Manny Navarro started working for The Miami Herald as an editorial assistant in 1995. A graduate of Braddock High (Class of 1996), he studied print journalism at Florida International University. Manny was the Herald's Miami-Dade County high school beat writer between the 2002-2006 seasons. He currently covers University of Miami football and basketball as well as recruiting news.
UM Sports Chat
Chat with sportswriter Manny NavarroMost Recently Answered Questions
Questions 21 - 50 of 1388 (Page 2 of 47)Submitted by Caneiac from Washington, D.C.
Q: It sounds like the Canes are offering a few more JuCo O-linemen. What are the chances of the U adding them to their class? How about other JUCO players at TE or QB?
Answered 10/27/09 15:08:25 by Manny Navarro
A: I don't see Miami going after a JUCO QB. A tight end? Absolutely if something good was out there. As for the offensive lineman interest, it signals to me Jeff Stoutland or someone on the staff has sounded the panic button. He must not think much of the guys on scout team right now. Miami's offensive line situation without question will be the biggest story to follow this spring. I think they are in big trouble. Orlando Franklin looked terrible at tackle Saturday against Clemson. Ben Jones might have had "the light bulb turn on" as Stoutland said last week. But who else can you put at tackle next year? Jermaine Johnson, Stephen Plein must not be ready at all.Submitted by John from Atlanta, GA
Q: Hey Manny, Thanks for your great work! What do you take from the Clemson game? The perceived argument between Whip and Shannon? For some reason I felt like the Canes were missing that killer instinct (especially on D) against Clemson.
Answered 10/27/09 15:03:13 by Manny Navarro
A: What I took from the Clemson game was two things. One, this team still doesn't have the mentality that an elite Top 10, BCS type school needs to have. Two, this team still doesn't have the depth it needs to survive as a Top 10, BCS type school. The Canes aren't back John. They're just getting better. They need more time.Submitted by JayTee from Tallahassee
Q: Manny: As fans, we have many questions about the players' abilities, attitudes, etc... Why not the coaches? The loss this week-as well as at VT- was as much due to defensive game plan, attitude, and effort as anything else. Now, on the "great" teams around the country, these attributes are credited to the coaches. What does that say about our coaches? Assuming consistent talent level, is this group of coaches one that will produce a Nat'l Champion team?
Answered 10/27/09 15:00:43 by Manny Navarro
A: Good question JayTee. I'm not sure all of the coaches on this staff are. A big part of this comes down to evaluating talent, injuries and how smart the players really are. You can teach a guy how to do something until you are blue in the face. But at what point does it become his responsibility to learn it?Submitted by Big Mike from Coral Gables
Q: Manny, what's going on with this year's recruiting class? I see alot of 3 star recruits and few 4 stars. I don't see any 5 stars and perhaps UM finishing with a 15-20th ranked recruiting class. I thought this year's fast start would help Miami land bigger names in the recruiting front....help me out, am I missing something?
Answered 10/27/09 14:57:54 by Manny Navarro
A: Mike don't read too much into star ratings. I've preached this for years. Sean Spence was a three-star recruit at the end of his junior year of high school. Arthur Brown was a five-star recruit since about his sophomore year. Who is the better player right now? Worry more about the coaches. Here is an idea. Go to Rivals or Scout and look up the star rating and then see if a guy has improved or gotten worse since signing. That's a good barometer for how good the coaches are.Submitted by Eric from Marco Island, FL
Q: Manny, do you know who the silent commit is and you are just keeping it a secret, or is the coaching staff the only ones who know? If you know, kudos for keeping it quiet, but we might have been able to figure it out from your last post lol.
Answered 10/27/09 14:54:50 by Manny Navarro
A: I know who the silent commitment is. I've spoken with him and he wants to wait until national signing day to announce it. I think we should all try to respect the kids wishes. In the end, is it really that important to know right now? Let it be his moment. I've known about plenty of other kids in the past who never announced they were silent commitments. I let them enjoy their moment on signing day. They're kids.Submitted by Raul from Hialeah, FL
Q: Oye Manny, I like what Randy has done but what is up with the ongoing coaching blunders that keep occurring? Also, why was it that Randy and Whip were arguing? I heard there was undermining stuff going on. I want to ask U a question POINT BLANK as D. Lebetard would say: Gun to your HEAD do you think Randy Shannon has what it takes to get us to championship caliber football at UM?
