Randy Shannon Hopes Recruiting Pays Off in Year Two at Miami

ACC Coastal No. 2: Miami Hurricanes

2007 Results and Offseason

The 'Canes suffered their first losing season since 1997 in their first year under Randy Shannon.  Plagued by injuries and poor QB play, Miami lost its last four games and is just 12-13 in the last two years.

That did not stop Shannon from signing a top five recruiting class, led by DL Marcus Fortson, LB Arthur Brown, and WR Aldarius Johnson.

2007 Record: 5-7 (2-6)

Ret. Starters: 11

Ret. Lettermen: 48

Off PPG: 18.3 (10th), RYPG: 138.0 (4th), PYPG: 170.9 (12th)

Def PPG: 29.0 (10th), RYPG: 147.6 (9th), PYPG: 227.6 (7th)

Offense (Five Ret. Starters, 19 Ret. Lettermen)

Gone are the days of Quarterback U in Coral Gables.  Miami's struggles have been directly related to QB play since the departure of Brock Berlin after '04.  Redshirt freshman Robert Marve is the leading candidate to take over from Kyle Wright, but he will be pushed by Jacory Harris and Cannon Smith, both true freshmen.  Kirby Freeman transferred in the offseason.

At running back, Miami should have a good inside/outside combo in Javarris James and Graig Cooper.  The two combined for over 1,200 yards last season.

The O-line must replace three starters from a unit that allowed 25 sacks last season.  Shannon's son Xavier transferred in from FIU and could start.

The wideouts must improve their hands to become the threats the QBs will need.  Sam Shields was a highly touted recruit two years ago, but he has not lived up to the hype.  Aldarius Johnson participated in spring ball and will push for a starting spot.  Chris Zellner is another capable TE in the long line of TEs at the U.

Defense (Six Ret. Starters, 28 Ret. Lettermen)

Miami had an off year last year, ranking 10th in the conference in PPG.  Two starters are gone from the D-line, but seniors Eric Moncur and Antonio Dixon hope to lead young players like Allen Bailey and true freshman Marcus Fortson on the road back to a dominating DL.

The LBs lose Tavares Gooden but gain Glen Cook back from injury.  Colin McCarthy is the leading returning tackler and tackler for loss.  The second-leading tackler, Kenny Phillips, is gone to the NFL (another first round choice), as is Willie Cooper (No. 6 in tackles).

Randy Phillips will anchor the secondary unit, as he is the leading returner with two interceptions.  True freshman Brandon Harris could see significant time at one corner spot.  Overall, this defense lost five of the top six tacklers, but it returns 28 lettermen and welcomes the best defensive recruiting class in the nation.

Special Teams

Miami has suffered from a lack of kicking over the past few seasons.  A true freshman may win the PK job.  Matt Bosher is back at punter.  Kick returns will likely fall to Ryan Hill and Graig Cooper, though a freshman could see some action as well.

Newcomers of Note

Where do you begin?  Fortson, Johnson, Harris, K Jake Wieclaw, and Brown are all expected to see action.  Miami sits in the best recruiting area in the country, and their program was built on players from the Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Schedule

Miami has two tough non-conference games at Texas A&M and at Florida.  At home, vUCF won't be any cupcake either.  From the Atlantic they draw vFSU, vWake, and @NC State.

Final Thoughts

I am going out on a limb here picking Miami No. 2, considering where they have finished the last two years, but I think with the talent Shannon has brought in and the attitude adjustment made, year two will provide some big gains.  Most coaches have a rough first year, but the second year is where the big jump is seen (Meyer, Richt, Stoops, Carroll, Tressel).

Prediction

Likely Wins: vCharleston So., @Duke

Likely Loss: @Florida

8-4 (5-3)

Next Up: ACC Atlantic No. 2