ACC announces revised schedule model; season start date pushed to 9/7

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Amidst all of the uncertainty in college football having a 2020 season, the ACC announced a revised plan that will have each team playing 10 games in-conference as well as one with an out-of-conference opponent. The OOC opponent is to the ACC team’s choosing and each team’s OOC matchup will take place in the home state of the ACC team. It is 11 games over a span of 13 weeks, with two dates meant to be kept open. 

In a big but somewhat expected move, Notre Dame will “join” the ACC for scheduling this year and as a result, all teams in the conference will get a share of the TV revenue from the Fighting Irish. 

 

Essentially, instead of the ACC being originally divided into two, it is now one big conference of 15 teams. 

 

In addition, the schedules of all teams will now start on September 7th and the two teams with the best winning percentage will advance to the ACC Championship game in Charlotte. That game will take place on either December 12th or the 19th.

 

“Today’s decision was made after months of thoughtful planning by numerous individuals throughout the conference,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a statement released by the conference. “The Board’s decision presents a path, if public health guidance allows, to move forward with competition. Our institutions are committed to taking the necessary measures to facilitate the return in a safe and responsible manner. We recognize that we may need to be nimble and make adjustments in the future. We will be as prepared as possible should that need arise.”

 

For Manny Diaz and the Canes, this involves quite a number of changes.

 

For starters, Miami’s home opponents in 2020 are now Florida State, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and Virginia.

 

On the road, the Canes have to be ready for Clemson, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and NC State. 

 

Miami now loses its originally scheduled four OOC games against Temple, Wagner, UAB, and Michigan State, but it could reach out to any one of those teams as long as they are willing to meet the ACC Medical Protocol as well as play in the state of Florida. 

 

The official week-by-week schedule as well as broadcasting information will be released in the near future. 

 

Although it is a bit shocking that the ACC did not create a Miami-Notre Dame matchup, considering the long-storied history between the two teams, Miami AD Blake James brought up that the ACC was doing its best to ensure an even strength of schedule amongst the entire conference. 

 

In other news, some of Miami’s players are on campus and working out, including newly-named starting QB D’Eriq King and WR Mike Harley. 

Five Takeaways from Brian Flores (Including Tua Cleared)

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Earlier today, Brian Flores spoke with the media about QB Tua Tagovailoa, Covid-19, and the 2020 NFL season.

As players and coaches return to team facilities, one thing is clear. The beginning of the 2020 NFL season is officially upon us.

That’s right, folks.

Football is back.

And in an offseason without preseason, open practices, and other football activities–it’s going to be challenging to get a real grasp of this team and roster. This means we will have to rely heavily on the media and interviews with the players and coaches to dissect what is truly going on with this team.

So, today when Dolphins’ head coach Brian Flores met with South Florida media. Many were listening. What would the leader of the Miami Dolphins have to say about the many issues heading into the 2020 season? Covid-19? His rookie quarterback?

Here are five takeaways from Brian Flores press conference 

 

Takeaway #1

What coach said:

What I heard:

Tua is all systems go. Which is what we’ve heard over the last several months from Tua and his representatives. This, now being confirmed by the Dolphins, is enormous. Not only could he technically play IF he had to, but he’s ready to go out there and compete for the starting job. Which is exactly what he’ll do, according to Brian Flores. All that truly matters, however, is that Tagovailoa is ready to go.

Takeaway #2

What coach said:

What I heard: 

As we’ve become accustomed to, no job is truly safe. Flores wants the best players playing. And if a seasoned veteran gets dethroned by a hungry young rookie, the best player will play. That goes for every position, although all eyes will be on quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa will need to get acclimated to the system at a rapid pace, and Ryan Fitzpatrick will be right next to him every step of the way. Miami won’t rush Tua, but if the better talent is expected, it play. It probably won’t be very long before that’s the Hawaiian Prince.

Takeaway #3

What coach said:

 

What I heard:

Football players are just like the rest of us. This means for the 2020 NFL season to start, sacrifices will have to be made. That goes for every coach, player, staff, and employee of the Miami Dolphins. Everyone should be wearing a mask, social distancing, and taking precautions to keep the players and their families safe.

