Diaz talks team as UM looks to bounce back from 0-2 start

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Stefan Adams

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Coming off his team’s loss to North Carolina this past weekend, Miami head coach Manny Diaz likes what he’s seen out of his team so far in practice this week as the Canes prepare for Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.

“The practice yesterday from a tempo standpoint of just getting from drill to drill and moving around the field was probably one of the best we’ve had in any of our weeks," Diaz said. "It’s our first real game week (without an offseason or bye to prepare). The embracing of routine has been a boost to our guys.”

UM’s running game gashed the Tar Heels, as DeeJay Dallas and Cam Harris combined for 167 yards on 24 carries (6.96 ypc) and were consistently breaking into the second and third levels of the UNC defense. Harris even had a long run negated by a penalty, the second time that’s happened to him in 2 games this season.

“Poor Cam Harris has about 100 yards of rushing taken away on two penalties,” Diaz said. “We want to be a physical downhill rushing attack with running backs that are low to tackle when they get in the open field.”

With the clock about to run out late in the 4th quarter in the loss against UNC, the Canes had one last chance to tie the game, but Bubba Baxa missed a 49-yard FG attempt wide left. It was Baxa’s second miss of the game in which he also had an extra point blocked, but Diaz is fully behind the sophomore kicker.

“The only thing he can do is continue to work, continue to trust himself and fully commit to every kick… the guy can kick as far as he wants to,” Diaz said. “The more he feels us around, support him (the better). He’s going to miss a kick again at some point, it’s going to happen. We can’t demand perfection. But like with all our guys, `Am I improving, finding a way to become the best version of myself?’”

With special teams seemingly costing the team multiple games going back to the beginning of last season, Diaz says UM now working on specials more than ever. While Jon Patke is the official special teams coach, Diaz says every coach on staff pitches in to help cover special teams coaching, including himself.

“We have upped the amount of time we practiced special teams from the past, are 25 to 30 minutes depending on what the day is,” Diaz said. “Our punt coverage vs. North Carolina’s punt coverage yielded us 112 yards of hidden yardage. The kickoff teams were a wash because only one kick was returned. I think we’re starting to see some of the benefits of our (attention) to special teams.”

Sophomore QB N’Kosi Perry missed the first half of practice this morning for personal reasons, but returned for the second half and Diaz says there’s no reason to worry about Perry’s status with the team.

“He’s been very supportive of Jarren (Williams),” Diaz said. “He’s been very professional.”

Diaz is focused on developing more depth up and down his roster and hopes this weekend’s game against Bethune-Cookman will provide opportunities for some younger players to step up.

“Right now, it’s all attention on who can help us win the football game,” Diaz said. “We want to be a team like last week - 10 different receivers caught a ball.”

After junior S Amari Carter was thrown out of the game for targeting in the third quarter vs. UNC, senior S Robert Knowles (5 tackles) came in a played well according to Diaz.

“He’s a guy that has been a success story, has had some ups and downs throughout his career,” Diaz said of Knowles. “Here’s the rare thing - he’s a guy that stayed, a guy that loves Miami. In this day and age, everyone in the outside world would say `Transfer.’ He loves Miami, hasn’t done that. The way he works and the way he played Saturday - you can see the difference between older guys and younger guys. His demeanor, urgency - he calmed the secondary down when he went in there. He’s always been an ‘A+’ in terms of tackling. I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”

Diaz also pointed out defensive tackles Chigozie Nnoruka and Jordan Miller as players he was impressed with on the D-Line after reviewing film.
 
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Coming off his team’s loss to North Carolina this past weekend, Miami head coach Manny Diaz likes what he’s seen out of his team so far in practice this week as the Canes prepare for Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.

“The practice yesterday from a tempo standpoint of just getting from drill to drill and moving around the field was probably one of the best we’ve had in any of our weeks," Diaz said. "It’s our first real game week (without an offseason or bye to prepare). The embracing of routine has been a boost to our guys.”

UM’s running game gashed the Tar Heels, as DeeJay Dallas and Cam Harris combined for 167 yards on 24 carries (6.96 ypc) and were consistently breaking into the second and third levels of the UNC defense. Harris even had a long run negated by a penalty, the second time that’s happened to him in 2 games this season.

“Poor Cam Harris has about 100 yards of rushing taken away on two penalties,” Diaz said. “We want to be a physical downhill rushing attack with running backs that are low to tackle when they get in the open field.”

With the clock about to run out late in the 4th quarter in the loss against UNC, the Canes had one last chance to tie the game, but Bubba Baxa missed a 49-yard FG attempt wide left. It was Baxa’s second miss of the game in which he also had an extra point blocked, but Diaz is fully behind the sophomore kicker.

“The only thing he can do is continue to work, continue to trust himself and fully commit to every kick… the guy can kick as far as he wants to,” Diaz said. “The more he feels us around, support him (the better). He’s going to miss a kick again at some point, it’s going to happen. We can’t demand perfection. But like with all our guys, `Am I improving, finding a way to become the best version of myself?’”

