CIS Mail Bag: Week 8

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Canes Legacy

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We got a big mail bag for you this week. We talk midseason assessments, recruiting, and fix the American healthcare system.


@JD08 (CanesInsight): Assuming we stick with our current defensive staff who don't seem to be great recruiters, what efforts can we take to improve our success on the recruiting trail? How screwed will we be at the cornerback position next year?

Our defensive recruiting has seemed to improve already with the 2021 class, mainly due to landing 2 five stars in James Williams and Leonard Taylor. The point of pain with our defensive recruiting is with CB. Defensive end and safety recruiting have been pretty good and LB has been okay, although I think the issue there is who’s getting the playing time but I’m confident in guys like Brooks, Flagg, and Cave going forward. Recruiting can always improve and the way to do that is keep winning. Keep in mind we haven’t strung together back to back good seasons in a long time and that plays a huge factor. However, I don't think our CB recruiting will improve without making a coaching change as we now have a large sample size of what to expect, and it’s not to standard.

We may not be screwed at the CB next year so long as Blades doesn’t make the mistake of many before him in going pro. If we return everyone and then add Burns and another recruit (or 2) on top of Blades, Ivey, Couch, Clarke, and Dunson at least we’ll have depth for once and that’s a step in the right direction.

@ben (CanesInsight): What are your game day food traditions?

It depends on what time the game is. I also really don’t eat during the game, I like to eat before and then have a cold beer while the game is on. If it’s a noon kickoff, I like to have a big breakfast sandwich around 1130am. If it’s a 330pm kickoff, I like to make a steak around 2pm, medium rare of course. If it’s a primetime game, I like to make a steak around 6pm, medium rare of course.

My friend and I have a tradition of getting a Chick-Fil-A tray when we watch games together. That started once we were old enough to drive and pick it up ourselves and continues to this day. Back when we were little kids, my mom would make mozzarella sticks with sauce right from the Ragu jar, which I now realize is terrible but it was the greatest thing ever as a kid. We’d enjoy that with multiple Capri Suns. What a time to be alive.

@Cajuncane (CanesInsight): Do you think there’s a chance that orders come from upstairs ( higher than Flake who is useless) to make changes in the defensive staff if/when it continues to look like a sieve with quarter size holes? Reed has to be sick watching this.You think he’s got the ear(s) of some of the BOT to force Manny to get rid of his buddies.

I don't think anyone above Blake James has the awareness to recognize anything related to the Xs and Os of the game of football. All they see is 5-1. While the defense has looked terrible at times and there are obvious red flags, it is still playing at a top 30 level. The last 5 regular season games will be telling but if they keep holding opponents to under 20, we’ll be in good shape.

@YUMU (CanesInsight): Can you give us an update on recruiting? Who are our top 5 targets in your opinion? Who are we prioritizing?

Recruiting has certainly slowed down lately but that is due to having 22 commits and only 2 (maybe 3) spots left. The attention coming down the home stretch will be on QB and CB. With Malik Curtis possibly playing WR at the next level, which is where he belongs in my opinion, that leaves us with 1 CB commit in Tim Burns.

Top 5 targets should be in no particular order (and this is my opinion):
  1. Jake Garcia, QB. We haven’t been heavily tied to any other QB prospect so it may be him or bust this cycle.
  2. Maason Smith, DT. Odds are extremely low he ends up in Coral Gables but being put in his top 5 and saying we are the best scheme fit gives a glimmer of hope. He’s a round 1 talent and someone you push for till the end.
  3. Terrence Lewis, LB. We haven’t landed a LB of his caliber in a long time and I’d like to see what a true 5 star looks like in Diaz’s/Baker’s system.
  4. Marvin Covington, CB. He’s a recent offer so we’ll see what happens but he plays CB and we need those guys.
  5. Markevious Brown, CB. Again, a huge position of need who I thought would already be committed but he appears to be leaning elsewhere.
There is a great thread in the Recruiting Forum (“CB Prospects 2021”) with a ton of names to potentially know for cornerbacks.

