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Bernie Kosar (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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Around the Hecht: Baseball, Transfers, Coaching Changes, and Rumor Mill

Eric Konkol at his introductory press conference (Photo Credit: Louisiana Tech University)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  @CanesRisingBlog Contributor



Around the Hecht


Konkol to Louisiana Tech--Miami assistant men's basketball coach Eric Konkol was named the head coach at Louisiana Tech on Monday.  Konkol is the second Miami assistant to leave the program this offseason, Michael Huger was named head coach at Bowling Green.  This puts Jim Larranaga in a tough spot, he has now lost his top two assistants, two coaches that were given wide berth in managing game plans, and individual player development. Larranaga has promoted Chris Caputo to Konkol's former position, leaving Caputo's former position in the hands of Adam Fisher, formerly the director of basketball operations.

Meier accepts new transfer--Katie Meier and the 'Canes have a new player, former FAU star Shaneese Bailey has joined the program.  Bailey, a guard from Callahan, Florida arrives as Meier looks to replace Suriya McGuire and Necole Sterling.  Shaneese was a star for the Owls, averaging a team high 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest.  She was named First Team All-Conference USA in 2015, and will be a major contributor for the 2016 'Canes. Bailey will be ineligible for the 2015 season, per NCAA rules, and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Baseball plays for national seed--Jim Morris and the eighth ranked 'Canes are still alive in the ACC Tournament, with a crucial game against NC State Friday night.  Miami has to win at least two more games to clinch a national seed in the NCAA Tournament.  The 'Canes have a great case as is, with the top RPI in the country, and an impressive strength of schedule, but Miami is still on the bubble in regards to drawing a coveted seed. If Miami is given a national seed, the 'Canes would host both a regional, and super regional, provided they advance out of the regional stage.

Yearby in trouble?--Running back Joe Yearby may be facing a suspension, thanks to some disciplinary issues.  While University officials are mum on the subject, rumors are swirling around the sophomore back.  Odds are that Yearby will only miss 2-4 games, with more time being unlikely.  If history is any indication, Al Golden will announce the suspension in August, if he does decide to sit the talented Yearby.   If Yearby is forced to miss time, look for freshman Mark Walton to see extended time, with Gus Edwards being the complimentary back.  Trayone Gray continues to struggle in the classroom,  it's not a guarantee that he will be eligible when the season begins.  

Rank 'Em: Miami's Best D-Linemen

Vince Wilfork (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)

                @CanesRisingBlog Contributor

The Rank 'Em series moves into the trenches this week.   Defensive linemen are the glue of any great defense.  D-Linemen serve as the first and most important barrier because without a defensive line, linebackers can't make plays, and the secondary would be mere speed bumps on the way to the end zone.  Therefore, having great line play is crucial to a great defense.  Miami defenses over the years have been led by some outstanding linemen,  most of whom have won prestigious awards, and been named to different All-American, and All-Conference teams. 

Miami's Best D-Linemen

1. Ted Hendricks (1966-1968)

The Mad Stork was a player who could play in any era, and dominate.  Ted Hendricks was a physical marvel, a long, lanky athlete who could set the edge better than any player in program history.  He still holds the record for most tackles made by a Miami defensive linemen, with 327 stops in three seasons.  Hendricks was a two time All-American, and finished 5th in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1968. In an era in which Miami rarely merited attention, Hendricks' brilliance made The U a prime time attraction.

2. Jerome Brown (1983-1986)

While most of us remember Jerome's love of green camouflage, and his tragic death, his contributions on the field is what got him on this list.  Jerome was one of the first athletic defensive tackles who could dominate a game from the middle.  Brown's uncanny athletic ability was a major reason why the Oklahoma wishbone was rendered obsolete midway through the 80s.  His 21 sacks are 10th most in program history, and Brown was named a Consensus All-American in 1986.

3. Warren Sapp (1992-1994)

What Jerome started, Warren came the closest to perfecting.  Out of all of the defensive tackles on this list, Sapp was the one who had the biggest impact on the national level.  The honors were numerous, and included the Nagurski, Lombardi, and Bednarik Awards.  Warren finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy race in 1994, a year that saw him put together one of the most dominant seasons ever seen from an interior linemen.  Sapp finished that season with 10.5 sacks, 88 tackles, and five pass deflections.  The '94 'Canes were one of the most dominant defenses in school history, and the manchild in the middle was a big reason why.

4. Cortez Kennedy (1988-1989)

While his tenure at The U ended after two years, Tez had a huge impact that went beyond his short tenure.  The 1989 Miami defensive line was one of the better units in school history, and Kennedy was the linchpin of that decorated group. Cortez overcame a weight problem to become almost unblockable during his career, his agility and ability to split double teams being a reason why players like Greg Mark were able to rack up huge sack numbers.  The man once known as "Two Play" Tez was named a Second Team All-American in 1989, as the 'Canes won their third National Championship of the decade.

