Hurricanes Preparing For Season Opener
Aug. 22, 2003
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MIAMI HURRICANES (0-0, 0-0 BIG EAST) (#3 AP/#3 ESPN/USA Today)
vs. LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS (0-0, 0-0 BIG 10) (NR AP/NR ESPN/USA TODAY)
When: Thursday, August 28, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. EDT (6:30 p.m. CDT).
Where: Independence Stadium (50,015/FieldTurf) in Shreveport, La.
TV: ESPN will televise the game live with Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso (analysis) describing the action. Dr. Jerry Punch will report from the sidelines.
Fox Sports Net Florida (Tape Delay, Sunday, Nov. 10, 5 p.m. Eastern Time) will produce coverage of all Miami Hurricanes football games this season with Frank Forte (play-by-play) and Craig Minervini (analysis) describing the action.
Radio: The Hurricanes Radio Network (WPOW 96.5 FM/Power 96 FM) will carry the game live with Joe Zagacki (play-by-play), former Hurricane offensive lineman Don Bailey, Jr. (analysis), and Brian London (sideline reports) describing the action. Josh Darrow is the studio host.
The game will be carried live on hurricanesports.com.
En Espanol: Radio Unica (WLQY – 1320 AM) will broadcast the game in Spanish with Roly Martin (play-by-play) and Jose Martinez (analysis) describing the action.
Student Station WVUM (WVUM 90.5 FM) will broadcast the game in with Jeremy Marks Peltz (play-by-play) and Jesse Agler (analysis) describing the action.
Websites: Miami (www.hurricanesports.com), Louisiana Tech (www.latechsports.com)
MIAMI OPENS 2003 CAMPAIGN AGAINST LOUISIANA TECH IN THE INDEPENDENCE BOWL
Miami opens the 2003 season with a road contest at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La., against Louisiana Tech on Thursday, Aug. 28. It will be the University of Miami’s first trip to Shreveport and its third contest with Louisiana Tech. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. (EDT) and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
The Bulldogs are coming off of a 4-8 record in 2002 after winning the Western Athletic Conference championship in 2001. Louisiana Tech is led by senior quarterback Luke McCown, who enters the season as the schools No. 2 all-time passer with 9,748 yards. He also owns the Bulldogs’ record for pass attempts in a game with 72, which he set against Miami in 2000.
The Hurricanes enter the season with a No.3 national ranking and a new starting quarterback. Shreveport native Brock Berlin takes over the reigns of the UM offense in 2003 with backfield running mate Frank Gore at tailback.
MIAMI-LOUISIANA TECH SERIES
Miami and Louisiana Tech have met twice on the gridiron heading into Thursday’s season opener. UM holds a 2-0 lead in the all-time series. The Hurricanes notched a 42-31 win at the Orange Bowl during the 2000 season with James Jackson rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns, while Clinton Portis added 86 yards. Miami pitched a shutout in the two teams first meeting in 1979 with a hard-fought 6-0 win at the Orange Bowl.
MIAMI-LOUISIANA TECH SERIES NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS
– The third-ranked Hurricanes are the highest-ranked team to play in Shreveport since 1959. LSU played Balyor on Oct. 3, 1959, when LSU was the top-ranked team in the country and defending national champions. LSU won the game 22-0
– Louisiana Tech University is located in Ruston, La., which is 70 miles east of Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La., where the Hurricanes and Bulldogs will play their season openers. Louisiana Tech has played 66 games in Independence Stadium over the past 87 years. The Bulldogs have a 42-21-3 (.667) all-time record in Shreveport, including wins over Oklahoma State (39-36) and UTEP (38-24) in 2002.
– The Hurricanes’ season opener with Louisiana Tech will mark UM’s ninth game all time with a school from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Miami holds a 6-2 record against WAC opponents, including Rice (2-0), San Jose State (1-0), SMU (0-1), Tulsa (3-1) and Louisiana Tech.
– The Louisiana Tech-Miami game in 2000 was the Hurricanes last showdown with a WAC opponent. The last time UM went on the road to play a team that is a part of the current Western Athletic Conference was Sept. 28, 1991, against the University of Tulsa. UM beat the Golden Hurricanes by a score of 34-10.
