The Bank (4/15)

[P-Tizzle]

Pena can start in the slot. He can also move outside when necessary (he’s taller than Restrepo) and Toney can slide into the slot.

Dawson will find ways to get them both on the field.

How do you turn down an all-conference WR with Restrepo-like stats? You make room for him.

Except that people are telling you Pena isn’t who you think he is. You want to move him outside but he’s not an outside WR. And having him in the slot will surely take snaps away from Toney. If Miami believes Toney can be Pena, you don’t need Pena. And that’s what D$ is articulating.

 

[Mikesmith29150]

If we sign him and he gets hurt or flops. Then the goal post shifts to: " Why did Mario sign him he only had one good season and injury prone"

Pena has missed more games with injury than he's played. One good season with one of the best QBs in football.

 

[mj33]

Problem with that is Miami went “all in” again this year with a massive deal for a QB, and Toney should be in HS. I get he’s turned some heads, but we really don’t have the luxury to ease kids in at this point and put up with growing pains.

Last year was the best year we’ve had in a long time, but it still ended with a thud, and there are still questions about Mario and the program overall. We have to stack good to great seasons or this all has potential to turn toxic. Another way to look at it is, as good as last year was at times, with no ACC and no playoffs, it wasn’t so good that we can have even a small step back without the risk of a lot of the foundation crumbling.

Who is the better player today? It’s Peña. If you can get him while still begin able to add the pieces D mentioned, you get him.

We all hope and expect the defense to be better. That raises the overall outlook of the team. But you have to expect the drop from Cam to Beck will be, at minimum, small. Very possibly bigger. You can’t also lose Martinez, Horton, Arroyo, JG, and the best statistical receiver in the history of the school without equivalent replacements. The last thing we need is the defense going from a flaming bag of dog **** to above average, and the offense sliding back from best in the country to above average. We have to maintain something close to the offense we saw last year. A kid like Pena helps that significantly, and almost certainly more than a 17 year old Toney does.

Just my $0.02. I know there’s going to be a ton more movement in the portal.

That wasn’t $.02. More like a dollar forty.

 

[DMoney]

Am I wrong?

The original post is clear that Miami is trying to get an impactful WR and a starting safety, among other rotational pieces. If they don’t accomplish that, the spring portal period would be a failure. But I expect them to make it happen.

 

[Juanmanuel V]

Id also argue the hype toney is getting is similar to what lofton got last year and it never materialized in season. You need to replace a ton of production in JG, X, arroyo, and sam brown. I wouldn't bet my season on a bunch of WRs, who have talent and upside, but have maybe 300 career yards total among them. Not when its playoffs or bust. Dont repeat the same mistake as last year and sit here come next February saying "i wish we fortified our linebackers and WRs". Especially not with the investment already put in. And other teams like oregon, osu, texas etc all operate this way. Dont overthink this miami. Stack the rooms and may the best guy win.

Lofton Wasn’t Just Hype,it Didn’t Materialized because you had potential 1 st Round Pick in Arroyo ,1000yd+Reciever in Restrepo & A Horton as options.
* I’d Argue they made a more concerted effort to get the Ball in Sam’s Brown hands than Lofton to get their NIL money’s worth.

* Context is Everything - Lofton delivered when given the opportunity. Go look at Cal game Catch & Look at the Bowl Game makes you Wonder why did they not incorporate
More of Lofton?

 

[Evan Fried]

The main message I'm getting about the Portal: the proposed House settlement and revenue share has shaken things up for everyone. Whereas the Portal used to be somewhat predictable, it is now a day-to-day process with wild swings. Here's the latest I'm hearing:

- As previously discussed on CanesInSight, Miami's top targets are as follows: an impact WR, a safety (possibly two), and a rotational DT. I expect Miami to add players at each spot. A LB is also possible if an impactful player enters the Portal (won't just take a body).

- While there were reports linking Miami to WR Trevor Pena (Syracuse transfer), that process is not nearly as far along as reported. One reason is that Miami is reluctant to block Malachi Toney from significant reps in the slot. Pena is a good player that will command a huge deal, but I think an impactful outside receiver is more likely at this time.

