Miami Hurricanes: 6 Improvements to Watch in 2011

After the 7-6 season, the firing of coach Randy Shannon and the embarrassments at the hands of FSU and Notre Dame, Miami fans had six reasons to lament a disappointing season.

In this article, the fan will be infused with hope and optimism, as many returning starters bolster an invigorating culture change ushered in by a largely untested and fresh coaching staff.

Here are six reasons behind why the Hurricanes should have a great season, ushering in a golden age for Miami fans to relish.

The Offensive Line Looks Dominant

Even without the start of Playboy All-American Seantrel Henderson, who was excellent in limited use in his freshman season, this unit is marked with a line of space eaters that include three NFL prospects and the camp's most improved player in Malcolm Bunche.

Brandon Washington, Harland Gunn and Tyler Horn should all be drafted, with Washington possibly projecting as a first-rounder. With the possible return of Henderson after a successful surgery, this offensive line may be the best in the country. 

There is also the return of Art Kehoe, the task master who is the only Cane to possess all five of the school's championship rings. If the offensive line coach is swamped with solid recruits, Kehoe might need extra thumbs.

The Defensive Line Should Be Even Better

Even after the loss of star Allen Bailey, whom I think will be better than both top-five D-line picks the Chiefs have made in recent drafts, Olivier Vernon and Adewale Ojomo are fitter and meaner than ever.

The defensive end position has been a storied spot for Miami, sporting players from Russell Maryland to Cortez Kennedy to Ted Hendricks. Then again, which position has not had its fair share of legends?

In the interior of the line are a healthy Marcus Forston, a lock for the NFL should he head out, and Micanor Regis, who had emerged of late. The depth at the defensive line is also impressive in all four spots, with incoming freshman Anthony Chickillo likely emerging as a star in his career.

New Faces on the Coaching Staff

When the Jon Gruden hoopla ended, the hiring made was former Temple coach Al Golden. Who?

Well, Golden only took one of the biggest laughing stocks in college football to a position of contending in the conference, maximizing the little talent he had.

Shannon had a lot of trouble developing his offense, and there were few people in college football that frustrated me more than offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Golden not only will develop the leftovers from our great recruiting classes of the past, but will also change the culture, as he has so far.

The black jerseys on defense are a facet of training that has the players coveting a starting job. His commitment to practicing hard and returning the swagger to the school that invented it is evident. As of now, Golden, Kehoe, defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio and company have this team moving in the right direction.

Fitness!

Rugby players often laugh at football players who call their sport exhausting. The pads add to the heat, but the average play lasts six seconds with nearly a minute break and unlimited substitutions. Add to that that the game is 60 minutes.

Fitness is still the single most important facet in any sport as thoroughly tough as football. Especially at the collegiate level, where only a few players from each team are pro caliber, cardiovascular and physical attributes are required to compete.

Word has gotten out that each and every player, especially those on the defensive line, are fitter, leaner, and much stronger. Look forward to an improved point of attack on all accords with coach Golden making fitness the first priority. 

2012: A Golden Recruiting Class

The gems of Shannon's 2008 class were largely regarded as our best QB in Robert Marve and the top linebacker in Arthur Brown. We all saw where that went.

The U went through a few lesser classes, being embarrassed by heralded recruit Bryce Brown, before Golden took control with a lot of Canes' fans in the dark about just who this guy is.

While he has yet to secure a five-star recruit, he is well on his way to surrounding the vets with some stiff training camp competition if not players immediately able to make an impact. The most important need, quarterback, has been addressed already, with skill players and big guys alike joining into what could soon be a top-five recruiting class with just one more top-150 player.

The best way to recruit well is win, and Golden brings a youthful vigor and classy business ethic that will earn him wins and prospects.

Running Wild

Damien Berry was no doubt an excellent power runner. Graig Cooper had his fair share of glorious moments. The next great back to star as a Cane, however, is Lamar Miller.

This guy is not just a speed back. He will not only scorch, but he will also be able to carry the load between the tackles. For his size, he packs a punch, and when he breaks one tackle, it is the end zone or bust.

We were all frustrated when Storm Johnson packed for UCF in an impatient and dimwitted transfer, but Miller and Mike James should provide a smash-and-dash type attack in the vein of Reggie Bush and LenDale White.

If Jacory Harris doesn't throw two picks, the Canes look like they could have beaten Ohio State last year. Miller will spearhead an attack that is a run-first offense, something that Whipple did not instill, leaving Harris and Stephen Morris out to dry running max-protect, two-receiver routes on 1st-and-10. With Whipple's incompetence gone, Lamar and Mike should be the next closest thing to the Portis-McGahee duo. 

Did I mention he returns kicks too? Enjoy the video.