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 51 - 80 of 1618 (Page 3 of 55)Submitted by OMac from Westchester
Q: How big are the Norland 2012 commits? Best RB and LB in South Florida? I think so...
Answered 09/21/10 14:19:54 by Manny Navarro
A: They are definitely two of the best juniors in South Florida and the state. It was important for Miami to nab a few guys real early. That's the way Florida, FSU and other schools competing against them are doing things these days.Submitted by OMoney from Coral Park
Q: Manny, is the ACC the weakest BCS conference in college football? What does the ACC need to do to redeem itself? I think anything short of Miami and FSU running the table leaves the ACC irrelevant.
Answered 09/21/10 14:19:00 by Manny Navarro
A: As ESPN's Heather Dinich pointed out yesterday, the ACC went 0-9 in nationally relevant games the first two weeks of the season. If the ACC is going to save face, it needs to have a strong finish to the season and win some bowl games. Right now, I'd have to say the only conference it is really stronger than is the Big East. Pac-10, Big Ten, Big 12 and the SEC are head and shoulders above the ACC at the moment.Submitted by will from st pete
Q: Whats your take on the running game? While I like Damien Berry it's obvious to me that Miller needs more carries. He's our game changer and from what I've seen the only one we have right now. Also was it just me or did Jacory look like he was tenative, aiming the ball and not throwing it with authority until he started cramping? Do you think its due to his INT problems from last year?
Answered 09/21/10 14:15:01 by Manny Navarro
A: I agree with you that we need to see more of Lamar Miller. But I also think we need to see more of the running game. Berry and Miller could be a nice Thunder and Lightning package together. If they're successful, they'll take the pressure off Jacory Harris and the passing game from having to make plays. In fact, it will make throwing the ball easier. This is a huge game for Jacory. He needs to clear his mind and just think about football.Submitted by will from st pete
Q: Manny was it just me or were the Safeties completely invisible during the Ohio State game? What hurt the most watching that game was knowing the U had the bullets in the gun to go into the Horseshoe and win but couldn't get their act together.
Answered 09/21/10 14:11:41 by Manny Navarro
A: Ray Ray Armstrong dropped an INT. Vaughn Telemaque had a handful of tackles. I think what we haven't seen enough of is big plays from either of those guys. Ray Ray had his pick six against FAMU. But Telemaque is still looking for his first turnover. Time for both of them to turn it up a notch and become the playmakers they were brought in to be.Submitted by Tony from Jacksonville, Fl
Q: By what game of the season do you think we'll see the following guys playiing on a regular basis, if at all: Seantrel Henderson, Storm Johnson. Also, is there a possibility we'll see any of the Freshman Defensive Backs play this year?
Answered 09/21/10 14:01:59 by Manny Navarro
A: Unless Mike James, Damien Berry or Lamar Miller gets hurt, we probably won't see Storm Johnson playing on a regular basis. Same deal with Seantrel Henderson at tackle. I've heard he has some ways to go in terms of picking up the offense. He's talented. But unless he has to be in there because of injuries, UM is content with Jermaine Johnson and Joel Figueroa on the right side. Randy praised both of them for their play against Ohio State. Same deal with the freshmen DBs. You'll probably only see them on special teams.Submitted by Jay Tee from Tallahassee, FL
Q: Is RS the wrong guy for the U (I like him, but maybe he can't get this team to turn the corner), or is the next obstacle for him (now that he has depth) to get this team MENTALLY prepared-BELIEVING that they are champions? The reason for the question is that coaches like Saban, Holtz, Jimmy Johnson, (even Coker) had teams that responded when/how they needed to to be champions. Why couldn't the U against OSU? Even the championship teams from the U weren't known for their "discipline", but they knew how to win! I always hear him talk about "...the next step". The "next step" is restoring a winning mentality. In your opinion, whose responsibility is it, players or coaches (back to the initial question)?
Answered 09/21/10 13:59:35 by Manny Navarro
A: I don't think Randy is necessarily the wrong guy for The U. I just think he's learning on the job. This is his first head coaching job at any level. He had a lot of work to do to restock this team with talent. He still isn't done. Would I like to see more fire out of him on the sidelines? Yes. I think the majority of young players respond to the emotional level of their head coach. Shannon needs to demand more from his players. The loss at Ohio State was disheartening not because the team lost, but the way they lost -- making the same mistakes (throwing INTs, missing tackles, etc). Yelling at players doesn't always fix that. But playing with more emotion does seem to create more focus, more urgency. I want to see his players play with fire, play like they're having fun out there. I want to see some swagger.Submitted by Tony from Jacksonville, Fl
Q: My gut tells me that this team is still pretty good, but was a victim of playing a seasoned team too early. I think Da U puts up a better fight if they played OSU at least by the 4th game of the year. How much input does Shannon have on making the schedule in the future?
