The Hurricanes have waited eight months to get back on the field. They have had eight months to think about the National Championship that slipped away. Eight months to think about the 34-game winning streak that ended at the hands of Ohio State. Eight months of “what ifs.”
But a new season has arrived, and there is no time to dwell upon the past. New and old faces returned to the gridiron last night, trying to help the Hurricanes reach the National Championship game for a third straight year.

As with every team, the Hurricanes will have some question marks. Unlike most teams the Hurricanes will have to replace four first round NFL draft picks and the most successful quarterback in school history.
Below, The Hurricane takes a look at the 2003 ‘Canes.

Offense
Quarterback:
After much controversy during Miami’s spring practice, Brock Berlin won the unenviable job of following Ken Dorsey. If taking over for a quarterback who lost just two games in three years and won a National Title doesn’t sound like pressure, then add in the fact that his first game is in his hometown of Shreveport, LA, and his second start is against his former team. If Berlin can handle the pressure then the ‘Canes won’t need back up Derrick Crudup, but Berlin knows Crudup can’t wait to get on the field after watching Dorsey for two years.

Running Back:
The hype over Frank Gore has intensified every day since Willis McGahee declared for the NFL draft. Everyone knows what Gore did his freshman year (9.1 yards per carry), but that happened a long time ago against second and third string defenses. Gore’s knee has finally healed after having two ligaments repaired, and if he lives up to even half of what is expected of him, he should do all right.
The players behind Gore are oft-injured senior Jarrett Payton and true freshman Tyrone Moss, while Quadtrine Hill returns to the fullback position.

Wide Receiver:
The ‘Canes have potential coming from their young wide receivers. A few players who should get more recognition by December are Ryan Moore, Akieem Jolla, and Devin Hester. Senior Kevin Beard, coming off of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, will lead the corps, while fellow senior Jason Geathers, whose hamstring injury kept him out of last night’s game, will try to fulfill his enormous potential. Roscoe Parrish, a fan favorite, should also have a breakout season after showing glimpses of brilliance last year.

Tight End:
Kellen Winslow II, hands down the best tight end in the country, should soon become Brock Berlin’s best friend. For two tight end sets, or whenever Winslow needs a break, Kevin Everett will provide a more than ample second option.

Offensive Line:
The front five will feature former tight end Eric Winston at left tackle, with Vernon Carey next to him at guard, Joel Rodriguez at center, Chris Myers at right guard, and Carlos Joseph at right tackle. The injury to guard Joe McGrath leaves the line without a battle tested substitute. Rashad Butler and Tony Tella have stepped up their games but the coaches will start to get very uneasy if another big man takes a fall.

Defense
Defensive Line:
Defensive tackles Vince Wilfork, Santonio Thomas, and Orien Harris have more than enough ability, size, and experience to stop anyone that tries to go up the middle of the field. The question mark on this line rests squarely on the shoulders of the defensive ends. Thomas Carroll and Baraka Atkins will try to accomplish what the defensive backs did last year when they had to replace NFL players. John Square should return soon from a shoulder injury, and he will join junior college transfer Alton Wright and freshman Bryan Pata as back-ups.

Linebackers:
Returning all three starters, including two Butkus Award semi-finalists in Jonathan Vilma, and D.J. Williams, along with rising star Rocky McIntosh, should make this unit one of the most formidable in the nation. McIntosh may start the season late after having minor knee surgery, but seniors Jarrell Weaver and Carl Walker will gladly fill in. Leon Williams will see plenty of time on special teams while he patiently waits for his turn at middle linebacker.

Defensive Backs:
The secondary also returns all four starters along with its backup cornerbacks. Wide receivers would be wise to stay away from middle of the field with head-hunter Sean Taylor decapitating people with his vicious hits. Strong safety Maurice Sikes should improve greatly this season after playing almost all of last year with an injured shoulder. In fact, teams might not want to pass at all with cornerbacks Antrel Rolle and Kelly Jennings, who played all of last season with a cast on his left hand. Unbelievably, all four starters are candidates for the Jim Thorpe award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.

Special Teams
Kicker/Punter
Replacing senior kicker Todd Sievers and punter Freddie Capshaw could prove to be pretty hard. Freshman Brian Monroe will take over punting duties and the coaches are very happy with his performance thus far. Monroe, who played defensive back in high school, will also give the ‘Canes more options for fake punts with his athleticism. Mark Gent and Jon Peattie may share kicking duties since Gent has not shown consistency and Peattie has missed some time with a hamstring injury.

Nate Johnson can be reached at NPJ44@aol.com

The Hurricane volleyball team has had plenty of time to brush themselves off after a heartbreaking loss to Nebraska that followed a highly successful 2002 season. Now the ‘Canes enter 2003 hungry for a better finish.