Answered 10/27/09 14:51:35 by Manny Navarro
A: I answered the Whipple-Shannon one earlier. Let me start of by answering the final question by saying I think Randy Shannon isn't just a great defensive coordinator, but a great leader for young men. That's part of what his coaching title is responsible for. Is he a championship caliber coach? I think he can be with the right people around him. I think he's got the right offensive coordinator now. But this Miami team is still devoid of talent. They don't have an offensive line nearly as good as the other five that won national titles. At linebacker, do you see a Jonathan Vilma or DJ Williams or Micheal Barrow or Ray Lewis? In the secondary, where is Ed Reed or Bennie Blades? You can't judge Shannon right now as a championship coach because he doesn't have championship players. Does he have some? Yes. But he needs more. A lot more.Submitted by raul from hialeah, fl
Q: Hey Manny, I believe with regards to recruiting we are doing good with these players. Sometimes these high profile guys don't pan out. I hate to say it but A. Brown seems as if he will never see the field. I hope I'm wrong. Honestly who else do you really see heading down to Coral Gables, I'm thinking maybe 3 more guys. I think every super star receiver in HS from FL is going to FLORIDA. That Florida offense is such a gimmick offense but hey it works lol
Answered 10/27/09 14:46:57 by Manny Navarro
A: So far the recruiting blog I posted last month on the players UM was interested in has turned out to be pretty accurate. Both LB Travis Williams and DE David Perry were players the Canes believed they would get. At this point, I'd say OL Brandon Linder, the other STA OL, CB Keion Payne and two receivers will probably round out the class. Oh, and that silent commitment too.Submitted by Eric from Marco Island, FL
Q: Manny, why can't our fans lose a game without calling for the coaches head? I have seen people blogging about Whipple making bad calls, Shannon being to blame, and fire Clint Hurtt. Can't these people see that they have done an amazing job turning this team around and realize that they are human and all the blame isn't on them? Also, do you think there is a conspiracy with the SEC and their officials and why does it seem like the higher ranked team always comes out on top with these disputed calls?
Answered 10/27/09 14:44:25 by Manny Navarro
A: I'm going to leave the conspiracy theroies alone. As for fans wanting coaches heads on a platter. You shouldn't be surprised. There are die-hard UM fans who follow practice reports and the team on a daily basis. And then the rest of the 75 percent of Canes nation who only pay attention on Saturdays. Those are the ones crying right now and don't see that this program is moving forward. This wasn't going to be an overnight fix. I'm not necessarily saying everyone on the coaching staff deserves to be here for the long haul. There might be limitations with some. But you can't knock where this program is now after three years under Randy Shannon. It could be much worse.Submitted by Ronny from Toronto, ON
Q: Hey Manny. What can you tell us about David Perry? Is he a good pick up? Also, where does that leave Corey Lemonier? I read somewhere that he came to the Clemson game but came late and left early because his friend wanted to leave early. That sounds a little sketchy.
Answered 10/27/09 14:40:26 by Manny Navarro
A: Lemonier has never really favored Miami so that doesn't surprise me. Perry is a good pickup for the Canes. He's a very raw player, only two years of football experience. He's got basketball in his genes. I interviewed him before the season and he's a very, very smart kid. I don't expect him to play as a freshman. But he could be a high impact player by year two or three.Submitted by marquiece from miami florida
Q: What's up Manny? I wanted to know if there is any chance of us landing wide out Chris Dunkley from Pahokee? I heard he was at the Clemson game. And is there any surprise recruit that could commit to the U by national signing day?
Answered 10/27/09 14:36:41 by Manny Navarro
A: A surprise to me would be a kid like Ivan McCartney or Corey Lemonier. As for Dunkley, I wasn't at Saturday's game. But it has long been the belief Dunkley is headed to Florida. I would be surprised if Miami got him too.Submitted by clark from chickamauga ga
Q: Question about the timeout just before half when the first down stopped the clock. Who called it Shannon or Whipple? This was a major gaffe. You can't have something like that happen when you are playin for an ACC title or a possible shot for it all. Your thoughts?
