2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Who will win the starting quarterback job? Heralded transfer Brock Berlin had a dramatic start to his first season as the starter, but ended by throwing 17 interceptions to only 12 touchdowns. Brock's struggles are not because of his physical skills, but the unfortunate timeliness of his poor decision-making. So, now into the picture comes another top-notch recruit in Kyle Wright. Although he is neither game-tested nor does he have Berlin's arm strength, he does offer more in terms of size and fan appeal. He is the new guy, and the fans always love the new guy, especially when the old guy is just coming off a two-loss effort - that's, like, a disaster in Coral Gables. The third-stringer is Derrick Crudup, whose run-first mentality doesn't fit very well into the offensive scheme.

Running Back
Whether or not Frank Gore is ready after a second ACL injury, Miami will again have tremendous talent at running back. Sophomore Tyrone Moss became the man with big games late in the '03 campaign. He is not a speed back, but has extraordinary balance and strength to punish defenders. If Gore returns anywhere near to his previous form, he will provide a fantastic one-two punch in the backfield. While Moss likes to bowl you over, Gore uses his vision and superior cutting ability to make yards. The offensive scheme asks for the fullbacks to block and make plays in the passing game. Both Quadtrine Hill and Kyle Cobia struggled at this, so bruising Talib Humphrey will get his shot after suffering an injury last season.

Wide Receiver
This is the most unpredictable position on the team. Ryan Moore is coming off a strong freshman campaign. He is consistent in his route-running and receiving ability, but is not the game-breaker the team needs. There are three near clone-like playmakers in Roscoe Parrish, Devin Hester and Sinorice Moss. Parrish and Hester are two of college football's most electrifying players, but Hester has had a difficult time grasping the Miami offense, while Parrish is under-sized and often punished physically, especially when going over the middle. Moss is the best run-blocker of the three, but he is also under-sized and has shown a pension to drop passes. The wildcard will be Akieem Jolla, who needs to get through disciplinary problems and focus again on football. As a freshman, Jolla showed flashes of greatness with his ability to run after the catch, but if he doesn't get his head on straight, someone will quickly take his spot.

Tight End
The coaches are excited about Kevin Everrett, the apparent heir in the legacy of great Miami tight ends. After an embarrassing drop against Virginia Tech, Everett rebounded strong mentally by season's end. Physically, he is an impressive combination of 6'7 size and sub 4.5-40 speed.

Offensive Line
Who would have thought Miami would become a breeding ground for successful offensive line play? This momentum should continue behind tackle Eric Winston, who is poised to have an All-American season. After moving from tight end last year, the 6'7 Winston quickly grew into his new role and won all-conference honors. Rashad Butler, the other tackle, is an athletic player with some consistency problems that will surely improve under line coach Art Kehoe's guidance. Inside, 350-pound stud Andrew Bain will use his fancy footwork to start. The question is: whom will he replace among some talented returnees? Guard Chris Myers was solid but can improve his run-blocking skills. There will be a hotly contested battle between transfer Tyler McMeans, Alex Pou, and Derrick Morse. Of the three, McMeans is the biggest, Morse the strongest, and Pou has the overall best skills. Center Joel Rodriguez returns after an injury late in the year, and there are questions whether he will get his starting spot back or whether one of the afore-mentioned guards will move over to center. Spring will tell much.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The positions are in place for Miami to turn around their offensive struggles. The key will be what happens at quarterback. Do not be fooled when new offensive coordinator, Dan Warner, promises a more open passing playbook - while this may increase the number of spread formations and shotgun looks, this team's offense starts with a running game that is most successful when executed out of the I-formation. With the talents of Moss, expect the normally balanced Miami offense to move to a 40-60 pass to run ratio. However, Warner's promise does take a bit of pressure off a slightly restructured offensive line. Warner had better utilize the playmaking skills of his receiving core and allow Berlin to show off that arm strength downfield.

Defensive Line
The stable of freshmen used at defensive end last year will pay dividends. Baraka Atkins, Javon Nanton, Bryan Pata and Thomas Carroll are each fierce pass rushers and all have the ability to dominate a game. On the inside expect improved play from tackle Orien Harris and a healthy Santonio Thomas. Thomas is a disciplined player who uses his big body to plug holes. Harris became more aggressive late in the season and with his potential could become a star. What makes this front special is they have the mental savvy to match their physical gifts.

Linebacker
At no position is Miami's ability to reload talent more evident than at linebacker. Junior Leon Williams will man the starting middle linebacker spot. A big-time recruit, Williams has gone through some growing pains both on and off the field, having his off-field mental work ethic questioned. Learning for two years under Jon Vilma should make him more prepared. The next great Miami linebacker will be Rocky McIntosh, an aggressive, attacking difference-maker on the outside. Early season injuries cost McIntosh his starting job, but now he is healthy and ready to shine. In Miami's three-four schemes, the other outside linebacker will either be Tavares Gooden or buzz recruit, Willie Williams. Gooden has a tremendous work ethic and team-attitude, but if Williams gets over some legal issues and enrolls he will most probably win the starting spot.