With special teams seemingly costing the team multiple games going back to the beginning of last season, Diaz says UM now working on specials more than ever. While Jon Patke is the official special teams coach, Diaz says every coach on staff pitches in to help cover special teams coaching, including himself.

“We have upped the amount of time we practiced special teams from the past, are 25 to 30 minutes depending on what the day is,” Diaz said. “Our punt coverage vs. North Carolina’s punt coverage yielded us 112 yards of hidden yardage. The kickoff teams were a wash because only one kick was returned. I think we’re starting to see some of the benefits of our (attention) to special teams.”

Sophomore QB N’Kosi Perry missed the first half of practice this morning for personal reasons, but returned for the second half and Diaz says there’s no reason to worry about Perry’s status with the team.

“He’s been very supportive of Jarren (Williams),” Diaz said. “He’s been very professional.”

Diaz is focused on developing more depth up and down his roster and hopes this weekend’s game against Bethune-Cookman will provide opportunities for some younger players to step up.

“Right now, it’s all attention on who can help us win the football game,” Diaz said. “We want to be a team like last week - 10 different receivers caught a ball.”

After junior S Amari Carter was thrown out of the game for targeting in the third quarter vs. UNC, senior S Robert Knowles (5 tackles) came in a played well according to Diaz.

“He’s a guy that has been a success story, has had some ups and downs throughout his career,” Diaz said of Knowles. “Here’s the rare thing - he’s a guy that stayed, a guy that loves Miami. In this day and age, everyone in the outside world would say `Transfer.’ He loves Miami, hasn’t done that. The way he works and the way he played Saturday - you can see the difference between older guys and younger guys. His demeanor, urgency - he calmed the secondary down when he went in there. He’s always been an ‘A+’ in terms of tackling. I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”

Diaz also pointed out defensive tackles Chigozie Nnoruka and Jordan Miller as players he was impressed with on the D-Line after reviewing film.
Thank you again Stefan! I appreciate your articles!!
 
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“He’s a guy that has been a success story, has had some ups and downs throughout his career,” Diaz said of Knowles. “Here’s the rare thing - he’s a guy that stayed, a guy that loves Miami. In this day and age, everyone in the outside world would say `Transfer.’ He loves Miami, hasn’t done that. The way he works and the way he played Saturday - you can see the difference between older guys and younger guys. His demeanor, urgency - he calmed the secondary down when he went in there. He’s always been an ‘A+’ in terms of tackling. I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”

lol....outside world??? We've been requesting this from this inside world since Day 1.
 
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I think that Manolo is being way to ho-hum about the problems that we are encountering. Accountability is something which is held in high regard in any successful organization.

He needs to start by growing a pair and putting people on notice, meaning Baker, Patke, Banda, Baxa, etc.. Our special teams have been atrocious for years. He needs to hire a real special teams coach with experience and success.

If Baker can’t hack it, then Manolo needs to call defensive plays and let Baker be the DC in title only. Can’t risk another terrible season. The stakes with our future recruiting classes are too high to be complacent.

You bet your *** that Saban, Meyer, and Dabo would be holding coaches and players accountable for the **** show that we’ve been subjected to thus far this season.

I understand that we have a bunch of young players at very important positions. But some of the errors that have cost us big in the first 2 games are coaching 101. Dude needs to stop being so nice, and start being a ****.
 
Coming off his team’s loss to North Carolina this past weekend, Miami head coach Manny Diaz likes what he’s seen out of his team so far in practice this week as the Canes prepare for Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.

“The practice yesterday from a tempo standpoint of just getting from drill to drill and moving around the field was probably one of the best we’ve had in any of our weeks," Diaz said. "It’s our first real game week (without an offseason or bye to prepare). The embracing of routine has been a boost to our guys.”

UM’s running game gashed the Tar Heels, as DeeJay Dallas and Cam Harris combined for 167 yards on 24 carries (6.96 ypc) and were consistently breaking into the second and third levels of the UNC defense. Harris even had a long run negated by a penalty, the second time that’s happened to him in 2 games this season.

“Poor Cam Harris has about 100 yards of rushing taken away on two penalties,” Diaz said. “We want to be a physical downhill rushing attack with running backs that are low to tackle when they get in the open field.”

With the clock about to run out late in the 4th quarter in the loss against UNC, the Canes had one last chance to tie the game, but Bubba Baxa missed a 49-yard FG attempt wide left. It was Baxa’s second miss of the game in which he also had an extra point blocked, but Diaz is fully behind the sophomore kicker.

“The only thing he can do is continue to work, continue to trust himself and fully commit to every kick… the guy can kick as far as he wants to,” Diaz said. “The more he feels us around, support him (the better). He’s going to miss a kick again at some point, it’s going to happen. We can’t demand perfection. But like with all our guys, `Am I improving, finding a way to become the best version of myself?’”