Takeaway #4

What coach said:

What I heard:

This offseason is going to be different. Like I mentioned before, there is no preseason. Hell, the roster was cut to 80 players before teams could even report. It’s a different time. And a lot of these players are going to make the roster based on their reps in practice, drills, etc… Players have to earn their roster spot. It won’t be easy. Only the best will survive.

Takeaway #5

What coach said:

What I heard:

Xavien Howard will not be rushed back and is currently slated to start the season on the PUP list. X is making progress and has been rehabbing all summer, but may not be ready to play. Could this be the reason Miami drafted Noah Igbinoghene? Is Nik Needham the next guy up to play opposite of Byron Jones? Or could the Dolphins bring in Logan Ryan, a player Brian Flores is very familiar with? If Howard isn’t ready to go by week 1, things are going to look much different in Miami’s secondary.

Brian Flores and the Miami Dolphins appear as ready as they can be for the 2020 NFL season to kickoff. And with lots of uncertainty surrounding the team, in the middle of a global pandemic, should make for one of the more memorable seasons in recent memory. Now, all we can do is sit back, relax, and get some popcorn ready. Football is here. And before we know it, the Tua Tagovailoa era will be upon us.

Miami Hurricanes: D’Eriq King named starting quarterback

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The Miami Hurricanes have named their starting quarterback. To perhaps nobody’s surprise, D’Eriq King has been made the starter for the upcoming season.

King came to the Miami hurricanes in January, after four successful seasons at Houston. While in the Lone Star State, he was sensational. His best season came in 2018. That year, he recorded 2,982 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

King redshirted last season in order to preserve a year of eligibility. He split reps with  N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell, Tyler van Dyke, and Peyton Matocha during the four spring practices Miami had.

 

King will bring spark to Miami Hurricanes

A native of Manville, Texas, King will bring a dynamic playmaking ability to the Miami Hurricanes. In what has been a revamped offseason for the program, they appear to be in much better shape.

Now, they will look to contend for the Coastal Division. After a disappointing 2019 season, Manny Diaz and the coaching staff worked hard this offseason to try and revamp the program.

Here’s to hoping that the moves they made will lead to success. In particular, they are performing well in recruiting. They are building a solid foundation that’s should lead to sustained success in the future.

After not getting a ton of consistent production from the passing game last year, all eyes will be on King as he looks to bolster the Miami passing attack. His ability to run with the football as well as his strong arms should open up a lot of opportunities for the Miami offense.

King’s play style fits very well in the modern game of college football. No longer is it just about running the ball and controlling the clock.

Football is becoming an offensive game. King’s arrival with the Miami Hurricanes should help the program keep up in the wild world of college football.

And it won’t stop: DE Davis becomes commit #21 for Canes

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Miami has had a surplus of South Florida commitments lately so they finally decided to get one from a lot farther. Okay maybe not that much farther. 

 

3-star defensive end Thomas Davis, out of Lowndes High in Valdosta, GA, committed to the Canes over South Carolina and Indiana on Monday. 

He is ranked as the 50th-best weakside defensive end in the nation and the 76th-best player in the state of Georgia. Davis was one of the defensive anchors for Lowndes in 2019, compiling 47 tackles and 11.5 sacks, leading them to a 14-1 record and the Region 1-7A state title.

 

Previously a Mississippi State commit, Davis was originally planning to make his decision on August 24th and it is unclear as to why he moved his decision date up. 

 

Listed at just a hair over 6’2”, 235 lbs., Davis is a bit smaller compared to the defensive ends currently on the roster. He does have a great motor and first step, which is more than enough for DL coach Todd Stroud to work with.

 

That makes two commits at defensive end for the Canes, as Davis joins fellow four-star Jabari Ishmael. Miami is most likely done at the position for this class.

 

As it stands, the Canes now sit at 21 commits for the 2021 class, with only three spots left and they now sit with the 10th-best class in the nation.

 

Stay tuned to 5 Reasons Sports for the latest in Hurricanes coverage.

 

WR Smith becomes second Miami commit from Palmetto

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The wave continues. Miami is one step closer to the pipe dream of landing the “Palmetto 5” as two of those five are now committed to the Canes.

