Return Game Key to Canes Resurgance

I must say Randy Shannon's decision to put Tight End Richard Gordon on kick returns is innovative, although perhaps it will prove to be foolish. Pairing with Ryan Hill, who is fast but also very raw, Gordon is going to have to make an impact. The bottom line is that the poor state of the kick and punt returners last season is a big reason why Miami has fallen from a national contender to a that was fortunate to be bowl eligible. The lack of play makers is noticeable in all three facets of the game, and unless Miami can get more from its punt returners and kick returners I sense a very long season.

While much of the anger that Canes fans have regarding the downfall of the program has recently been directed at the offense and most specifically Kyle Wright, the bottom line is since the start of the 2005 season, Miami has gotten 3 touchdowns on defense or special teams, after scoring 54 in the previous six seasons. (That equates to a non offensive touchdown every 5 quarters.) The bottom line is that Roscoe Parrish's decision to leave the program after the 2004 season and pursue an NFL career a year early was extremely significant as I am sure had Parrish been around in 2005, Miami would have defeated either or/both Florida State and Georgia Tech in games where the special teams, including Devin Hester were a liability.

In 2006, Larry Coker experimented with different kick and punt returners all of whom failed to impress. Andrew Johnson and Rashaun Jones are no longer in the program, while Bruce Johnson, Derron Thomas, and Willie Cooper proved they aren't cut out for the job. Sam Shields' would have been an ideal choice to return punts when Darnell Jenkins got hurt, but the fact that you had to rely on a true Freshman to carry the passing game at times, meant he couldn't be wasted on kick returns.

I'm not sure Richard Gordon is the solution, but I have been hearing how awesome a talent he is for several years now. One thing is for sure though......he'll be handle to bring down.