– Miami is 9-9 against schools from the state of Louisiana. The Hurricanes have played four schools form Louisiana, including UL-Lafayette (2-1), Southeastern Louisiana (2-0), Louisiana State (3-8) and Louisiana College (2-0).
– The Hurricanes’ starting quarterback Brock Berlin’s dad played for Louisiana Tech in 1971 and his brother Corey the played for the Bulldogs from 1999-2002.
– Berlin is one of three Miami players to hail from the state of Louisiana. Sophomore wide receiver Akieem Jolla went to St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and freshman defensive lineman Vegas Franklin attended East St. John High School in Reserve, La.
– Miami is 52-24-1 (.682) in season openers, having won seven in a row dating back to a 31-8 loss to UCLA in 1995. The Hurricanes are also 2-0 in neutral site openers and 58-19-1 (.560) away from the Orange Bowl.
COKER OFF TO RECORD START
Miami head football coach Larry Coker enters the 2003 season with a 24-1 record as a head coach since taking over the Hurricanes prior to the 2001 season. Coker set a modern NCAA record for victories by a first-year head coach in 2001 with 12 wins. Coker’s two-year start ranks as one of the finest by a head coach in the history of college football in terms of winning percentage. In terms of total victories through two seasons as a head coach, Coker’s 24 victories ranks third all-time and is the most in 109 years.
Division 1A Best Career Starts By Percentage – Two Seasons
1. Barry Switzer, Oklahoma 1973-74 21-0-1 .977
2. Walter Camp, Yale 1888-89 28-1-0 .966
3. Larry Coker, Miami 2001-02 24-1-0 .960
4. Francis Schmidt, Tulsa 1919-20 18-0-2 .950
5. John Bateman, Rutgers 1960-61 17-1-0 .944
Division 1A Best Career Starts By Wins – Two Seasons
1. Walter Camp, Yale 1888-89 28-1-0 .966
2. George Woodruff, Penn 1892-93 27-4-0 .871
3. Larry Coker, Miami 2001-02 24-1-0 1.000
4. Barry Switzer, Oklahoma 1973-74 21-0-1 .977
5. Dick Crum, Miami (Ohio) 1974-75 21-1-1 .935
CURRENT ROAD WIN STREAK AT 15 GAMES
Miami has won a national-best 15 straight games away from the Orange Bowl, since defeating West Virginia in Morgantown, 47-10, on Sept. 23, 2000.
Miami has a current 15-game road win streak that dates back to the win over the Mountaineers. The regular season win streak is the longest at UM since the Hurricanes won 19 straight road contests from Sept. 15, 1984 to Sept. 17, 1988.
ROAD WARRIORS
Since 1983, Miami has constructed the nation’s best record in road games (not including neutral sites). The Hurricanes’ road record in the 20 seasons beginning with 1983 is the best among all NCAA Division 1A football institutions. Miami has a record of 84-19-0 (.815) in road games at the opponent’s home. During that span, Miami has gone unbeaten in road games in nine seasons (1985, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2001 and 2002).
Of interest is the fact that Miami played three of the top seven best road teams during the 2001 season (Nebraska, Florida State and Penn State) and took on three more in 2002 (Florida State, Tennessee and Florida).
Miami’s record according to AP Rank
UM is 210-41-2 all-time in games while holding an AP national ranking. Since 1983, Miami is 145-21 as a top 10 team and 117-13 as a top five team. The Hurricanes are 42-6 as the nation’s No.1-ranked team. Miami has won 32 of its last 34 while ranked No. 1.
Miami vs. AP-ranked teams
Miami is 73-99-1 vs. AP-ranked teams since its first game against a ranked opponent against No. 18 Alabama in 1941, is 35-53 vs. AP top-10 teams since playing No. 6 Alabama in 1947, is 19-32 against AP top-5 teams since playing No. 3 Maryland in 1953, and is 9-7 against No. 1-ranked teams.
VS. RANKED/UNRANKED OPPONENTS SINCE 1990
Since 1990, Miami has registered a 34-23 mark against Associated Press ranked teams and a 93-6 record against unranked opponents.
MIAMI OWNS NATION’S LONGEST HOME WIN STREAK AT 22 GAMES
Miami’s win over Virginia Tech on Dec. 7 extended the Hurricanes’ Orange Bowl win streak to 22 games, dating back to a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999.