Answered 10/27/09 14:30:19 by Manny Navarro
A: Randy Shannon talked about it briefly after the game and made it seem like it was Whipple who called it because he was used to the NFL rules. No one is really sure what happened because they weren't there on the sideline. But you are right. It's not something this team can continue to do. Clock management has been terrible the past couple of seasons. Saturday's gaffe wsa just the latest example.Submitted by Nick from Louisville,Ky
Q: Hey Manny, if Arthur Brown, Ramon Buchanon and CJ Holton cant pick up the defense at LB why dont they just throw them out there and let them learn it against the Central Florida's, the Wake Forest's -- teams we should beat. It cant hurt!! I mean next year we are going to be in real trouble with only 2 players that know how to play LB (Sean Spence and Jordan Futch). I mean seems to be a real athlete why not try him out. The same for our corners as well. If you could answer me that be great! But I guess it all comes down to coach tho!! GO CANES. WE CAN STILL HAVE A GREAT SEASON 10-2!!!
Answered 10/27/09 14:25:38 by Manny Navarro
A: Just checked into my hotel room in New York for the World Series. Just so you know, I will be at Wake Forest Saturday. I'm only covering Games 1 and 2. Nick, Randy Shannon has never been one to just throw guys out there to learn the hard way. You might not believe this, but UCF wasn't any easy for UM. Wake Forest won't be either. There is a reason those other guys are not on the field and guys like Sean Spence and Colin McCarthy are playing hurt. The coaches simply do not have faith they can get the job done. If they did, they would be out there.Submitted by Jas from Miami, FL
Q: Manny, why isn't Chavez Grant playing at CB this year? And do you see Brandon McGee getting anytime at returning kicks this year?
Answered 10/20/09 15:13:29 by Manny Navarro
A: Grant has been playing corner. He's just out there in nickel situations. McGee probably won't return kicks this year.Submitted by CanesGirl FL from Fort Myers, FL
Q: Hey Manny, what's the latest on Eric Moncur and Aldarius Johnson -- will they be back for Clemson? Also, did Allen Bailey get hurt during the UCF game? I did not see him play a lot.
Answered 10/20/09 15:12:45 by Manny Navarro
A: Good question CanesGirl. The honest answer? We have no clue when those guys will be back. Randy Shannon gives us a smoke screen all week. We really don't know until Saturday. I doubt AJ is back this week. He had a pretty serious injury. Moncur's groin injury is something he'll be battling all season. I assume he missed last week's game to be around for this one on Saturday.Submitted by Ronny from Toronto, ON
Q: Hey Manny... Can you give us your Mid-Season Awards on a blog sometime this week? i.e MVP, Off. MVP, Newcomer, etc.?
Answered 10/20/09 15:10:57 by Manny Navarro
A: That is definitely one of my ideas Ronny. I've been busy with this sad story on Jasper Howard early on this week. But my plan is to do that at some point this week.Submitted by Fernando from Doral, Fl
Q: Manny, I hate to revisit a loss...but when I watched the drenched UM - VTech game ...I kept thinking how UM could have used a real power back in that game but was under the impression Miami did not have that player on their squad. Yet after watching Berry - I think they do have a power back...did the coaches ever think of Berry in that game or are they at least thinking of him now???
Answered 10/20/09 15:08:38 by Manny Navarro
A: Fernando, I think the Canes are definitely considering giving Berry more playing time. He is a power back in the sense he hits the hole harder than anybody else on the team. Would he have made the difference against VT? Who knows. UM was terrible on defense and special teams that day. It was probably too much to overcome.Submitted by Javi from Miami, FL
Q: Manny, thanks for the great coverage between yourself and Susan. I don't know if you noticed, but Miami briefly lined up in the Wildcat versus UCF with Jacory split wide and JJ behind center. This didn't last long - the Canes flashed this formation only once and the offense shifted back into it's conventional formation with Jacory under center. Still, is this something that we might see more of in the future under Whip? It seems like everybody has a Wildcat package these days; just look at what Saban is doing with Mark Ingram. Do we have the right personnel to execute this attack?
