Gonzalez is the only lineman in BIG EAST history to earn conference Rookie of the Year honors, doing so in 1998.
Left tackle Bryant McKinnie turned into a dominant force for Miami last season, his first as a starter after a redshirt year in 1999. McKinnie earned national acclaim by holding opposing defenders sackless for the season and was voted a first-team All-American by Football News. The 6-9, 315-pound McKinnie not only is a dominant physical blocker, but his impressive arm length allows him to keep opposing defenders at bay and out of reach of quarterbacks.
The competition for playing time at left guard should be fierce. Sherko Haji-Rasouli, former prep All-American Vernon Carey and mammoth veteran reserve Ed Wilkins figure to be the combatants for the spot vacated by Laffere.
“I think our depth in the offensive line is better than we’ve ever had,” said Coker. “Key now is Sherko Haji-Rasouli, Ed Wilkins, Vernon Carey, Joe Fantigrassi and Joe McGrath to continue to develop into players for us. Also, Scott Puckett has played center and some guard. So, if he’s good enough at center we could conceivably move Romberg to back guard. There are still some things we could do. We’re set at both tackles, but the depth of talent and experience we have allows us the possibility of doing some things with the people we have.”
Coker is particularly anxious to see how redshirt freshman Carlos Joseph develops at tackle. The talented brother of Hurricanes defensive lineman William Joseph has the ingredients to be a top-notch offensive lineman.
“Carlos is the ‘X factor’ in the offensive line this Spring,” Coker said. “How he develops could affect a lot of things we do with other people.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
Six of eight players from the Nokia Sugar Bowl two-deep return in the defensive line. The loss of All-BIG EAST defensive tackle Damione Lewis, projected by many to be a first round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, presents a hole to fill in the front line. Losing reserve ends Quincy Hipps, Jevon Rhodes and Brian Stinson also would seem to prevent a depth problem for the Hurricanes. However, Miami appears to be in even better shape than last year with the addition of newcomer Vince Wilfork at one tackle and redshirt junior end Jerome McDougle.
“The defensive end positions are in better shape for us than they’ve been in a long time because you have starters coming back in both Cornelius (Green) and Jamaal (Green),” Coker said. “Add to that Jerome McDougle and Andrew Williams and you have four players there we feel like can definitely play for us.”
At right end, the Hurricanes return starter Cornelius Green who started six games last season and showed drastic improvement and effectiveness as the year progressed. Green, a former junior college All-American from Kilgore (Texas) JC, looks to be one of the team’s potential all-stars after garnering 27 tackles (seven for losses) and three quarterback sacks last year. McDougle, another former JC All-American from Hinds (Miss.) JC, was a terror on scout teams at UM last year and appears ready to become a factor at either end this season. McDougle has the talent to push for a starting spot and stardom immediately.
Another Green, Jamaal, returns as the incumbent at left end. Jamaal started the final nine games of the regular season plus the Sugar Bowl and colected 35 tackles, four sacks and a fumble recovery. Green has played extensively the last two seasons, seeing action in every game since donning a UM uniform. Sophomore Larry Anderson could challenge Green for the starting role after seeing extensive playing time last season.
The Hurricanes are well-stocked at both tackles, as well. The battle to replace Lewis at right tackle will be between sophomore Santonio Thomas, Wilfork and junior Matt Walters.
“Matt Walters has always been a technician for us and a smart player who gave great effort, but he’s really started to develop as a total football player,” Coker said. “William Joseph is a classic Miami defensive lineman – a guy who is hard to handle physically and has the ability to be very disruptive in the middle. Then there’s Vince Wilfork, a guy that can play inside and is very explosive and has a lot of skills. Of course, Santonio Thomas is like Vince in that he came here as a highly recruited player. Santonio played a lot last year and has a bright future.”
Thomas is another young player with impressive credentials. He was productive in limited playing time after signing with UM in late summer of 2000. Wilfork was one of the most highly recruited players in Florida in 2000 who opted to enroll at UM for the Spring 2001 semester. That allowed him to participate in pre-Sugar Bowl practices and he made a big impression during those drills. Walters, meanwhile, has been among the team’s steadiest reserves throughout his career and is hoping to make a run at a starting role. A junior, Walters had 32 tackles (five for losses), three sacks and three pass deflections in addition to a forced fumble that was recovered for a touchdown against Rutgers.