@SinisterCane (CanesInsight): Does Mandy override Likens over who starts at WRs?

Per @Cribby, Lashlee has the final say over the lineup. The offense is his show.

@Artist Formerly Known As (CanesInsight): Is Huff ever gonna get the playbook down so we can see him on defense consistently?

Yes, we will see him in due time as he’s only a RS Freshman. Let’s not forget he missed all of last year as an academic redshirt (only practiced) and then had a limited spring with the Rona ruining everything. We knew there would be an adjustment period with his transition to LB and that’s okay. He has the athleticism to take a starting spot once he gets the mental side of it down though.

@Artist Formerly Known As (CanesInsight): What can we do to get some semblance of a dangerous ground game back? Offensive line is obviously still too weak to impose their will.

A few things we can do differently. First, King needs to start keeping it more on the zone reads. There’s a few times a game where the DE crashes on the RB and makes a tackle where King could have kept it and hit the edge. Second, we need to diversify our run game a bit. Defenses are teeing off on the inside zone. Our OL really doesn't get much of a push so it makes things difficult but I’d like to see more traps and counters to keep the front 7 guessing more. Third, I’d like to see Jalen Rivers get some reps at guard, Scaife is having the worst season in his 3 years and Clark should is best suited for center.

@Miami04 (CanesInsight): With Manny saying he is taking time during the off week to study recruiting film and educate the players on social issues do you think a lack of focus on football during bye weeks is the reason for our teams failures coming off byes?

Our bye week problems have been going on long before the election and social issues so I don’t believe that will play a role in the team coming out flat and looking unprepared. All coaching staffs focus on recruiting during bye weeks so that shouldn’t be the reason either. I don't know exactly what the issue is for bye weeks but it speaks to the overall coaching that the team can’t get motivated and looks more unprepared than usual with more time. Manny is well aware of the criticism and I expect them to look different vs Nc State. If they come out and lose, things will get real ugly.

@dwreck27 (CanesInsight): Tell me that quote by Harley was misinterpreted somehow.. some way? Any chance baker gets moved from inside whispers? Does this team not care and just go through the motions?

No misinterpretation and the play has reflected it. Drops, miscommunications, soft play, etc. Harley and Pope had a nice bounceback game against UVA, now the focus is on being consistent. It was heartbreaking to hear Harley’s quote though.

Baker isn’t being fired, barring a complete meltdown during the last half of the year. The defense has looked poor at times but the last 2 games we’ve given up 19 and 14 points, respectively.

While the team has looked flat at times, don’t mistake that for them not caring. They care. They are 5-1 and on track to play in the ACCCG. They aren’t perfect but they know what’s at stake.

@OriginalCanesCanesCanes (CanesInsight): Will Manny be fired during the bye week? Apparently the majority of CIS is in favor of it.

According to our sauces, Manny will not be fired during the bye week while the team is 5-1.

@djnellz (CanesInsight): Everyone says Diaz is too friendly. And I see some truth to it. My question is in this day and age of prima donnas and divas, what should be the perfect medium for him to get the best out of his players?

Manny needs to be Manny. You can only fake something you aren't for so long before the team catches on and you lose them. He wants to be a “player’s coach”, fine, that’s who he is. However, when it’s time to hold a player accountable, that’s when Manny has to step up and be the disciplinarian. I look at the Amari Carter saga as a failure of accountability within the program. Here is your senior captain hurting the team week in and week out and yet still has the “C” on his jersey and has a starting role.

@Cane47 (CanesInsight): 1. When a poster writes that he tried to tell people but no one would listen, is there some CIS protocol that specifies what the listening posters should do?

No.

2. Why is it that when you go to an establishment that has two entrance doors side by side, one of the doors always seems to be locked?

I’ve noticed that too. I jammed my finger once on a locked door. I called the fire marshall for a surprise inspection.

3. Do you think there is any correlation between a student athlete being book smart and consequently being football smart? (For example I recall that Amari Carter had very good grades in High School, but with all those targeting penalties)?

