Miami Hurricanes: Until Next Year Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya Shot by Miami Hurricanes

 “Coaching guys like Brad Kaaya, coaching guys like Joe Yearby, watching Stacy Coley come back after missing out the first half of the season, watching Rashawn Scott grow up, watching the offensive line grow up — that’s been fun.” 

 – Larry Scott

That quote can summarize the Miami Hurricanes season accurately because this year it feels that this team has seen a lot of adversity and they’ve grown up in front of our eyes as well. We never like to talk about it but death happens in life and there wasn’t a bigger storyline than Artie Burns, mother going home to live with the Lord. It’s a tough sight to see but thank God she’s in a better place. It’ll only be a fraction before we all see our loved ones again.

Additionally, who knows when the next time we’ll see Al Golden in his return to Miami, Florida. He won’t be wearing the orange and green when he makes his South Florida return, but he’ll eventually be coaching again and competing against this program.

What was great to see was the way that this team rallied behind each other after they saw the departure of Golden. Miami finished with a 4-1 record in the final stretch of the season and finished third in the ACC Coastal Division which gave them a bowl invite against Washington State.

“People are resilient. That was the first thing we said after the Clemson game: we’re not going out like that. That will not be how we’re going to be remembered the rest of the season.”

 – Dallas Crawford

Nevertheless, no matter the obstacle, the Hurricanes prevailed. Losing the sixth straight bowl game to Washington State hurt because who wants to lose? The fact Miami was able to get there in spite of their flaws is truly amazing.

Many people coming into the year thought that this team wouldn’t compete after losing so much talent to the NFL, but the complete opposite happened. Instead of getting worse as a program, this entire roster played much more together and they played for each other. Everyone gave maximum effort, and they competed hard on every possession this year.

“It says a lot about someone’s character. He’s done a great job (coach Scott). We’re a close team, one of the closest bunches I’ve been around. I’m happy that, my senior year, we still fought to try to make this the best season possible.” 

 – Deon Bush 

It’s been pretty encouraging to see passionate players at the University of Miami again. It’s actually the beginning of the second run and bringing in Mark Richt was another sign that the times are starting to change in Coral Gables, Florida. Anytime, that you bring in a coach like Richt, whose had so much success at the collegiate level, your expectations as a program immediately rise. Coach Richt will be able to bring in the best talent to play for Miami. But more importantly, he’ll be able to develop the talent that is already there.

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt.
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt.

Under his leadership, it’s only a matter of time before Miami is playing in the ACC Championship game again and hopefully in the College Football Playoff. We’ve seen what a change in leadership can do looking at the University of Florida. It’s something that could be contagious in Miami as well.

Coach Richt will be able to bring in the best talent to play for Miami. But more importantly, he’ll be able to develop the talent that is already there. Under his leadership it’s only a matter of time before Miami is playing in the ACC Championship game again and hopefully in the College Football Playoff. We’ve seen what a change in leadership can do looking at the University of Florida. It’s something that could be contagious in Miami as well.

Don’t let it be a surprise that Miami will be better than they’ve ever been in the last decade. This team is poised to have a big year with Brad Kaaya entering his junior season and the weapons all around his disposal.

Until next year…

D’Joumbarey A. Moreau covers sports in Miami-Dade & Broward County. You can follow him on Twitter@DJoumbarey.

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