What to expect from new Hurricanes football coach Manny Diaz

Last season was supposed to be the one that would take the Hurricanes over the top, with the team coming in as a top 10, preseason favorite. After all, the team had come from a 10-win campaign in 2017 and gotten the program’s first ACC division crown. Sadly, that team had managed a mere 7-6 record and, after the dark clouds had parted, then-coach Mark Richt decided to call it quits, says financial advisor and Miami Hurricanes supporter Patrick Dwyer.

Image source: miamiherald.com

Now the job of coaching the 2019-20 team has landed on the shoulders of the team’s former defensive coach Manny Diaz. Interestingly, Diaz had been packing his bags on his way to a coaching stint at Temple when the phone rang, offering him helming duties for the Canes. Diaz simply couldn’t say no to the opportunity; he thanked Temple immediately, begging off and, well, unpacking.

As the dust of the whirlwind offseason settles, Canes fans’ attention is now on what Diaz can bring to the table. And everything looks good, so far: Diaz is already one of the top and elite coaches in the nation and has been with the Miami program for three years. Adjustment, therefore, shouldn’t be an issue. Moreover, Diaz has been known for his passion for the sport and his willingness to innovate. He should be able to build a great staff on just his first coaching year.

Of course, Diaz’ stint as the team’s former defensive coordinator should prove crucial in the composition and approach of the new Canes team. Miami’s defense is already one of the most lauded in recent years, and it just stands to get even better entering the 2019-20 season. Diaz just needs to hire an equally solid offensive coordinator, Patrick Dwyer adds.

Financial advisor Patrick Dwyer is a huge follower and supporter of the Miami Hurricanes football and basketball teams. Visit this blog for related posts.

University of Miami player profile: Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson was formerly the defensive end of the Miami Hurricanes. Today, he’ll be playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Another talent from the University of Miami lands a career in pro football.

Image source: stateoftheu.com

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Financial advisor and long-time Hurricanes fan Patrick Dwyer expects much from the superstar and is looking forward to supporting Jackson, even if he’s donning a Cowboys jersey.

Looking at Jackson’s base stats, you can already imagine the kind of impact he can make in a game. Jackson stands at six-foot-four and weighs 275 pounds. His arm length is at 34 and a half inches. He has a hand size of 10 inches. He was known as a fierce pass rusher for the Miami Hurricanes. But instead of playing his final year with the Hurricanes, Jackson decided to turn pro and was the 27th player drafted in the fifth round (no. 165 overall) by the Dallas Cowboys.

The lone star state chose this defensive end for a reason. Though he doesn’t have the unnatural bend and lowered center of gravity that’s common in the NFL’s best pass rushers, Jackson has several tools up his sleeve when it comes to attacking the pocket.

Jackson’s athleticism makes him a threat for easy combinations. This also makes him capable of being flexible in terms of his role. Former Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said he could play as a tight end. Jackson even said he could play as an outside linebacker if needed. According to Patrick Dwyer, he wouldn’t be surprised if Jackson was assigned a different position but would prefer if he stayed as a defensive end just to see those spectacular passes fall in his arms.

Besides being a Miami Hurricanes fan, financial advisor Patrick Dwyer actively supports the Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF) in its aim to enhance further the quality of care for patients with chronic neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. For more reads on the Canes, visit this website.

Canes in 2019: The search for the next head football coach

Just a few days after the Miami Hurricanes’ loss against the Wisconsin Badgers in Pinstripe Bowl, Canes’ head football coach Mark Richt announced his retirement. Making things official, Athletic Director Blake James led a press conference to get into the details.

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After 18 years as a football coach, Richt is bidding farewell to his career. The last three years of his career was spent working with his alma mater, the University of Miami. The talk now focuses on who will fill his shoes as head coach. Fans, enthusiasts, and UM’s management all have their picks.


Mario Cristobal is among the top choices for the position. He is completing his first year as Oregon’s head coach and maintains direct ties to the UM program. He participated in a couple of national championship teams and worked as a grad assistant from 1998 to 2000 before becoming an assistant coach for three years, leading to his six-year stretch as FIU’s head coach. The following years he spent working with Alabama, then Oregon.

Image source: sbnation.com

Butch Davis is another tough contender for the position, having worked with the Canes in the past as a coach. In just a couple of years, he has transformed the Panthers into a tough-to-beat team in the Conference-USA, playing 17-9 since taking charge prior to the 2017 season. Manny Diaz, currently Temple’s head coach, could have been the Canes’ head coach had Richt made the decision a few weeks before the former accepted the coaching job at Temple on December 12. Diaz is a Miami native and was UM’s defensive coordinator.