LINEBACKER
The Hurricanes return five of six linebackers from the Sugar Bowl two-deep, but the missing man leaves a giant hole to fill. The obvious question is who will replace departed Butkus Award winner Dan Morgan in the middle. While Jonathan Vilma appears the logical replacement, the picture may have changed when fullback D.J. Williams decided to move back to linebacker in the offseason. The outside spots appear in steady hands as returning starters Chris Campbell and Howard Clark return.
“No position is absolutely settled at linebacker, but we have a lot of talent and depth across the board there,” Coker said. “We’ll play the best players available, regardless. So, that puts pressure on Howard and Chris to keep their games intact and improve, as well.”
Campbell, a senior, has started 20 consecutive games at strongside linebacker and could be ready to make a bid for Butkus Award consideration this season. He was one of the team’s most effective big-play defenders over the second half of the 2000 season, showcasing tremendous instincts and 4.5 speed. Campbell tied for the team lead with four sacks last season and was fourth on the team with 79 tackles overall.
Clark also registered some big plays last season, including an interception return for a touchdown against West Virginia. The junior, another former high school All-American, could be ready to blossom into an awards candidate after registering 60 tackles, four sacks and a pair of pass interceptions in 2000.
“Chris and Howard need to build on what they’ve done to this point while improving as playmakers,” Coker said. “We’re looking to them for increased productivity this season. The biggest void we have to fill is the leadership void Dan Morgan leaves us and that’s a tough thing to do. Chris and Howard can really make an impact there because of their experience.”
The question at middle linebacker could be solved by the return of Vilma, a Coral Gables product who earned first-team Freshman All-America honors by Rivals.net in 2000. Vilma played in 10 games last season and 10th on the team in tackles with 38 (29 solos). He registered five tackles for losses and showed the intelligence and physical gifts to be the player who could fill the void left by the record-setting Morgan.
Williams will start off at weakside linebacker, but his ultimate playing position at linebacker will be one of the most anticipated scenarios of the Spring. The enormously talented Williams, the nation’s top recruit before signing with Miami, made an immediate impact for the Hurricanes in 2000 at fullback after a two-a-days switch from linebacker as he was a significant contributor throughout the season. But linebacker is where Williams and the UM coaches see him making an even greater contribution.
“D.J. will be in the hunt at ‘Will’ linebacker and he will compete for playing time immediately,” Coker said.
Others who will contribute include the Weaver twins – Jarell and Jermell – a pair of Northwestern High products who have been special teams stars for the Hurricanes. Junior Ken Dangerfield, who started one game at weakside linebacker last season before moving back to the strong side, is the backup to Campbell entering the Spring.
Senior Sheven Marshall will miss the Spring after surgery on his neck in early March. Marshall was projected to challenge for playing time at middle linebacker in the offseason.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Three starters and five of the eight players return from the defensive back two-deep for the Sugar Bowl with strong safety Edward Reed copping the headliner’s role. Reed, a Thorpe Award candidate, has to be considered the nation’s top returning defensive back after a junior campaign in which the Louisiana native earned consensus first-team All-America honors. Reed, described by Miami coaches as a player who sees the entire field on every play and is an extension of the coaches, racked up eight interceptions in 2000 while garnering 80 tackles (third on the team), eight tackles for losses and 23 passes broken up.
“Ed’s a tremendous leader and a go-to guy for our football team, an inspirational leader for our team,” Coker said. “He’s going to be a big factor for us back there. He’s very sharp, always knows where everyone is, and that leads to him being such a confident player.”
Also returning in the secondary is cornerback Mike Rumph who, along with Reed, was a Thorpe Award Watch List candidate in 2000. Rumph, whose 6-2 frame and unusual coverage skills make him one of the nation’s most talented defensive backs, broke up 10 passes and made 41 tackles last season. Rumph has started 24 consecutive games and lends experience, leadership and big-play ability to the defense. Fellow senior Markese Fitzgerald is one of the team’s most underrated reserves and will see much playing time behind Rumph and in nickel and dime coverages.
“Mike’s a physical corner with range and he plays with a lot of confidence,” Coker said. “He’s an excellent coverage man.”
Junior Phillip Buchanon stepped in as the starter at left corner midway through the 2000 season when incumbent Leonard Myers was felled by an injury. The Lehigh, Fla., product quickly made his presence felt with an outstanding performance that has many billing him as a star in the making in the secondary. He already has shown a knack for making game-turning plays, returning turnovers for scores against West Virginia and Pittsburgh last season. He also made a crucial interception against Florida in the Sugar Bowl to set up another score. Look for sophomore Maurice Sikes to be the chief backup to Buchanon.