“Last year we showed that we can compete on a national level,” junior outside hitter Biz Tyson said. “We proved to everyone that we are a good team and we can go far.”

There is certainly no shortage of talent on the Miami team, and most of last year’s stars are back and rearing to go. Junior outside hitter Valeria Tipiana was named Big East Player of the Year in 2002, and junior setter Mallorey James earned Big East Setter of the Year Honors.

Head Coach Lantagne Welch is optimistic about the upcoming season, which leaves no time for early errors with three matches scheduled this weekend.

“We’re playing some excellent competition…we will be challenged right from the start and we’re ready to get out there and see how we can put it together against the opposition,” Welch said. “We have some very high goals set for the team. They tasted success and they want more, so we’re working to get more every day in practice.”

The Hurricanes are looking to some new freshmen to help get them get started: outside hitters Sara Duncan and Jennifer Vance, defensive specialist Ann Gallo, middle blocker Ciara Michel, setter Jill Robinson, and red shirt middle blocker Francheska Savage. Senior outside hitter Leyre Santaella Sante, a transfer from Central Florida, also adds depth to the team. Sante won the Atlantic Sun Conference’s Player of the Year in 2002. She posted 10 kills at the annual Orange and Green Scrimmage on Tuesday afternoon in the Knight Sports Complex.

“We have a great group of freshmen and a transfer; six new players who have really come in and raised the level,” Welch said.

“They’re working hard…they’re definitely going to make a difference in our program.”

Competition begins Friday night, when Miami faces Manhattan College. The Jaspers finished 30-4 last year, winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. They were subsequently defeated by Temple at the NCAA Tournament in December. Saturday the ‘Canes are matched up against Kent State, who finished 18-13 last season, and Indiana, who finished 20-12. The Hoosiers lost to Texas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the end of the year.

Tipiana doesn’t seem fazed by the strong early competition.

“We have a much more positive attitude and we’re much more ready [than we were last year],” she said. “We’re all excited to start playing.”

Welch enters the season cautiously, but feels prepared for anything.

“We just have to take it one match at a time,” Welch said. “And we must continue to have that in our thoughts as we work hard and take care of business every game.”

You can tune into the Hurricanes match against Indiana Saturday at 7 p.m. on WVUM 90.5 F.M.

Melissa Teich can be reached at melissateich@hotmail.com.

Intelligence is an unheralded aspect of football. In the case of middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, however, intelligence is the one thing that everyone wants to talk about.

Vilma, the 2002 Hurricane Scholar-Athlete of the Year, two-time member of the Big East All-Academic Team and Verizon Academic All-American, is not the typical football player.

“Jonathan is a quality young man. His elective class is German. How many football players take German?” Head Coach Larry Coker said.
Vilma’s performance on the field is comparable to his performance in the classroom. Vilma has led the team in tackles the last two seasons including 133 tackles last season that helped him earn unanimous All-Big East First Team Honors. As a semi-finalist for the Butkus Award last season, given to the nation’s best linebacker, Vilma earned national respect.

Vilma was recently featured in an article in Sports Illustrated, giving him even more notoriety.

Despite his achievements in the classroom and on the field, Vilma prides himself on humility.

“I don’t like talking about myself to be truthful, so I don’t think about those type of things,” Vilma said. “I guess they show that I am dedicated and that I take care of my business on and off the field.”

Even though there is a quiet modesty to Vilma, he still takes charge on the defensive end of the field.

“I just try to lead by example, and if I see something I don’t like, I let you know,” Vilma said. “I’m not really trying to be in that role, it is just what I am right now. I think the players see that I’m not trying to hard. I am just out there doing what I do naturally.”

A key aspect to being a leader is earning people’s respect. Through his play on the field and his academic success, Vilma has earned everyone’s respect.

“People respect Jonathan so much that when he talks, everyone listens,” cornerback Kelly Jennings said.

Vilma watches more tape than anyone on the team. He feels preparation is critical to having success on the gridiron.

“He brings the leadership on this team,” defensive tackle Vince Wilfork said. “A lot of people look up to him because he knows exactly what to do on the field. He doesn’t make many mistakes.”

Even though Vilma is humble, his teammates are quick to give him praise.

“Vilma is the guy that everyone looks to and leans on for support on and off the field,” Maurice Sikes said. “He is very intelligent, then he gets on the field, and he is a dominant player also. He is someone we look to as our leader and the strength of our team.”

As part of the 2001 national championship team, Vilma knows what it takes to win the big game.

“He is a smart guy, he knows defense and he knows what it takes to win.” Jennings said.

For a guy who can learn German, leading a football team to glory should be a piece of cake.

