Through the Smoke

I remember last year getting a lot of vanilla answers from this kid in response to adversity. He'd be low on the depth chart and we'd get the "it is what it is" response. This article feels different. He feels like he should win the job and he is not afraid to say it. He's not being rude to Ryan, and he's conceding that there will be a competition, but he's making it publicly clear that he feels he's the man for the job. It's that bit of fire and cockiness that I have always felt he was missing. He (and the whole team) always seemed willing to roll with the punches instead of taking the fight to someone else. I hope this grows throughout the summer and that he's not afraid to take that spot for himself. This is a positive sign.

I don't know who's better, but these answers make me feel a lot better about him as a leader, about how he'll respond under pressure, than did the article last year.

Kid is going to turn some heads this yr

I think people have to remember that the kid was a 4th string fresh in 2010 and wasn't even supposed to look at the field, yet along be starting! Then the next year, a new offense and OC. This is why I feel the team will be a lot better this year, plus I love the fact that he will take off and run the ball. That will help slow pass rushers. No BS, I really see 8 wins easy!

I really think it Morris time to shine... Last year, I believe he was ready to take over but with all the distractions brought on right before the season really shook up the team... Now hopefully the ncaa makes it's ruling before the season, so the players can go out and play with no worries about the ncaa ruining their season at the end of the year...

But Morris is my guy, I know what to expect from him... Being in the same system under the same coaches I really believe this will be the year UM will make things happen... Everyone talks about a young team, but we have a lot of players returning from the last years team... The only thing we need is for unknown players to step up and make a name for themselves... The young players will definately add depth in spots, and they will bring that swag we haven't seen a UM in a while...

But all in all, I see a 8 or more win season!!! Miami and FSu ACC title game, UM wins 17-10...

O-line is definitely our strongest unit as far as experience goes... then DB's (3 out of 4), then RB's (MJ is a vet & EC has played enough). After that, it's weak. We have one returning WR with game experience. I don't see the DL having much experience at all. Just bc players like Green have been around the program doesn't mean they have seen much action on gameday. Chickillo (true sophomore) has probably the most game experience... LB experience across the board is decent... especially if Cookie can contribute. Still, losing a player like Spence hurts. And mainly as you just pointed out, anyone coming off the bench has basically never taken a meaningful snap, which is a big deal.

I disagree guys like Porter, Robinson, And Green don't have game experience. These are now grown men! This is the way things should be. Kids maturing and balling their JR an SR years. These guys will be 22-23 years old playing against 18-19 year olds and on the DL that's huge! Also, don't forget a guy like D. Smith played ever game last year. O. Pierre, played just as much as Chick did last year. Cain has always played well the past few years when given a chance. The big blessing in the mess we had last year was players had to play early and got that game exposure. No one will be wide eyed when we beat down Boston College game one! At DB don't forget about Highsmith and Rodgers both played a ton last year.

I'm just not that worried about our experience. Our situation is not unique. EVERY team in the NCAA is replacing starters with guys that haven't played much. Alabama lost what, like 6 starters from their team last year? Our Canes will be just fine!

Experience isn't playing a few downs per game for one year or playing in a specific system for a year...if that's the case 75% of every team has "experience" just because they were on the team last year. All playing time isn't equal and u also have to perform. Bottom line is my definition of an experienced team is someone like usc whos bringing back proven players not a team like ours where half the starters are
gone from last year but some this years expected starters got some pt last year