5. Daniel Stubbs (1984-1987)

Miami's all time sack leader was a player who couldn't be ignored on the field or off.  Daniel Stubbs was a character, and remains one of the best pure pass rushers in school history.  Stubbs was a certified quarterback killer, collecting 39.5 sacks in four seasons, with a seventeen sack season in 1986.  What made the New Jersey import special was his unique combination of size and speed.  While players like Cortez Kennedy and Warren Sapp were quick for big guys, Stubbs was just flat out quick, regardless of size.  When one can run with tailbacks, yet still be strong enough to manhandle offensive linemen, it's frightening.  Daniel Stubbs was frightening, and helped make Jimmy Johnson's "Miami Vise" defense legendary.

6. Russell Maryland (1987-1990)

Most of the players on this list were highly recruited studs who were destined for greatness.  Russell Maryland was destined for greatness, but most thought it was only going to happen in the classroom. Following a solid high school career, Maryland was lightly recruited, with only schools at the Division II level showing significant interest. Russell was recruited by Miami on a lark, and that turned out to be one of the best decisions ever made.  Maryland wasn't a factor early in his career, but became a dominant defensive tackle, finishing his collegiate career with 279 tackles, 20.5 quarterback sacks, and 25 tackles for loss.  Nicknamed "The Conscience" for his outstanding leadership ability, Maryland was named the winner of the 1990 Outland Award, an award given to the best defensive linemen in college football.

7. Vince Wilfork (2001-2003)

ABC's Keith Jackson was on to something when he told a national audience to remember the name Vince Wilfork, for the mountain from Boynton Beach became a force for the 'Canes. Wilfork was a bit player on the 2001 team, but slowly worked his way into the rotation in 2002 racking up seven sacks, and 43 tackles.  2003 was a breakout season for the big man, as he collected 64 sacks, and led the team in quarterback hurries, with twenty.  Wilfork was named First Team All Big East in 2003, and drew some notice on the national level.  Vince was yet another dominant defensive tackle who brought an unusual athleticism to the position, but it was his ability to penetrate the backfield that made him dangerous.  Wilfork may have looked weird with his stubby legs, and protruding belly, but once he started to move, offensive linemen didn't stand a chance.

8. Greg Mark (1986-1989)

Greg Mark wasn't the most physically dominant player on the field, nor the most athletic, but he was an outstanding technician. Mark was rarely the star on the Miami defensive line, Cortez Kennedy and Russell Maryland held that role, but Greg had an uncanny ability to find his way to the quarterback.  How else would you explain that it's Mark, not Warren Sapp, not Vince Wilfork that is second all time in career sacks at Miami? His 34.5 career sacks are a fitting testament of a player who may have not been on the cover of magazines, but was quietly excellent.

9. Kenny Holmes (1993-1996)

Some players are victims of awful timing, Kenny Holmes is one of the most glaring examples of that phenomenon.  Holmes dominated at a time in which The U was at a crossroads, the "Decade of Dominance" had come to a shocking end, and future of the program looked bleak.  Miami still had some talent, but it wasn't anywhere near the level seen previously, and as a result, a lot of people ignored the program.  Holmes was a player that fans couldn't ignore, he was a beast, accumulating 30 sacks in his career, and was named All Big-East twice.

10. Bill Hawkins (1985-1988)

Did you know that Bill Hawkins was a consensus All-American? No, this isn't "Trivia Time at Canes Rising", the question was asked because most Miami fans don't realize how valuable the defensive end was to Jimmy Johnson's 'Canes.  Hawkins, like Hendricks and Holmes was a rangy, long athlete who was able to use his arms to ward off opposing blockers. His athleticism made him valuable on special teams, as he was able to block kicks, and recover a couple of blocked kicks, including an impressive one handed snag against South Carolina.  Hawkins was a consistent player,  so much so that Jimmy Johnson once remarked that Hawkins "Was the most consistent linemen I've ever coached." Jimmy Johnson coached Jerome Brown and Daniel Stubbs at Miami, he also coached Pitt star Hugh Green, so that is extremely high praise. A local product, Hawkins was redshirted his first year, and then emerged as a star, racking up 22 career sacks, which places him in the top ten all time at The U.


Honorable Mention: Rusty Medearis (1990-1994)

Football is a cruel game, injuries happen all the time, and those injuries can be life changing.  Rusty Medearis was a victim of such a cruel fate, suffering a crippling knee injury midway through his career.  Medearis was one of the best pure pass rushers in Miami history, once getting 5.5 sacks in a game.  That game, which came in his first start as a 'Cane, showcased Rusty at his best.  He was quick, aggressive, and intimidating.  His 22 sacks are still tied for seventh most in program history, the impressive part is that Medearis only played two full seasons, he was forced to retire after that crippling injury.  The question that will always be asked about the 1991 2nd Team All-American is what could have been.  Had Medearis been able to play at a high level for four years, it's likely he would have rewritten the record books.  

