Sunday Perspective: Maturing 'Canes Take Another Step
Oct. 3, 2010
By: Rob Dunning
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Immediately following the University of Miami’s 30-21 win at Clemson on Saturday, junior cornerback Brandon Harris was asked what the difference was in this year’s defense compared to those in recent years.
His answer? “Leadership.”
It’s an important word around this team right now but it’s not the only one. Head coach Randy Shannon recently used the word `maturity’ when referring to his team’s ability to respond after a tough loss at Ohio State with back-to-back road wins.
Whatever you want to call it, there is a presence on this year’s team that is both unique and refreshing. Anyone who follows this program closely can see a difference. Those further away may not notice it initially, but they will.
Now in his fourth year as the Hurricanes’ head coach, Shannon is seeing the return on years of building and recruiting. Take a look up and down Miami’s roster and you’ll see leaders everywhere. From Brandon Harris to Jacory Harris to Colin McCarthy, this team is full of them.
There’s no doubt that every past Miami team has had its fair share of leaders. It’s just that this team has more. This team has been carefully put together by Shannon and his staff to not only bring in talented student-athletes, but talented student-athletes that are both mature and responsible. Ones that go to class, stay out of trouble and put their heart into this program.
At the forefront of Shannon’s vision is senior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, who is coming off a career-game with 147 yards and three touchdowns against Clemson.
“He has come a long ways,” Shannon said of Hankerson. “Anytime you have a young man that is going to work like he does, never take anything for granted and really appreciate anything he has in life, it makes you feel good about him.”
One of Shannon’s first recruits as head coach, Hankerson got off to a slow start in his career but after years of working harder than everyone else, he has proven himself as one of the nation’s top playmakers.
It’s guys like him that makes this team special. It’s guys like Ryan Hill, who after multiple position changes and injuries, has persevered and emerged as one of the team’s top defenders. It’s guys like Orlando Franklin, who has taken a young offensive line under his wing and led them to great things so far.
Brandon Harris may have been referencing his defense, but there is no doubt that leadership exists on both sides of the ball at Miami. And before the Hurricanes and Seminoles kick off Saturday, those leaders will be following their loyal coach through the smoke at Sun Life.