The 22-game home win streak is currently the longest in the nation following Nebraska’s recent home loss to Texas on Nov. 2. UM’s streak is also its longest since setting the NCAA record with its 58-game streak from 1985-94. South Florida and Texas share the nation’s second-longest active home winning streak at 19.
MORE ON THE 22-GAME ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK
Miami will host the 2003 home opener against Florida (Sept. 6) riding a 22-game home win streak at the Orange Bowl that dates back to a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999. Miami’s last loss at home was to second-ranked Penn State, 27-23, on Sept. 18, 1999. During the 22-game streak Miami has outscored its opponents 1,008-273 (45.8-12.4 per game – 33.4 UM margin of victory). In non-conference games during the streak, Miami has outscored eight opponents 372-141 (46.5-17.6 per game – 28.9 UM margin of victory). Against the BIG EAST, Miami has outscored the league 636-142 (45.4-10.1 per game – 35.3 UM margin of victory) in 14 home contests. Against the seven ranked teams defeated at the Orange Bowl during the streak, Miami outscored the opposition 304-145 (43.4-20.7 per game – 22.7 UM margin of victory).
During the streak Miami’s lowest point total is 27 points in a 27-24 thrilling win over No. 1 Florida State on Oct. 7, 2000. Scoring has been high during the streak with the Hurricanes surpassing 30 points 18 times, 40 points 14 times, 50 points nine times and 60 points four times. The most points UM has scored during the streak is 65 points in a 65-7 win over No. 12 Washington on Nov. 24, 2001.The UM defense has posted five shutouts during the 21-game streak and had another six games where the opponent scored seven or less points. The most points allowed by UM was 45 by Virginia Tech on Dec. 7, 2002. Opponents have achieved double-digit scoring 11 times during the 22-game streak. FAMU totaled 17 points in the 2002 season opener at the Orange Bowl, marking the first time in a nine-game home span the opponent scored more than seven points.Prior to Pittsburgh’s first quarter touchdown on Nov. 21, the last touchdown recorded by a BIG EAST opponent at the Orange Bowl was in the first quarter vs. Boston College on Nov. 25, 2000 – 23 straight quarters over six league games.Over the last 14 home games since defeating Pittsburgh, 35-7, on Nov. 11, 2000, the Hurricanes have outscored home opponents 654-160 (46.7-11.4 per game – 35.3 UM margin of victory).Including the home loss to Penn State in 1999, Miami has won 26 of 27 home contests since a 26-14 loss to Florida State on Oct. 10, 1998.
UM STANDS TALL IN THE BIG EAST
Through 12 seasons of competition in the BIG EAST, Miami has forged a league-best 66-10 (.868) overall conference record. The Hurricanes’ 2002 BIG EAST Conference championship is Miami’s ninth, also a league-best, ahead of Syracuse (3), Virginia Tech (3) and West Virginia (1).
MIAMI EXTENDS BIG EAST WIN STREAK TO 24
Miami extended its BIG EAST-record win streak to 24 games with its win over Virginia Tech. Additionally, UM has also won 27 of its last 28 BIG EAST games, including a 1999 loss to Virginia Tech. The streak began with a 55-0 defeat over Rutgers on Nov. 20, 1999. Miami has also recorded conference win streaks of 12 games (1991-93), 10 games (1995-96) and seven games (1994).
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A MIAMI TRADITION
Miami football has a tradition of achieving a high graduation rate among its football student-athletes. Miami has received recognition by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as one of an elite group of schools to have exceeded a 70 percent graduation rate among its football student-athletes in eight of the past 11 years. The Hurricanes’ have exceeded the national graduation rate for AFCA member schools for 15 consecutive years. From 1992-97, Miami was one of only eight schools in the nation to graduate at least 70 percent of its football student-athletes and that trend continues to the present day. Thirteen of 18 Miami football student-athletes who entered UM in 1996 have graduated, a rate of 72.2 percent – exceeding the national average of 2001 (59 percent). Since the AFCA began its national survey of graduation rates for football playing institutions, Miami has graduated 71.29 percent of its football student-athletes – far above the national average. Ten members of Miami’s 2001 National Championship team earned spots on the BIG EAST All-Academic Team – the most any team can qualify for the honor. The 2001 season marked the fourth straight year that Miami placed the league maximum on the All-Academic Team.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE
The average drive time on UM’s 67 offensive touchdowns in 2002 is 1:58. Overall, 37 of the 67 touchdowns were scored under two minutes of drive time. Additionally, 18 touchdowns have come in under a minute.