I don’t think there is any correlation between book smart and football smart. Too many examples of guys being deficient in one and excelling at the other for anything definitive to be stated.

Now that said, there are a lot of examples of kids who are overachievers on the field who also overachieve in the classroom. Some guys just have a mentality of being their best at everything they do. It’s when one comes naturally that you’d have to worry about the other because they aren’t used to putting that work in to be great.

@JD08 (CanesInsight): Who's your favorite Maude?

Maude Flanders. She was a little stuffy at times, but you could tell she was a good woman. She started her own business, helped run the Leftorium, raised the kids while Ned was always off doing God-knows-what, and was an active member of the community. Plus, she died living out one of my lifelong dreams: having a shirt from a tshirt cannon fired right at her.

@yessirking (CanesInsight): When do we beat our next Top 10 opponent and who is it?

That’s a tough one. The only potential top 10 opponent we’ll see in the regular season is if UNC wins out (including beating ND the week before we play them). The next one would be Clemson in the ACCCG. After that is Bama to open 2021. I think UNC is a fraud this year and will drop a game outside of ND. I don’t think we beat Clemson in a rematch if we make it. I’ll predict an upset win against Bama to open the year next year because why not?

@423Hurricane (CanesInsight): At the halfway point of the season - kinda - what is your impression/s of the team overall and each part - offense, defense, and special teams?

We’re 5-1 so we are right where I thought we’d be. I knew not every game would be pretty and I had to remind myself of that after the first 3 games where we’ve come out on fire. Offensively, I think we are actually a little ahead of schedule. I thought Lashlee would take us to average in his first year with another jump in year 2 but we are currently above average in my opinion. Defensively, we’ve taken a step back (eye test) but are still a solid unit statistically. We aren’t as “chaotic” as we are used to in terms of TFLs and sacks but that’s where your best player opting out hurts the most. Special teams have been good due to Hedley and Borregales being the best duo in the country. Pope had his hiccups in the beginning but it appears the punt return issues have been settled. We haven’t seen any big plays in our return game but haven’t given any up either.

@oso4lyf (CanesInsight): Do you believe in "When in doubt, whip it out"?

I believe in respecting women and obtaining consent.

@Bccrhp (CanesInsight): What's the best way to defend yourself from a charging mountain lion? (Not to be confused with a cougar on the prowl)

Generally speaking, mountain lions won’t charge at you, at least not in a way that you’d see them. They’re more of a sneak and pounce predator, so generally you won’t have much time to prepare for an attack. For those situations, having bear spray at the ready is a smart move. Definitely don’t run away from it because they can hit up to 50 mph.

If one is charging you in a way that you can be prepared, remember that they really don’t want to attack anything that’s going to be a big struggle for them. If they’re hanging out on the trail and charging humans, they might be injured or starving. Make yourself look and sound as dangerous as possible. If he’s not deterred, it’s time to kick mountain lion ***.

First, remember that they are cowards and don’t like to get punched in the face. No cats do. Hit that sucker right in the eye if you can. If you can Ole him a bit, hop right on his back. There’s documented evidence of a mountain lion getting choked out by a hiker who was wrestling with one. Not sure there’s a more badass way to do it, so I’m going to go ahead and suggest you take its back and get it in a chokehold. Don’t forget to use your offhand to lock your wrist.

@Canedog (CanesInsight): Has Avantae Williams participated in any team practices or strength and conditioning sessions? Do you expect him to ever be cleared to play at Miami?

Avantae has not been cleared for contact but appears to be participating in team activities. Without UM disclosing what exactly the issue is, there is no point in speculating about his future here. We’re hoping for the best as he’s an exceptional talent that could make an impact as early as next year if cleared.

@djnellz (CanesInsight): What 3 college games this weekend are you looking forward to watch and why?
  1. Texas vs Ok State- I want to see if Ok State can handle being the top dog in the conference.
  2. Mizzou vs UF- Can Missouri come in and shock the mighty RonaGators?
  3. Ohio State vs Penn State- It’s really the only marquee matchup for this weekend.
@GojiraCane (CanesInsight): 1. Would D'Eriq King's return in 2021 present any problems in securing a quarterback in the 2021 class? He would have exactly the same amount of eligibility as Tyler Van Dyke.

