Former Miami Hurricanes’ Quarterback Ryan Clement: Talks ‘Canes Past, Present & Future

By Shanon Culiner | Sep 30, 2015

Three games into the Miami Hurricanes’ schedule, fans and supporters are left with more questions than answers. And, all we can do is still speculate. With that said, if there’s anyone out there who could lend more insight about the ‘Canes, it would be someone who was actually in a Hurricanes’ huddle, right?

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I had the great pleasure to discuss a little “The U” with someone who had the honor of throwing a Hurricanes’ jersey over their pads and play the most prestigious position in football … quarterback. And, he was a really good one to say the least.

Ryan Clement laid back in his office chair, poised and confident. Though years removed from the game, Clement was tapped-in as if he were right back on the field, directing the ‘Canes offense. A University of Miami degree hung off the wall just above his left shoulder. Eager to hear his thoughts, I immediately asked about the past Nebraska game and Clement smiled and jumped right in.

“Nebraska is a good football team. I watched them play BYU and that one was kind of stolen from them in the whole ‘Hail Mary’ deal,” said Clement. “They’ve got some good players. Armstrong is a good quarterback, they have some good players on defense. Obviously, they’re making a transition at the coaching position. But, I thought that was a pretty good win.”

28 Oct 1995: Quarterback Ryan Clement of the Miami Hurricanes steps up to pass during a game against the Temple Owls at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Miami won the game 36-12. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport

“It looked like a pretty hard-fought game the entire way through,” continued Clement. “Ultimately, you take those wins. 3-0 against a Nebraska team, you know, that’s a good start.”

Clement knows all too well about Nebraska. As a true freshman and sophomore at Miami, Clement saw Nebraska go undefeated in both the 1994-95 season and the 1995-96 season. And, then again, going undefeated in his Senior season, 1997-98. During Clement’s entire college football career, Nebraska only had lost 2 games.

Then, we talked “Kaaya”. As someone who’s left their own UM legacy at the position, I really wanted to know Clement’s take on Brad Kaaya. I think we all know that Kaaya is not only the future of the ‘Canes, but he’s also the now! And, he’s been a stud thus far. However, to hear the thoughts from one Miami Hurricanes’ QB on another is priceless.

“I think he’s (Kaaya) an impressive kid,” immediately responded Clement. “I think he’s coming into his own as a leader and I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC. So, it’s exciting to watch that guy grow.”

That’s a big compliment coming from a guy that lead Miami in many statistical categories after his college playing days were over.

You can’t talk Kaaya without touching on the Miami offense. So, I immediately asked Clement his thoughts about this year’s “O” and James Coley.

“I think he’s (Coley) doing a great job,” said Clement. “We’re using big personnel groups, we’re getting to the outside, using zone blocking schemes, we got power blocking schemes, we get the tight-end involved. It looks like a really well-defined and well-rounded offense.”

Outside of Kaaya, I asked Clement if there’s any other players in general that standout to him on the Hurricanes.

“It looks like a really well-defined and well-rounded offense” – Ryan Clement

“Well, I think Yearby is a heck of a back, obviously. He’s doing some really great things,” said Clement. “Yearby stands out to me as a guy that’s going to be really special.”

In addition, Clement feels the offensive line has been doing pretty well, both safeties (Jamal Carter and Deon Bush) were playing excellent in the Nebraska game before being penalized for targeting (though, Clement has no idea what “targeting” really is), predicting college football outcomes is tough and that Miami really needs to win some of these ACC games coming up!

The former quarterback also goes into his days being recruited by Miami, most memorable moments playing for the Hurricanes and what he’s currently up to today. I’ve got to say, the ex-Cane is really an interesting person.

For the Full Ryan Clement Interview Check Out Below:

Ryan Clement is not only a great personality with a lot of knowledge, but he knows the game of football from an X’s and O’s point of view. With a bunch of experiences under his belt as a ‘Cane, I couldn’t think of a better person to give his two cents on the current conditions at UM. And, hopefully we’ll get plenty more insight down the road from Clement.

Clement played for the Miami Hurricanes from 1994 to 1997. In fact, he punted his freshman year and early into his sophomore year until an injury occurred to starting quarterback, Ryan Collins. At that point, Clements took over the quarterback duties and was even named Team Captain during his Junior and Senior seasons.

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