Patrick Dwyer, a financial advisor, is an ardent supporter of the Miami Hurricanes, and an avid fan of college basketball and college football. For more updates about the Canes, visit this blog.

Looking back at the Miami Hurricanes’ 2018 football season

2018 was clearly not a great year for Hurricanes football. Even though the team was expected to win all their games, coach Mark Richt only managed to guide the team to a 7-6 record, culminating in a loss at the Pinstripe Bowl. Worse, Richt would announce his retirement shortly after, a move that, for many supporters like financial advisor Patrick Dwyer, completely blindsided the team.

Image source: hurricanesports.com

Richt’s offense was ranked 77th overall in the horrible season, not helped by the horrible kicking game. While recruiting was not bad, the Canes weren’t able to capitalize, ending with a 97th ranking in terms of special teams efficiency. The punt game was also lacking on all levels, from coverage to actual punt with Zach Feagles unable to find his rhythm throughout the season. Feagles finished with a 38.9 yards per punt while alternate Jack Spicer had a 37.7 average.


One good news for the Canes is that Bubba Baxa had a solid year as a rookie, ending the season with 9-of-12 on field goals and a 45-of-46 on extra points. He also came up with 41 touchbacks on 69 kicks. The team also displayed flashes of athletic brilliance in the return game department. Both Jeff Thomas and Deejay Dallas had solid performances, too, each scoring touchdowns on punt returns. Sadly, Thomas will be gone this year.

Image source: youtube.com

The development of Baxa coupled with a leaner Dallas will prove crucial this coming season, something that would be greatly complemented by the arrival of new offense coordinator Dan Enos, says financial advisor and Canes fan Patrick Dwyer. Canes should find ways to improve their kicking game, especially if running back Lorenzo Lingard returns fully healthy.


Financial advisor Patrick Dwyer is pushing for the empowerment of medical organizations such as the Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF) and their advocacy of putting an end to chronic neurological diseases. For more on Mr. Dwyer’s work and advocacies, subscribe to this Twitter page.

Five things about Miami Hurricanes coach Mark Richt

His accomplishments at the University of Miami and his previous schools are all well-documented, but there other things about Miami Hurricanes coach Mark Richt that deserve to be revealed. Here are some of them.

Image source: SBNation.com    

High school star and backup to a legend

He grew up in South Florida, a star quarterback for Boca Raton High School in the 1970s. He then went to the University of Miami, serving as the backup quarterback to Jim Kelly, deemed one of the best QBs to play for the team.

Mentored and exceeded expectations

Quarterbacks coach Earl Morrall mentored Richt, who still amassed almost 1,500 passing yards despite limited playing time. The 1980 team finished 9-3 (ranked 18th in the country) while the 1981 team finished 9-2 (ranked 8th).

Offensive coordinator role

In 1994, he became offensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles, whom he worked for since the start of his coaching career in 1985. Florida State was in the nation’s top five for scoring offenses in five out of the seven seasons that he was the offensive coordinator.

Image source: GridIronNow.com  

Appeared on the Wheaties box and a movie

General Milles featured Richt and the Georgia football program on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box in 2006. The coach also appeared in the movie Facing the Giants as the former coach of the movie’s main character, Grant Taylor.

Religion

He’s a devout Christian while his staff is a mix of different religious backgrounds.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who is pushing for the empowerment of medical organizations such as the Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF). He is also a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes football program. More articles on the Canes here.

How good was Shane Larkin for the Hurricanes?

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An interesting trivia about former Hurricanes star Shane Larkin was that his first love was baseball. He was primed to excel in the sport, having joined a coach-pitch league at the tender age of seven. But his coach didn’t like his swing, and the young Shane didn’t understand. It was enough to shift his focus to another game, one he felt he could dominate, sans a coach who didn’t approve of his posture. 

By 2009, with future Canes coach Jim Larrañaga watching curiously in the sidelines, the then-committed, young basketball player stole a pass from a three-man fast break, which he was the only guy left to defend. The fiery coach immediately saw a bright future for the 5’11 guard with great basketball smarts. Pretty soon, he was offering Larkin a scholarship at George Mason University.

Image source: rantsports.com

Things didn’t pan out for the young Larkin, who wanted to go to a school closer to home. How convenient then that Larrañaga—the guy who first saw his potential and in whom Larkin had complete trust—had just been named new coach of the Miami Hurricanes. The rest is Canes basketball history.

