Behind the Mic with Joe Zagacki
By Joe Zagacki
Summer has made way for fall and the calendar is flipping from September to October, which means football is going into conference play and basketball is beginning to practice.
Football began the season at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and while it didn’t go the Canes’ way, from my perspective behind the mic it was an exciting way to start the season. The stadium was spectacular – thousands of Hurricane fans were ready to empty their lungs.
It’s games like that over the many years that have made the Miami brand special. This opener wasn’t what we hoped for, but next year the Canes get another chance and it’s against the Gators!
Conference play is here and Miami will be defending its Coastal Division title. It looks like the calling card this year will be defense. Miami started conference play ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in the ACC in total defense.
Where Miami has really improved – and it’s one of the most important metrics – the Canes’ offense is converting third downs 48 percent of the time and the defense is holding opponents to a 17 percent conversion rate. If that holds all season, the Canes will win a lot of games.
I think often overlooked is how easy it is to root for some of the players. We forget because they wear helmets and shoulder pads and look like warriors that many are just kids.
Safety Amari Carter missed the Toledo game because his grandmother passed away and he wanted to be with his Mom. When he talked to me about his grandmother, it was all gratitude for all she had given to him and all she had taught him. I could tell he was proud and wounded. He is a thoughtful young man who is going to be a great leader for the Canes.
Did you know that Lawrence Cager played baseball in high school? He was a switch hitter who once hit 11 homers. He played shortstop, but he thought he was too tall and his arm too erratic so moved to center field. Back home he is called Larry or LC3.
Cornerback Michael Jackson is now a Dad. He said he has mastered diaper changing. He has devoted this season to his baby.
Wide receiver Mike Harley, like other local players, loves the benefit of staying home because it’s easy for his family to come see him play and its easy for him to go to Mom’s house for a home cooked meal. Chicken parm and fried chicken are the specialties. Harley is a fierce blocker, but we’re starting to see how elusive he is and he is starting to learn how to use his speed.
Basketball practices start this month. Nobody figures out talent and how to use the talent better than Coach L. It will be exciting to see what kind of ideas he has for this year’s team. It’s a guarantee he works his team hard to become great defenders.
Dewan Huell made the biggest strides last year. When he is around Coach L, he is like a sponge taking to the instruction. He is a player who has trust in his coach. It will be fun to see what kind of leap he and his teammates take this year.
