2015 Spring Football Update (Part One)

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. 

Final Grades: Miami Offense

ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year Brad Kaaya(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                  Canes Rising Contributor


The 2014 season may have been disappointing, but offensive coordinator James Coley oversaw an offense that was anything but disappointing.  Miami's offensive unit was exciting and relied on a multitude of playmakers to average thirty points per game in the regular season.

Final Grades

Quarterback--Brad Kaaya is the best Miami quarterback since Ken Dorsey and he has at least 2 more years of eligibility remaining.  Kaaya was outstanding at times this year, throwing for 2,962 yards and 24 touchdowns.  This young man was steady, mature, and emerged as a team leader.  While the end of the season was rocky for Kaaya, Miami fans can rest easy, knowing that the most important position on the team is in capable hands.  Grade: B+

Position Coaching--James Coley should get some credit for developing Kaaya, but some of Kaaya's issues late in the season can be attributed to Coley. The inability to correct Kaaya's mechanics when needed is a major point of contention.  Grade: C+

Running Backs--Duke Johnson has run for more yards than any other player in Miami history.  Johnson doesn't have the size of Ottis Anderson or the blazing speed of Clinton Portis, but he has been a consistent performer during his time in Coral Gables.  Duke had another outstanding season this year, rushing for over 1500 yards, and scoring ten touchdowns.  Johnson wasn't the only player to make an impact as Joe Yearby emerged as a future player.  Yearby averaged over 6 yards per carry this season, and should be the player to fill Johnson's shoes if Duke decides to leave Miami early.  Gus Edwards had a huge game against Virginia Tech, but wasn't a factor for most of the season. Grade: B+

Position Coaching--Ice Harris was forced into a tough position, due to the sudden resignation of Micheal Barrow.  Ice didn't recruit these players and he had never coached at the collegiate level, but he proved to be a solid coach.  Harris did a great job with the backs this season, and Yearby showed growth during the season.  Grade: B

Wide Receivers--This unit underachieved something awful this season.  Stacy Coley was invisible for most of the season, showing none of the talent that captivated Miami fans last season.  Braxton Berrios was a fixture early in the season but faded late. The major contributor was Phil Dorsett, who averaged 26.6 yards per catch. Malcolm Lewis finally looked healthy after suffering a horrific injury in 2012.  When one looks at this position group, it's hard to believe that this group could be so underwhelming.  Grade: C-

Position Coaching--Brennan Carroll isn't a viable coach.  Anyone who watched this receiver corps would come come to that conclusion within seconds.  Carroll's group can't block, run precise routes, or make timely catches.  This isn't because of a lack of talent, this is a classic case of players not being developed or coached.  Grade: F

Tight Ends--Clive Walford came to Miami as an athlete with only two years of football under his belt.  He leaves as one of the best receiving tight ends in Miami history.  Walford had an outstanding 2014 season making 44 receptions, and scoring seven touchdowns.  Clive also improved his blocking, and looked every bit the complete tight end.  Standish Dobard flashed his immense talent at times, making a couple of big catches.  The one game in which this unit failed was FSU, a game that saw both Walford and Dobard fumble after making important receptions.  Compared to the wide receivers, these young men overachieved compared to preseason projections. Grade: A-

Position Coaching--Larry Scott did an outstanding job with this unit.  Walford leaves as a likely NFL player thanks to Scott's coaching, and Dobard looks like a player with immense potential.  If you are an athletic tight end with NFL aspirations, Miami is the place for you.  Grade: B+

Offensive Line--This group did an outstanding job of protecting Brad Kaaya, and gave Duke Johnson wide holes to run through.  What's amazing about this group is that every week, it was a different player stepping up.  Miami rarely had the luxury of trotting out the same lineup, thanks to the injury bug.  Expected contributor K.C. McDermott was injured early in the season, and unable to participate.  Ereck Flowers suffered a knee injury that limited his effectiveness, and Jon Feliciano was dinged all year.  Despite the injuries, this unit performed admirably.  Grade: B

