CORAL GABLES, FLA. (AP) - Sean Spence led the Miami Hurricanes in a pre-practice chant that left some onlookers doubled over in laughter. Jacory Harris took his spot at the front of a stretching group, a position typically reserved for starters.
Say this for the `Canes: They’re trying to carry on some sense of business-as-usual.
Spence, Harris and all other Miami players implicated by claims that a rogue booster provided dozens of Hurricanes with extra benefits like cash, cars, gifts and sex for the better part of a decade returned to the practice field Thursday. Whether they play in the season-opener at Maryland on Sept. 5 remains unclear, as the university works through the process of determining their eligibility.
As a result, the depth chart for Week 1 is still anyone’s guess.
“We’ll make sure we practice enough guys because we really don’t know what the future brings,” Miami coach Al Golden said. “Hopefully we’ll find out pretty quickly here in the near future if there are any penalties or suspensions, and we’ll adjust accordingly.”
Golden said he has a plan for which personnel to use against the Terrapins. And another plan, just in case. And, well, another plan, in case things change some more.
“All of the above,” Golden said.
Golden said the depth chart may take until Tuesday to complete. He also said in what he believes to be accordance with Atlantic Coast Conference policy, the Hurricanes will divulge their plans to the Terrapins before releasing anything publicly.
“Any projections or anything like that, all it is is speculation,” Golden said.
Spence and Harris are among two of the biggest names wrapped up in the scandal _ Spence is considered by many to be Miami’s best defensive player and one of the top linebackers in the ACC. Harris has played 36 games at quarterback for the Hurricanes in his first three seasons, and he’s far-and-away the ACC leader among active players in passing touchdowns, yards and wins.
University officials have not commented on the specifics of the process. Miami President Donna Shalala said this week that 15 student-athletes _ she did not specify names or teams _ were being investigated by university compliance personnel. The former booster, convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro, told Yahoo Sports that he provided benefits to 72 athletes, 65 of whom played football for Miami. Of those, 12 are current football players, and one is a member of the men’s basketball team.
“We’re going about our business,” Golden said. “Obviously some of the players that are alleged to have done something are guys that have played a lot of football for us, so obviously there’s going to be some adjustments if there are suspensions. Other than that, we’re just moving forward and the kids have been great.”
Defensive lineman Anthony Chickillo, who is expected to get playing time right away _ the true freshman is a third-generation Hurricane _ said the scandal is not taking away from the excitement of his first collegiate season.
“I’ve waited my whole life to come here,” Chickillo said. “I’m just happy I’ve got coach Golden as my coach. I’m happy with the team. … It’s everything I ever wanted and everything I ever expected.”
The other football players named by Shapiro to Yahoo Sports are Vaughn Telemaque, Ray Ray Armstrong, Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson, Marcus Forston, Olivier Vernon, Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, Dyron Dye and JoJo Nicholas. Like Harris and Spence, many of those players are presumed starters this season.
Shapiro is serving a 20-year prison sentence for bilking investors out of $930 million.
Notes: Offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson, recovering from back surgery, is now rehabbing with eyes on returning this season, Golden said. There is no timetable for his return. … Miami is still awaiting word on three players who have yet to be approved by the NCAA clearinghouse, a situation that’s now precarious because classes began Wednesday. The hardship waiver for QB Ryan Williams, a Memphis transfer, also remains unsettled. … The university still has not announced if all players will be available, as customarily is the case, to attend an annual kickoff event with fans scheduled for Saturday.
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