A New Season, A New Look!

Guys, Canes Rising is updating their site! Yes Willis, you were underrated in Rank 'Em! 

Canes Rising is getting a new look! We're currently working on a complete redesign of the blog, and it will have its own brand spankin' new domain name as well.  CanesRising.net will be the new home of the Canes Rising Blog, and will be fully functional before the start of fall camp!  The new site represents a new age for the blog. We will continue to post on this site throughout the summer, and then transition to the new site, so please bear with us.  Thank You for reading Canes Rising, and Go 'Canes!

Rank 'Em: Miami's Best Receivers

Michael Irvin (Photo Credit: Associated Press)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  @CanesRisingBlog Contributor

The wide receiver position is one that attacts players who are a little bit different.  From the overly verbose attention seeker, to the insanely quiet, the position attracts everyone.  Miami has featured receivers of every type, and personality over the last 50 years.  These players all helped make The U the Apple of offensive football. Miami did it differently, and everyone had to scramble to catch up.



Miami's Best Receivers


1. Michael Irvin (1985-1987)

Very few people are the personification of an athletic program.  While Alabama worships at the altar of Bear Bryant, and Notre Dame sings the praises of Knute Rockne, Miami is all about The Playmaker. For better or worse, Irvin is Miami football, and his story is not only the story of a football program, but of a University and a city. Irvin is arrogant, brash, and all over the Miami record books.  During his three year career, Irvin caught 143 passes, gained 2,423 yards, and scored 26 touchdowns.  Irvin was not only the leading receiver on the '87 National Champs, he made the biggest play of the season, scampering 73 yards for the game winning score against Florida State.

2. Andre Johnson (2000-2002)

Andre Johnson is the wide receiver sent from central casting, a physical specimen only seen on the covers of comic books.  'Dre had to wait his turn as he was stuck behind Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne on the depth chart, but when finally unleashed, he proved to be worth the wait.  In 2001, Johnson was a difference maker, averaging over eighteen yards per catch, as he helped lead Miami to the 2001 National Championship.  He was even better in 2002 as he gained over one thousand yards, on only 52 catches.  What makes 'Dre so unique is his physical ability.  While players like Michael Irvin and Reggie Wayne were big receivers, Johnson was more than a big body. He  mauled opposing corners, and had the speed to run away from defenders, once he made the catch.  DeJuan Groce was once a talented corner with NFL aspirations, that is until 'Dre demolished him in the 2002 Rose Bowl.  In that game, Andre Johnson was named the Co-Most Valuable Player, and was the one player Nebraska couldn't contain.

3. Eddie Brown (1983-1984)

Before Michael, before 'Dre, before every other player named in this article, there was Mr. Brown. Ed was the first outstanding Miami receiver, and served as Bernie Kosar's security blanket during the 1983 National Championship season.  While Brown only played two years in Orange and Green, he was a dominant force, gaining 1,754 yards, and averaging 19.7 yards per catch.  Brown was a popular target in the redzone, catching fourteen touchdowns in two seasons.  Eddie was named a consensus All-American in 1984, as Miami possessed one of the best offenses in the country under offensive guru Gary Stevens.

4. Santana Moss (1997-2000)
Some people are fast on a track, others are fast on the football field, and a select few can run anywhere. Santana Moss was fast on the track, on the football field, he's probably fast on the moon, or Saturn.  Moss came to Miami on a track scholarship, that's the only way Butch Davis could get the talented player to Coral Gables, thanks to NCAA mandated scholarship restrictions. Eventually, Santana earned a football scholarship, and blossomed into the best "smurf" receiver in program history.  During his four year career, Moss caught 143 passes, and gained 2,547 yards. Santana scored nineteen receiving touchdowns, and also scored on punt returns and  reverses.   Devin Hester may be the most famous Miami return man, but Moss was the best, he rarely made mistakes in the return game, and could avoid people in a phone booth.  Moss was a key player during Miami's rebirth, and when the team came of age, he reaped some of the benefits.  He was named a Consensus All-American in 2000, and finished seventh in the 2000 Heisman Trophy balloting.

5. Reggie Wayne (1997-2000)

There were only three things Miami fans could count on in the late 90s: Death, Taxes, and Reggie Wayne making a huge catch on 3rd down.  While Santana Moss was the big play threat, the guy who could take your breath away, Reggie was the player you could always depend on.  Reggie Wayne was extremely consistent, catching at least forty passes and gaining over 450 yards in each of his four seasons.  His senior year was his best one, as he caught 43 passes, gained 755 yards, and scored ten touchdowns.  Wayne was deadly in the red zone, as his superior route running skills and soft hands made him an inviting target for Miami quarterbacks.  One can only imagine how many catches Santana Moss took away from Wayne, and vice versa.  Wayne was part of the best receiving tandem in program history.

