Former Miami Hurricanes Shine in Reese’s Senior Bowl Week

Throughout the week, Former Miami Hurricanes Clive Walford, Phillip Dorsett, Denzel Perryman, and Ladarius Gunter have been catching the eye of many scouts, coaches, and analysts during the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. They have shown to be the best at their positions this week. Any person that followed the program closely knows that Dorsett, Perryman, and Walford had huge seasons for the Canes. In case you have missed it, let’s take a look at what happened during this week:

Quick Note:

Watch the former Canes on the NFL Network Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at the Senior Bowl.

Under the Radar: Ladarius Gunter

Oct 11, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden reacts to an interception by Hurricanes defensive back Ladarius Gunter (37) in the first quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Ladarius Gunter had a quiet season because of the defensive rotation at corner back. However, he has been impressing at the Senior Bowl. Gunter weighed in at 6’1  and 200lbs this week at the senior bowl. Nowadays, NFL teams valued bigger cornerbacks to counter the 6’5 WRs used regularly in the league. Gunter played safety and cornerback this season at Miami, and has proved to have great ball skills. He definitely upgraded his stock value this week.

He even committed some Cane on Cane violence on Phillip Dorsett during practice this week.

Speed Kills

Sep 1, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (4) runs the ball against Louisville Cardinals cornerback Andrew Johnson (15) during the second quarter of play at Papa John

Phillip Dorsett  had a HUGE week as well. Dorsett has impressed many with his route running and speed. Many say Dorsett may be the fastest prospect in the year’s draft.   He set a record at The U by beating former Cane Sam Shields with a 40-yard dash time of 4.20

Scouts all know of Dorsett’s lightning speed and vertical threat, but they were not exactly sure to expect of his route running. Phillip Dorsett said in a interview after practice this week “I feel like I can play outside, inside. Route-running [is one] of the things that they may have a knock on me because I didn’t do it much at Miami”.  However, Dorsett has changed opinions this week. Watch him work.

Dominance  

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Mike Davis (28) rushes during the first half as Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) closes in during the first quarter in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Denzel Perryman has only participated in one practice this week due to an injured hip. Although, he remains a game-time decision, he still remains arguably a beast ILB prospect in this draft. Perryman had an excellent season and finished with 102 tackles and most importantly, was able to stay healthy all season. He made his presence known at the beginning of the week. If he gets to play, he will playing in a 4-3 defense, and will able to show his versatility.

 Prototype

Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) runs past Florida State Seminoles defensive end Chris Casher (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Clive Walford is a prototypical Tight End for the NFL, and many teams will try to get him on their squad. Walford’s sheer size and speed will make him very valuable for any team. He led the team in receptions this year, and proved to be a favorable target for youngster Brad Kaaya. Walford has been dominating in the Senior Bowl’s practices this week. Walford, like the other Canes participating in this bowl game, has made himself a lot of money this week.  He shouldn’t get past the 3rd round.

Development The Miami Hurricanes finished 6-7, and many ask why they finished with a sub-par record. With NFL talent they had last year on the team, there is no reason why they should have finished with that record. Anthony Chickillo amazed everyone at the East-West Shrine game with his get-off. Why? He lost fifteen pounds, and played a 4-3 scheme where he could get after the quarterback. Al Golden has proven he can evaluate talent, but his inability to harness the talent with coaching is a huge question to date. These seniors have shown that they have been developed, but not used effectively at their time at Miami. Phillip Dorsett has said in a interview with WQAM that Al Golden has already made many changes at The U. Although, they have not been known to the public. Miami AD Blake James has said to fans and media to expect changes to made after signing day. Most people want to see a change in philosophy on defense, because players like Anthony Chickillo need to be utilized to their talents. Not forced to a scheme.