Jason Taylor assesses where things stand near end of his first spring in job. And UM notes
A six-pack of Miami Hurricanes notes on a Wednesday:
▪ A few notes from Joe Zagacki’s Hurricane Hotline chat with new defensive line coach Jason Taylor:
Though Taylor’s unit has been without injured Jahfari Harvey, Leonard Taylor and Jared Harrison-Hunte this spring, Taylor said “we’ve been very productive rushing the passer, been productive making plays in the backfield. There are a lot of things to improve too.”
But generally, “guys have responded to the coaching and the demands. We confront and demand when there are issues…. To this point, it has been working great. They got 20 hours to give us [every week, per NCAA rules] and they have given us everything they’ve got.”
He said of his position group: “We’ve got a lot of pieces. After spring, we’ll go on the road and fill some spots and improve in areas. We have some really good players. We need more really good players to make us better every day.”
Players have embraced Taylor’s style; he is demanding but has spoken of “loving them up” as well.
Regarding Friday’s spring game, he said: “Let’s have some fun. We can’t make it brain surgery and rocket science. At its core it’s a game.”
Taylor enjoys the challenge of projecting what players will become. “I was a 170-pound 18-year-old wide receiver who ended up playing defensive end in the NFL.”
Taylor doesn’t carry himself with the ego of a Hall of Famer. “I’m an ordinary guy that had an extraordinary job and was able to do it at a very high level for a long time,” he told Zagacki.
How does he know if a player loves football? “There are times they can mask it for a while but eventually it’s going to reveal itself.”
Of his first spring as a full time college football coach, Taylor said: “It’s been a challenge, a fun challenge. I love the game of football and what it has meant to my family. You can’t beat the competition of it. You can’t replace it… I have a chance to pass that knowledge on to up and coming players who are playing on Saturdays in a Power 5 conference.”
▪ Quick stuff: Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, with Zagacki, said “the best thing” about new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson “is his attitude. He’s positive, he has energy. Kids believe in him, coaches believe in him. Everyone says he has Air Raid passing concepts but we’ve got two, three tight end sets. At one time, I’m sure he was complete Air Raid, but he has evolved throughout his career. He gives me a lot of autonomy.”...
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke said receiver Colbie Young “has really stepped up as a guy outside.”..
Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown said the goal in Friday’s spring game is to have an “over 60 percent completion and scoring on every drive. I want to have fun at the spring game. Last year, I took it a little too serious.” He said this offense, under Dawson, “is more quarterback friendly…. Everyone is on the same page.”
▪ A former UM player who attended the Canes’ annual alumni weekend last weekend said people were surprised to see former UM coach Butch Davis, who doesn’t typically come to those events.
Among others in attendance: Gino Torreta, Bernie Kosar, Duane Starks, Twan Russell, Don Soldinger, Warren Sapp, Roy Bellamy and Gary Dunn.
Sapp went on the field before Saturday’s scrimmage and was working with some of the players, offering tips.
▪ A few things we’re hearing: Two alums who attended Saturday’s scrimmage that Brown threw one beautiful long pass to Isaiah Horton (one said Horton seemed to drop it) but also was inaccurate on a deep throw. And on some shorter throws, ball placement needs work; it’s not always exactly where the receiver needs it.
Brown last season was 0 for 5 on passes thrown at least 20 yards. And there has been overall improvement this spring, and that’s a positive. But there’s still work to be done. He remains an electrifying runner, and there’s optimism that Dawson can help get him where he needs to be as a passer....
A lot of time has been spent on tackling drills. Coaches know that was still a problem last year…
Freshman tight end Riley Williams has the ability to someday join the list of great UM tight ends. But a former player said he needs to get stronger and tougher. He could end up playing sparingly if Elijah Arroyo, Cam McCormick and Jaleel Skinner get through this season without injuries.
▪ UM people can’t stop raving about center Matt Lee, the transfer from UCF. One official called him immovable. He didn’t give up a sack last season.
“He’s good, moves really well,” defensive tackle Jacob Lichtenstein said.
▪ Two basketball notes: Rice transfer guard Quincy Olivari - who averaged 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season - named UM, Texas, Auburn and Xavier as his finalists. He shot 37.8 percent on threes in four years at Rice and has one year of eligibility remaining... UM guard Harlond Beverly transferred to Wichita State.