6. Lamar Thomas (1989-1992)

There are few guys on this list who fit the "Decade of Dominance" stereotype like Lamar Thomas.  A talented, but extremely brash receiver, Thomas was a speed demon, averaging 15.8 yards per reception during his career.  He was a bit player on Miami's 1989 National Championship team, but came into his own in 1990, snagging 43 receptions for 742 yards.  He was the favored target of Gino Torretta in 1991, scoring six touchdowns, as he helped lead Miami to a National Championship.  If you don't remember the catch Lamar made in the 1992 Fedex Orange Bowl, feel free to jog your memory.

7. Wesley Carroll (1989-1990)

This pick will be the one that leads to the most questions, but Wes Carroll was an outstanding receiver who has never been truly appreciated.   Even though Carroll only played two years in Miami, he caught 114 passes, and scored eleven touchdowns.  What made Wes unique was how many passes he caught.  During the "Decade of Dominance", most Miami receivers caught around 40-45 passes, Carroll was one of the few to break the fifty reception mark, catching 53 in 1989, and 61 in 1990. Wesley was a perfect fit for Dennis Erickson's one back spread, he was an explosive player who couldn't be tackled in space.

8. Leonard Hankerson (2007-2010)

The youngest member of this list also has the most interesting story.  Hankerson was a player who arrived in Coral Gables with a plethora of awards from his decorated high school career, but looked to be a colossal bust midway through his sophomore year.  Following some intensive work with former Miami Dolphin Mark Duper, Hank emerged as one of the best receivers in program history.  His senior year was arguably the best season ever put together by a Miami receiver.  Hankerson hauled in 72 receptions, gained 1,156 yards, and scored 13 touchdowns in 2010.  Leonard's work ethic carried him to success, and that trait is found in all of Miami's great receivers.  While having outstanding natural talent helps, the players who leave a mark are the ones who worked the hardest.  Hankerson worked extremely hard, and it showed in that amazing 2010 season.

9. Randal "Thrill" Hill (1987-1990) & Chris T. Jones (1991-1994)

It's time to shoot air pistols, and do the funky chicken, Thrill Hill is on the list.  Randal Hill may have made Dennis Erickson laugh with his crazy antics, but opposing defenses weren't in on the joke. "Thrill" was speed personified, he ran at full speed at all times, and was looking to score every single time he touched the ball.  Hill didn't start his Miami career at receiver, he was a lightly used defensive back, before he was moved to the offensive side, where he went on to total 1,643 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns.  C.T. couldn't find his way onto the field at the beginning of his career, but eventually became Frank Costa's favorite target in 1993, catching 45 passes, and scoring 4 touchdowns.  Jones was a physical receiver, who used his freakishly long arms to ward off defenders who dared jam him at the line of scrimmage.

10. Brian Blades (1984-1987)

We may remember Brian Blades as Bennie's brother, but Brian was a star in his own right.  Michael Irvin got the headlines, he was the guy wearing the chunky gold chains,  but Blades was the guy stretching the field vertically.  Brian was an outstanding receiver, catching 80 passes during his career, and averaging over 18 yards per reception.  Whenever Vinny Testaverde or Steve Walsh wanted to break a game open, they looked for #9.


Honorable Mention: Ray Bellamy (1968-1969)

Ray Bellamy isn't on the list merely because of statistical achievements, he's on this list because he was a pioneer.  Bellamy was the first African-American 'Cane, and the student-athlete whose grace, dignity, and outstanding ability made it possible for Miami to become The U.  His career was cut short by a horrific injury suffered in a car accident, but that didn't stop Bellamy from averaging 15.8 yards per reception in two seasons.

Rank 'Em: Miami's Best Teams

The 2001 Miami Hurricanes (Photo Credit: University of Miami)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                @CanesRisingBlog Contributor

What makes Miami a unique program? Is it the characters that have called the program home? Is it the great players who have worn the orange and green? No, it's the great teams that have stormed out of the tunnel and onto the field of play.  Teams that have won conference and national titles, while staking their claims as some of the best teams ever assembled.   While finishing the season as kings of the sport guarantees you a spot on this list, it isn't the only metric.  Talent, depth, strength of schedule, and importance to the program was also taken into consideration.

Miami's Best Teams


1. 2001 National Champions

Was there any doubt about who would hold the top spot? This team was the finest collection of talent in Miami history, and is arguably the finest team ever assembled.  This team's bench could have finished the season in the top fifteen, that's how loaded Larry Coker's first Miami team was. The 2001 'Canes could beat any team, in any way it saw fit.  Ken Dorsey was the leader of a dynamic offense that featured a multitude of weapons.  Defensively, Ed Reed and Jon Vilma led a unit that smothered the opposition.  Even the special teams were extraordinary, with Todd Sievers and Freddie Capshaw being among the nation's best at their respective positions.   This team was overwhelming, especially against ranked opponents.  In five games against teams ranked in the top 25, the 'Canes won by an average score of 47-14.