Position Coaching--Art Kehoe has spent most of the last decade characterized as an over the hill coach living off of past accomplishments.  This year, Kehoe proved his worth by keeping this unit together, and finding a way to protect Kaaya.  This unit had some rough patches, but didn't back down from the challenges posed to them. This unit reflected their leader, who is a tough, scrappy man who isn't afraid to fight.   The next challenge for Kehoe is rebuilding the line, for linchpin Jon Feliciano has exhausted his eligibility.  Grade: B+


Offensive Coordinator--James Coley calls the plays, and while he improved as the season progressed, his complete inability to grasp the obvious hurt the offense. Miami struggled to adjust on the fly, and Coley failed on multiple occasions to play to Miami's strengths.  However, Coley did call some outstanding games, and had a solid gameplan against FSU.  While Coley couldn't have forseen Duke Johnson's injury during that game, his unwillingness to take chances led to Miami's collapse. Miami had to keep Jameis Winston off the field, yet Coley chose to call screen passes on 3rd and long.  It's very likely that Coley will return in 2015, but Miami shouldn't be afraid to upgrade at this position.  Coley has potential as a playcaller, but Miami can't afford to wait for Coley to become consistent.  Grade: C+/B-

Keys To Victory: Pittsburgh

It's been a great career for Denzel Perryman(52)(Photo Credit: Miami Herald)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                  Canes Rising Contributor

What was once seen as a program turning the corner is now a program that is mired in doubt and uncertainty.  Al Golden has been given a vote of confidence by Blake James, but it's obvious that Golden and his staff may be on the hot seat entering 2015.  This team needs to finish this season strongly, and a win over Pitt would be a solid start to making the most of what has been a disappointing season. 

Keys to Victory

1. Find Something To Play For--It doesn't matter what the reason is, the 'Canes have to find motivation.  Last week, the 'Canes mailed it in, and it showed.  This season has been disappointing, one can say that the team has underachieved.  That said, this team can't afford to quit on the season, this team needs positive momentum.

2. Set The Tone Early--Last week, the 'Canes looked disinterested from the opening kickoff.  Miami needs to be all in from the first whistle.  That means making tackles, flying around, and creating havoc.  It will be on Mark D'Onofrio to take chances with his play selection, and set an aggressive tone.  James Coley will have to do the same, now's a good time to run some well timed gadget plays, while calling a game that centers around physical domination.  Get aggressive, show that Miami is a program that fights, that overcomes adversity. 

3. Duke Johnson--Duke should be showcased this week, and Miami should look to set the tone with the run.  It's been the same gameplan all season, but it has been effective all season.  James Coley has to find a way to get Duke involved in the passing game as well.  A player this talented shouldn't be shut down by his own offensive coordinator. Pitt doesn't have the defensive personnel or the scheme to stop Duke. 

4. Stop James Conner & Tyler Boyd--Pitt's passing game centers around Tyler Boyd, the other receivers are mediocre at best. Boyd shouldn't go anywhere without double coverage, Miami should see to it that Boyd isn't a factor.  James Conner is a very talented back, and he has to be neutralized as well.  Limit how often he is in space, and make sure tackles. Conner is a back that gets stronger as the game wears on, so it's on the Miami defensive staff to make sure that players are fresh. Some of the staff may be fighting for their jobs, it may behoove them to make a good final impression. 

5. Protect Brad Kaaya--Last week, the 'Canes couldn't protect the young quarterback.  This week, the 'Canes face a Pitt team that doesn't rush the passer well.  Kaaya should have a clean pocket all night, and he should be able to make throws without worrying about taking big hits.  If that can happen, Miami should be able to manufacture explosive plays, especially if Pitt has to sell out for the run. 

