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Miami Hurricanes Former Running Back, Damien Berry Interview: “Don’t Commit to a Coach, Commit to the School!”

By Shanon Culiner

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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Running back Damien Berry #20 of the Miami Hurricanes runs the ball against the South Florida Bulls during the game at Sun Life Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

It wasn’t too long ago that running back Damien Berry was suited up in orange and green. In fact, Berry was one year shy of playing for Al Golden, graduating in 2010 (Golden took over the Miami head coach position in 2011).

However, like the current ‘Canes players, Berry played his senior season during a time of turmoil. A time where there was also a lot of negativity surrounding the Miami Hurricanes football program, disgruntled fans & alumni and yes, banners being flown overhead. But, instead of them reading fire Al Golden they were reading fire Randy Shannon.

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“It was getting crazy,” said Berry. “It took away from football. It takes away from the kids when they do that type of stuff. Fly banners … it’s kind of an emotional roller coaster.”

There’s many challenges that occur when a coach is near his end and then fired, especially mid-season. Besides keeping the current players focused and motivated, you have to ensure the future of the program. And, that means making sure recruiting remains strong.

Unfortunately, the ‘Canes have already had some decommits or recruits open up their recruitment in the wake of Golden’s firing. Though, there are still those recruits remaining strong to their original word and keeping their commitment to Miami.

Now, fresh off of Golden being relieved of all coaching duties, I had an opportunity to sit down (via Skype) with the talented back from Belle Glade. We discussed numerous topics, but most importantly, Berry weighed in on the new ‘Canes coaching direction and how recruits should perceive the University of Miami.

“Don’t commit to a coach, commit to the school,” said Berry. “I mean, you don’t go to the school for the coach because coaches can change any day. Anything can happen to a coach.”

Maybe in certain cases, players do decide to commit to a school because they’ve developed relationships with a coach(es). Or, they think a facility is better. Or, they believe a specific academic curriculum will get them further. Or, they like a uniform design better. Or, they prefer the girls. Whatever the case may be.

But, Berry makes a great point. He knows that the University of Miami represents so much more than just a coach or coaching staff. And, to choose to play for Miami specifically for that reason is simply wrong. Recruits need to understand that Miami is so much more than any individual or reason.

“You go to the University of Miami for the legacy, for everything that it’s worth,” said Berry. “Everyone respects The U. There’s only been a few that get that chance to wear that orange and green. I mean, think about it, it’s a brotherhood. After everything else you still got guys you can go to or call everyday like Ed Reed. I can call onto Ray (Lewis).  I can call Bryant Mckinnie. It’s a phenomenal group of guys that it’s like a family. We might not talk everyday, but if anything happens I know I can call those guys. What other school has that kind of fraternity or brotherhood.”

Check Out the Full Damien Berry Interview Below:

And outside of being a brotherhood, Miami in the past had always harnessed a specific type of attitude … a culture, and it was that which made them great. Whether you want to call it being “bad boys” or “swag” it worked. The talent understood it and the coaches embraced it. For the right hire to take place, the University of Miami needs to not only find a talented coach and recruiter, but someone who understands (or willing to understand) the culture at Miami.

Al Golden did in fact have players love and respect him, but something wasn’t fully translating on the field and Berry thinks he knows why.

“We’re not collared guy, collared tee shirt, we’re not that (referring to Golden’s collared button-downs). That’s not The U,” said Berry. “Walking around with a full-fledged suit on and all that, that’s not The U. It never was that.”

“I don’t think he (Golden) was putting the players that he had in the best position to win,” continued Berry. “If I got two backs (Yearby and Walton) that are clearly versatile guys, I wouldn’t run them between the tackles. I would put them on the outside. I’d run outside zones with them instead of trying to ram it up the inside all the time.”

You can leave it to Berry to discuss the running game as he understands it more than probably 99.9 percent of most people. So, it was interesting to hear, especially that Miami is currently ranked 116 in total rushing by ESPN.

“You go to the University of Miami for the legacy” – Damien Berry

And to be fair, Berry did mention the loss of Gus Edwards who was clearly going to be Miami’s pounder. He had also met Golden on several occasions and did say that he was a “cool dude” and also, “calm and collected.” Furthermore, Berry believes that the lack of play on the field isn’t just due to the coaches, but the players too.

“As a player you got to reevaluate yourself and find out why you’re there (playing for Miami),” continued Berry.

Now residing in Boynton Beach, FL and considering a possible football comeback, Berry played for Miami between 2007 and 2010. As a senior, he was a 2010 All-ACC Second Team, won the 2010 Hurricane Media “Good Guy” Award (check out the video to see what that honor meant), and did something only Willis McGahee, Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis did … post 4 consecutive 100-yard games. After college, he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens.

Next: Miami Hurricanes' 2016 Commits React To Golden's Firing

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