Hurricane Football Continues Two-a-Days
Aug. 10, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 1999 University of Miami football teamcontinued pre-season practice with two, two-hour practice sessions inhelmets and shoulder pads at the Greentree Practice Facility. The actionmarked the second day of full-squad workouts for the ‘Canes.
Both the morning and afternoon practices featured 7-on-7, 9-on-9 and11-on-11 drills as well as the inside-run drill and special teams work. Theafternoon workout, delayed 11 minutes due to nearby lightning, concludedwith work within individual position groups.
Following the afternoon session, Davis commented on the emergence ofdepth along the defense’s front seven.
“The development of some depth is one of the most encouraging thingsthat I’ve seen in quite a while,” said Davis. “I think our first group oflinebackers (Michael Smith, Dan Morgan, Nate Webster) are really a talentedgroup, but those players in the backup roles are really starting to come on. Sheven Marshall, Howard Clark, Chris Campbell and Rod Mack are really makingplays. The linebackers alone had three interceptions today and that’sencouraging.
“Our second-string defensive line is starting to understand theintensity needed to dominate the line of scrimmage. William Josephcontinues to do well at defensive end. Adrian Wilson and Matt Walters arereally doing some nice things at defensive tackle. Walters’ development atdefensive tackle is instrumental in keeping Joseph at end.”
Davis also noted the position battle at right guard between MartinBibla and Eric Schnupp. Right guard is the only position along Miami’soffensive line without a returning starter.
“We’ve taken an approach over these first few days to alternateMartin Bibla and Eric Schnupp (with the first team),” said Davis. “Thecompetition between the two of them makes the whole offensive line better.One of these two guys will emerge.”
Two-a-days resume on Wednesday (8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) at theGreentree Practice Facility.
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.
