Miami Hurricanes News and Notes: Ed Reed’s HOF Weekend, Nesta Silvera Injury, Canes Basketball Ready for Italy

Good Morning Canes Fam,

State of Declarations

The Hurricanes are looking for a new tandem to command the back half of their defense in 2019. State of the U’s John Reynolds highlights a young group aiming to continue the standard that is playing safety at The U.

The Hurricanes passing game has the potential to be dynamic with the return of WR Jeff Thomas and the addition of KJ Osborn. SOTU’s Marshall Thomas explains why these pair of wideouts are poised for a breakout.

SOTU’s NYCanesGuy highlights WR Darrell Langham’s drive-saving catch against Georgia Tech in 2017 in the latest edition of our 100 Greatest Plays in Miami History.

2020 North Shore (TX) linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. was a big addition to the Canes’ recruiting class. The confident LB spoke with our own Marshall Thomas about what influences his game and ultimately his decision to attend Miami.

The latest edition of our Rank the Roster series takes a look at Miami’s cornerbacks. Find out where Jon Somma ranked the freshman and talented sophomores ahead of the season.

Ed Reed to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It finally happens this weekend. ProCane safety, football legend and the all-around good guy, Ed Reed is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. Reed will be inducted by his father, Edward Reed Sr. You can expect plenty of Canes fans to show their support to No. 20 as the festivities get under way in Canton, Ohio. The Enshrinement Ceremony will take place Saturday night.

Reed joins TE Tony Gonzalez, C Kevin Mawae, CB Ty Law, (contributor) Gil Brandt, (contributor) Pat Bowlen, S Johnny Robinson and CB Champ Bailey in the 2019 Hall of Fame class.

You can read about Ed’s accomplishments from Destrehan high school, to the U and in the NFL here: Ed Reed Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2019 Class

Nesta Silvera set to Undergo Foot Surgery

On Wednesday night, reports indicated that sophomore defensive tackle Nesta Silvera would need to undergo foot surgery. The promising defender injured his foot early in the Hurricanes’ training camp. Silvera is scheduled to have the surgery later this week and the school has given no timetable for his return.

The Hurricanes have built up depth within their defensive interior. Senior Pat Bethel, and rising junior Jon Ford will shoulder the load in Silvera’s absence. UCLA transfer Chigozie Nnoruka has been a revelation with a week of camp in the books. Freshmen DTs Jason Blissett Jr., Jalar Holley and Jared Harrison-Hunte have the opportunity to earn their way into rotation.

Avery Huff is on Campus

Avery Huff was on UM’s Coral Gables campus on Wednesday. Huff was waiting to receive final clearance to enroll. The former St. Thomas Aquinas LB received the good word this week and has officially joined the team.

The only players who have yet to report to camp are UCLA transfer Jaelan Phillips and S Bubba Bolden. Speaking of which…

Bubba Bolden set to Arrive Soon!

According to co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Ephraim Banda, transfer S Bubba Bolden should be on campus, “within the next week or so.”

Recruiting Updates

Just like that the college football recruiting calendar returns back to the quiet period. It was a busy seven days for Miami. The team secured two commits; 2020 Winter Park athlete Marcus Clarke and 2021 Miami Northwestern CB Tim Burns last weekend.

Before the buzzer sounded on the contact period, UM got some face time with a few priority recruits. Miami Norland OT Issiah Walker Jr. attended practice on Wednesday. The 2020 target decommitted from South Carolina last month. Walker was joined by a trio of Northwestern HS stars: 2020 WR Marcus Fleming, 2021 WR Romello Brinson and TE Kahlil Brantley.

Five-star Upland (CA) linebacker Justin Flowe will narrow down his list of schools to a top 4 at 1pm EDT today.

UM-UF Draws ESPN’s Top Announce Crew

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, ESPN has announced that Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstriet and Maria Taylor will call the season opener on August 24th at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

ProCanes NFL Updates

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Willis McGahee is officially hanging up the cleats. The Hurricane alum last played in 2013 for the Cleveland Browns, but has not formally called quits since then. McGahee will retire as Baltimore Raven later this afternoon. The running back played in Charm City from 2007 to 2010 accumulating 2,802 rushing yards, 544 receiving yards and 35 combined touchdowns. In 10 seasons, McGahee rushed for 8, 474 yards, 65 touchdowns, 1,339 receiving yards and five receiving TDs on four NFL franchises — Buffalo, Baltimore, Denver, Cleveland.

Tempers boiled over last weekend in an afternoon practice for the Cleveland Browns. Second-year DE Chad Thomas got into a heated argument with TE Pharaoh Brown during a drill. The two men had to be separated after a squeamish ensued. As punishment for the dust up, the entire team ran gassers, during which it’s reported that Thomas flipped off a heckler. Head coach Freddie Kitchens discussed the matter after practice.

WR Allen Hurns signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins last Friday.

Dallas Cowboys DE Joe Jackson is following the league’s rookie tradition. Although he didn’t seem too thrilled about being caught on camera.

Running back Duke Johnson has sat out most of the Browns’ practices this week as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, continues to negotiate with the Browns front office to facilitate a trade for his client. Cleveland remains firm in their desire to keep Johnson.

RB Frank Gore continues to be a productive ball carrier at the age of 36. Kevin Patra of NFL.com outlines how Buffalo Bills back didn’t consider retirement this past offseason.

In other ‘Cleveland Canes’ news, Sheldrick Redwine snagged an interception from Browns’ QB Drew Stanton in practice.

With Kalen Ballage being held out of practice due to injury, RB Mark Walton received first-team snaps on Thursday.

Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen is set to make his return to the announce booth on October 20th in East Rutherford, New Jersey for game between the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. The Panthers conveniently have a bye week to allow Olsen the opportunity to hop in the booth for FOX once again.

ProCanes in the HOF Game

The Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons kicked off the NFL’s 2019 preseason schedule with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday. There were a few Hurricanes on the field during the primetime contest.

Denver S Jamal Carter returned to the field after he missed the entire 2018 season with a hamstring tear. For Atlanta, P Matt Bosher, LB Jermaine Grace and newly acquired ProCane DE Allen Bailey suited up for the Falcons.

The 305 Beat

With Nesta Silvera on the shelf for the foreseeable future, the Hurricanes are going to need someone else to step up at defensive tackle. Christy Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel analyzes the impact of losing Silvera , along with the candidates to step up in his place.

Despite gaining 94 votes, the Hurricanes fell short of cracking USA Today Amway Coaches Poll Top 25 preseason poll.

The latest edition of his six pack, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald discusses how and when Miami will make a decision on naming a starting QB.

Ciao Italia! Miami Basketball Headed to Italy

Both Miami Men’s and Women’s Basketball are preparing to takeoff to Italy next week. For the Men’s side, they’ll take part in four games in a 10-day span from August 9th to 18th. The Women’s team will compete from August 7th to the 16, playing 3 games during the trip.

Men’s Hoops will be fairly shorthanded when play begins. Florida transfer Julian Stone has not been cleared for practice as he continues to recover from off-season knee surgery. Deng Gak, who also had knee surgery, has not been cleared to practice. Nasir Brooks (Cincinnati transfer) is unlikely to practice on the trip as the team takes preventative measures regarding a “knee condition that needs attention” according to head coach Jim Larrañaga.

Coach Larranaga also revealed Miami’s 2019 non-conference schedule earlier in the week. The Canes will also welcome Flagler for an exhibition on October 30th.

This is a good sign for Canes Baseball, right?

Have a Great day and Go Canes!