Shane was already an elite point guard when he entered the Canes program in 2011. And by 2013, he had already led Miami to the top of the ACC, a clutch player who can make shots almost at will and a solid defender too, reminiscent to many of the NBA’s Chris Paul. That regular season, he averaged 13 points, four assists, and four rebounds. He would go on to be picked 18th by the Atlanta Hawks in the same year’s NBA draft and will be remembered as one of the best ball handlers the Canes program has ever seen.

Patrick Dwyer, a financial advisor, supports the medical organization Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF) in its advocacy of putting an end to chronic neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. He also avidly follows the Miami Hurricanes. For similar reads, visit this blog.

The Mark Richt Football Camp: An Introduction

The Mark Richt Football Camp, LLC takes place at the home of the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables, Florida, with the objective of teaching the fundamentals and skills of the game. Here, the Miami coaching staff – led by Coach Mark Richt – will get assistance from current student-athletes as well as other university and college divisions coaches to instill and harness the love for the game among young participants.

Image source: 247Sports.com   

Lending prestige to this summer football camp is the unique opportunity to work with some of the best teachers that football has to offer young enthusiasts. With a 12:1 student to teacher ratio, every participant gets the chance to excel while getting to know other classmates along with professors. The training will be centrally located at the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence and the Greentree Practice Fields, a 34,oo0-sq.ft.-facility that serves as the ‘Canes training facility.

The 2018 football camp recently wrapped up with four sessions on campus last June. The June 13 session focused on five-year-olds through rising 6th graders, with a $20 per camper cost that included a Mark Richt Football Camp t-shirt and lunch. The June 14 to 16 sessions targeted rising 7th and 8th graders, 9th and 10th graders, and 11th and 12th graders, with a $60 cost that included an Adidas TechFit shirt and lunch.

Image source: CanesWatch.Blog.PamBeachPost.com  

It’s not just the best value in training on campus where the 5-time national champions reside and thrive, but the singular prestige of learning with the best and most celebrated coaches and teachers.

Patrick Dwyer, a financial advisor, actively supports the Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF) in its quest to develop treatments for various neurological diseases. He is a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes football team and the sport in general. For similar reads, click here.

A Review: Miami Hurricanes 2017-18 Basketball Season

The 2017-18 basketball season for the Miami Hurricanes is marked by a first-round NCAA Tournament exit, despite the coaching staff and team braving the odds, injuries, and many distractions during the journey. But it’s not one without valuable lessons to bring into the seasons they will face.

The team came into the season as number 12 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, as well as number 13 in the Associated Press Top 25. They leveraged on a weak non-conference schedule and gallantly worked their way to a 10-0 start to the season. Part of the winning streak is an 86-81 win they had on the road against Minnesota during the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. UM also manage to clobber Pittsburgh at home as well as Virginia Tech on the road in January.

Image source: TheMiamiHurricane.com 

Add this to the fact that there trudged along with a limited Lonnie Walker IV, the freshman who was still working his way back into the game after an offseason knee surgery.

The season may not have emerged with the ideal results, but it’s another teaching moment for head coach Jim Larrañaga and his staff in their unyielding quest to build a winning program. For one, it enjoyed significant contributions from the freshman squad of Bruce Brown Jr., DJ Vasiljevic, and Dewan Huell, as well as an exciting game element in the form of point guard Chris Lykes.

Image source: StateoftheU.com

Amid the spirit of resiliency, UM has to grapple with a number of negatives from the season, such as its spate of injuries, inconsistent shooting, recruiting shortcomings, and underperforming for much of the season.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor and avid supporter of the Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF). He is also a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes basketball and football teams. Similar reads on this page.

Miami Hurricanes Trivia To Enjoy

History, statistics, coaches, and players, and anything under the sun – welcome to the Miami Hurricanes world, where college football is at its best and legends are born. Here are some fun-filled facts and trivia to enjoy.

Image source: HurricaneSports.com

What’s the name of the award given each season to Miami’s MVP? It’s the Jack Harding Award. Harding came to the Hurricanes in 1937, serving 11 years as head coach and directing the athletic department from 1948 to 1963. Every year, the award goes to the Most Valuable Player on the football team. It’s been given since 1964 and selected by players and coaches alike.