Defensive Back
Miami will turn to two young safeties in Greg Threatt and Brandon Meriweather. They are both tall and lanky players who play with no fear but likewise show a tendency to be overly aggressive when defending pass plays. Jon Beason has created buzz with his hitting abilities and should also contend. While experience is questioned in the middle, the outside corner spots are locked in place. Antrel Rolle's decision to return for his senior season provides valuable continuity and leadership. Rolle uses his toughness, smarts and deceptive speed to be the best cover corner in college football, allowing only one touchdown reception by an opposing defender in his career. The other corner, Kelly Jennings, improved his play during the last half of the season after he began trusting his natural instincts and reacting better to opposing receivers. With Rolle's tutelage, Jennings will become another of the great Miami DBs. The Canes rarely show any weakness in this dimension.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The talent is definitely there, but with six starters to replace, there will be growing pains early. The four-three schemes should play well into the talent of the defensive front and the raw skills of Leon Williams in the middle. The key will be the safeties keeping the big plays to a minimum, forcing opponents to earn their points. Miami has topped the nation in pass defense each of the past three seasons. For this to continue, the defensive front is going to have to get their usual immense pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Jointly, the two-deep secondary will force plays to the outside, where sure-tacklers Rolle and Jennings roam.

OFFENSIVE DEVELOPMENTS

Is Brock Berlin the starting QB? The answer from coaches is a resounding yes. Berlin managed an outstanding spring, but that was the same case last year at this time. The Kyle Wright talk of being the 2004 starter has been ended for now as he was limited to very few snaps with the first team this spring...RB appears to be the biggest question mark. Tyrone Moss was ridiculed early in the spring by coaches, but managed to elevate his game towards the end and finished with 95 yards in the CanesFest final scrimmage. Hopes were that Quadtrine Hill could show a little spunk at the TB spot, but apparently didn't demonstrate the breakaway speed and capability to be an everydown back. The importance of Frank Gore's return from repeated torn ACLs cannot be overstated. Word is he is expected back for August. But a problem for Gore is the extra weight put on during rehab. He will need to drop 20 pounds over the summer to make top playing weight...Injuries have riddled the WR department so much that Sinorice Moss ended up having to see time despite being hobbled. Starters Ryan Moore (shoulder) missed the entire spring and Roscoe Parrish (knee) missed most of it. Devin Hester was pegged to be a prime talent, but has yet to break through on the field. Hester was a backup this spring even with the injuries to others at his position. The good news is that Akieem Jolla has seen some good reps with the first team. Although bothered by an injured foot, he showed signs of good things to come...Second team TE Buck Ortega is slowly making a case for being a solid third-down receiver, leading the Spring Game with six receptions for 89 yards...The OL had big problems this spring with inconsistency. The numerous breakdowns had line coach Art Kehoe livid. Out of the No. 1 group, only OG Tony Tella has no meaningful experience. However Tella had a very solid spring, which is huge news. Depth on the front appears lost in terms of the second group and will likely make Coach Kehoe's philosophy of keeping legs fresh difficult. Junior OG Tyler McMeans has really made some leeway and has made a case for being a possible star in the making...New offensive coordinator Dan Werner promised subtle changes in 2004 with more of a downfield attacking approach. Spring didn't show much difference from what most of America has become accustomed to with the Hurricanes. If major changes are going to come, they will have to be post-summer additions.

DEFENSIVE DEVELOPMENTS
One of the best surprises this spring as pointed out by Coach Larry Coker, was the play of the DL. Don't let the Vince Wilfork departure fool you. This is an extremely deep and talented unit that dominated all spring despite not having Thomas Carroll and Bryan Pata availble due to minor injuries. DE Javon Nanton has added weight this spring while gaining some quickness at the same time. Look for him to wreak absolute havoc in the fall. The player really stepping up was DT Teraz McCray, who is going to find good playing time in the four-man inside rotation. Although only 6'0 tall, he has proven to be very quick and strong off the snap. Offensive coaches went so far to be quoted as saying he was virtually unstoppable all spring...The LBs are only a few injuries a way from having a second team composed of incoming freshman. One reason for depth issues has to do with former UM signees never qualifying, including Ali Highsmith (now a freshman starter at LSU) and Leo Waiters. MLB Leon Williams began the spring running with the first group only to be demoted to a backup role in what Coach Coker called "internal issues". Jon Beason, who moved from FB to LB this spring, started the Spring Game...Much like the DL, the secondary is proving to be topflight once again. FS Marcus Maxey was a pleasant surprise providing depth to Sean Taylor's former spot, as was walk-on CB Tanard Davis - a track star who converted over from receiver. CB Glenn Sharpe missed the spring due to a knee injury, but is expected back at 100% come August.

OTHER NEWS
Punter Brian Monroe appears to have put behind him the shanks that so frequently hurt Miami last fall. In an effort to improve, he also has been taking much more time to get the kick off, a double-edged sword. Kicker Jon Peattie has gotten better if that was possible. Call him Dr. Three when the leaves start to change...Monster recruit Willie Williams is still on house arrest for legal troubles. Coach Coker was asked if Williams would be allowed to join the Hurricanes once his legal woes are over. "I would recommend that, but it goes to the admissions department, that's their decision," Coker told Florida Today. With depth at LB a problem, don't be surprised if Williams sees the field before October should his admission be granted.

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
OG - Tony Tella
DT - Teraz McCray