(BLACK PR WIRE) – At this time last year, first-year coach Al Golden and the Miami Hurricanes football team were battling through numerous non-football-related distractions: sensational and tabloid-type reports of inappropriate player conduct and resulting multiple player suspensions. Not exactly how you want to begin the much anticipated Golden era of Hurricanes football.

This year, however, Coach Golden has only two big, looming questions facing him and his staff, and thankfully, they are both football-related. First, with the early departure of six starters to the NFL, which untested players are going to rise up and take their places on the field? And secondly, with the team lacking depth in a number of key positions, what can the team do to stay healthy? Indeed, it appears that two of the most important jobs on the coaching staff this season will be the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Andreu Swasey and newly appointed Head Athletic Trainer Vinny Scavo.

But the real good news coming out of Coral Gables is all about the players and how well they have responded to a new culture being instilled on this team. It is a culture that is best embodied by what Coach Al Golden has labeled, “No Excuses.” From the first day after the loss to Boston College at home to close out the 2011 season, the Hurricanes have worked harder than anyone to get stronger, get bigger, and get faster. The data released by the team after summer drills showed a record 41 players able to bench press 225 lbs. more than 20 times and 11 players doing more than 30 reps.

Not surprisingly, this new culture has spread to the team. Junior QB Stephen Morris said he has never seen a football team work harder in the off season. “We were all just tired of being average, no more mediocrity, no more 6-6 seasons and no more going through the motions. Our goal is to win championships here at the U, and that will always be our goal. We all made a promise to each other - we are never going to be out-worked or out-played by anyone.”

There is no better time for a change in attitude and culture than this year, as more than 40 new players will wear a Hurricanes uniform for the first time. And it appears that a number of them will get on the field when Miami opens their season next week at Boston College. Looking at the most recent depth chart, each position group has young and inexperienced players in the 2 deep listing. Freshmen like safety Tracy Howard, cornerback Deon Bush, and OT Ereck Flowers are all fighting for starting spots as fall camp comes to a close.

But a youth movement also brings with it a hunger to win and a willingness to sacrifice. This infusion of hungry youth may just be what the doctor ordered for this Hurricanes football team. From what has been reported in the off season and so far in camp, all points are leading to a very exciting football season at the University of Miami. Indeed, the Golden era, with its “No Excuses” trademark, is about to make its first statement for the 2012 season in Chestnut Hill on September 1. Stay tuned…..