Darren Grossman can be reached at
d.grossman@umiami.edu

The entire sports nation understands that the Miami Hurricanes have been the class of college football for the past three seasons. A 35-2 record over this span, that included a 2001 National Championship, a 34-game win streak and a record 13 NFL first round picks, has resulted in extremely high expectations for Hurricane football. Nothing short of a National Championship will be tolerated.

Although many experts are counting the ‘Canes out in 2003, I refuse to. Miami will be in the title hunt for a fourth consecutive season.
The ‘Canes face the biggest challenge since their turnaround three seasons ago. Miami must rebound from a devastating and questionable defeat thanks in part to Ohio State and a certain official named Terry Porter. If sobering up from this horrible hangover is not enough of a battle, Miami must produce after losing the bulk of their potent offensive attack from a year ago.

Gone are quarterback Ken Dorsey, running back Willis McGahee, wide receiver Andre Johnson…to name a few. However, to no surprise, the ‘Canes have restocked and reloaded with more than capable replacements. At the very least, Miami will be an exciting team once again. An exciting team that just may march its way back to the title game.

“We have a new quarterback, some new offensive lineman, and new defensive ends,” head coach Larry Coker said. “We have some veteran injuries we have to deal with so there will be some young faces out there. It is going to be an exciting time for us.”

Junior UF transfer Brock Berlin finally returns to the field in attempt to match his much heralded high school career. In addition, tailback Frank Gore returns from injury after producing big numbers as a back up two seasons ago.

Teammates say Berlin has more of an attitude and fight in him…the kind of personality that a head coach loves in a signal caller.

“Brock is like the anti-Dorsey in terms of his demeanor,” center Joel Rodriguez said. “Brock will get in your face. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets in a fight or two this season. He has more of a mean streak than Ken.”

Coker probably wouldn’t want his star quarterback getting in any altercations. Coker feels Berlin just needs to fit into the offense and to simply trust his talented teammates. The transition for Berlin is a bit cozier knowing that Heisman Trophy candidate and All-American tight end Kellen Winslow II will be his main target.

“He (Berlin) just needs to make good decisions and be efficient because we have players like Kellen Winslow and Frank Gore and other guys that are going to be important,” Coker said. “I’ve heard people say that if Brock Berlin can perform as good as a second year Ken Dorsey then Miami is going to be pretty good, and I think that may be a fair statement. Brock seems to perform better in big situations.”

Coker’s sentiments on Berlin are on par with my prediction for the Hurricanes in 2003. If Berlin performs in big situations, then Miami should be in great shape. Defensively, the Hurricanes have the best linebacker unit and secondary in the nation. That, along with a potent offensive attack, should result in nothing but success.

Their schedule has two tough home contests and three testy road games that will clearly determine where the ‘Canes stand. Home games against Florida and Tennessee will both be victories. October 11 at FSU, November 1 at Virginia Tech, and a season ending November 29 game at Pittsburgh could be troublesome.

FSU will play the ‘Canes tough as they always do at Doak Campbell Stadium, but the ‘Canes will be victorious. Now for my not so bold prediction: The winner of the Nov. 1 showdown at Virginia Tech will play in and win the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Yes, the Big East will have a National Champion…a champion who will run to the ACC next season. Should Miami beat the Hokies, they will then proceed to finish off the season strong and convincingly beat Pittsburgh. Yes, the Panthers are an extremely talented team and the cold weather will help their chances. However, if Miami enters the season finale undefeated, there is no way the inexperienced and less talented Panthers will ruin Miami’s quest for a second National Championship in three years.

“We will not lose a game this year,” Winslow proclaimed. “We don’t care about a Big East Championship or being ranked No. 2 or 3. We are only playing to win the whole thing.”

Well my optimistic thinking is at least consistent with Miami’s star player. There is a lot of football to be played. Only time will tell, but I am ready to make an early January reservation for New Orleans.

Brian Poliakoff can be reached at
b.poliakoff@umiami.edu.

No tight end will ever win the Heisman Trophy.

Those are nine simple words that Hurricane fans have already heard several times and will continue to hear throughout the 2003 season. It doesn’t matter if Winslow has a chance to haul in 100 receptions, because he’s a tight end. The fact that Winslow is a tight end in a wide receiver’s body, and in fact, came to the UM as a wide out apparently doesn’t matter. And it is supposedly meaningless that Winslow is more motivated than anyone else in the country, personally pinning the Fiesta Bowl loss on himself, despite the fact that he was the Miami offense in the second half.

All these reasons mean nothing because Winslow is a tight end, and a tight end will never win the Heisman, right? Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Ladies and gentlemen, Kellen Winslow is my favorite to be the first tight end to take home the golden statue at the Yale Club in December. Why? Because not only is Winslow going to have more impact that any other player in college football, but you don’t see very many tight ends run deep routes down the sidelines, drawing triple coverage. And I suppose the name Winslow couldn’t hurt his chances either.

