2011 Miami Hurricanes football offensive position grades
Miami's 2011 football season recently concluded with a 24-17 loss to Boston College at home. The Hurricanes finished the year at 6-6 and will not participate in a bowl game as the result of a self-imposed bowl ban. So how did each position grouping fare this year for the 'Canes? Here's a look....
QB: Jacory Harris didn't play a great game in his first start against Ohio State, and he wasn't very good against Boston College in his final start. In between, he was very, very good. Harris judiciously took care of the ball and forced the ball into traffic much less than he had done in the past, instead opting often times to pick up yardage with his feet. Backup Stephen Morris played fairly well in the opener against in Maryland and in spot duty throughout the season. Grade: B+
RB: Lamar Miller started out the season fantastic but his production slowed some in the middle of the year due partly to injury and partially due to his offensive line. Overall though, he was everything that UM could have hoped for him to be this year, and his game-breaking ability from the position will be missed next season. Mike James had a bit of a dissapointing year, though he did come on late. Eduardo Clements provided a pleasant surprise as primarily a third-down back, and it was two catches from him late on UM's final drive that helped the Hurricanes defeat USF for their final win of the season. At fullback, Maurice Haegans provided good blocking at times this season, and John Calhoun saw spot duty at the position as well. Grade: B+
WR: Tommy Streeter was a revelation in 2011 as emerged as the team's best receiver, and he provided UM with a reliable deep threat. Allen Hurns started out the season very strongly, but faded some towards the end. He'll be counted on as the go-to receiver in 2012 for the Hurricanes. LaRon Byrd had almost no impact until the end of the season, and that's a bit puzzling given his talent level. Travis Benjamin had his share of mistakes but also his share of big plays as always. Phillip Dorsett played well and may be a starter opposite of Hurns next season. Kendall Thompkins still struggled to find his niche at wide receiver, though he may get more chances next season, and he has contributed on special teams.
TE: Chase Ford made a few notable catches, but ultimately his career ended unremarkably at UM. Asante Cleveland's production took a step back from a year ago, though his chances were lessened by the emergence of Clive Walford, who seems poised to become UM's best football-recruited tight end since Greg Olsen given his athleticism. Dyron Dye transferred over from defensive end and was included primarily as a blocking tight end. Grade: C+
OL: Brandon Washington played out of place at tackle throughout the year, and as a result UM didn't get out of him what many thought it would. Seantrel Henderson was slowed with a back injury, which really hurt the offensive line's run blocking. Brandon Linder and Johnathan Feliciano at times hurt UM with penalties. Tyler Horn was solid in the middle for UM. Overall the unit pass protected fairly well save for the USF game, but was a major dissapointment in terms of run blocking. Grade: C
Defensive, special teams, and coaching grades soon to follow....
Read more at www.examiner.com