King’s return could affect a portal QB who’s looking to start day 1 but shouldn’t impact a high school recruit. Knowing King only has 1 year left could be attractive to a younger portal QB who can learn the system before competing for the starting job. It’ll be interesting on how it all shakes out but King returning for 2021 would be huge for us and gives us a year of development behind him.

2. Will people start to really examine Clemson if Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne suddenly announce that they are returning for the 2021 season? Lawrence has 2 years of eligibility remaining, Etienne one.

Lawrence and Etienne are not returning. You’ll see them on Sundays next fall.

@TemplarCane (CanesInsight): Isn’t boosters ‘dropping bags’ to recruits and returning players possible tax fraud and money laundering? Wouldn’t the IRS and the FBI be interested if Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and other programs have ‘bag games’ as large as alleged on CIS? I’d think a number of felonies might be committed if ‘Player A’ or member of “Player A’s family $50K, $100K, $200K, or whatever to attend ‘University X’. Parents bribing coaches and administrators to get their children admitted to school were sent to prison. Apparel companies violated a number of laws when paying players to direct them to certain schools. Is the truth really out there?

The bag system is real. While we are all aware that shady stuff goes on in recruiting, without a true smoking gun, no one of real importance (FBI) will care. I think that’s where the struggle is, the boosters have become so sophisticated in hiding it and the families are making money so everyone is happy. It’s in no one's best interest to get the FBI/IRS involved as it would end up with everyone getting in trouble. It would be nice to not have a SEC shill in charge of the NCAA though, that would be a first step in the right direction.

@Mnhurricane (CanesInsight): 1) Does the naked man really work 2/3 times? 2) How screwed are we as a society where we have “I can see your voice” as a tv show?
  1. In my experience, 60% of the time, it works every time.
  2. Never watched it but after reading what it is, sounds dumb and exactly the type of TV show that some people would watch.
@Luke Caneswalker (CanesInsight): Is it possible to continue our recruiting strategies I-4 and south and focus on a more national effort. A lot of the game changers from this year's team are from out of state imo.

We can do both. Our recruiting will always start and focus on The State of Miami. We get those guys, we’re going to win a lot of football games. However, we do need to look nationally as there are ballers everywhere and the U carries a lot of weight. I tend to look at it as RB, WR, DL, LB, and S we shouldn't have to leave south Florida. CB should be included in that as well but with Rumph, we haven’t had much success anywhere. QB, OL, and TE are national positions where we can’t rely on the local talent to fill the roster. If a kid can play, we should be recruiting him early and often regardless of where he's from.

Larry Allen (Twitter): Will Donaldson play this year?

It’s on the table but I don’t see him being able to recover the knee and get into good enough shape to play in this offense at a high level. That’s asking a lot of a big OL who’s had weight issues in the past.

@djnellz (CanesInsight): A conspiracy theory question (nothing to do with the P word, @RVACane let me get this one off, please?) We all know about Nikola Tesla and his works and interviews, one specifically about time travel. Do you think there is some truth about after his death that John Trump, former professor of MIT and the Don's uncle, really had valuable info (TIME TRAVEL) and didn't want to give it to the alphabet groups up in Washington?

Time Travelling Trumps sounds like a great idea for an Adult Swim show.

@Artist Formerly Known As (CanesInsight): How can we reinvent American healthcare in order improve on the current economic barriers? And don’t come at me with that socialized healthcare.

The other day I pulled a splinter out of my finger out on the first try. It was remarkable, obviously, but not totally surprising due to my incredible acuity with tweezers. I told my wife who works in the medical field that I really should be a surgeon. When she suggested I’m a decade or so of learning away from being able to perform a real surgery, I told her that was the problem. Why are we putting blockades of “education” between those of us qualified to perform basic (and advanced) healthcare procedures?