Mid-Season Report Card: Offense

Brad Kaaya(15)(Photo Credit: Miami Herald)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                 Canes Rising Contributor

We're at the halfway point of the 2014 season, and the 'Canes are struggling to stay in the ACC Coastal division race.  Coming into this season, there were some major questions, and some major concerns about the program, and about Al Golden's leadership. Some of those questions have been answered, and some of those answers aren't good.  However, there's been some bright spots for the 'Canes, including the unexpected emergence of quarterback Brad Kaaya.


Offense

Quarterback--When Brad Kaaya was named the starting quarterback, many fans had doubts that a true freshman could be successful.  Kaaya has proven those doubters wrong, having an outstanding first half.  Brad has gone from a player who looked over matched against Louisville to a player who shredded Nebraska in front of 87,000 rabid fans.  Kaaya leads all the ACC in passing yards, and touchdown passes.  While Kaaya continues to struggle with his decision making, he has shown more than enough to justify the staff's faith in him.  There isn't a throw he can't make, and he has taken command of the offense.  For the first time since Brock Berlin, the 'Canes have a difference maker at quarterback.  Grade: B+

Running Backs--Duke Johnson won't win the Heisman this year, but he's been outstanding so far this season.  Duke has run for 787 yards, averaging over 7 yards per carry with 6 touchdown jaunts.  Duke has found a way to stay productive, even with defenses making him their top priority.  He's improved in many areas, including pass protection. The one area that Duke continues to struggle is ball security, he had a crucial fumble during the Nebraska game, which was the turning point in that defeat. True freshman Joe Yearby has emerged as a nice complement to Duke, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.  Gus Edwards has struggled with consistency, leading to him being a bit player.  This unit not only contains Miami's best offensive player in Johnson, but an emerging star in Yearby.  Grade: B

Wide Receivers--This position was supposed to be the strongest offensive position group, and it hasn't disappointed, even though individual players haven't lived up to their potential.  Stacy Coley was expected to be a star, a potential All-American, that hasn't happened so far with him being a non-factor this year.  Despite the struggles of Coley, this unit has been very good.  Philip Dorsett has emerged as a big play threat, averaging over 34 yards per reception.  Braxton Berrios has been a consistent player, and a favored target on 3rd down.  Malcolm Lewis is fully healthy again, and he's been a consistent contributor.  The one player who has been a pleasant surprise is Herb Waters.  Grade: B

Tight Ends--For years, Miami ignored this position, but that's changed.  Clive Walford is the leading receiver on this team, and rightfully so.  Walford has come a long way from the error prone player he once was, and has become an outstanding outlet for Brad Kaaya.  Walford's size and speed creates issues for opposing coaches, and James Coley has found a way to get him involved.  With few opportunities to shine, Standish Dobard has been a solid blocker.    Grade: B+

Offensive Line--It's been a slow, steady progression for the O-Line.  Against Louisville, this unit looked lost, they looked like a unit that would be unable to do much of anything, but they have improved by leaps and bounds from that point.  Players that were once seen as liabilities have become contributors, and players who were expected to be standouts have lived up to the hype.  This unit has been ravaged by injuries, but Art Kehoe has found a way to keep this unit functional, and  performing at an acceptable level.  Depth will be a major issue in the 2nd half of the season, but fans should expect continued improvement.  Grade: B

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Arkansas State

Brad Kaaya (Photo Credit: Associated Press)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                 Canes Rising Contributor



It was a surprisingly easy victory for the 'Canes on Saturday.  There's plenty to take away from the 41-20 victory, but fans shouldn't overreact.  Arkansas State is still a member of the Sun Belt Conference and hasn't defeated a power conference team since 2008. This was a solid victory, and should give the team confidence.


