Grandal Leads Hurricanes in Rout of Manhattan

Junior catcher Yasmani Grandal drove in five runs as the #10 Hurricanes picked up their fifth straight win to open the 2010 season with a 18-1 blowout victory over Manhattan Saturday night at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

The 5-0 start is the 'Canes best start since the 2003 team opened the season 8-0. The 'Canes have now scored 56 runs through their first five games - the highest total for a Miami team since the 1992 team scored 72 runs through five games.

Julian Gamble

Hurricanes forward Julian Gamble scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds during Miami's 74-62 victory over Virginia Tuesday night.

The 'Canes return to action on Saturday against North Carolina State at the BankUnited Center at 4pm.

Collins Leads 'Canes Past Hoos, 74-62

Hurricanes forward Dwayne Collins scored 18 points to lead Miami past Virginia 74-62 last night at the BankUnited Center.

The 'Canes return to action on Saturday against North Carolina State at the BankUnited Center at 4pm.

DeVoss HR Sweeps Rutgers

Down 7-6 with two on and two out in the bottom of the ninth, freshman centerfielder Zeke DeVoss slugged a three run, walk off home run to lift the Hurricanes to a 9-7 victory over Rutgers yesterday in front of 3094 fans, including the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables.

The win secured the series sweep of the Scarlet Knights and gives the 12th ranked 'Canes a 3-0 start on the 2010 season.

Jason Michaels Inducted Into UM Sports Hall of Fame

Former Hurricanes and current Houston Astros outfielder Jason Michaels was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame last night prior to the season opener against Rutgers.

Michaels, who played at UM from 1997-98, hit .396 (3rd highest in school history) with 34 home runs and 154 RBI in his Hurricanes career. In 1997, he set Hurricane single-season records for hits (106), doubles (32) and total bases (189). The Cardinals selected him in the 15th round of the 1997 MLB amateur draft, but Michaels returned to Miami for his senior season.

In June 1998, Michaels was selected for the fourth time in the baseball amateur draft, this time by the Phillies in the 4th round. Entering his 10th season in the majors, Michaels has played for the Phillies, Indians, Pirates and Astros.

'Canes Baseball Opens Season Tonight

Hurricanes Baseball opens their 2010 season tonight at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field against Rutgers. The stadium, shown above during last season's opener, added permanent aluminum bleacher seating behind the third base dugout and down both lines, and a new scoreboard with video, during the off-season.

Duke 81, Miami 74

Hurricanes forward Dwayne Collins tries to slide a shot past 7'1" Duke center Brian Zoubek during the first half of last night's game at the BankUnited Center. Duke rallied from a 12 point halftime deficit to beat the Hurricanes 81-74.

McClinton's Jersey Heads to Rafters Tonight

During halftime of tonight's game versus Duke, three former Hurricane greats will be paid tribute to with the institution of "honored jerseys," as Jack McClinton (2006-09), Don Curnutt (1967-70) and Dick Hickox (1958-61) will have their jerseys raised to the rafters of the BankUnited Center. McClinton and former Hurricane great and NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry will be on hand for the celebration, while the late Hickox will be represented by his wife, Sylvia. A bout of the flu has prevented Curnutt from traveling for the festivities.

McClinton will also be raising money for the relief effort in Haiti by selling two commemorative T-shirts which can be purchased around campus and outside the stadium tonight for $10. Jack will be on hand to sign autographs for all those who purchase a shirt.

Women's Tennis Upsets #4 Georgia

The #6 Hurricanes Women's Tennis team rolled off five singles wins on their way to an impressive 5-2 upset of #4 Georgia in the Hurricanes' final match of the ITA Team Indoor Championships at the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison, Wisconsis last Sunday.

UM three time All-American Laura Vallverdu (#7) was one of two `Canes to post a straight-set win on the day, turning in a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Chelsey Gullickson (#14). For Vallverdu, the win served as her team leading 17th of the year.

Ryan Braun Returns for FanFest

Former Hurricanes shortstop and current Milwaukee Brewers all-star outfielder Ryan Braun was the featured speaker at the Hurricanes Baseball First Pitch Banquet Friday night and participated in the FanFest Home Run Derby on Saturday.

Current Hurricanes catcher Yasmani Grandal came away victorious in the Home Run Derby, hitting seven home runs in the first round and five more in the second, defeating Braun - who hit one home run in the final round - for the title.

The Tebow Photo Everyone is Talking About

The photo of UM alum Molly Jones flashing "The U" in a photo with Tim Tebow has been making the rounds on the internet at lightning speed and the biggest question is "how did she pull this off?" Because Molly is a good friend, we were able to get the inside story of how the photo happened.

Molly told us "I mustered up the courage to walk up to him. He was a very nice guy and a great sport about agreeing to snap a photo. My brother counted to 3. '1…. 2….' I threw up the U. BOOM! Tebow turned to me and said, 'Did you just throw up the U?' I smiled and nodded. He said, 'Aw, c’mon,' but was VERY nice about it. He really should have made me delete it."

As for why she took the chance at pulling off such a ballsy move with the former Gators' star QB, Molly said "I love my alma mater way more than a person should."

