Miami Completes Day Three of Two-A-Days
Aug. 11, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 1999 University of Miami football teamcompleted day three of pre-season practice with two, two-hour practicesessions in helmets and shoulder pads at the Greentree Practice Facility.On Thursday, the ‘Canes will wear full pads for first time in 1999.
Wednesday morning featured 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills as well asspecial teams and individual position work. After the morning session, HeadCoach Butch Davis praised the defense’s progression.
“I’ve been really pleased with how the defense has been performing,” saidDavis. “One real positive is the number of balls that the defense isgetting their hands on. Balls are being tipped and intercepted bylinebackers and defensive backs and are being batted down by linemen. Thosethings become second nature and that’s how you create turnovers and changefield position.”
In the afternoon, the Hurricanes worked within the red-zone and their nickelpackage while experimenting with several new plays.
“This afternoon was an installation day. We implemented 15 to 18new plays on offense and some new concepts on defense,” said Davis. “It’sthat time of year where you’re just grabbing stuff and throwing it againstthe walls and seeing how much sticks. We’re trying to get them ready forthe scrimmage on Saturday by working on the red-zone and the nickelpackage.”
Offensive guard Richard Mercier missed the day of practice with abruised left calf. Sophomore Brett Romberg worked with the first team inplace of Mercier at left guard.
Two-a-days resume on Thursday (8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) at theGreentree Practice Facility. The ‘Canes will be in full pads for bothsessions. Through August 14, practice is open to the public.
HURRICANE HOTLINE DEBUTS: The Hurricane Hotline radio show will debutThursday, August 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on SportsRadio 560 WQAM, the newflagship radio station for University of Miami athletics. The two-hour talkshow will feature University of Miami Head Football Coach Butch Davis,Athletic Director Paul Dee as well as Hurricane assistant coaches andplayers. Hurricane Hotline will be hosted by UM’s football broadcast teamof Don Bailey, Jr., Marc Vandermeer, and Joe Zagacki. The show willcontinue on a weekly basis every Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Callers mayparticipate by calling 567-0560 from either the (305) or (954) area codes.Mobile callers can call in on #560.
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.