With special teams seemingly costing the team multiple games going back to the beginning of last season, Diaz says UM now working on specials more than ever. While Jon Patke is the official special teams coach, Diaz says every coach on staff pitches in to help cover special teams coaching, including himself.

“We have upped the amount of time we practiced special teams from the past, are 25 to 30 minutes depending on what the day is,” Diaz said. “Our punt coverage vs. North Carolina’s punt coverage yielded us 112 yards of hidden yardage. The kickoff teams were a wash because only one kick was returned. I think we’re starting to see some of the benefits of our (attention) to special teams.”

Sophomore QB N’Kosi Perry missed the first half of practice this morning for personal reasons, but returned for the second half and Diaz says there’s no reason to worry about Perry’s status with the team.

“He’s been very supportive of Jarren (Williams),” Diaz said. “He’s been very professional.”

Diaz is focused on developing more depth up and down his roster and hopes this weekend’s game against Bethune-Cookman will provide opportunities for some younger players to step up.

“Right now, it’s all attention on who can help us win the football game,” Diaz said. “We want to be a team like last week - 10 different receivers caught a ball.”

After junior S Amari Carter was thrown out of the game for targeting in the third quarter vs. UNC, senior S Robert Knowles (5 tackles) came in a played well according to Diaz.

“He’s a guy that has been a success story, has had some ups and downs throughout his career,” Diaz said of Knowles. “Here’s the rare thing - he’s a guy that stayed, a guy that loves Miami. In this day and age, everyone in the outside world would say `Transfer.’ He loves Miami, hasn’t done that. The way he works and the way he played Saturday - you can see the difference between older guys and younger guys. His demeanor, urgency - he calmed the secondary down when he went in there. He’s always been an ‘A+’ in terms of tackling. I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”

Diaz also pointed out defensive tackles Chigozie Nnoruka and Jordan Miller as players he was impressed with on the D-Line after reviewing film.
Ran the **** out of the ball. All these players played really well and we lose the game come on. So now we will more on special teams really. We want be a team like last week. You mean start slow and give the game away. I want to be a team that doesnt beat itself can you say 4th&17.
 
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“He’s a guy that has been a success story, has had some ups and downs throughout his career,” Diaz said of Knowles. “Here’s the rare thing - he’s a guy that stayed, a guy that loves Miami. In this day and age, everyone in the outside world would say `Transfer.’ He loves Miami, hasn’t done that. The way he works and the way he played Saturday - you can see the difference between older guys and younger guys. His demeanor, urgency - he calmed the secondary down when he went in there. He’s always been an ‘A+’ in terms of tackling. I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”

lol....outside world??? We've been requesting this from this inside world since Day 1.
I don’t think that a public internet message board counts as being on the “inside “.
 
I think that Manolo is being way to ho-hum about the problems that we are encountering. Accountability is something which is held in high regard in any successful organization.

He needs to start by growing a pair and putting people on notice, meaning Baker, Patke, Banda, Baxa, etc.. Our special teams have been atrocious for years. He needs to hire a real special teams coach with experience and success.

If Baker can’t hack it, then Manolo needs to call defensive plays and let Baker be the DC in title only. Can’t risk another terrible season. The stakes with our future recruiting classes are too high to be complacent.

You bet your *** that Saban, Meyer, and Dabo would be holding coaches and players accountable for the **** show that we’ve been subjected to thus far this season.

I understand that we have a bunch of young players at very important positions. But some of the errors that have cost us big in the first 2 games are coaching 101. Dude needs to stop being so nice, and start being a ****.

What do you want him to say to the press?

“Want to start off by letting everyone know that I called Banda, Patke and Bubba into my office this morning. Let them know they’re on my **** list. Any more bull**** and they’re done. Thanks. Go Canes.”
 
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Here's my take , when you put in the work and I'll steal a ROCKY movie phase I heard when the bald trainer said " with all your love with all your blood " may be off a little bit here but you get the message.
When you've trained physically till you drop in exhaustion and still crawl for more when your studying film and playbook till you doze off a sleep and wake up to do more.
Doing these things you raise your game to levels your competitor can't touch another quote Michael Irvin when asked about him not being fast enough back in the day his reply was " I'll run a 4.7 all day long and never stop" see this is the separation factor.

One more story YES I'M PUMPED , spoke years ago with Jim Mandich at a family wedding about what was it was like in the huddle with Dolphin greats in the 70's mad dog said something about looking at ZONKA with his nose pushed into the side of his face blood dripping covering his jersey and he's grumbling GIVE ME THE BALL, this again is the seperation factor now when your whole team is like this YOU DON'T GET BEAT.

GOCANES
 
Back in the early Cane years when the dynasty was being form there was a nose tackle Tony Fitzpatrick short guy not big at all 5'10" 2430 maybe but what a load he was always double teamed he was a nightmare to block he played the way he trained one tough dude he was.

GOCANES
 
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