Which Miami quarterback never threw for 400 yards in a single game? That would be Vinny Testaverde. And who didn’t attend the University of Miami? That would be Willie McGinest, who attended USC. Then there’s Edgerrin James, who rushed for 299 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with only 50 seconds left, during the 1998 upset victory over then BCS number two UCLA. The game was initially scheduled for early September but was rescheduled for Dec 5 due to Hurricane George.

Then there’s the coaching side. Butch Davis coached the 2000 Miami Hurricanes and was known as among the best Miami recruiters there ever was. Jimmy Johnson led the 1987 National Championship team of the Canes, while Howard Schnellenberger was the coach of the 1983 National Championship team.

Sebastian, the official mascot for the University of Miami, is an ibis, and it represents bravery and being the last to hide during a hurricane, the first to come out of shelter. The Hurricane dancers are called The Sunsations, who perform not just at Canes’ football and basketball games but also at charitable and community service events.

Image source: Twitter.com

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who is an ardent supporter of the Miami Hurricanes. More articles on the Canes here.

Introducing The Offensive Breakout Hurricanes For This Season

Last year, the Miami Hurricanes ended the season with a three-game losing spell, which makes matters worse when considering a win against the Pitt would have afforded them a spot in the College Football Playoff despite their outcome against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.

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DeeJay Dallas 

DeeJay Dallas put on extra pounds in the weight room this spring in hopes of becoming a stronger, more durable player. Dallas’s workload is set to increase this year, and he is doing all the right things to prove he’s a good bet to become one of the team’s stars. As the Hurricanes hope to take advantage of a strong quarterback play by Malik Rosier, a favorable rushing attack can assist the team in making a comeback as one of the conference’s premier teams; the team hopes Dallas can make it happen.

Lawrence Cager 

Despite the Hurricanes losing the game Wisconsin, Lawrence Cager set careers highs in receptions (4) and receiving yardage (76) while scoring. Conclusively recruited out of high school, and receiving offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, and Ohio State, Cager had impressive stats in 2015 and is only increasing those as he progresses in the game. 

Jeff Thomas 

Jeff Thomas is a speedy and versatile player. As a freshman, the wide receiver made 17 catches for 374 yards and a touchdown, which made him the Hurricane’s fourth-leading receiver in yardage. The exits of Christopher Herndon IV and Braxton Berrios can prove to be an excellent opportunity for players like Thomas to step up to the plate. 

Image source: caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who is an ardent supporter of the Miami Hurricanes football team. For more updates about the Hurricanes, visit this blog.

Three fun facts fans should know about the Canes

The Miami Hurricanes is known for having passionate fans and for producing some of the best football players in the U.S. For those who are only getting to know the team and its rich history, check out these three fun facts about the Miami Hurricanes: 

Image source: Miami.edu

The distinctive "U" logo 

These days, the logo can be seen as a giant bling proudly hanging on the neck of whoever won the turnover chain. However, the distinctive logo was decided by Bill Bodenheimer, a Miami designer to make the university stand out from other schools that have the initials UM. U also launched slogans such as "U gotta believe" and "U is great." 

Sebastian the Ibis 

Those who attend the University of Miami can always spot the beloved mascot Sebastian the Ibis hanging around the campus aside from being present during games. But why did the university choose the ibis as its spirit animal? It is said that the ibis is the last bird to seek shelter whenever a hurricane is approaching to warn those around. 

Orange smoke 

As they enter the field, the football players run through smoke as a way of exciting the fans. In the ‘50s, fire extinguishers were used to create the smoke. While the setup and the equipment used to produce the smoke has changed since the 1950s, the tradition remains. And the team still looks cool while they enter the stadium. For sports lovers, knowing about their team's traditions makes them more than just fans. This makes them feel that they are friends who are willing to support their team no matter what. 

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For updates on collegiate sports and the Miami Hurricanes, follow this blog for financial advisor Patrick Dwyer.

Playoffs-bound: The 2017-18 Miami Hurricanes basketball team

It seems ages ago that the Hurricanes got both the ACC regular season and tournament championships, led by the triumvirate of Durand Scott, Julian Gamble, and Shane Larkin.That was, of course, just four years ago in 2013. This year, coach Larranaga hopes to replicate that solid UM showing, with a team that should push the school into the Sweet Sixteen and maybe higher.

Image source:onefootdown.com

With the return of Bruce Brown and the arrival of freshmen Deng Gak, Chris Lykes, and Lonnie Walker, we might be witnessing the team’s most solid lineup in more than a decade. Brown could have easily entered the NBA draft and landed as a first-round pick, but the now-sophomore star will bring an average of almost 12 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. UM should be getting another ACC player of the year.