The Good

Brad Kaaya-- This was Kaaya's best game as a 'Cane.  The young signal caller showed promise and poise as he threw for over 300 yards.  For the first time this season, Kaaya looked sharp mechanically, he trusted his protection, and took shots down the field.  The playaction passes that fans were clamoring for finally happened, and led to huge plays.  Kaaya's best play was a simple curl route to Philip Dorsett, and it was more about blitz recognition, and pocket presence, than it was about the accurate pass. Kaaya did make a couple of bad decisions but that shouldn't take away from his outstanding effort.   Kaaya flashed his immense talent, and showed what he can be if James Coley gives him a sensible gameplan.

Defensive Line--Arkansas State's offense is a run based system that depends on speed and misdirection.  The Red Wolves were totally unable to run anywhere between the tackles due to the superlative effort of the D-Line.  A 2.0 yard per carry average is usually a testament to good defensive line play, and this is no exception.  ASU QB Fredi Knighton spent most of the night running for his life, which is a welcome change. Anthony Chickillo was in the backfield throughout the day, but struggled to make tackles.  Fortunately, he had backup all night, which is an encouraging sign. 


The Bad:

Secondary--This unit has underperformed all season, and tonight was another poor performance.  This unit has struggled with consistency and it has to stop before ACC play.  Fredi Knighton is a mediocre passer, and the secondary couldn't take advantage of that.  Far too many plays involved Knighton throwing up a prayer, and the 'Canes being unable to make a play on the ball.  If this unit had won any of the 50/50 balls, the score would have been even more lopsided.  Tracy Howard continues to underwhelm, looking nothing like the player he was last season. Tackling continues to be a huge issue, with Deon Bush whiffing on multiple occasions.  Nebraska has a limited quarterback who isn't a polished passer.  The secondary has to find a way to take advantage of badly thrown passes, and turn those passes into positive plays for The U.

Offensive Line--While the O-Line found a way to protect Brad Kaaya, the unit once again didn't consistently provide clear running lanes for the backs.  Arkansas State, time after time found a way to penetrate the Miami backfield.  There's no reason why this should continue to happen, especially against a team that lacks elite depth.  This unit continues to struggle, and it looks like Art Kehoe doesn't have any answers. Instead of using the two weeks after Louisville to find the 5 best linemen, Kehoe looks to have done nothing. This line was expected to struggle, but this unit looks to be the weakest position group on the team.     The number of penalties is also a troubling trend. This unit will be tested against the 'Huskers, and it looks like this unit isn't anywhere near ready for the challenge.


The Ugly

James Coley--Some people can't get out of their own way.  This week's game plan was improved from the trainwrecks of previous weeks, yet Coley found a new way to annoy fans: pointless gadget plays.  Arkansas State is a solid team, but not nearly as talented as Miami.  Why run overly complex gadget plays that require everything to work to perfection? All night,  Miami racked up huge numbers on simple passes, and runs.  Why go away from that? On multiple drives, Miami fell behind schedule, thanks to an ill-advised gadget play. In a previous Canes Rising article, we discussed grasping the obvious, and Coley is still unable to grasp that concept. Nebraska Head Coach  Bo Pelini is an elite defensive mind, Miami will need to take what is being given, and expand on that.  If Coley sees a weakness, he has to exploit it, and keep exploiting it until the defense counters.  Running gadget plays when there's no need illustrates Coley's incompetence as a playcaller. 

Special Teams--Most people ignore special teams until a calamity occurs, but it's best to look at this unit now.  This unit has struggled to create explosive plays in the return game, especially Braxton Berrios.  Berrios has solid lateral quickness, but he hasn't shown the ability to make the first defender miss, which is a crucial skill in the return game.  Philip Dorsett made a mental mistake in the return game, which should have ended in a turnover.  The return teams aren't the only special teams issue, the coverage teams have also been sloppy this season.  Lane discipline has been nonexistent, and kickoff specialist Justin Vogel has been forced to make tackles on multiple occasions.  It's also obvious that the 'Canes are playing without a legitimate deep snapper.  The snaps on punts and placekicks have been awful, and looks to be something that will cost the 'Canes in the near future.  Long snappers are hard to come by, but Miami has to improve in this area, and quickly.