Hurricanes Open Full-Squad Practice
Aug. 9, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 1999 University of Miami football team openedfull-squad practice with two, two-hour practice sessions in helmets andshoulder pads at the Greentree Practice Facility. The day of workoutsfollowed three sessions of freshman practice.
In the morning practice, the Hurricanes worked out in position groups forthe first 45 minutes before working on the inside run drill and 7-on-7drills.
Following the morning session, Head Coach Butch Davis expressed his pleasurewith the team’s first practice as a full team.
“It was an excellent start to the season,” said Davis. “I think it’s veryevident that we’re much, much further along than in previous seasons. Iliked how the older guys not only pushed themselves, but the way that theyworked with the younger players and helped them along.”
Davis also commented on the readiness of junior quarterback Kenny Kellyafter just one day of practice. Kelly spent the summer playing pro baseball with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization.
“I thought Kenny Kelly threw the ball well,” said Davis. “Kenny threw much better than he did a year ago (at this point). A year ago, it took him two or three days to get into the groove of throwing a football. Today, youcouldn’t tell that he’s missed anything since the end of May when he went toplay baseball.”
The afternoon featured 7-on-7, 9-on-9 and 11-on-11 drills andconcluded with kicking and punting sessions. Following the day’s second workout, Davis spoke of the importance of havinga strong rotation along the defensive line.
“I think more than anything else, we need to break camp with eightguys who can contribute in a major way on the defensive line,” said Davis.”It’s very important to develop guys like Matt Walters, Brian Stinson andAdrian Wilson to give us that depth. Adrian Wilson is one guy who hasreally caught the coaches’ attention. He’s lost more than 25 pounds, isquick, and is off to a really good start mainly due to his off-seasonconditioning.”
HURRICANES SCRIMMAGE ON SATURDAY: The University of Miami football team willhold an open scrimmage at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 14 at Cobb Stadiumon the Coral Gables campus. Admission is free. This will be the onlyscrimmage open to fans prior to the kickoff of the 1999 football season.1999 football schedule posters will be given away, while Hurricanemerchandise and tickets will be available to purchase. For football tickets,call 305-284-CANES or 1-800-GO-CANES. Tickets may also be ordered online atwww.hurricanesports.com
DAVIS TO APPEAR AT NIKETOWN: University of Miami head football coach ButchDavis will be at NikeTown this Saturday, August 14, from 1-2 p.m. to signautographs. Past National Championship and Heisman Trophies will also be ondisplay. NikeTown is located at the Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 SunsetDrive, Suite 142 in South Miami. Fans are encouraged to bring items forautographs.