Answered 10/20/09 15:07:31 by Manny Navarro
A: Good question Javi. I did notice that and included it in our game notebook on Sunday. I'm not sure we'll see a play run in the formation. We might. My guess is Graig Cooper would be the best to run it since he has the best arm and can be a threat to throw it.Submitted by JK from Centralia, WA
Q: Any word on Willis Wright? Where does Miami stand with him?
Answered 10/20/09 15:04:24 by Manny Navarro
A: Don't think Wright is coming to Miami. He's had FSU as his leader for awhile. He has academic issues to resolve. UM has four other kids they like more at receiver.Submitted by marc from miami
Q: whats goin on with Prince Kent ?
Answered 10/20/09 15:03:43 by Manny Navarro
A: Last I heard North Carolina was his favorite. Kent is in prep school.Submitted by Jas from Miami
Q: Manny: Do you think we'll see Brandon McGee returning kick this season? Also which DB commits from 2010 do you see playing right away next year? Finally, do you think Davon Johnson might switch over to Conerback ala Sam Shields? Depth will still be a problem next year in the secondary and he has great speed.
Answered 10/20/09 15:01:45 by Manny Navarro
A: I don't think we'll see McGee on kickoffs or punts unless injuries occur. Of the 2010 kids, Keion Payne (non-commitment) would likely be most ready to play right away. Could Johnson switch to CB? Yes. He played some of it in high school and is big and fast enough that if he makes the transition now, he could be a force by his junior or senior year.Submitted by Fernando from Doral, Fl
Q: Manny, I think this Clemson game might be a little harder than people think - I worry a young team like the Canes may fall for a trap game - how the players keeping motivited?? And dont they need to pour on the points for the voters - they dont seem concerned about that, when I think they should start making waves on offense unless they put some goose eggs up - what do you think?
Answered 10/20/09 14:58:23 by Manny Navarro
A: You don't have to tell UM how good Clemson is. Orlando Franklin compared the Tigers front seven to Oklahoma's. Jacory Harris said the Tigers have always been a top dog. UM respects this team and will be ready mentally to play this game.Submitted by binky from petersburg,va
Q: I think this is a trap game for the U on saturday because clemson has a lot to play for too and also we saw last year against Cal that we don't fare to well against speedy elusive backs. We also got another taste of that when we played ryan williams so how do you see us faring against cj spiller,who is just as talented.
Answered 10/20/09 14:51:43 by Manny Navarro
A: Shutting down Spiller is going to be quite the task. This a guy who is the ACC's career leader in yardage. He's fast and dangerous. Without question, this is going to be UM's toughest assignment on run defense.Submitted by Ronny from Toronto, ON
Q: Hey Manny.... Which former UM players have been on the sidelines at the games this year? I could've sworn I saw Brian Monroe at the UCF game.
Answered 10/20/09 14:38:18 by Manny Navarro
A: Monroe and kicker Francisco Zampogna are back almost every week. There have been a few other guys -- usually whoever has a bye week in the NFL.Submitted by mark from gastonia, nc
Q: Will Richard Gordon be a candidate for a medical redshirt and be able to come back next year, which would be great with all the TE losses? Also, with Williams verbal today, it looks like the LB situation in trems of depth is taken care of. The DBs are looking pretty good. What about tight end? I know we have one but is there anyone else we are looking to get?
Answered 10/20/09 14:37:32 by Manny Navarro
A: Gordon will need NCAA approval to come back. Miami coaches obviously would love for that to happen because of the lack of depth at the position. Right now, Billy Sanders and Gordon would be it along with 2010 commitment Clive Walford. I think there is a good chance a defensive player or someone like John Calhoun is given a shot at tight end in the spring. We'll have to see. As for the LB situation, UM is solid with the four recruits they are bringing in plus guys like Jordan Futch, Ramon Buchanon Arthur Brown and Sean Spence.Submitted by ChicagoCane from McHenry, IL
Q: All right Manny...I asked you this question a month ago and you would not comment because recruiting was still up in the air. However, if you had to give your best guess, which players round out this year's recruiting class? Thanks as always.
