Miami's Defense Is Thinning
Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2015 1:39 am
One of the areas Miami's opponents have exploited in recent years, is the inexperience and lack of depth in our Line Backer core.
This year we've improved quite a bit, however, since the start of the season, our roster has taken a hit --- the worst was just announced this week.
This past weekend, Raphael Kirby injured his right knee while making a play against Virginia Tech, and will now miss the remainder of the 2015 season as a result.
Al Golden: "I’m crushed, Raphael represents what we want in a Miami Hurricane. He’s a leader. He’s unselfish. He holds his teammates accountable, and he’s a big part of who we are. We are tremendously disappointed for Raphael, he is the true definition of a leader on the field, in the community and in the classroom. His commitment to our team and our goals has been unquestioned over his career, and he will be sorely missed. We will support Raphael through his recovery as we continue to lean on his leadership for our team.".
Kirby played in 39 games for the Hurricanes, ending his career with 124 tackles. His senior season ends now with a team-leading 44 tackles. Kirby is the third loss at the linebacker position for us this season; alongside Darrion Owens & Marques Gayot whom are also out due to injuries.
Miami will look to fill the gap with either 6 ft 2 in 251lbs Sophomore DL Trent Harris, or 6 ft 2 in 245lbs Sophomore LB Juwon Young.
This Saturday, Miami will take on Clemson. It will be a tremendous test against an offensive that has the explosive potential the Tigers have.
---
I hope for Raphael to make a full recovery, and that he is able to play football again in the nfl. He's a good kid, with a strong outlook.
Too often we get lost in the nonsense of rankings, wins & losses, that we forget these players are more than just athletes. They are young people who have a future in front of them. And things such as this should remind us all, it is a game at the end of the day --- Yes, several of these players will go on to make a career out of that game. As well, there are real coaching & staff jobs on the line. But when all is said and done, perspective needs to settle in. we need to remember all of those players who gave their all for a sport many will never play again. A sport that help them get an education they may not have otherwise been able to acquire. But also a sport many have gotten injured playing, just so we may have some sense of bragging rights, while Universities cash in on these young lives.
So, I ask you all, the next game you sit to watch --- be that in the comfort of your home, or a friend's place, local sports bar/club, even Stadium --- that before kickoff, pray for [or wish, even hope for if you do not prescribe to religion] the safety of the players. Even those of your rivals' team(s), as off the field, these guys do have individual lives. And hating them individually is pretty petty in the grander scheme of things.
Keep them in your thoughts so their efforts will not have been in vain.
.
.
.
This year we've improved quite a bit, however, since the start of the season, our roster has taken a hit --- the worst was just announced this week.
This past weekend, Raphael Kirby injured his right knee while making a play against Virginia Tech, and will now miss the remainder of the 2015 season as a result.
Al Golden: "I’m crushed, Raphael represents what we want in a Miami Hurricane. He’s a leader. He’s unselfish. He holds his teammates accountable, and he’s a big part of who we are. We are tremendously disappointed for Raphael, he is the true definition of a leader on the field, in the community and in the classroom. His commitment to our team and our goals has been unquestioned over his career, and he will be sorely missed. We will support Raphael through his recovery as we continue to lean on his leadership for our team.".
Kirby played in 39 games for the Hurricanes, ending his career with 124 tackles. His senior season ends now with a team-leading 44 tackles. Kirby is the third loss at the linebacker position for us this season; alongside Darrion Owens & Marques Gayot whom are also out due to injuries.
Miami will look to fill the gap with either 6 ft 2 in 251lbs Sophomore DL Trent Harris, or 6 ft 2 in 245lbs Sophomore LB Juwon Young.
This Saturday, Miami will take on Clemson. It will be a tremendous test against an offensive that has the explosive potential the Tigers have.
---
I hope for Raphael to make a full recovery, and that he is able to play football again in the nfl. He's a good kid, with a strong outlook.
Too often we get lost in the nonsense of rankings, wins & losses, that we forget these players are more than just athletes. They are young people who have a future in front of them. And things such as this should remind us all, it is a game at the end of the day --- Yes, several of these players will go on to make a career out of that game. As well, there are real coaching & staff jobs on the line. But when all is said and done, perspective needs to settle in. we need to remember all of those players who gave their all for a sport many will never play again. A sport that help them get an education they may not have otherwise been able to acquire. But also a sport many have gotten injured playing, just so we may have some sense of bragging rights, while Universities cash in on these young lives.
So, I ask you all, the next game you sit to watch --- be that in the comfort of your home, or a friend's place, local sports bar/club, even Stadium --- that before kickoff, pray for [or wish, even hope for if you do not prescribe to religion] the safety of the players. Even those of your rivals' team(s), as off the field, these guys do have individual lives. And hating them individually is pretty petty in the grander scheme of things.
Keep them in your thoughts so their efforts will not have been in vain.
.
.
.