IF MIAMI SCORES FIRST
When Miami scores first it is nearly a lock to win. Beginning with the 1983 season, the Hurricanes have gone 163-14 (.921) when scoring first.
THE HURRICANES WHEN SCORING 30 OR 31 POINTS
Miami has won 110 consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points since a 31-30 loss at Notre Dame in 1988.
Miami has won 131 consecutive games when scoring 31 or more points since falling 39-37 to UCLA in the 1985 Fiesta Bowl.Excluding bowl games, Miami has won 142 consecutive regular season games when scoring 31 or more since a 34-31 loss to Mississippi State in 1980.
4TH QUARTER DOMINANCE
Over the last 18 seasons, Miami has been almost unbeatable when leading after three quarters. Since 1985, Miami has won 161 of 163 regular season games in which it entered the fourth quarter with a lead. The two losses in this span occurred at East Carolina (1999) and West Virginia (1997). Prior to those two losses, UM last lost when leading after three quarters in 1984 against Maryland (42-40) after leading 34-21 heading into the fourth quarter.
MIAMI REMAINS NO. 1 IN THE NFL DRAFT
During the last 20 years, National Football League teams have turned to the University of Miami more than any other college or university when it comes to premium picks in the annual draft. The following chart illustrates college programs that have produced the most players selected in the first three rounds from 1983 to 2002.
MIAMI GAMES USUALLY PACKED WITH NFL TALENT
The Miami program has been the best in sending players to the NFL by way of the first three round of the draft over the last 16 years leading the country 68 top-three round picks since 1987. With that, many of the Hurricanes games in 2003 are among the highest in sending a combined amount to the NFL Draft’s first three rounds. The Miami/FSU and Miami/Tennessee games highlight this list. In each of these games, a combined 117 players have been drafted into the first three rounds of the draft.
SEASON OUTLOOK
After a three-year run in which they won 35 of 37 games, captured one national championship, won three BIG EAST Conference titles and made two appearances in the Bowl Championship Series title game, the Miami Hurricanes must replace 12 starters (5 offense, 5 defense, 2 specialists) from a year ago and have undergone an almost complete makeover from their starting unit of two years ago. Only two players – linebackers Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams – remain as starters from the 2001 national champions. But the generational change that has taken place over the last two seasons hasn’t lowered the expectations of the players, the coaching staff or the fans. The Hurricanes fully expect to compete for another BIG EAST title and make another run at national contention this season as 47 lettermen return from the squad that went 12-1 in 2002 and narrowly missed a second consecutive national championship. Overall, 13 starters (6 offense, 6 defense, 1 specialist) return for Miami including the team’s leading pass catcher, top five tacklers, leading blocker, all four defensive backs, and leading return men. Miami completed its first back-to-back 12-win seasons in 2001 and 2002 and head coach Larry Coker mans the helm of a program that is one of only two in the nation (along with Texas) to have constructed five consecutive nine (or more) win seasons.
QUARTERBACKS
Brock Berlin
Berlin is a transfer from the University of Florida who will play his first game as a Hurricane in the same stadium in which he spent much of his high school career. The Shreveport native played in 12 games for the Gators in 2000 and 2001, completing 53-of-87 passes for 653 yards and 11 touchdowns with two interceptions. Berlin started his final game at Florida, leading the Gators for much of their victory over Maryland in the 2002 Orange Bowl following the 2001 regular season. Berlin also had excellent spring, completing eight of 16 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown in the Spring Game. This fall he has picked up right where he left off in the spring, looking much more comfortable in the Hurricanes offense.
Derrick Crudup
Crudup is entering his fourth year working with the Miami offense and has played in 16 games over the last two seasons. An athletic player with a strong arm, Crudup served as Dorsey’s primary backup the last two seasons after redshirting in 2000. Crudup has completed 25-of-48 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception at Miami. Crudup has been excellent in preseason practices and appears much more confident and comfortable in the offense.
Kyle Wright
True freshman Kyle Wright enrolled early at UM in January and was impressive in his first spring practice with the team. A talented passer, Wright was considered by many to be the nation’s top high school signalcaller in 2002. He has been impressive in fall practice, but figures to be learning the offensive system in a reserve role this season.