2. 1986 Runner Up

This team could have been as feted as the 01 'Canes, but the 1987 Fiesta Bowl happened.  This team was dominant, cruising to an undefeated regular season, but couldn't overcome Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions in the national championship game.  Heisman winner Vinny Testaverde led one of the best passing offenses in school history, with Michael Irvin and Brian Blades dominating opposing secondaries.  The 'Canes averaged 35.8 points per game, while only allowing 12.5.  Jimmy Johnson's 'Canes crushed everyone in the regular season, with only Florida coming within 10 points.  This team had it all, attitude, character, and outstanding players, but it didn't win the one game that mattered.   While the 'Canes defense came to play in the Fiesta Bowl, the offense was awful, with Testaverde throwing a career high five interceptions.  Penn State scored a measly fourteen points, but it was more than enough as Alonzo Highsmith and the 'Canes couldn't mount a late comeback, falling 14-10 in a shocking upset. Most experts consider this the best college team to have not won a national championship.

3. 1987 National Champions

This was a team that no one expected to win a championship.  The '86 team was so incredibly dominant, and failed so publicly, it was assumed that the 1987 'Canes would struggle to recover.  What the experts didn't know was that Miami would press on, and reload.  While Vinny Testaverde, Jerome Brown, Alonzo Highsmith were all gone, Miami returned a lot of players, including new quarterback Steve Walsh.  Walsh didn't have the physical talent of Testaverde, but he had a firm grasp of the system, and rarely made mistakes.  Jimmy Johnson's 'Canes came out early in the season and crushed preseason #1 Florida State, and proceeded to rout Arkansas and Florida.  Those wins established Miami as a contender, and the 'Canes didn't disappoint, going 11-0 in the regular season and earning a spot in the Federal Express Orange Bowl.  The #1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners didn't stand a chance, as Miami swamped the Big 8 Champions, winning 20-14.  The win sealed Miami's second national championship of the decade, and firmly established Miami as a national power.

4. 1991 National Champions

This team was the best team of the Dennis Erickson era, and was the last Miami team to win a title during the "Decade of Dominance".  Gino Torretta led an outstanding offense, but the strength of this team was the defense.  The "Bermuda Triangle" linebacker corps dominated the second level, and the defensive line featured a bevy of talented players.  Dennis Erickson's team was not only deep on the field, but in the coaches' box as well, as the  staff featured names like Tuberville, Lubick, and Orgeron.  The '91 'Canes dominated from the first kickoff, all the way to the final seconds of the FedEx Orange Bowl.  Miami crushed a highly rated Houston team, and then rolled through the rest of the schedule, surviving gritty Penn State, and defeating Florida State in a game that will forever be known as Wide Right I.

5. 2000 Big East Champions

As the world moved into the new millenium, the Miami Hurricanes were moving into a new era. Following the end of the "Decade of Dominance", Butch Davis was given the immense task of rebuilding the program.  In 2000, Davis' outstanding recruiting classes finally bore fruit,  and Miami exploded back onto the national scene.  What made this team special was the fashion in which it was constructed.  Butch Davis and his staff had to find creative ways to build a competitive team while not having access to a full compliment of scholarships. Santana Moss and Daryl Jones were track stars who happened to play football. Joaquin Gonzalez was a player who wasn't good enough to play big time college football.  Despite the obstacles, Davis assembled a team that beat Florida State, the defending national champions, and the Virginia Tech Hokies, the bullies of the Big East  The 2000 team should have played for the National Championship, but was denied, due to a glitch in the BCS formula.  The scary part about the 2000 'Canes? They had the best receiver tandem in Miami history with Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss manning the perimeter. Did we mention that there was a young man named Andre Johnson attempting to break into the rotation?

6. 1989 National Champions

In Miami lore, every national championship team has a distinct identity, except one.  The 1989 team wasn't groundbreaking like the 1983 team, or dominant like the 2001 team, it was an unlikely champion, a team that lost in the middle of the season to an FSU team that started the season 0-2.  However, Dennis Erickson's first Miami squad had a unique attribute: They could step up and dominate elite teams when called upon. Notre Dame was the defending national champion, the 'Canes crushed the favored Irish in a pivotal game.  The 'Canes went on to defeat SEC Champion Alabama in the USF&G Sugar Bowl, clinching Miami's third title of the decade.