- Miami continues to feel good about where it's at with #1 overall prospect Jackson Cantwell (Nixa, MO). It's recruiting, and anything can happen on his visit to Oregon, but this is a strong relationship and a natural fit.

- As previously reported by CanesInSight, keep an eye on WR Brayden Robinson (Dallas, TX). Miami and Notre Dame led for him coming off his recent visit to Coral Gables, and Notre Dame just took a similar slot receiver/returner from Savannah (Bubba Frazier). He has high-end speed (10.4) and is extremely productive on the field.

- Miami is in the game with five-star WR and LSU commit Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS). That will be a full process. One factor to consider: he recently signed a deal with Adidas.

- There have been rumors about certain players on the roster, and these things can change fast, but Miami feels good about where they're at in terms of roster retention.

- In addition to Toney, some names that look like they will contribute early coming off spring: TE Brock Schott, DT Donta Simpson and CB Chris Ewald.

​

I think Pena would be a grand slam and answer a ton of questions we have on offense.. losing X to the draft leaves a giant question mark as far as production and Pena answers that question… we have Carson for one year we HAVE to surround him with weapons to get the result we’re looking for

 

[BCntyCane]

The original post is clear that Miami is trying to get an impactful WR and a starting safety, among other rotational pieces. If they don’t accomplish that, the spring portal period would be a failure. But I expect them to make it happen.

So we aren’t trying to get a impactful or starting LB? Just a rotational piece?

It’s not a shot at you D but when you start post above about revenue sharing concerns and current players retention In a portal bank it’s throws red flags immediately. Just stating the obvious.

 

[DMoney]

So we aren’t trying to get a impactful or starting LB? Just a rotational piece?

It’s not a shot at you D but when you start post above about revenue sharing concerns and current players retention In a portal bank it’s throws red flags immediately. Just stating the obvious.

I’m just trying to add context so people know what’s really going on around the country. I find during the Portal season, the realists aren’t that realistic.

Miami is known as a big spender nationally for a reason. We were #2 in average player ranking during the first Portal season and we are going for impact players again.

At LB, the supply has been light lately. If a real player jumps in, we will show interest. But I don’t think we’ll take someone just to take someone.

 

[BCntyCane]

I’m just trying to add context so people know what’s really going on around the country. I find during the Portal season, the realists aren’t that realistic.

Miami is known as a big spender nationally for a reason. We were #2 in average player ranking during the first Portal season and we are going for impact players again.

At LB, the supply has been light lately. If a real player jumps in, we will show interest. But I don’t think we’ll take someone just to take someone.

Ok. Just want to make sure when a “impact” player at a position of need enters and we have interest, we don’t hear “with Rev sharing” player in question wanted to much or we got out bid or we didn’t want to hurt players feelings already on team that’s all

 

[DMoney]

Ok. Just want to make sure when a “impact” player at a position of need enters and we have interest, we don’t hear “with Rev sharing” player in question wanted to much or we got out bid or we didn’t want to hurt players feelings already on team that’s all

That could happen. It’s something every team is dealing with.

Ultimately, we know the goals and need to get those done.

 

[Canesfan1993]

Pena has missed more games with injury than he's played. One good season with one of the best QBs in football.

And the dudes we're talking about playing instead have 0 production in college even though one has been here for 3 years and one of those years had the best qb in the sport. Whats your point? For the record i think they need a slot and a #1. CJ daniels has an injury history too and theres no proven production behind him. Lot of potential but im not betting my must win season on hope.

 

[b caned]

If y’all want to ride with a 16 year old freshman to ride out a physical college football season that’s on y’all lol

Sure worked out ok for Bama and Ryan Williams….

Mali is special with elite traits - kid would get playing time anywhere in the country but of course Miami fans want us dropping millions to bring in someone to lessen his snaps AND potentially get him thinking about going elsewhere. Not worth it to me.

Outside WR yes, slot, we’re good. Ny Carr could slide in there, not to mention Daylin Upshaw is making moves… and that’s after Mali/Ray Ray (who I’m just meh on).

 

[TrumpyCane]

This. Pena is not a #1 WR. This would be a massive disappointment if he’s the only WR to come in.

No LB smoke is incredibly surprising unless they whiffed on certain guys. I will be shocked if nothing happens in that room. This LB room is 24’ secondary room part 2.