Answered 10/20/09 14:34:06 by Manny Navarro
A: Miami is up to 20 commitments (1 is the silent) WR: Michaelee Harris, Allen Hurns OL: Brandon Linder, JUCO OL or other St. Thomas Aquinas kid CB: Keion Payne. DL: Corey Lemonier or David PerrySubmitted by JayTee from Tallahassee, FL
Q: Manny: Any middle LBs (excluding Luc) who can go into a program and make an IMMEDIATE impact? Does the U have a realistic shot at any of them? Also, do you think Arthur Brown will ever get over the hump and is he worth the wait? I like him, it just seems as if he cant adjust the way he needs to.
Answered 10/20/09 14:30:40 by Manny Navarro
A: I think the kid UM is getting out of Gainesville -- Kevin Nelson is an instant impact kid. He could play right away next season. Great question on Arthur Brown. I think the kid is talented and has plenty of ability. He just needs the light bulb to turn on in his head. He could turn out to be a late bloomer like DJ Williams. Brown's biggest obstacle is picking up pass coverages. Once he does, you'll see him on the field.Submitted by Kevin from Oakland, California
Q: How many scholarships does UM have left to offer for this recruiting class. I think they have about seven more scholarships left to offer but I wanted to see the official count and do they plan on using all of them? Also, have you heard anything about Tommy Streeter trying to transfer out of UM next year? Lastly, I haven't seen you write anything about landing prospects like J.R. Ferguson and Alex Smith (committed to Cincinnati). Are they still in the picture for Miami?
Answered 10/20/09 14:28:47 by Manny Navarro
A: I can tell you from my conversations with the powers that be that Ferguson and Smith aren't high on the totem poll for UM. As for Streeter, he told me after the FAMU game he isn't transferring and is 100 percent Canes. As for UM's recruiting situation, look for the Canes to sign between 24-26 in this class. It all depends on the quality of the recruit too. UM won't just take a guy to take a guy.Submitted by Daniel Ryan from Jax,Fl
Q: Manny: UM looked a little sluggish against the Knights but unlike the rest of the nation's top teams UM still was able to put a comfortable lead and keep it. Can you give us some insight to how or why UM was leaped by Iowa in the polls? UM only moved up a spot and that was after a 20pt win, are we already starting to see the days of the UM bias, where UM had to blow out every single opponent if not they'd likely be droped in the polls?
Answered 10/20/09 14:27:08 by Manny Navarro
A: Iowa is undefeated Danny -- that's why they leapfrogged the Canes. I wouldn't worry too much about the Hawkeyes though. They'll probably lose at Michigan State this weekend or at Ohio State on Nov. 14.Submitted by Daniel Ryan from Jax, Fl
Q: Manny; You've got to explain this to me. For starters I haven't really looked at all the teams being ranked this year, that is until this BCS garbage came out today, and I have a huge problem and question. What the Hell is TCU, Cinci, and Boise, and Iowa doing for starters in the top 10 let alone ahead of UM? Aside from Iowa whose beaten Michigan none of the other teams have played anyone especially TCU & Cincy, I mean I'd listen to arguments for the other 2 but TCU and Cincy come on man what's this about. Can you shed some light my brother?
Answered 10/20/09 14:25:30 by Manny Navarro
A: Danny boy the BCS is a joke. Ultimately, TCU and Cincy are surviving on the fact they are unbeaten. Of the two I think Cincy deserves it more because they are at least in a legit conference in the Big East. The Bearcats have also been good for several seasons now. I wouldn't worry about the BCS though. People are going to lose. UM just has to keep winning.Submitted by AL from Miami, FL
Q: Why is Colin McCarthy not starting in the base defense? I read he was injured, but I'm not sure I buy that anymore as he has played in each of the past games. The coaches are always holding Colin and DVD by the arm on the sideline waiting to see who will go in. How can we afford to sit the guy who could easily be the leading tackler on this team if he was on the field the whole game? Thanks,AL
Answered 10/20/09 14:22:55 by Manny Navarro
A: Al coaches won't say it but McCarthy is playing hurt. He's been dinged up since the opener. I don't believe it is the same shoulder otherwise he probably wouldn't be playing at all. But he is playing and starting in the base defense.
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