7. 1983 National Champions

How can a team that is so beloved, be ranked in the bottom half of these rankings?  The answer is simple, the 1983 team may have been historic, but they weren't nearly as dominant as the teams that succeeded them. Howard Schnellenberger's final season at the helm looked doomed at the outset, as freshman quarterback Bernie Kosar was shellacked by the Florida Gators, 28-3.  Following that early defeat, the 'Canes went on to win their next ten regular season games, setting up a meeting with the top ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Orange Bowl.  The 'Canes needed some help in order to be in position to win the title, and received it as Georgia defeated second ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl.  The Orange Bowl was a nip and tuck affair with Miami using an advanced passing attack to take an early lead.  The Huskers stormed back, and could have tied the game late, but chose to go for the win with a two point conversion.  It may have been a courageous decision on the part of Tom Osborne to go for the win, but Nebraska's failed conversion signaled the birth of a Decade of Dominance.

8. 2002 Big East Champions

Miami has never had a repeat National Champion, this team came the closest to pulling off the feat, losing a heartbreaker to Ohio State in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.  The 2002 team wasn't nearly as dominant as their predecessor, but they did manage to finish the regular season 12-0, with wins over Florida, Florida State, Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.  This team had immense talent, led by returning stars Ken Dorsey, Jon Vilma and Andre Johnson. The 'Canes lost some greats from the previous year, but reloaded in a way that only Miami could.  Ed Reed was replaced by Sean Taylor, Clinton Portis was replaced by Willis McGahee, and Jeremy Shockey was replaced by Kellen Winslow II.  Like the 1986 team, this was an outstanding collection of talent, but couldn't win the big one in Tempe.

9. 1988 Runner Up

Another Jimmy Johnson team makes the list, and this team is the most underrated team of the Johnson Era. They didn't finish the season #1, in fact they are sandwiched between two teams that won titles(1987,1989) so it's easy to dismiss them as underachievers.  That isn't anywhere near true, as this team came extremely close to being the middle of a Miami three-peat.  Steve Walsh returned following his breakout '87 campaign, and led Miami to a 11-1 record, with the only blemish being a close loss in South Bend to eventual national champion Notre Dame.  This was the height of the "Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime" 'Canes, as this team defeated four major conference champions during the season: Michigan(Big Ten), LSU(SEC), Arkansas(SWC), and Nebraska(Big 8).

10.  1992 Big East Champions

Coming off of a convincing national championship campaign, the 'Canes were primed to repeat.  For most of the season, Miami dominated the opposition, rolling to another undefeated regular season, and was installed as heavy favorites in the national title game.  It wasn't meant to be as Alabama defeated Miami in the USF&G Sugar Bowl, clinching their first National Title in thirteen years.  Bowl loss aside, the 1992 'Canes were a talented group, led by Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta, and receiver Lamar Thomas.  Miami was rarely challenged in 1992,  playing in only four games in which the game was in doubt in the fourth quarter.  The defense was spectacular, allowing twenty or more points four times the entire season.

Rank 'Em: Miami's Best Running Backs

Edgerrin James (Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                 @CanesRisingBlog Contributor

Tailback U.  There's a ton of schools that have a legitimate claim to the title, and Miami is in that select group.  In fact, Miami may have one of the best cases, especially if one is to consider that institutions like Southern California have been downright awful at the position for most of the last thirty years.  Yes, we all remember Reggie Bush, but who else has USC produced since the Reagan administration? The U has produced outstanding backs for most of the last 40 years, backs that run the gamut from bulldozing fullbacks, to speedy halfbacks.

Miami's Best Running Backs

1. Edgerrin James (1996-1998)

Edgerrin wasn't the fastest back in program history, nor was he the strongest, but he was the best. The Edge was a battering ram who had breakaway speed, and was surprisingly durable considering that he was  expected to carry the mail twenty-five times a game.  While he had to share carries as a true freshman, he still managed to gain 2,960 yards in his three year career.  Edge was the lone bright spot for a Miami program struggling to emerge from crippling NCAA sanctions. Edge's best performance came in a classic comeback win over UCLA.  The 'Canes were heavy underdogs to the third ranked Bruins, but Edge pounded his way to a school record 299 yards on the ground, leading the 'Canes to a much needed win.  That win set the table for the resurgence of the program.

2. Ottis Anderson (1975-1978)

Ottis Anderson is more than the MVP of Super Bowl XXV, Ottis was a 'Cane, and until recently held the record for career rushing yards  Anderson was a unique specimen in the 70s: a power back with track star speed and unbelievable balance.  Ottis rushed for 3,331 yards in his career, with 15 touchdowns.  While those numbers may not sound like much, remember that Anderson had to face teams whose primary objective was to stop him.  He didn't have the surrounding cast that most of the other backs on this list had.  He was the Miami offense for most of his career.

3. Duke Johnson (2012-2014)

While some will object to Duke being placed this high, his stats indicate someone who deserves to be in this spot.  While Duke never played on an elite team, he was an elite back, arguably the most versatile in program history.  Duke was an outstanding receiver out of the backfield, he could return kicks , and was a dynamic runner who broke Ottis Anderson's rushing record.  While his 3,519 rushing yards are impressive, it's his thirty touchdowns that placed him in this spot.   Johnson scored in a variety of ways, from long runs, to kickoff returns and receptions. Duke Johnson is the most dynamic back in school history, and Al Golden will struggle mightily to replace him.

