Hurricanes' Spirits High

Dec. 20, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team (8-4, 6-1 BIG EAST)held a 90-minute workout in full pads on Monday afternoon at the GreentreePractice Facility. With the practice, the 23rd ranked Hurricanes continuedtheir preparation for the Toyota Gator Bowl vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech (8-3,5-3 ACC) at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. Following the workout, Head Coach Butch Davis was pleased with the effortgiven by the Hurricanes in the team’s first full speed practice since Friday.

“It was good to get back into the routine today,” said Davis.”After giving the players virtually two days off, spirits were very high.”

Davis also described the challenges that faced the Hurricane defensein containing Georgia Tech quarterback Joe Hamilton. Hamilton accounted for3,794 yards (3060 passing yards, 734 rushing yards) in total offense thisyear for the Yellow Jackets.

“The secondary as much as the defensive line has to understand thatthere will be times that he (Hamilton) will get out of containment, but thedefense has to stay contained,” said Davis. “That’s when big playssometimes happen. As much as anything else, playing a quarterback like JoeHamilton forces you to be very disciplined at all 11 positions on defense.You can’t have players that freelance.”

Sophomore quarterback Kenny Kelly (sprained MCL in left knee) andsenior offensive tackle Robert Hall (right ankle sprain) both practiced inthe majority of drills. Freshman running back Jarrett Payton (right ankle)and sophomore linebacker Sheven Marshall (neck burner) both participated inlimited work on Wednesday. Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and seniorlinebacker Michael Smith are both expected to be out for the year with rightknee injuries.

Tickets for the Toyota Gator Bowl are available at the Hurricane TicketOffice. Call (305) 284-CANES or 1-800-GO-CANES to purchase tickets or formore information.