RECEIVERS
Kevin Beard
The loss of split end Andre Johnson to the NFL a year early was a blow, but not an unexpected one, for the Hurricanes. At flanker, senior Kevin Beard missed the spring while recovering from a knee injury suffered in late November, but returned to action in preseason practice. Beard had 23 catches for 262 yards and four touchdowns last year to rank fourth on the team in receptions.
Jason Geathers
Senior Jason Geathers is the leading returnee at split end. Geathers spent much of 2002 at tailback, but moved back to split end after Beard’s injury. Geathers is no stranger to the position, having spent the 2000 and 2001 seasons there and he had seven catches for 99 yards with two touchdowns in 2002. Geathers has 16 catches for 211 yards and three scores in his career.
Roscoe Parrish
Sophomore Roscoe Parrish began to establish himself as a big-play threat late in the 2002 season, making several important catches after taking over as the starter following Beard’s injury. Parrish ended 2002 with 19 catches for 340 yards and two touchdowns. He was set to challenge Beard for the starting job at flanker before a minor knee injury required surgery in mid-August, causing him to miss the Louisiana Tech opener.
Akieem Jolla & Ryan Moore
Joining Geathers at split end will be sophomore Akieem Jolla, who caught five passes for 96 yards and one touchdown last season. Ryan Moore is a gifted talent at split end who could be ready to make an impact in his redshirt freshman season, but he missed all of spring drills with an injury that hindered his development. Moore returned to action in preseason practices and figures to be an important component of the offense in the opener.
Darnell Jenkins, Sinorice Moss & Buck Ortega
True freshman Darnell Jenkins made a much-anticipated debut in orange and green in spring practice and could be ready to play a significant role immediately. While sophomore Sinorice Moss sat out the spring after offseason ankle surgery and has been hobbled some during the preseason, but he should be ready for the opener. Moss was a special teams regular who caught three passes for 30 yards last season. Another newcomer to the receivers corps is former quarterback and linebacker Buck Ortega. A standout on special teams coverage before a shoulder injury sidelined him, Ortega showed some promise at split end during preseason practices.
TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow
He has been labeled college football’s best player, but junior Kellen Winslow considers himself a neophyte as a tight end. Winslow returns to the starting position after posting the most productive pass catching season ever by a Miami tight end in 2002. A first team All-America selection by CNNSI.com in 2002, Winslow caught a team-high 57 passes for 726 yards and eight touchdowns and capped the year with a record performance in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State with 11 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Kevin Everett
Kevin Everett, who starred the last two years at Kilgore (Texas) Junior, could be ready to make an immediate impact as the Hurricanes’ “other” tight end. The Hurricanes’ fastest tight end, Everett has the size and agility to give Miami a pair of outstanding athletes at the position. Everett was considered the nation’s top junior college tight end last season.
TAILBACKS
Frank Gore
One of this season’s most anticipated sights will be the starting debut of third-year sophomore tailback Frank Gore, who returned from a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire 2002 season and has been outstanding during preseason practice. Gore was the touted star of the future heading into 2002 after a dazzling 2001 campaign in which he averaged a whopping 9.1 yards per carry with 562 yards on 62 carries and five touchdowns. Participating in full-contact scrimmaging this spring for the first time since the injury, Gore appeared to have lost nothing from his previous form and had solidified the starting job before the conclusion of spring practice.
Jarrett Payton
Payton, a fifth-year senior, rushed for 223 yards (4.5 avg.) last season and has 511 yards (4.4 avg.) and three touchdowns in his Miami career. He has played in 27 games during his Miami career and brings a luxury of experience to the position.
Tyrone Moss
One of the most coveted running back recruits in the nation last winter, freshman Tyrone Moss joined the rotation this summer and was impressive in preseason practices. Moss quickly established himself as a factor in the playing rotation and will see playing time right away in relief of Gore.
FULLBACKS
Quadtrine Hill
Undersized for a fullback, sophomore Quadtrine Hill showed surprising blocking skill in 2002 along with the ability to be a dependable receiver as he caught 14 passes for 270 yards (19.3 avg.). Hill will be looking for more touches on the ground after carrying only six times for 16 yards last season and could get those opportunities at either fullback or tailback this season.
