| Brad Kaaya(15) hands off to Joe Yearby(2)(Photo Credit: Sun Sentinel) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
While some people are wondering who will make the NCAA Tournament, others are wondering who is impressing at Greentree. The 'Canes are back on the field, looking to rebound from a disappointing 2014 season, a season that saw fans turn on Al Golden and his staff. It's far too early to predict where this team will be at the end of the 2015 season, but this team has shown some progress during spring practice. This season may mark the end of the Golden era, so it's safe to say the intensity is at a new level this season.
Spring Notes
1. Brad Kaaya continues to develop according to plan, and he is the unquestioned leader on offense. He hasn't been overly spectacular in spring practice, but he's had his moments, and looks ready to build upon an outstanding freshman campaign. His presumed backup, Malik Rosier continues to struggle with accuracy but is an athletic marvel. Vinny Testaverde Jr. is an upgrade over previous scout team quarterbacks, however he is unlikely to challenge for significant playing time.
2. Losing Clive Walford will hurt, but the dropoff won't be as steep as fans anticipate. Standish Dobard is a big bodied tight end who can catch and can move surprisingly well. Dobard has been a standout in practice, making a number of impressive catches, and blocking quite well. He isn't the only tight end making a positive impression,as Jerome Washington has flashed immense potential. Washington has Richard Gordon level measureables, the question is whether he can apply himself on a consistent basis. Chris Herndon is a steady H-Back, he has a good relationship with Brad Kaaya, and it shows.
3. Duke Johnson is gone, but this unit may be able to match his production in the aggregate. While Gus Edwards and Joe Yearby aren't as talented as Duke, they do compliment each other, and can provide consistent production. Yearby is an asset in the passing game, and should be able to grow into his role. Edwards finished the season well, finally showing the ability to run with power. He has been the toughest back to tackle as he's made a habit of barreling over defenders. The player who has really impressed is Trayone Gray. He is an explosive player who can make big plays. If Gray can stay eligible, he may be the next great Miami back due to his next level talent.
4. Kevin Beard may be young, he may not have a long and distinguished resume, but he has made a strong first impression. If you've watched the 'Canes Report videos on youtube, you've seen Beard instructing his charges, and getting after it on the practice field. While a couple seconds of footage doesn't make Beard a great coach, it's a promising sign. We all know how bad Brennan Carroll was, but after watching Beard, my opinion of Carroll has dropped even further. Beard pays attention to detail, he is covering concepts that were alien to Carroll, which means the wide receiver corps should improve dramatically.
5. This is the best defensive line of the Golden era, and it's not even close. New defensive line coach Randy Melvin has to succeed with this unit, there's too much talent for him not to. Al-Quadin Muhammad is back and looks like the highly touted player he was coming out of high school. He's joined by Chad Thomas, a vocal player who can get around the edge and has the strength to overpower offensive linemen. The D-Line won't be a two man show, as some of the defensive tackles have stepped up as well. Michael Wyche, a player who was out of shape and useless for a majority of the 2014 season, looks like a totally different player. He has slimmed down considerably and is showing true ability at the nose tackle position. Calvin Heurtelou, the most consistent interior lineman last season, is injured and needs to come back strong if he wants to stay atop the depth chart.
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