February 24th marked the start of spring practices leading up to Canes Fest on March 28th at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. With the departure of a handful of seniors from this past season comes a talented 2009 recruiting class that ranked seventh overall in the nation and first in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Of the 19 members of incoming freshmen, six have enrolled early in the spring at Miami: running back Mike James, defensive linemen Oliver Vernon and Curtis Porter, offensive linemen Brandon Washington and Jermaine Johnson, and defensive back Brandon McGee.
There are many new faces on the Hurricanes practice fields, not only with these six players, but also with new Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple, and new Defensive Coordinator John Lovett. The beneficial part of this new look coaching staff is the wealth of experience they bring along with them. Whipple has previously coached in the NFL with two teams and with multiple college football programs dating back to 1980. On the other side, Lovett has held defensive coaching positions with multiple college programs and a short stint in the NFL since 1978.
As for the early-enrolled freshmen, it is a start to a commitment with a program that is home to five national championships and arguably the most talented group of alumni players who've enjoyed great success in their professional playing careers.
Mike James of Ridge HS (Fla.), who was rated the No. 18 ranked running back by Scout.com and No. 21 by Rivals.com, joined the Hurricanes in practice last month. "Everything is going great. I love this offense and this team. I really feel the vibe here. I'm up for the challenge this year"
, said James.
The cohesiveness of these six new players is clear and many times is a must when heading into an unfamiliar setting. "We all formed a bond immediately. We eat together, go to class together, and walk to the Hecht Center in the morning together. From the first day we saw each other after official visits to the school, we knew we were going to hang with each other"
, stated James. He will join a solid core of running backs including Graig Cooper, Javarris James, and fellow recruit Lamar Miller.
Brandon McGee of Plantation HS (Fla.) was the No. 10 rated cornerback by Rivals.com and the No. 92 rated recruit overall in the nation in 2009. "This is everything I thought it would be. It's hard work in practice and tough competition everyday. The pace is a lot faster though, you don't really even have any time to sit down here"
, McGee said, participating in his first few weeks with the Hurricanes.
McGee played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was named to Broward All-County team. He joins a very talented group of fellow incoming defensive backs including Aravious "Ray Ray"
Armstrong, Prince Kent, and Jamal Reid.
Curtis Porter of Victory Christian HS (NC) made a recent transition from offensive line to defensive line his senior year in high school, but was still rated the No. 19 defensive tackle by ESPN.com. "UM is a lot different from North Carolina football. The coaches have been teaching me new techniques and different key factors switching from a nose guard to a defensive tackle"
, says Porter. Porter, although being in the program for less than a month, has a relaxed side and adds humor and an easy-going mentality for not only his recruiting class, but the team as well. "The team is unbelievable. They're just so funny. They make jokes with me a lot because I have a country accent. We just have fun a little bit and enjoy each other along with working hard every day out here"
, added Porter.
For James, McGee, and Porter, along with the rest of the new recruits, spring practices and scrimmages are a time to get a feel for what to expect. "I'm just getting my feet wet out here so once the fall comes around I'll have my confidence and poise on the field"
, says McGee.
Miami's first open practice is on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Traz Powell Stadium located at Miami Dade College-North Campus.