Kyle Cobia
Junior Kyle Cobia is a more traditional fullback whose blocking in short yardage situations has been vital. But Cobia missed the spring following an elbow injury suffered against Syracuse and missed some preseason work due to a concussion. Nonetheless, he will be called upon for duty in the opener.
Jon Beason
A true freshman that signed as a linebacker, Jon Beason moved to fullback during the first week of preseason practice after injuries to Kyle Cobia and Talib Humphrey left Miami with just one remaining active fullback. Beason instantly showed every ability to play the position at a top level and figures to contribute immediately at the position.
Talib Humphrey
Senior Talib Humphrey played extensively as a reserve last year and will be looking to expand his role this season. Humphrey had an outstanding spring practice in which he showed startling ability as a receiver, ball carrier and blocker. Humphrey may have been the team’s most improved player this spring. But an ankle injury slowed his preseason progress and he is currently doubtful for the season opener
OFFENSIVE LINE
Miami lost three of five starters from 2001 and two more from 2002 (C Brett Romberg and LG Sherko Haji-Rasouli). Romberg and Haji-Rasouli combined for 61 starts in their careers at Miami.
RETURNING STARTERS
Three starters return who started all 13 games in 2002 – senior Vernon Carey, senior Carlos Joseph and junior Chris Myers, but line coach Art Kehoe made it clear that no starting job was safe. Kehoe appears to have finally settled on a playing rotation and has developed versatility throughout the unit. The lineup for the starter figures to be: LT – Eric Winston, LG – Chris Myers, C – Joel Rodriguez, RG – Vernon Carey, RT – Carlos Joseph.
Vernon Carey – LG
A starter at right tackle last season, senior Vernon Carey has extensive playing experience at guard and is listed as the starter at right guard. He could be set up for a monster year in his senior campaign after a dominating performance in 2002. The mammoth senior is already touted by the coaching staff as perhaps the team’s top player overall, a lofty statement on a team with arguably the nation’s best player at a couple of other positions.
Carlos Joseph – RT
Senior tackle Carlos Joseph has the ability to be an outstanding tackle and is listed as the starter at right tackle entering the opener. Slimmed down to 307 pounds after losing 30 pounds over the summer, Joseph appears ready to reach his sizable potential.
Joel Rodriguez – C
A third-year sophomore, Joel Rodriguez is settling in as the new starter at center and showed drastic improvement during preseason practices after a shaky spring. His confidence and comfort with his line mates, as well as new quarterback Brock Berlin, is helping Rodriguez become the leader the line needs at the center position.
Chris Myers – RG
The player who could make the biggest leap into the limelight this season could be junior guard Chris Myers. A devastating force at right guard in 2002, Myers has the ability and experience to take his game to another level this season. One of the team’s best all-around athletes, Myers also has the ability to play center, if needed.
Eric Winston – LT
Sophomore Eric Winston moved to offensive line from tight end at the close of the 2002 season. Now up to 307 pounds on a 6-7 frame, Winston is slated to start at left tackle in his first college game as an offensive lineman. Line coach Art Kehoe raves about Winston’s enormous potential, something Winston will begin striving to live up to this season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Vince Wilfork
Headlining the Miami front wall will be junior defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who returns for his third season at UM with designs on making a huge impact for the Hurricanes in his first season as a starter. Wilfork was close to cracking the team’s top 10 in tackles last year with 43 stops including 15 tackles for losses, eight quarterback hurries and seven quarterback sacks.
Orien Harris
Third-year sophomore tackle Orien Harris earned increased playing time as last season progressed, racking up 36 tackles (14 solos), 14 quarterback hurries, one sack and a fumble recovery. The brother of former Stanford All-America offensive lineman Kwame Harris, Orien is looking to make a name for him this season.
Santonio Thomas
Junior tackle Santonio Thomas played in two games last year before missing the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. He has played in 15 games over the last two years and had three tackles for losses and one sack in little more than a game of play in 2002. Thomas missed some preseason practice with an injury, but figures to be ready for the opener.
John Square
Junior defensive end John Square has played in 13 games over the last two seasons, including four games in 2002. He had five sacks in nine games two years ago before being limited by a chest injury last season. Square was limited in preseason practice by a shoulder injury but could be ready for the opener.