Is the staff afraid we are going to lose Wes, Chase or Alderman? Lol. I promise you I could find better LB’s than those guys in the portal.

Mario better stop playing and open the check book to pay the big bucks in this portal. It could make the difference from a playoff team to a 9 win season.

TrumpyCane thinks at some point you have to play the young LBs

Nicholson was suppose to be a good LB coach, same with Hetherman

We whiff on every LB recruit the last 3-4 years?

Wesley/Popo/Hayes/Pruitt/Wiley/

 

[Mikesmith29150]

Sure worked out ok for Bama and Ryan Williams….

Mali is special with elite traits - kid would get playing time anywhere in the country but of course Miami fans want us dropping millions to bring in someone to lessen his snaps AND potentially get him thinking about going elsewhere. Not worth it to me.

Outside WR yes, slot, we’re good. Ny Carr could slide in there, not to mention Daylin Upshaw is making moves… and that’s after Mali/Ray Ray (who I’m just meh on).

Why send big money on a guy with one good season and injury prone

 

[Manfred_Cane]

If we don't take Pena and land an impact WR on the outside, that's cool.
If we don't take Pena and don't land an impact WR on the outside, that's malpractice.

D$ said last week that they don't think LB is high up on the portal needs list as originally had thought. Which is fine cause the young kids gotta play, and there is length in that room.

There's no reason to start getting your panties in a bunch right now. Y'all do this every ******* portal window instead of actually watching things play out.

 

[b caned]

The main message I'm getting about the Portal: the proposed House settlement and revenue share has shaken things up for everyone. Whereas the Portal used to be somewhat predictable, it is now a day-to-day process with wild swings. Here's the latest I'm hearing:

- As previously discussed on CanesInSight, Miami's top targets are as follows: an impact WR, a safety (possibly two), and a rotational DT. I expect Miami to add players at each spot. A LB is also possible if an impactful player enters the Portal (won't just take a body).

- While there were reports linking Miami to WR Trevor Pena (Syracuse transfer), that process is not nearly as far along as reported. One reason is that Miami is reluctant to block Malachi Toney from significant reps in the slot. Pena is a good player that will command a huge deal, but I think an impactful outside receiver is more likely at this time.

- Miami continues to feel good about where it's at with #1 overall prospect Jackson Cantwell (Nixa, MO). It's recruiting, and anything can happen on his visit to Oregon, but this is a strong relationship and a natural fit.

- As previously reported by CanesInSight, keep an eye on WR Brayden Robinson (Dallas, TX). Miami and Notre Dame led for him coming off his recent visit to Coral Gables, and Notre Dame just took a similar slot receiver/returner from Savannah (Bubba Frazier). He has high-end speed (10.4) and is extremely productive on the field.

- Miami is in the game with five-star WR and LSU commit Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS). That will be a full process. One factor to consider: he recently signed a deal with Adidas.

​

Just curious.. why is Tristen Keys’ signing with Adidas relevant?

Certain posters on here have been adamant we’re flipping to Nike or Jordan brand - sooner than later.,

 

[Gi0logy]

I get the concerns at LB but that is the easiest position group to shelter if you're a DC.

We'll still see some chunk plays because a LB missed his assignment or was too slow to react. But I don't know of a ton of teams that missed out on playoffs or winning a title just because of their LB play.

The good news is that, at the very least, we have some legit athletes with size. And a lot of them. One of them is bound to hit. Couple that with Wes just being what he is (an average LB) then you should have a half decent shot at fielding an average unit.

 

[252cane]

Lol Toney just got here. If we talking about Ray Ray, he should have done a better job in his role. Brashard Smith and Horton were reserve guys at one point, still found a way to make an impact

Horton did nothing until last year

 

[DC3]

Miami has one guy with production coming into this year and instead of bringing in a plug and play WR who can play both inside and out they would rather ride it out with an 18 year old who played QB in HS because he flashed vs the 2s and 3s in the spring??

 

[Manfred_Cane]

Miami has one guy with production coming into this year and instead of bringing in a plug and play WR who can play both inside and out they would rather ride it out with an 18 year old who played QB in HS because he flashed vs the 2s and 3s in the spring??

Luke Nickel flashed vs the 3s! You take this back!!