However, to fulfill my journalistic duties, I am forced to point out the fact that other college football players have pronounced themselves in the mix to grab Mr. Heisman at season’s end. Some big names realistically don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell, but others are right on the doorstep, just in case KW2 isn’t ready to join college football immortality.

The 5 favorites, if there wasn’t a player named Winslow:

1. John Navarre (QB)-Michigan: The Wolverines are now in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten, and for all intensive purposes, a likely Sugar Bowl berth. Navarre will finally have the great season, and the Wolverines will experience Mardi Gras early.

2. Kevin Jones (RB)-Va. Tech: Jones is the most explosive running back in the country, and with no Lee Suggs and an option offense in place, 2,000 yards is within reach.

3. David Greene (QB)-Georgia: The Carson Palmer of this season will take some Southeast attention away from Winslow, and lead Georgia to another 10-win season.

4. Andrew Walter (QB)-Ariz. St.: More like Joey Harrington than Palmer, in the sense that he won’t be able to recover from a lack of exposure out East. However, gaudy numbers are forthcoming.

5. Roy Williams (WR)-Texas: Big wide receiver should win the Big 12 Player of the Year, and if Texas gets a BCS berth, he is why.

The next five:

1. Cody Pickett (QB)-Washington: Pressure is on to come through in his senior campaign after a dismal 7-6 record for UW a year ago.

2. Casey Clausen (QB)-Tennessee: Substitute UT for UW, and 8-5 for 7-6.

3. Phillip Rivers (QB)-N.C. State: May move up to the Top 6 pretty soon. Either way, the Wolfpack are your ACC champs.

4. Rashaun Woods (WR)-Oklahoma State: Not sold on the Cowboys contending for Big 12 supremacy, but if Woods equals his 107 catch season, he needs to get some consideration.

5. Darren Sproles (RB)-Kansas State. While everyone is singing the praises of Ell Roberson, I’m more impressed with Sproles’ Marshall Faulk-like ability out of the Wildcats’ backfield.

Five long shots you may or may not have heard being kicked around:

1. Adam Hall (QB)-San Diego State: The “what are you smoking” selection this year. Still, 3,253 yards is 3,253 yards.

2. Bruce Perry (RB)-Maryland: The Terps need to take home the ACC crown for him to be in serious contention, but he is an underrated player in College Park.

3. Timmy Chang (QB)-Hawaii: Out of action for the season opener, but bound to renew his crown as the best signal caller no one has heard of.

4. Marlin Jackson (CB)-Michigan: Another player who will miss the team’s first game, but is still the most dominant defensive back in the Big Ten since Charles Woodson.

5. Ben Roethlisberger (QB)-Miami(OH): Nearly 7,000 career yards, and almost as many syllables.

And my favorite category, five players who will not win the Heisman Trophy:

1. Eli Manning (QB)-Ole Miss: They don’t give college football’s premiere award to a quarterback of a .500 team.

2. Larry Fitzgerald (WR)-Pitt: A terrific Heisman candidate…in 2004.

3. Chris Gamble (CB/WR)-Ohio State: How many different ways can you say overrated?

4. Carlyle Holiday (QB)-Notre Dame: Irish eyes won’t be so kind this year.

5. Steven Jackson (RB)- Oregon State: Not sold on the third team Dennis Erickson abandoned, which spells trouble for Jackson.

Jeremy Marks-Peltz can be reached at jmp310@hotmail.com

Women’s Soccer

The University of Miami soccer team played its final exhibition match of the season against No. 21 Florida Saturday morning at Cobb Stadium.
The Hurricanes had a strong outing the three 30-minute periods. Miami took seven shots on goal compared to four for UF.

“I was pleased with our overall performance today,” said head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “We came in with a set game plan and executed it very well. We will now go in and make some adjustments in preparation for the regular season.”
The two teams were scoreless after the first 30 minutes of play, with Miami taking six shots compared to only two for the Gators.

The only goal of the match came at the 47 minute mark as Amber Presnick of UF scored on a deflected ball by Miami goalkeeper Alex Alford. Miami tallied 13 total shots on the day while the Gators took 12 shots. Freshman keeper Alford made three saves in 90 minutes of action in her first outing as a Hurricane.

Brittni Goodwin of UF made four saves in 45 minutes, while Colleen Donovan made three saves in 45 minutes. Florida took seven corner kicks while Miami took three. Anik Huffman led Miami with three shots.

Miami opens the 2003 season on Friday, Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Indiana in the FAU tournament in Boca Raton, Fla.