Football in Paradise begins in earnest today. Yes, we have survived the DSD’s and move into the real business of preparing for the season.
3:30 today behind The Oxley. But these first four days are really kind of gym class. Just helmets today and Thursday, helmest and shoulder pads Friday and Saturday, with Sunday the first day in full pads.
All of those first five sessions are scheduled from 3:30 to 6.
NO SHOWS
Until we count the bodies out there this afternoon, the final tally won’t be known, but the two players confirmed as no shows are offensive linemen Chase Bowers and Randy Richards, and I’m told both are enrolled in prep school and could be part of next year’s recruits.
Two is about average. Look at UM, where they are short 8 recruits, with four of those already in prep school meaning they won’t be reporting. Four are waiting for NCAA clearance, which may or may not come. That is a HUGE number and should give Canes fans some cause for concern. It’s only a great recruiting class if they qualify and then perform. It also is a sign Miami is recruiting some borderline cases, because under new NCAA rules, qualifying is a lot easier than it used to be.
The NCAA has made staying in harder, and now has penalties for those who flunk out, so coaches need to be wary of having too many academic projects on the roster.
I guess it could be worse. Like at GEORGIA, where coach Mark Richt is talking a lot more about suspensions than football. That’s kind of what happens when you recruit thugs. But the Bulldogs are ranked No. 1, so the fans aren’t complaining.
FAU (knock on wood) has yet to have a serious problem with a player misbehaving, and I think that goes back to the Givers and Takers that Howard likes to talk about. FAU has Givers, and they are elated to be where they are and don’t want to screw it up. Takers, well, see Georgia and even Florida.
ERROR ALERT
When I get a few spare moments this time of year, I flip through media guides to get a head start on the season (while Connie The Wonder Woman shakes her head).
Found an error in Middle Tennessee’s.
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I trust you sharp-eyed folks caught it. I believe it was FAU that Middle played in its season opener. Right?
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Although I am sure the Amber Kitties would love to add another W to their record.
I’ll be reporting in from The Oxley a couple times this afternoon. Stay tuned.
Later…