Baraka Atkins
One of the team’s most promising young players, redshirt freshman end Baraka Atkins also was slowed by an injury during preseason drills, but Atkins’ superior ability to make big plays makes him a player to watch this season.
Thomas Carroll
Sophomore end Thomas Carroll worked into regular playing time last season as a redshirt freshman, garnering six tackles (two for losses) and one quarterback
LINEBACKERS
Jonathan Vilma – MLB
Senior middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma is the most experienced starter on the Miami roster with 24 career starts in the middle. A first-team Verizon Academic All-America in 2002, Vilma has led the Hurricanes in tackles the last two seasons including 133 tackles last year along with eight stops for losses, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and four quarterback hurries.
D.J. Williams – WLB
Senior weakside linebacker D.J. Williams was a disruptive influence for opposing offenses throughout the season, ranking second on the team in tackles (108) and tying for the team lead in tackles for loss with 16 (45 yards) along with four sacks and two forced fumbles. A former fullback, Williams could be on the verge of a huge season in 2003.
LINEBACKERS TO WATCH
Injuries at linebacker affected preseason drills drastically, allowing several players to get extensive work with the starting unit. Strongside linebacker Rocky McIntosh will miss the opener following minor knee surgery. His absence will create a starting opportunity for two veterans – either Jarrell Weaver or Darrell McClover.
Weaver has been a steady backup throughout his career, while Williams figures to be the heir apparent to Vilma in the middle. McClover has been a consistent contributor on special teams to this point in his career.
SECONDARY
The Hurricanes welcome an entirely different situation in the defensive backfield than they faced a year ago as all four starters and the top eight secondary players from 2002 return.
SAFETIES
Junior free safety Sean Taylor, who provided bruising stops along the way to ranking third on the team with 85 tackles last season, is probable for the season opener with a knee injury. Taylor picked off four passes and broke up a team-best 15 passes and forced a fumble. Redshirt freshman Brandon Meriweather figures to be the backup to Taylor, but he missed much of the spring with a high ankle sprain.
At strong safety, senior Mo Sikes returned to action this summer following shoulder surgery, and should return to his starting job after a season in which he was fourth on the team in tackles (80), intercepted three passes (returning two for touchdowns), knocked down nine passes, forced two fumbles and recovered another in addition to blocking a field goal on special teams. Sikes is in a battle with sophomore Greg Threat for the starting role after Threat took over there during the spring in Sikes’ absence. Threat and fellow sophomore Marcus Maxey return at strong safety and thrived in Sikes’ absence during the spring. Maxey (11 games) and Threat (12 games) played extensively last year.
CORNERBACKS
Junior Antrel Rolle had an impressive campaign in 2002 with 66 tackles (fifth on the team), six stops for losses, two sacks, one interception, seven passes broken up and three fumble recoveries. The junior figures to be one of college football’s top all-purpose corners, showing exceptional cover skills along with a hard nosed approach to run support.
Sophomore Kelly Jennings was overshadowed much of last season, but asserted himself as the starter at left corner as a redshirt freshman despite playing much of the season with a cast on one hand. The speedy Jennings made 25 tackles, broke up six passes and intercepted a pass in 2002.
Senior Alfonso Marshall returns as one of the team’s most experienced players at cornerback. He started three games last season as a nickel or dime back and has played in 32 games over the last three seasons. He made 20 tackles last season, intercepted one pass and broke up six aerials. Sophomore Glenn Sharpe returns to provide depth at corner, as well, after a rookie season in which he made 18 tackles in 12 games and broke up three passes, in addition to recovering a fumble.
KICKING GAME
Third-year sophomore Mark Gent is the likely candidate to replace the departed Todd Sievers. Gent has only a missed extra-point attempt last season on his college resume thus far, but has shown impressive range as a field goal kicker in scrimmages and practices.
Redshirt freshman Jon Peattie is expected to handle the punting duties. A newcomer to watch is freshman signee Brian Monroe, a punter who also could play defensive back. Monroe was one of the top prospects in Florida last season.
Two non-scholarship players, junior Matt Carter and freshman Francesco Zampogna will prepare to help out. Carter is a leading contender to hold on placements. Veteran long snapper Chris Harvey returns for his final season to handle snapping duties on all punts and placements. He has been flawlessly accurate thus far in his Miami career.