4. Willis McGahee (2001-2002)

Most of the backs on this list are included because of their consistent excellence.  Willis McGahee only had one big season, but that season was the best in school history.  McGahee went from a hesitant, unsure backup, to a Heisman candidate all in one season.  In 2001, McGahee backed up Clinton Portis, a back whose brash personality affected the soft spoken McGahee.  Following Portis' departure, McGahee emerged as a superstar, the centerpiece of Miami's drive to repeat as National Champions.  The former backup rushed for a school record 1,753 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2002.  Yes, those statistics are correct, he scored more touchdowns in a season, than Edgerrin James and Ottis Anderson had in their respective careers. Willis was a rare combination of strength and speed, and was a freak athlete.  His signature performance was in the Orange Bowl, against Virginia Tech, where he rushed for 205 yards and six touchdowns.   While McGahee's outstanding season ended in horrifying fashion, with the Heisman finalist lying on the field in agony at Sun Devil Stadium, it was still a season to remember.

5. Clinton Portis (1999-2001)

The most interesting back on this list, Clinton Portis is a player who knows how to make an entrance.  While most fans know him for his antics, and his penchant for garish ensembles, he made plenty of noise on the field.  Portis' biggest season came in 2001, as he was the leading rusher for the undefeated BCS Champion 'Canes.  He shared carries with Willis McGahee and freshman sensation Frank Gore, but still gained 1,200 yards on the ground, and scored twelve touchdowns.  Portis was the perfect running back for the 01 'Canes: He was explosive, and didn't need many carries to break loose.  Clinton was at his best when allowed to hide behind Miami's mammoth offensive line, he had an uncanny ability to run to daylight.

6. James Jackson (1996-2000)

Who was the back who started for the 'Canes between Edgerrin James, and Clinton Portis? James Jackson is more than the answer to a trivia question, he's a talented running back who was the victim of some unfortunate timing.  While we remember Edge's power, and Portis' elusiveness, we don't remember Jackson the way we should.  Following his senior season, he was the third leading ground gainer in program history, despite sharing time with Edge, and spending most of his early career as a third down specialist.  Jackson was a tough inside runner who rarely made mistakes, and was dependable like the local postman.  In 2000, Jackson emerged from the shadows, rushing for 1,006 yards and eleven touchdowns.  Jackson averaged 5.5 yards per carry during his career, one of the highest averages in school history.

7. Alonzo Highsmith (1983-1986) & Melvin Bratton (1984-1987)

These two players shared a backfield during their careers, and now share a spot on this list.  Highsmith and Bratton were a perfect pair, they were both versatile and could get the job done.  Bratton was the speed demon, Highsmith was the sledgehammer, and both were dangerous in the passing game.  Bratton scored 32 career touchdowns, while Highsmith scored 25 times.  It's amazing to think that these two backs both averaged over four yards per carry during their careers. What makes this pair unique is the attitude they brought to the program.  Miami had a reputation as a passing team, a finesse team.  Alonzo Highsmith and Melvin Bratton  aren't finesse players, they provided the toughness and arrogance Miami needed.


8. Chuck Foreman (1970-1972)

A consistently forgotten 'Cane,  Chuck Foreman was a versatile back who dazzled fans during the early 70s. Chuck was more dangerous on the perimeter, as evidenced by his receiving numbers.  Foreman gained 732 yards on receptions during his career, which is the highest among the players listed.  Most coaches didn't know what to do with the graceful Foreman, he was a player that was far ahead of his time.

9. Frank Gore (2001-2004)

This is a player who should have been higher on this list, he's one of the most talented players in program history.  Gore came to Miami as a highly touted speedster, and he didn't disappoint, gaining 562 yards in limited action.  Coming into the 2002 season, Gore was considered the leader to succeed Clinton Portis, but a horrific knee injury ended his season, and Willis McGahee ran his way into record books. Gore didn't quit, he rehabbed, he worked his way back onto the field, but suffered another season ending injury which forced him to repeat the grueling process. Somehow, someway, Gore came back again, and turned in a good senior season, gaining 945 yards and scoring a career high eight touchdowns.  Considering that Gore was playing on two bad knees, him being anywhere near effective was miraculous.  Where would have Frank ranked, had he been able to remain healthy? We will never know, but his actual production was more than enough to merit selection.

