In an interview, USA Today about the state of the sports teams in Miami former Hurricane Antrel Rolle stated that kids don’t even want to go to the U. Getting the alums for the Miami football program thinking positively is critical for the state of the program.
The state of the Miami sports teams, other than the Heat have mediocre to poor for nearly two decades. In an interview with USA Today, former Hurricanes cornerback Antrel Rolle stated kids don’t even want to go to U. The state of the Miami football program needs to boost to gain more confidence throughout South Florida.
Getting the alums of the Miami football program on board would be a good start. Most of those that are vocal on social media have remained close to the Hurricanes in some capacity. Former offensive linemen Kelvin Harris and Rashad Butler and punter Brian Monroe work in media and interact with the fanbase on social media.
Monroe co-hosts the pre-game show for the Miami football broadcasts with Alex Donno. Butler is the co-host for the postgame with Danny Rabinowitz. Harris hosts his own podcast The Miami Huddlecast with former Hurricanes teammate CB Ryan McNeil. Monroe, Butler and Harris have been most positive about Miami.
In the interview with USA Today, Rolle stated with most of the Hurricanes fanbase is probably thinking. Watching national championship games rooting for the Miami football team used to be a near-annual tradition. Between 1983-92, Miami played in eight bowl games that they would have won a national championship with a victory.
The Hurricanes split those eight games. Miami won national championships following the1983, 87, 89 and 91 seasons. Between 1983-2005 Miami lost more than three games only three times. One of those was a 9-4 season in 1999. In the ensuing seasons since 2005, Miami has four seasons with four or fewer losses.
The 2017 Miami football team was the only once since 2003 to finish the season with double-digit victories. Mark Richt‘s best team at his alma mater was 10-3, won their only ACC Coastal Divison title and had their only ACC Championship game appearance. Rolle discussed his feelings watching the College Football Title Game.
"“I found myself the other night rooting for LSU, and I didn’t even feel bad about it. There’s no way in hell I would’ve even considered doing that before. If you were in Miami and weren’t a Miami fan, you were going to get your (bleep) run out of town. But now? Kids don’t even want to go to the U.”"
The sentiments that Rolle has about the current state of the Miami football team extended to other sports. Mike Lowell won a World Series with then Florida and now Miami Marlins as their third basemen. Lowell grew up in Miami and reflected on the Hurricanes 58 game winning streak at the Orange Bowl from 1985-94.
"“Think about this: I never saw the Hurricanes lose at home.”"
Randall Hill has always been one of the most outspoken alums of the Miami football program. He is a frequent guest on South Florida sports radio shows. Thrill has never been shy about expressing his opinion. His bravado as a Hurricanes player was the epitome of Miami swagger in the 1980s and early 1990s.
"“There was a coach in the NFL who would tell me, ‘You give me the skill position players out of South Florida … and I’ll kick anybody’s butt.’”"
The talent is South Florida has gotten better since Miami ruled college football for the better part of more than two decades. The problem has been keeping the talent at home. The hiring of new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and the spread offense are expected to fit the skill set better of the offensive players in South Florida.
The comments by the unnamed NFL coach fit the state of Miami plan Howard Schnellenberger built recruiting South Florida heavily to build the 1983 National Champions. Manny Diaz won’t be able to do that as consistently with Power Five schools recruiting Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties so heavily.