Miami Hurricanes News and Notes: A “Major” Change Imminent? Joe Jackson Declares for the NFL

Good Morning Canes Familia,

What a week it has been! Less than a week ago Miami was coming off the heels of a letdown performance against Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl, yet today the football program appears to be heading in the right direction with Manny Diaz at the helm.

The flurry of news continues in the midst of so much change. As usual, we got you covered on what has gone down and to come in the next 24 hours.

In fact, State of the U’s own Marshall Thomas highlights the whirlwind of the past week in an timely article.

Joe Jackson Turns Pro

Miami added to its coaching staff, the team did lose someone off of their roster. Junior DE Joe Jackson declared his intention to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. The standout from Gulliver Prep made the news official after signing with RocNation on Thursday morning via social media. Jackson has led the Hurricanes in sacks in two of his three seasons at The U. In 2018 Jackson finished with 47 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, nine QB pressures and an interception.

Blake Baker to be Named UM’s Next DC

Former Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Blake Baker has been hired by Manny Diaz to fill the same role for the University of Miami. According to FootballScoop.com and The Athletic Bruce Feldman, Baker will be named the DC in an official capacity soon. Diaz and Baker both worked together at Louisiana Tech and Texas.

Cam Underwood touched on some of the finer points of Blake’s resume.

SOTU’s Justin Dottavio highlighted the incoming DC’s history, scheme and projects what his arrival will mean for the Hurricanes entering next season.

Oh Wherefore Art Thou OC?

One of the first questions that arose after the announcement of Manny Diaz being named head coach was who he would tap to be his offensive coordinator. At his introductory press conference on Wednesday, Diaz indicated that he had a few candidates in mind, making it clear that he was in no rush to choose.

News around the coaching watercooler is that one of those potential targets was former North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora. However, with Manny taking the Miami position, talk is that Fedora could be in line to succeed him as Temple head coach. For their part, the Owls are taking the process slow after the resignation of Diaz. We’ll have to be patient to see how things work out here.

Former Houston head coach Major Applewhite is reported to be the favourite to be named new OC. Diaz and Applewhite both worked under Mack Brown at Texas between 2011-2013.

Future Canes Take Part in UA All-Star Game

In what last lap of high school football, a pair of UM 2019 signees took part in the Under Armour All-America game Thursday night. WR Jeremiah Payton played for Team Flash and is set to begin classes at UM in the coming weeks. CB Te’Cory Couch suited up for Team Ballaholics.

Wolfpack Take a Bite out of the Canes

UM’s Mens basketball was in action on Thursday evening as they hosted NC State in their ACC opener at the Watsco Center. Unfortunately, the Canes started ACC play with a loss, dropping the opener by the score of 87-82. G Chris Lykes scored 28 points and senior guard Zach Johnson pitched in with 21 points in a losing effort.

Manny Diaz took some time out of his schedule to catch the action last night.

Canes basketball returns to the hardwood on Sunday, when the team travels to the Bluegrass State to take on the Louisville Cardinal. You can listen to the game on WQAM 560 or watch it live on ESPNU at 6pm EDT.

Have a Great Day and Go Canes!