Though Gak will most likely require some time to adjust to the Canes system, the two other freshmen should immediately contribute on the floor. Lykes is ranked 46th in the 2017 Recruiting Index. While Walker, provided he stays healthy, is seen as the most impactful, 12th-ranked player to don the Canes uniform.

Image source:caneswarning.com

Yes, the team’s former star Davon Reed has joined the NBA, but three good rookies should be enough to compensate for this loss. Keep in mind, too, that the player roster is mostly intact with Dewan Huell, Ja’Quan Newton, Ebuka Izunda, and Anthony Lawrence, Jr. providing firepower and stifling defense.

Barring any catastrophic health issues, it shouldn’t be a surprise if this year’s Canes team make it into the Final Four. And maybe even bring back the glory of four years ago starting this November.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who avidly supports the Miami Hurricanes basketball and football teams. For more Canes news, follow this Facebook page.

On The Defensive: How Michael Pinckney Has Leveled Up His Game

The University of Miami Hurricanes’ football team has yet to lose a game this season. They have won all six games, so far, boosting their chances of winning their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship.

Image source: youtube.com

The team’s offense has been good, with quarterback Malik Rosier orchestrating the offense like a well-oiled machine. Miami’s rushers and receivers have given the team an average of four touchdowns per game.

On the other end, the defense has been terrific, particularly in late-game situations. The defense is led by linebacker Michael Pinckney, who has already racked up nine tackles on his way to two conference Linebacker of the Week awards and a Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week recognition.

Even during his high school years, Pinckney was already turning heads with his skills and potential to be an all-world defender. A Miami native, he had dreamt of playing for the Hurricanes and had committed to the university while he was still in the ninth grade.

In his first season for the team in 2016, he surpassed the high standards that fans and analysts had for him, with some already considering him as one of the nation’s best linebackers.

This year, he has improved even more because of two things. Firstly, he plays with a chip on his shoulder because of so many people outside the city of Miami doubting the Hurricanes’ status as one of the best college football teams in the U.S. Secondly, he has built a strong relationship with his teammates and staff, because he understands what he is supposed to do and has earned the trust of everyone around him with his commitment to fulfilling his defensive duties.

Image source: stateoftheu.com

Patrick Dwyer is a Miami-based financial advisor who loves watching the Hurricanes’ football and basketball teams. See more news and updates about University of Miami’s sports programs by following this Twitter page.

Canes Basketball Under Haith

Before Jim Larranaga came to town to take on the mantle of Hurricanes basketball, head coach, the team was led by one Frank Haith, who was very much the accomplished coach.A lot of his earlier success translated into his time with the Hurricanes.

Image source:MSN.com

Haith turned a team that had losing records for its two previous seasons and were predicted to finish last in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and led them to the postseason. It was the Canes’ first postseason appearance in two years. After that season, Haith was considered a “miracle man” and was even a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award in 2004.

Image source:CBSsports.com

The following year, Miami, under the guidance of Haith, made it to the NIT. They won the first two matches before succumbing to a heartbreaker against Michigan. That year was special since the Canes had won only two consecutive post season games once before.

In 2008, Haith would reach the NCAA Tournament with Miami for the first and last time and they would go on to reach the second round. The following year, Miami started out as 16th in the country. The team was also predicted to take the fourth spot in the ACC.But it had been a tough year as the Canes once again had a losing record in the conference and failed to make it to the NCAA Tournament.They however made it to the NIT.

In 2010, the Canes finished last in the ACC.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor and a supporter of the Miami Hurricanes. For the latest in Canes sports, follow this Twitter account.

Clinton Portis: Highlight Reel Mainstay

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When looking at the competition at the collegiate level of football, many scribes have argued that players from the college ranks play with more passion than those who reach the pros. Among those exceptional collegiate players, only a few make it regularly to the highlight reel. Clinton Portis was such a player.

Portis was a high school phenom. At Gainesville High School, he rushed over 2,000 yards, making him a most coveted blue-chip rookie by most of the popular universities across the United States of America. He was also one of the top athletes in track and field in school. It was the Miami Hurricanes that got lucky enough to bring him in.

Image source: stateoftheu.com

Without a doubt, it was his speed that was uncanny, as he split the defense apart with his lightning moves, which were fortunately captured by a lot of cameras. As a freshman in 1999, he carried 27 times for 147 yards, a number which was typical of more tenured players in the league. On that year, he even made a record-setting 73-yard touchdown in a game that Miami won over Georgia Tech.