“He has a chance to be special,” Coker said of Buchanon. “He’s outstanding and will only get better. You could see his growth each game last year.”
The loss of Al Blades at free safety not only deprives UM of one of its hardest-hitting defenders, but also signals the loss of the team’s emotional leader. Senior James Lewis brings 35 games of playing experience and a 26-tackle performance in 2000 into the Spring and will be the favorite to assume the starter’s spot at free safety. Versatile junior James Scott is slated to back up Lewis. Scott, a junior who has been a special teams standout at UM in addition to scoring touchdowns on offense in a reserve role, figures to increase his playing time on defense this fall.
“One of the keys to our Spring is how James Scott develops as a backup to James Lewis,” Coker said. “The talent is definitely there. We’ve just got to develop him into a guy who can play extensively for us.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Miami returns its punter, placekicker and deep snapper this season, providing stability and experience in one of the team’s most important areas. Replacing holder Aaron Moser on field goals will be a priority this Spring and during Fall preseason workouts.
Punter Freddie Capshaw excelled as a sophomore in 2000. The Rock Springs, Wyoming, native earned first-team All-BIG EAST honors and ranked 11th nationally with a 43.2-yard average. He regularly got the Hurricanes out of poor field position and seven times pinned opponents deep inside their 20-yard line. Capshaw is considered a candidate for the Ray Guy Award (outstanding punter in college football) for this season.
“Freddie was one of the top punters in the country last season and we’re hoping he can take his game to another level, to be able to improve in his placement of punts,” Coker said. “He can really be a weapon for us in that way and he really showed a lot last year. Additionally, he’s just a really good athlete.”
Junior Todd Sievers returns for his second season as Miami’s primary kicker on placements and kickoffs. The Ankeny, Iowa, product overcame a midseason diabetes diagnosis to lead the team in scoring while hitting 11-of-16 field goals and 52-of-58 extra points in 2000. Twice he nailed 50-yard conversion kicks after post-touchdown penalties and his 44-yard field goal in the Sugar Bowl was a career-best at UM. With his health improved and his accuracy improving, this strong-legged junior could be ready for his best season as a Hurricane. Walk-on Dan Lundy, who saw action in one game last year, returns as a backup and will be joined by freshman Mark Gent this Spring. Gent was one of the nation’s top prep kickers in 1999 and signed on with UM for the Spring semester.
“His accuracy is excellent on short to mid-range kicks and he’s shown some improvement in the long-range area, too,” Coker said. “We’re looking for him to improve that accuracy on the longer kicks, but he’s shown the ability to be effective from long range.”
Deep snapper remains the domain of the reliable Chris Harvey, who stepped in last season and was flawless throughout the season. Harvey delivered 123 snaps on punts, field goals and extra-point attempts in 2000. The backup deep snapper probably will be defensive back James Scott, who is untested at the position in a game situation. The loss of defensive back Aaron Moser creates a vacancy at holder. Look for Lundy, Gent, backup quarterback Troy Prasek or wide receiver Ethenic Sands to step in there.
RECRUITS
Miami signed a remarkable class of recruits, especially considering the coaching change came nine days before National Signing Day. The Hurricanes signed 24 players as of this writing, including players of the year from Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and New York. Five defensive linemen and five linebackers led the class, which included an even dozen signees on either side of the football.
SCHEDULE
Miami’s schedule remains among the nation’s toughest as the Hurricanes will face three teams that finished ranked among the nation’s top six in the final rankings and six teams that went to bowl games in 2000. Four of those opponents were victorious in those bowl games. Throw in a seventh game with a perennial power, the opener at Penn State on Sept. 1, and you have the makings of a schedule that could make Miami a major player nationally from the start.
Following the opener at Penn State, other highlights include a Sept. 15 Orange Bowl date with defending Rose Bowl champion Washington (the only team to defeat UM last year), the annual showdown with Florida State at Tallahassee on Oct. 13, and a season-ending tilt at Virginia Tech on Dec. 1. That Virginia Tech game will be nationally telecast by ABC. Two other games already are slated for national telecasts, a pair of Thursday night ESPN games. The first is Sept. 27 at Pittsburgh with the other coming Oct. 25 at home against West Virginia.