On Sunday afternoon, three-star WR Brashard Smith went public with his commitment to Manny Diaz and the Hurricanes. A very underrated receiver out of Palmetto High, he had been rumored to be on the fence about Florida and Miami before deciding.

 

Smith is on the shorter end of the stick at 5’8.5”, but the kid can flat out fly. Ranked as the 57th-best receiver in the country, he has sub-4.5 speed and is a threat to score whenever the ball is in his hands. Heck, 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins gave Tyreek Hill as his NFL comparison. It is more than likely that OC Rhett Lashlee plans to line him up at the slot to get the most out of his playmaking ability. 

 

Speaking of the Palmetto 5, the Canes now await the decisions of five-stars DT Leonard Taylor and CB Jason Marshall, as well as S Corey Collier. Taylor is scheduled to announce on August 6th at 1 PM on CBS Sports, while Collier will announce on the 10th and as of right now, Marshall does not have a set date. Current commitment and four-star DT Saivion Collins will also make his final decision some time next month between Miami and Florida.

 

Stay tuned to Five Reasons Sports for your Miami Hurricanes coverage.

 

Miami Dolphins: Adam Shaheen arrival creates battle for second TE spot

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The Miami Dolphins  picked up a new tight end on Saturday night. The Chicago Bears traded Adam Shaheen to the Dolphins for a conditional 2021 six-round draft pick.

Shaheen was a second-round pick for Chicago in the 2017 NFL draft. In his Chicago Bears career, Shaheen played in 27 games, and recorded 249 yards and four touchdown catches.

This is certainly an interesting tight end competition for the Miami Dolphins. We all know that Mike Gesicki is undoubtedly the starter. However, there are some questions as to who will be the backup. By adding Shaheen into the fold, Miami has three tight ends who will now compete for the job. Durham Smythe and Michael Roberts will be the other two looking to fill the backup role.

This is a low-risk, high-reward get by Miami. Although he is known as more of a blocking tight end, he could provide some value in the passing game. Miami ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of tight end targets in 2019.  Gesicki had 89 while Smythe had 14

Shaheen could certainly win the backup job, as there wasn’t a ton of production in that area last season. At the very least, this gives Miami another potential red-zone weapon. At six-foot-six, 258 pounds, Shaheen could be an intriguing target. Now, he will have to differentiate himself in order to be a viable roster piece. Otherwise, he could be just another body in camp.

It will be interesting to see if his arrival creates a battle during training camp. This may be one of the more intriguing battles during camp, as the Miami Dolphins look to make a big leap in the 2020 season. After showing signs of promise last year, they figure to be able to make some noise in a revamped AFC East.

Canes commit

Local DE becomes first Canes commit for 2022

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One night after all the craziness following Canes commit James Williams’ joining to Manny Diaz and the Canes started to die down, coaches got a head start on the 2022 recruiting cycle from yet another local standout.

Jaamal Johnson announced his commitment to Miami on Thursday night. A three-star defensive end and the 26th-ranked strongside defensive end in his class, he becomes Miami’s first 2022 commit. 

He continues the Chaminade-Madonna to Coral Gables pipeline, as Miami added two Lions in the 2019 recruiting cycle (striker Keontra Smith and CB Te’Cory Couch) and they currently have two (DT Allan Haye and RB Thaddeus Franklin) committed in the current 2021 class. 

Johnson was last measured at 6’2”, 240 pounds. Although currently listed as a strongside defensive end, he could end up moving to the inside when it’s all said and done. 

Alongside Allan Haye, he was part of an outstanding defensive line that helped lead Chaminade to a 3A state title and he finished the season with 48 tackles and 8 sacks as a sophomore. 

Stay tuned to 5 Reasons Sports for all of your Canes commit coverage on and off the field.

 

Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes steal safety away from Georgia Bulldogs

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The Miami Hurricanes stole a recruit from the Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday night. 2021 five-star safety James Williams committed to the program.

He was predicted by nine experts in the 247Sports Crystal Ball to go to Georgia.

Williams was a highly sought-after recruit. In addition to Miami, he also had offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, and Tennessee.

Williams was recruited by Ephraim Banda and Manny Diaz.