10. Tyrone Moss (2003-2006)

This was the hardest spot to fill, as there are many Miami backs with careers who could be considered the tenth best back in program history.  Ty Moss gets the nod because of his nose for the endzone.  Twenty-six touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at, especially when one looks back at the season Moss had in 2005.  Moss carried the 2005 'Canes to a top five ranking and an outside chance of playing for the national championship. Moss was leading the ACC in rushing yardage, and was gaining notice nationally, but suffered a season ending knee injury during the Virginia Tech game.  Miami was never the same, collapsing down the stretch and ending the season in the Peach Bowl against LSU.  We all know how that game ended.

Classic 'Canes: Total Destruction

Note David Klingler's kicks(Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  Canes Rising Contributor


Editor's Note: Classic 'Canes is a fond look back at classic games, games that have been overlooked.  


High top Nikes, Cheers, pagers, and the Run N' Shoot.  If you don't understand the link between those four items, you are most likely under the age of twenty-five,  for all of those items were hot as firecrackers in the early 90s.  While we'd all love to talk about Norm, or reminisce about how much fun it was to wear sneakers that looked(and felt) like combat boots, those are conversations for another time.  This article is about the offense that turned college football on its collective ear, an offense that evolved into what some consider the modern spread.  The Run 'N Shoot was exciting, prolific, and capable of driving defensive coordinators insane.  While many schools ran the complicated offense, few ran it as well as the Houston Cougars. Head Coach John Jenkins was considered a genius, the coach who found a way to take the Run N' Shoot, and make it unstoppable. He termed his system the Multiple Adjusting Passing Offense(MAPO), but for all intents and purposes it was the Run N' Shoot.  Andre Ware rode the system to a Heisman Trophy, and entering the 1991 season, the Cougar faithful were confident that David Klingler was going to join Ware in the Heisman fraternity.  There was only one problem: the 'Cougs had to travel to the Orange Bowl on a Thursday night and face the 'Canes.

The atmosphere surrounding the game was electric, with the game billed as a game between two elite teams. 'Cougs quarterback David Klingler built his reputation on demolishing weak competition.  Miami challenged him early and often, sending waves of defensive linemen at him. Players such as Rusty Medearis, Kevin Patrick, Anthony Hamlet, and Mark Caesar overwhelmed Houston's inexperienced offensive line, and forced Klingler out of his comfort zone.   Most teams were forced to blitz Houston,  which created passing lanes for the Cougars, but the 'Canes was able to create pressure with four down linemen, smothering Klingler's unit. How effective was Miami's defense? The Cougars had 76 yards of total offense in the first half. Those numbers are bad for a team running the Wing-T, much less an offense that averaged 446 yards per game in 1991.  Houston's problems went beyond their offense, they couldn't stop Gino Torretta either.  Coming into the 1991 season, people didn't know who Gino was, and wondered whether he could continue Miami's run of outstanding signal callers.  While it's easy to look back with the value of hindsight and wonder why anyone ever doubted Gino, at the time it was a valid question.  Torretta answered that question easily, riddling Houston's mediocre defense to the tune of 263 yards passing in the first half.  The quarterback flashed his immense talent, connecting on multiple deep passes to Lamar Thomas and Kevin Williams.  Miami's offense moved the ball at will against an aggressive, blitzing Houston defense.  This game was over at halftime, with the 'Canes leading 30-3 at intermission.  The second half wasn't much better for Klingler, as Miami continued to dominate the line of scrimmage.  Klingler continued to throw, and throw, and throw, but most of his passes were of the short variety.  The 'Canes weren't as dynamic offensively in the second half, choosing to run the football with fullback Stephen McGuire.  Had Miami not been so conservative, the score would have been far worse than the 40-10 final.

The aftereffects of this game were far reaching.  Houston's reputation as a rising program was ruined in one night, and the Southwest Conference suffered another blow to their crumbling credibility.  It wasn't the first time Miami dominated a conference power, the 'Canes embarrassed the SWC Champion Texas Longhorns in the 1991 Cotton Bowl. In just a few short years, the SWC disbanded, forcing the 'Cougs out of big time college football.  Houston has never been the same since 1991, suffering multiple losing seasons, and rarely appearing in the national conversation..  The 'Canes continued to dominate the competition in 1991, finishing the regular season undefeated, needing only to defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers to clinch a national championship.  Miami dominated the Big Eight Champs, clinching a split title with the Washington Huskies, the undefeated champion of the Pacific-10 conference.  David Klingler, the one time surefire prospect went on to an extremely disappointing NFL career, with most attributing his collegiate success to John Jenkins' system.  That system couldn't save Jenkins, who was eventually fired after his program collapsed following the slaughter in the Orange Bowl.  The Run N' Shoot never became a widely utilized system, but elements of the offense have been included in every significant philosophy.  It's amazing that an early season regular season game could have this kind of impact. This game was not only an affirmation of Miami's greatness it also signaled the end of an exciting, yet flawed fad.

* This video is a telecast, broadcast, and production of ESPN. I claim no ownership of this material, and do not profit from it in any way. This video is intended for historical and educational viewing purposes. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.