New plan:
Regular doctor (pediatrician, GP): 2 years at the community college.
Specialist: 2.5 years. 2 years at the community college and another six months reading Wikipedia articles.
Surgeon: 6 months. Either you have it or you don’t.
Nurse: 4 years. Their jobs are hard.

With all those new doctors, healthcare will be way cheaper. Problem solved.

@JD08 (CanesInsight): I have a 90 Mustang with heavily oxidized paint. There's no delamination, just faded paint. Do you think I could hit it with a dual action buffer and a little polishing compound to get a little more time out of it? How heavy of a compound should I use?

Absolutely. If your car is in really dire straits, then trying to fix it yourself is paying money for nothing, but as long as the clear coat hasn’t failed, you’ll be able to get some time out of a quick fix. After giving your car a good cleaning, use a clay bar to clear away the dead paint before you get to the polishing.

With your dual action buffer, hit it with a cutting compound to remove the top layer of damaged paint. Don’t go crazy on it because the oxidation has already taken some paint away. Here’s a link to a good one you can use: Amazon product ASIN B001O7PNW8
Once you do that, apply the finishing polish to get that shine back: Amazon product ASIN B00CDUJBQE
Good luck!
 
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@djnellz (CanesInsight): A conspiracy theory question (nothing to do with the P word, @RVACane let me get this one off, please?) We all know about Nikola Tesla and his works and interviews, one specifically about time travel. Do you think there is some truth about after his death that John Trump, former professor of MIT and the Don's uncle, really had valuable info (TIME TRAVEL) and didn't want to give it to the alphabet groups up in Washington?

Time Travelling Trumps sounds like a great idea for an Adult Swim show.


Yes, it does sound like a great Adult Swim show. Wanna get rich, @Canes Legacy
 
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"I don't think anyone above Blake James has the awareness to recognize anything related to the Xs and Os of the game of football."

Jon Vilma is a Trustee. So is Bernie Kosar. As many, many other former, successful football players have been over the years.

If you're gonna talk about the University, you really should understand more about the University.
 
"I don't think anyone above Blake James has the awareness to recognize anything related to the Xs and Os of the game of football."

Jon Vilma is a Trustee. So is Bernie Kosar. As many, many other former, successful football players have been over the years.

If you're gonna talk about the University, you really should understand more about the University.
You’re absolutely right, the trustees could definitely discuss the effectiveness of our DC at the next meeting. Maybe they’ll form a subcommittee on it. Vilma, Bernie, Gloria Estefan, the former CEO of SciFi network, the guy who invented the Ultimate Irish Peeler, and A-Rod can tackle that.

Maybe after that they can figure out why the vending machine on the second floor of Hecht never has Nutter Butters and similarly important issues to the University.
 
Great read, good stuff, your wife is an RN too, huh? Response to the healthcare question made me laugh hard enough to forward it to my better half and even register just to give you some kudos!
 
You’re absolutely right, the trustees could definitely discuss the effectiveness of our DC at the next meeting. Maybe they’ll form a subcommittee on it. Vilma, Bernie, Gloria Estefan, the former CEO of SciFi network, the guy who invented the Ultimate Irish Peeler, and A-Rod can tackle that.

Maybe after that they can figure out why the vending machine on the second floor of Hecht never has Nutter Butters and similarly important issues to the University.
If the BOT would just invest in Alien Tape they would have the money to hire someone that knows WTF they are doing..
 
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Great read, good stuff, your wife is an RN too, huh? Response to the healthcare question made me laugh hard enough to forward it to my better half and even register just to give you some kudos!
Thank you! I hope your wife appreciated it; mine just hit me with the classic “you’re an idiot” when I read her what I wrote 😂
 
Thank you! I hope your wife appreciated it; mine just hit me with the classic “you’re an idiot” when I read her what I wrote 😂
She got a big laugh out of it, I said it sounded like one of our convos, she said it sounded like one of my solutions, ha! And I am also a frequent recipient of the “you’re an idiot” response! 😂

Seriously, she had a tough day and it put a smile back on her face. Thanks, Bro.
 
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