Answered 09/21/10 13:53:57 by Manny Navarro
A: All head coaches work with the athletic director in scheduling future opponents. They give suggestions. But ultimately, it comes down to the athletic director.Submitted by jtkosh from Gainesville
Q: How much impact do you think the racist tweets sent to Jacory will have on potential recruits?
Answered 09/21/10 13:48:20 by Manny Navarro
A: It shouldn't have any. But there's no question the teams recruiting against Miami will use it as ammunition. Racism is everywhere obviously. It isn't necessarily any bigger in Coral Gables or South Florida. Quite the opposite really I think.Submitted by Johnathan from Kendall
Q: How important is the Pitt game. I know the ACC is still out there for the taking with a loss but is this a make or break the season type game?
Answered 09/21/10 13:45:49 by Manny Navarro
A: I think the Pitt game is huge, but really for one person -- Jacory Harris. He needs to go out and have a good game and not struggle throwing interceptions. Right now, his confidence has taken a beating and his focus needs some readjustment. Miami can't win the ACC without him. This is the type of game I think coaches ought to take the pressure off him -- run the football with Damien Berry and Lamar Miller and allow Harris to make plays after successful runs.Submitted by SWFLAthlete230 from Fort Myers, FL
Q: Recruiting....How do you think Miami stands for South Fort Myers High recruits Dallas Crawford and Sammy Watkins?
Answered 09/21/10 13:43:45 by Manny Navarro
A: As far as I know it is still the same story with those two. Crawford is down to UM and Michigan and Watkins likes Miami and Clemson. I think the Canes have a great shot at both.Submitted by JAMES ANDERSON from CARSON, CALIFORNIA
Q: I FELT FROM THE BEGINNING THAT THE CANES WOULD LOSE TO OHIO STATE, BUT IT WILL PROPEL THEM TO A GREAT YEAR, 10-2, 11-1, WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT. I REALLY FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE REST OF THE SEASON.
Answered 09/21/10 13:39:31 by Manny Navarro
A: I called for a 10-2 finish before the season. But as the season moves along and injuries/suspensions happen, things change. I thought before the year Ohio State and North Carolina were the two toughest opponents on UM's schedule and the teams they would lose to. That is still probably the case. But at this point, after seeing Jacory Harris struggle with interceptions and the defense continue to struggle with tackling and creating turnovers -- anything can happen. UM is talented enough to win this conference. But will they avoid the same mistakes? We'll have to see. I know the ACC has struggled. But Florida State, Virginia Tech, UNC and Georgia Tech will still be tough games that could go either way.Submitted by John Michaels from Atlanta, GA
Q: Went to Ohio St and came back disappointed. What is up with our receivers and drops? And if they keep dropping passes how long until we see Tommy Streeter and Kendal Thompkins?
Answered 09/21/10 13:35:17 by Manny Navarro
A: It was a tough day for a couple of Canes receivers. Ohio State delivered a few big hits. But UM needs their guys to hold onto the ball. Randy Shannon said he counted several drops and routes that were run incorrectly. In regards to Streeter and Thompkins, both of those guys have tremendous talent. But I've been told they aren't getting the job done in practice. They're dropping balls in practice and that's why we aren't seeing them on the field game day.Submitted by brian from orlando
Q: Why dont we run a 3-4 defense package. Ojomo-Forston-Vernon at the D-Line. Bailey-Spence-Cmac-Mrob at the lbs? This would solve our linebacker play.
Answered 09/21/10 13:30:37 by Manny Navarro
A: Not a bad idea Brian, but you can't do that in the middle of the season. That is something you install in spring football. Forston couldn't play linebacker. But Vernon, Marcus Robinson, Ojomo all could. Miami needs to recruit linebackers. There is no question about that.Submitted by ty from sanford, florida
Q: Manny, I saw Ray Ray Armstrong play HS football and I know he could play QB. He has a stronger arm and can run alot faster than JH. He was recruited as a QB too. Why do you think RS doesn't give him a chance? He could be another M. Vick.
Answered 09/21/10 13:27:39 by Manny Navarro
A: Ray Ray is a tremendous athlete. But there is a huge difference between playing quarterback in high school and seeing basic defenses to going up a level and facing much more complicated looks in college against better athletes. Also, there is the whole deal of Ray Ray having to learn the playbook and having to work on a lot of fundamentals. He's a safety and potentially a very, very good one. I think you just have to come to terms with the fact Jacory Harris is the quarterback of this team.Submitted by Seriously Frustrated from San Diego
Q: Seriously Manny? The last time you answered any of our questions was August 17th over a month ago... I know you cant be busy with the marlins... We need you buddy
Answered 09/21/10 13:25:41 by Manny Navarro
A: It's true. Unfortunately, the last couple of weeks I have had to cover the Marlins during our chat hours. But this week, I'm available. Fire away.Submitted by LB from Dunbar, WV
Q: With all of the news (thank you, by the way) out, there has been little about Pat Hill. His impact on the running game was telling. Does he look to have returned to form? Furthermore, what's the gameplan if he goes down? James? Calhoun? Thank you for the coverage.
