ANALYSIS: It is hard to believe how fast the Canes have fallen over the last three years, but nevertheless it is a reality. There were signs of life in 2008 before a 3 game losing skid ended the season. The 2008 recruiting class was viewed as one of the best in the country and many of those played last year, are they ready to step up?
QUARTERBACK: It is Jacory Harris's team now after he won the battle of former 'Mr. Florida's' with Robert Marve. Harris was solid as a freshmen and should be more comfortable this year. He will need to learn a new offense under OC Mark Whipple. Taylor Cook should be the primary backup after redshirting last year. Further depth is provided by Cannon Smith and A.J. Highsmith.
RUNNING BACK: Javarris James and Graig Cooper return and are tentatively on the depth chart as 1-2. They will be pushed by Lee Chambers and two freshmen: Mike James and Lamar Miller. Javarris needs to return to the form he showed as a frosh and Cooper needs to be more of a role player, change of pace type. Keep an eye on Miller, his jets make him the most intriguing of the bunch.
WIDE RECEIVER: Five freshmen saw action last year and two more RS frosh will join the mix in 2009. Aldarius Johnson and Laron Byrd certainly figure to be in the mix, both had some impressive moments last year. Travis Benjamin's speed and play-making ability should earn him a role in some capacity. The rest is very much up in the air, the good news is that this is one spot where there are plenty of options. Leonard Hankerson and Tommie Streeter are big, Davon Johnson has outside speed, and Kendal Thompkins/Thearon Collier are the slot options.
TIGHT END: Tight End U has been struggling to find the next great one. Dedric Epps has shown flashes, but suffered a knee injury. He is rumored to be ready to go. Senior Richard Gordon has not lived up to his vast physical gifts, he has one more year for the light to go on. Converted basketball player Aaron Graham is a wildcard here, his size/speed combo projects well.
OFFENSIVE LINE: There is plenty of experience on the first unit here. LT Jason Fox has started for three years, OG's Orlando Franklin and Joel Figueroa each have 10+ starts, and the other two projected starters are 5th year seniors (A.J. Trump and Matt Pipho). Depth is a legit concern. Youngsters Brandon Washington, Harland Gunn, and Ben Jones need to be able to step in and play at a high level.
DEFENSIVE LINE: This unit is back to the depth and talent that has made Miami special over the years. At DE, Eric Moncur, Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, and Stephen Wesley have all had their moments. Each is poised for a huge season. True frosh Olivier Vernon has been the buzz of camp thus far and looks ready to contribute from day one. At DT, Marcus Forston, Joe Joseph, Allen Bailey, and Josh Holmes form a talented two deep. Miami should have the top DL in the ACC.
LINEBACKER: Sean Spence was simply outstanding as a freshmen, he has a nose for the football and flat knows how to play the game. Colin McCarthy returns from injury and he was sorely missed last year. Senior Daryl Sharpton is trying to fend off Arthur Brown in the middle. Jordan Futch and Ramon Buchanan are OLB's who are pressing for playing time.
CORNERBACK: Miami is short on depth here. Senior Chavez Grant is best as a nickel, it would be a good sign if Demarcus Van Dyke returns to his freshmen form. Brandon Harris had some good moments as a freshmen, but needs to be more consistent. Freshmen Brandon McGee must be ready to go. A pair of highly touted recruits are now seniors and have one year left: Sam Shields and Ryan Hill.
SAFETY: It appears that Vaughn Telemaque has locked down one of the starting spots and Randy Phillips should be his partner. JoJo Nicholas is solid depth behind both. Highly touted recruit Ray Ray Armstrong is expected to push for playing time.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Matt Bosher currently holds down both jobs, Jake Wieclaw could push him as a kicker. Travis Benjamin is the best return man, someone needs to step up and join him, perhaps that is Lamar Miller.
SCHEDULE: A brutal four game stretch to open the season must be navigated 2-2 or better. The Canes open at in-state rival Florida State, return home to play Georgia Tech (who has owned them recently), travel to Virginia Tech, and then get National top 5 Oklahoma at home. The schedule does soften at that point, but still has road tests with North Carolina, Wake Forest, and South Florida.
PREDICTION: This is the toughest team in the state to predict. The talent is better than it has been, clearly this will be a better team in 2009. The schedule is not very kind however and it is possible to be a better team(perhaps much better) and not see any improvement in the W/L column.
If they can get a big win over FSU in the opener, 8-4 would seem to be the floor and that would be another step in the right direction. On the flip a loss means they must beat both Coastal opponents to build some momentum.
In the end, this appears to be a team that will finish between 7-5 and 9-3, but should give Cane fans some real hope for 2010.