Williams should be playmaker for Miami Hurricanes

Taking a look at his high school highlights, he was a man among boys. He has excellent vision as soon as the ball is thrown. He is able to follow the quarterback’s eyes and make a play. In addition, his athleticism is particularly noticeable. At the safety position, he will give Miami a player that quarterbacks want to avoid on the field.

Williams becomes the top player in a 2021 Miami Hurricanes class that has a ton of talent. The class is currently ranked 11th overall and third in the ACC per the 247Sports Team Rankings. There is a nice base of players here for Miami.  In addition to Williams, they also have Kamren Kinchens coming in. In this class alone, they have two safeties that will be able to make an impact.

It’s great to see Diaz continuing to aim high for the 2021 class. The fact that he was a recruiter  for Williams shows how badly the Miami Hurricanes wanted him.

The program has done a nice job of adding impact playmakers to the class.  In what has been a complete program overhaul, Miami has aimed high and succeeded. They have swung for the proverbial fences, and landed big names. It will be interesting to see how Miami finishes this class as they continue building a solid blueprint for the future.

Miami Hurricanes

Local DE Ishmael commits, continues Canes’ recruiting momentum

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Chalk up not only another commitment for Manny Diaz and company, but also another one from right here in South Florida. Four-star defensive end Jabari Ishmael revealed via social media on Friday that he is staying home to play in Coral Gables. Ishmael picked the Canes over Oregon and Florida State. Defensive line coach Todd Stroud is credited as the primary recruiter for Ishmael. 

Ishmael is ranked as the 14th-best weakside defensive end in the country and 216th overall according to the 247Sports Composite. He hails from Christopher Columbus High right here in Miami, helping them win the 8A state title in 2019 while contributing 46 tackles, 8 TFL’s, and 3 sacks. 

 

Measuring out at 6’5”, 210 pounds, he fits the mold of the lanky, athletic defensive end that Diaz covets in his defense. He will most certainly have to add weight when he gets to the next level and he’ll definitely have help from someone he’s very familiar with. 

 

His dad, Victor Ishmael, is a veteran strength and conditioning coach for the team.

 

Ishmael might be Miami’s only take at defensive end in this recruiting cycle as they still have a lot of bodies that took in during the 2019 cycle. However, that could change if another high-level prospect shows interest. At the moment, there are more glaring needs at other positions such as cornerback and wide receiver.

 

Miami currently sits at 12th in the 247Sports team rankings, but that ranking could end up being much higher as they also await the decisions of five-star DT Leonard Taylor and four-star S Corey Collier. Both hail from Miami Palmetto and will be making their choices next month (August 6th and 10th, respectively).

 

Hurricanes cancel Thursday practice as players test positive for COVID-19

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As the coronavirus continues to impact the state of Florida, it has found its way into the Miami Hurricanes football program.

According to a report from the Miami Herald, at least three players have tested positive for COVID- 19.  As a result, the Hurricanes canceled their mandatory workouts on Thursday.

Aligning with the school policy, the University did not confirm whether any players have tested positive.

As the Herald notes, there are three Miami Hurricanes’  known positive coronavirus tests among football players.

The ACC plans to announce its plans for the 2020 season by the end of July. Miami was slated to take on Temple September 5. With the elimination of non-conference opponents, that is expected to change.

In any event, these positive tests continue a theme among collegiate and professional sports. Players have tested positive ever since the return of workouts. Positive tests were expected. Now, it’s going to be about whether individual commissioners and leagues deem it safe enough for play to return this season.

A year of uncertainty for Miami Hurricanes, sports in general

The cancellation of practice on Thursday is certainly not a positive sign. Any way you slice it, coronavirus is now in the Miami football program. Now, it’s going to be a question of containing the spread. Especially with workouts getting underway, players are going to be in close proximity to one another.

In what has been a wild 2020 calendar year, stories of positive tests appear to be the norm for sports moving forward. Hopefully, the Miami Hurricanes can contain it and continue workouts smoothly.

With a revamped program, the 2020 season is slated to be one of high hope for Manny Diaz’s bunch. With several new players in the fold, the Miami Hurricanes are in better shape roster-wise than they were at this point last year.

Hopefully, we will get to see action in Coral Gables sooner rather than later.