Answered 08/17/10 11:56:47 by Manny Navarro
A: We got a chance to speak to Pat last week. He's lost some weight (5 pounds) and says he feels better than ever. I think his return will be huge for UM in the running game. If he gets hurt, Mike James is probably next in line. I would assume Calhoun would be third in line.Submitted by Manolete from Coral Gables, FL
Q: What's with the Canes 2011 recruiting? So far they've slid into the 30's on rivals.com, espn.com, and 40 on scout.com.
Answered 08/17/10 11:55:11 by Manny Navarro
A: Not a lot of scholarships available in this class, so I don't expect UM to be ranked very high. Those rankings are often skewed by the number of signees. I think the Canes will sign between 12 and 15 players in this next class. On a side note, it is only August and early in the process. UM already has QB Teddy Bridgewater committed. He's one of the best in the country. I wouldn't sweat the rankings so much.Submitted by George from Miami, FL
Q: Manny, are there any high schools in the "State of Miami" (Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach) that The U needs to have a better relationship with so that we get more recruits? Specifically, I've noticed we don't recruit, nor have any on the roster (I may be wrong), from Miami Central. Is that a school we need to have a better relationship with? What have you been hearing around the high schools about their relationships with The U?
Answered 08/17/10 11:52:09 by Manny Navarro
A: I think there are two issues. First, UM has improved their relationships with coaches all around Dade, Broward and Palm Beach in the last couple of years. There was a time when I heard high school coaches saying UM wouldn't even stop by the school. Not the case anymore. Now, are there schools where coaches may push kids in a different direction for their own benefit (ie., with the hope of landing a college job)? Yes. Absolutely. I think that happens a lot. One thing I've heard from UM's side of it is that all they want is a fair shake. "Don't help me, but don't hurt me." RE: Central. I think there are some issues with that school that need to be resolved.Submitted by Laz from Cutleridge Fl.
Q: What's up Manny how likely do you think it is that Latwan Anderson will redshirt? Also how is Dyron Dye progressing?
Answered 08/17/10 11:43:10 by Manny Navarro
A: I think LA will redshirt unless the Hurricanes come down with a rash of injuries in the secondary. From what I've heard about Dye, he's looking good. He should be in the rotation this year at end.Submitted by Ratanai from Athens, GA
Q: Hey Manny, what is your favorite 'Canes uni so far? Do you think they will have a new design soon within the next 3 years?
Answered 08/17/10 11:39:41 by Manny Navarro
A: I'm a fan of the traditional orange and white. Although, I liked the new gloves players were wearing with The U on it. Not sure if there will be another new uni in the future. But I wouldn't be surprised.Submitted by the shadow knows from north miami beach
Q: UM faces a schedule that includes games at the pre-season choices to win the Big Ten and Big East as well as games against the favorites in the ACC in Va Tech and FSU; granted that if they win 3/4 of these contests they'll be in the hunt for the vase, but the enthusiasm that many cane loyalists is not tempered by A) this difficult schedule and B) the canes are returning a team that was at best good and sometimes horrible last year. it seems that a three loss season is in the offing- your opinion please! also how much will patrick hill, blocking fullback from my high school in LA (fairfax) see the field in the canes offense?
Answered 08/17/10 11:37:11 by Manny Navarro
A: Yes, you finally got to the question! Just teasing. I think this schedule is definitely challenging. The road game at Clemson will also be a tough test. Could UM lose three games? Absolutely. I think one way or another they'll lose at least one game. As per Pat Hill, he'll play a lot in running situations. His return should help this team on third and short.Submitted by Dorian from Union, New Jersey
Q: Who has been the most impressive player on Offensive side of the ball and who has been the most impressive on the defensive side?
Answered 08/17/10 11:33:23 by Manny Navarro
A: Well, if I watched practice, I'd have a better idea. But early on, Shannon was raving about Asante Cleveland, the freshman tight end who made a big catch in the scrimmage. I've also heard that the defensive line is looking good. Adewale Ojomo's return should be huge this season.Submitted by Nicholi from Port St Lucie, Fl
Q: Manny, I'm so glad you're back answering our camp questions. As a die hard fan I run out of material pretty quickly and it helps. My question is what is stopping Streeter from reaching his potential? Also, with the added depth at tailback I'm concerned with so much talent no one will be able to get into a groove like Harris vs. Marve in their fr. year. Will we have a leader of the pack or is it going to be a weekly throw of the dice. Depth is a motivator but sp is confidence that the first mistake won't be their last.