He built a stellar career with the Hurricanes where he rushed for a total of 2,523 yards (4th most of all time) on 440 carries (8th most of all time). Easily, he was a shoo-in to the NFL, where the Denver Broncos picked him in 2002.

Portis continues to inspire younger generations of Hurricanes, who truly look up to him as they sustain the Hurricane legacy. Portis simply shined like no other.

For more interesting reads on the Miami Hurricanes, follow this Twitter page for Patrick Dwyer, a financial advisor.

Miami’s Warm Welcome For Mark Richt

Mark Richt came from the University of Miami and quarterbacked the team.Before coming back, though, he spent 14 years Florida State University as an offensive coordinator, while coaching quarterbacks under the leadership of Bobby Bowden. He then went to East Carolina U for a year, before his 15 years as head coach for the University of Georgia. But now, he’s back where he started, as the head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes.?

Image source:sportingnews.com

As much as Richt loved returning home to his alma mater, fans of the Canes seemed to love it even more. Fans set the record of 40,000 season tickets sold, even before the first season of Richt.The strong numbers only showed how welcome Richt was to the Hurricane community.The Hurricane Club, which was the UM Athletic’s booster club took in record numbers in members and donations.

Image source:bleacherreport.net

It seemed only fitting that Richt would come back to Miami. Not only did he contribute to the University of Miami’s success when he was a student, he also came from Palm Beach County, where he finished high school. It was the ideal signing and ideal scenario for one of the U’s favorite sons, who people looked up to as a player and as a coach.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor. He is also a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes. For the latest updates on the Hurricanes, follow this Twitter page.

The Top 2017 Nfl Draft Prospects From Miami Hurricanes

With the 2017 NFL draft fast approaching, every team is looking to fill their roster or select prospects who can help their chances at championships.  Among the draft class are Miami Hurricanes alumni who are looking to start a memorable professional football career.

Image source: sun-sentinel.com

Here are the top prospects coming out of University of Miami:

Brad Kaaya

The 21-year-old quarterback helped the Miami Hurricanes improve every year he was with the team. When Kaaya was a freshman, he immediately became the starter and led the team to a 6-7 win-loss record over the season.The next year, the team improved to 8-5.  Kaaya ended his collegiate career with a 9-4 record and a Russell Athletic Bowl win.

Currently, Kaaya is among the top ten quarterbacks of the rookie class and showed scouts his smooth footwork and efficient ball delivery, which can compensate for his relatively raw athleticism.There is a good chance he gets selected in the third round.

Image source: latimes.com

David Njoku

While there are questions about Kaaya’s speed and athleticism, those are few of the strengths of tight end David Njoku.  Throughout his two-year career with the Canes, Njoku’s freak athleticism had always been showcased.

If he could improve his catching ability (he had eight drops during his last season), he could create mismatches that the opponent’s defense would need to adjust to.  Right now, he is projected to be a late third or early fourth round pick.



Patrick Dwyer, a Financial Advisor  from Florida, is a supporter of the Miami Hurricanes.  Read more about the team by visiting this websit.

The All-Time Best Coaches In Canes' Football Program

The success of the Miami Hurricanes football program for much of the past decades can be attributed to topnotch coaching. Some of the best coaches to have helmed the Canes are the following:

Image source:floridahistorynetwork.com

Jimmy Johnson

Best known for leading the Dallas Cowboys to two consecutive Super Bowl titles in 1993 and 1994, Jimmy Johnson coached the Hurricanes from 1984 to 1988 before heading to the professional league. And during those years, University of Miami were perennial contenders, even winning the NCAA Division I title in 1987.

Howard Schnellenberger

Credited as the man who “built a fence around South Florida,” Howard Schnellenberger made sure that Miami’s homegrown football talents remained in the city, forming a Hurricanes dynasty in the 1980s. He also kept his word that he would bring a national championship to Miami when the Canes won its first ever in 1983.

Image source:howardschnellenberger.com

Larry Coker

During the very first season that Larry Coker took over the coaching position from another all-time great coach Butch Davis, Coker led the Hurricanes to two titles: the 2001 national championship and the best college football team of all time. Unfortunately, when his players began to leave for the professional leagues, Coker found it difficult to lead the team back to another championship.

Financial advisor Patrick Dwyer follows the Miami Hurricanes’ sports teams. For more discussion about them, follow this Facebook page.