Dews' Buzzer Beater Downs Georgia Tech

James Dews, avenging a missed front end of a one-and-one just seconds earlier, hit a jumper at the buzzer to lift the Hurricanes over Georgia Tech 64-62, last night at the BankUnited Center.

Dwayne Collins led the Hurricanes with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Adrian Thomas scored 12, all on 3-pointers, and Malcolm Grant scored 11. Reggie Johnson came off the bench to score 10 points and tally seven rebounds in 16 minutes.

The Hurricanes (17-7, 3-7 ACC) won for only the second time in the past eight games, and improved to 11-1 at home this season.

'Canes Golfers Host Hurricane Invitational

The University of Miami Women's Golf team will host its first tournament of the spring season with the Hurricane Invitational this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at Don Shula's Golf Resort in Miami Lakes.

A total of 18 teams are slated to compete. Central Florida, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Michigan, East Tennessee State, Georgia State, Illinois State, James Madison, Kentucky, Memphis, Mercer, North Carolina State, Oklahoma City, San Diego State, South Florida, Southern Mississippi and Texas State will join Miami in the three day tournament.

Competition will begin on Sunday with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start on Monday and an 8 a.m. start on Tuesday.

'Canes Help Saints to Super Bowl Victory

Former Hurricanes greats Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey became the 14th and 15th 'Canes to earn both Super Bowl rings AND National Championship rings as the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 last night in Super Bowl XLIV.

Shockey also became the 9th former 'Cane to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl with his 4th quarter TD catch. The 'Canes lead all schools with nine Super Bowl TD's. Notre Dame is second with six. Alabama, Auburn and Texas? Nada, zero, zilch, none.

Here's the list of Hurricanes scoring a TD in a Super Bowl:
Bill Miller, Oakland (Super Bowl II x2)
Pete Banaszak, Oakland (Super Bowl XI)
Ottis Anderson, New York Giants (Super Bowl XXI, XXV)
Michael Irvin, Dallas (Super Bowl XXVII)
Jimmie Jones, Dallas (Super Bowl XXVII)
Duane Starks, Baltimore Ravens (Super Bowl XXXV)
Devin Hester, Chicago (Super Bowl XLI)
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis (Super Bowl XLI)
Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans (Super Bowl XLIV)

Here's the list of Hurricanes with a National Championship ring and a Super Bowl ring*:
Quarterback Bernie Kosar (1983, Super Bowl XXVIII)
Running back Keith Griffin (1983, Super Bowl XXII)
Defensive lineman Kevin Fagan (1983, Super Bowl XXIII, XXIV)
Receiver Michael Irvin (1987, Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
Punter Jeff Feagles (1987, Super Bowl XLII)
Offensive Lineman Kipp Vickers (1989, 1991, Super Bowl XXXV)
Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (2001, Super Bowl XXXIX)
Defensive end Daniel Stubbs (1987, Super Bowls XXIII, XXIV)
Defensive back Robert Bailey (1987, 1989, Super Bowl XXX, XXXV)
Defensive tackle Russell Maryland (1987, 1989, Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
Wide receiver Kevin Williams (1991, Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
Linebacker Darrin Smith (1989, 1991, Super Bowls XXVIII, XXX)
Defensive tackle Jimmie Jones (1987, 1989, Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII)
Tight end Jeremy Shockey (2001, Super Bowl XLIV)
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (2001, Super Bowl XLIV)

*active roster players only

'Canes Upset #9 North Carolina 80-69

Shenise Johnson scored 25 points and collected 10 rebounds as Miami snapped a three game losing streak with an 80-69 victory over the #9 North Carolina Tar Heels last night at the BankUnited Center. Johnson also had six assists and tied a career high with eight steals.

Miami won its second game of the season over a ranked team. The Hurricanes defeated then #13 Florida State on January 10th. Miami also ended Maryland's 48 game home winning streak on January 21st.

'Canes Sign 28

The Hurricanes signed 28 high school recruits as part of the 2010 signing class yesterday, including three from Ft. Lauderdale's St. Thomas Aquinas High School: Brandon Linder, Keion Payne and Jermaine Barton.

UM's class was ranked 13th by ESPN, 13th by Scout.com, 21st by MaxPreps and 24th by Rivals.com.

You can see the entire list of 'Canes signees here.

National Signing Day

Today is National Signing Day, or National Letter of Intent day. Now held on the first Wednesday each February, it is the first day a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college sports.

I've covered fifteen of these days for Canesport, and I've seen at all. I've seen a kid sign with two schools and a kid walk away from the table and not sign with anyone. There are kids who made up their mind long before this day (like Davon Johnson, above) and kids who play to the media with dramatics better suited for acting school.

Today, I'm scheduled to attend David Perry's signing at University School in Davie, Johnathan Feliciano's signing at Western High School in Davie, and Jermaine Barton, Keion Payne and Brandon Linder's signing at St. Thomas High School in Ft. Lauderdale.

Hopefully, I'll avoid the reality show that was Kayvon Webster's signing at Pace Monsignor High School last year.

Pro Bowl

We gathered as many 'Canes as we could last night at the Pro Bowl. From left to right: Jon Beason, Brandon Meriweather, Ray Lewis, Antrel Rolle, Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. Become a fan of Caneshooter.com on Facebook and see a shot that includes two 'Canes who coached in the game.