Answered 08/17/10 11:27:57 by Manny Navarro
A: I think Tommy Streeter's biggest issue has been his weight. He's always been a tall, lanky kid with speed. But putting on weight and bulking up a little more would help, especially when it comes time to mixing it up with opposing DBs. If he had a more of a LaRon Byrd type body, he would probably play more. But he's still a deep threat, one I think we'll see more of this year. RE: Running backs. I wouldn't worry about Harris being able to get into a groove. He's going to play nearly every down if he's healthy. And UM is going to throw the football plenty. The success of the running backs blocking for him is probably a more important factor of whether or not he gets into a groove.Submitted by lesly from miami, fl
Q: Manny how is it so far covering all the good stuff for the University of Miami and what made you go into field.
Answered 08/17/10 11:24:51 by Manny Navarro
A: I got into the field early on in life actually. I started writing and doing video in high school and just loved being close to the game. It's been a lot of fun covering the Canes over the years. I wish we had more access than we do. But it is what it is.Submitted by AAJ from Orlando
Q: Manny, whats up with Tommy Streeter? Will he make an impact this year like he did in the Wisconsin game, especially since we lost Theron? Also, I know its a crazy thought,but given the arrival (or soon to be) of Latawan Anderson, would it hurt to move Ray Ray to Linebacker? I remember reading critics' writing that given his size and body that he could eventually make that jump anyway...
Answered 08/10/10 15:04:28 by Manny Navarro
A: Regarding Streeter, I think the kid who is due to really break out this year is actually Kendall Thompkins. With Collier gone, UM is going to need a dependable slot receiver. Thompkins is really that guy. As for Latwan, I think his arrival means little for Ray Ray. The Hurricanes love Ray Ray's size and ability in the secondary. I think his role as an intimidator in the middle of that defense this year is going to be huge.Submitted by David from Miami
Q: Hey Manny, what has most impressed you about this Miami team?
Answered 08/10/10 15:01:57 by Manny Navarro
A: Good question. I guess I would have to say the depth at the skill positions. It wasn't too long ago this program hardly had any receivers or quality running backs. Now, it seems like they are loaded with them. I like the depth and talent along the defensive line. What I'm not too fond of is the lack of numbers at linebacker. Miami spent a lot of time and energy recruiting guys there and it seems like they're still shorthanded.Submitted by Kyle Aguilar from Miami. FL
Q: So what was the real reason for Thearon Collier leaving UM and what are the chances we get to see Seantrel Henderson play this season?
Answered 08/10/10 14:59:53 by Manny Navarro
A: I'll answer the second question first. I think Seantrel is definitely going to play this season. At the very least, he'll see some time in the rotation at tackle. As for Collier, it is my understanding he was told he would not play this season because he had been missing too many classes. Now, from what has been reported, he met with Shannon and was told he could return next season if he followed the rules. But most people are expecting that he will transfer.Submitted by Justin from Miami, FL
Q: Do you buy the talk that has been coming out of camp regarding the supposed improvements of DVD? For as a great and funny of a kid as he seems, he's never really been that great in his UM career. Is this actually the year that he picks it up, or are UM people merely trying to talk themselves into the idea?
Answered 08/10/10 14:56:47 by Manny Navarro
A: I asked LaRon Byrd today about the play of the DBs and he said DVD was unbelievable, doing a great job pressing and with his hip turns. DVD is a great kid and I think everybody is crossing their fingers he turns the corner this year. He definitely has to make a bigger impact (1 career INT) than he has in the past if the Canes are going to be a very good football team.Submitted by Melanie from South Carolina
Q: Great to have the "season" finally starting. What is the exact status of Collier? Randy obviously wanted to avoid Susan's question the other day - but why no "official" word?
Answered 08/10/10 14:53:22 by Manny Navarro
A: Strange right Melanie? I'm not sure why Shannon dodged the question. All he had to say was that Collier was no longer on the team or not playing this season. We've reported and stand by our story that Collier was dismissed from the team this season. As we understand it, the door was left open for a potential return next season. But that isn't expected to happen.Submitted by Fred Perdue from Lakeland Florida
Q: How are the the linebackers progressing especially Jordan Futch and Ramon Buchanon? Is Aldarius Johnson showing flashes of what made him such a go to target as he was his freshman year?
Answered 08/10/10 14:50:37 by Manny Navarro
A: All great questions Fred. Unfortunately, we really don't know since nobody in the media is allowed to watch practice. I'll ask Shannon on Friday and see if I can request assistant coach Micheal Barrow. Assistants are not made available to the media unless it is a special request. UM is closing the door on access a little more every day, so it is hard to answer some of these questions fairly.
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