IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTT’SSSSSSSSSSSS MONDAY!!!!!!
And you fine, wonderful Miami Hurricanes fans know what that means. It’s time to grab our orange pickaxes, don the green hardhats, and go searching for Miami Hurricanes-related thought nuggets planted throughout my mind.
1) Mario Cristobal had a very interesting comment on Jacolby George on Thursday. Asked after practice if considered dismissing George after his behavior to end the season, he actual said that he considered it.
“Initially, yeah, that comes to mind right away because it’s not part of the DNA, not what we want to be as a program. But you have to stop for a second and think, well, it’s your job to find a way to get it right until you can’t get it right. We’ve invested a lot in him. There has been a lot of growth and development. It’s time for that to show as a teammate, as a guy who’s completely committed to being the best he can be to help the team win.
“I believe we’re heading in the right direction, and I think he knows that. I think this is going to end really well with him. So that’s the path we have chosen to take. But I understand the question. It’s always something that comes to the forefront when dealing with a team and culture. You’ve got to get it right. We’re committed to doing so.”
That’s……a hell of a quote. George took a big step forward in 2024, becoming a big part of the offense with 57 catches for 864 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, his flat-out immaturity with personal three personal fouls against Louisville and Rutgers late in the year raised some red flags about his ability to be a good teammate and a smart player.
And Miami needs him. Mario knows that. Someone less important? Door probably hits them where the good lord split them after the season. It seems as though he’s earned a reprieve based on the good he did on the field last year.
Now, can he take a step forward from that? So far this spring it seems like he can, as Cristobal notes he’s had a “really good spring” so far. Fingers crossed he becomes a true star this fall.
2) So, who has stood out on the roster so far in spring ball? Well, take it from Cristobal, who named several individuals that, to him (which is far more important than to me), have stood out so far. Cam Pruitt. Zaquan Patterson. Elijah Lofton. Jojo Trader. George. Isaiah Horton. Zach Carpenter. Anez Cooper. Matthew McCoy. Wesley Bissainthe (who Cristobal emphasized has had a “really big spring” while running at 228 pounds like he was at 170).
Those are all the players that Cristobal mentioned by name (except for some other players in the following paragraph). So yeah, those are the players that have at least stood out to their head coach, which means more than them standing out to pretty much anyone else.
3) Cristobal also addressed the issue of linebacker depth with some glowing praise for some young players. He mentioned Raul “Popo” Aguirre, Jr. as one standout. Aldarius Hayes also was mentioned as having a great spring. Chase Smith earned praise for his special teams play.
4) It sounds like things still aren’t going all that great for OL Zion Nelson on the injury front. Nelson, who last played against Texas A&M in 2022, has been dealing with a knee issue over the last two seasons. It doesn’t sound like things are getting all that better for him at this point.
“With Zion, it’s been a wait and see,” Cristobal said. “I know he’s really frustrated. We all feel for him. Always in our prayers and thoughts. Just hoping he gets better. I know he’s trying, but that’ll be up to him and his medical situation whether it can happen or not.”
Hate that man. Hope there’s a way he can get back on the field at some point, if his body allows for it.
5) While he didn’t mention him by name among the standouts, Cristobal said some very encouraging things about Cam Ward.
“He’s tough. He’s physical. He’s a relentless competitor. Everything you want in an offensive lineman and a linebacker. Except he’s really super talented. He doesn’t take it for granted. He’s very humble yet competitive. He is not afraid to take a stand as a leader in terms of accountability. Holding himself accountable. Holding his teammates accountable, which is critically important as a quarterback, right? You want that guy to be a total alpha dog, and he is. He’s in a room with alphas, and I think that is contagious. So far the part that really stands out for him is all those things combined plus he’s really hungry. If you get to the building, whatever time you get there, he’ll be the first one there.”
Alright, coach. You’ve got my attention. Sure, yes, coach speak. I know. Complimentary of his guys, but when is the last time this program had a true alpha dog at the most alpha position the field? It’s been a long time. His arm and running skills are strong, as the tape shows. It’s so often what’s between the ears, both attitude wise and intellectually, and it sounds like Mario thinks he’s got that dog in him.
My hopes have increased. Less than two weeks until the spring game, so my hopes can get irrationally high as usual.
6) Canes hoops FINNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYY added what could perhaps be a quality center in the transfer portal. Lynn Kidd committed to UM from Virginia Tech. What I really like about him at first glance is his offensive game. A 6’10” scorer in the paint. He averaged 13.2 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game last year shooting an incredible 66.8% from the field. YES. Please, give me a true post scorer. UM has SORELY lacked that for far too long.
7) Canes baseball couldn’t quite get it done against #3 Clemson over the weekend. They did claim Thursday night’s game on a walkoff home run by catcher Jack Scanlon. They were down 3-2 early in game two on Friday, but that ended up being the final score. They got smoked on Saturday 7-0 to drop the series. After a hot 4-2 start in ACC play through two series against ranked foes, the Canes have dropped their next two to move to 6-6 in ACC play. Up next? A weekend series at #9 Duke. Woof. Need to grab that series and turn the momentum back around.
Go Canes!