Miami coach Larry Coker hasn't fully recovered from the Hurricanes' 31-24 double-overtime loss to Ohio State in last season's national championship game, the Fiesta Bowl, but says he's moved past the defeat that denied Miami a perfect season and saddled him with his first loss as a head coach.
More important, he claims his players have, too.
"It's a long, hard process," Coker said via conference call Saturday. "It really helps me get over it as a coach when I watch the way our younger players are competing, working, conditioning, lifting and getting ready for this fall. It's a new season, and they know it. And they've helped me to know it."
What also helps is this:
Miami appears to be loaded. Again.
"Our goals haven't changed," the third-year coach said. "We're expected to compete and play at a high level. Anything less won't be acceptable, it won't be a good year. I'm not saying if we don't win a national championship it's not a good year. But certainly the expectations are high for myself, our staff, our players, our fans and our administration."
The Hurricanes once again had several players taken in this year's NFL draft (four in the first round). Among the offensive stars who departed were quarterback Ken Dorsey and All-America tailback Willis McGahee, both top-five in Heisman Trophy voting, and star receiver Andre Johnson. The defense also lost its share of talent.
Coker, though, isn't fazed.
"I really like our football players," he said. "They've been really diligent in their work ethic. I've been really pleased with what I've seen so far."
Replacing Dorsey is critical to Miami's success. In Florida transfer Brock Berlin, Coker and staff think they found their man. Berlin, a junior who redshirted last year because of NCAA transfer rules, outdueled junior Derrick Crudup to win the job. After spring practice, coaches evaluated every session, every play and every throw. They determined Berlin had earned the job.
"Some of the things Brock did really stood out," Coker said. "The players have rallied around him. Brock really believes in himself."
Berlin should have plenty of help. Several key starters return up front, and tight end Kellen Winslow figures to be one of the country's best at his position. McGahee's spot will be filled by sophomore Frank Gore, whom Coker compares favorably with Barry Sanders, a player he coached at Oklahoma State.
"We're going to be able to surround (Berlin) with good players," Coker said. "We've got players who can help him. He doesn't have to do it all. We want him to know that. ... This is his time."
The defense is balanced and, Coker says, could be improved. "We should be more attacking than we have been before," Coker said. "We're going to be very exciting to watch."
Miami opens Aug.28 at Louisiana Tech, and as one might expect, Coker is eager for the season to begin. In the least, it should help take his mind off the one that just ended.
"Our attitude has been, move forward, press on," Coker said. "Our players coming back have done a good job of that. They realize this is a new opportunity."
