Hurricanes Move Forward
Aug. 24, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 12th ranked University of Miami football teamconducted a two-hour workout in full pads on Tuesday afternoon at theGreentree Practice Facility. With the workout, the Hurricanes continuedpreparation for their season opener against No. 9 Ohio State in the KickoffClassic on Sunday, August 29th at 2:30 p.m. at Giants Stadium in EastRutherford, NJ.
Miami’s practice included situational work as well as 7-on-7scrimmaging. Prior to the practice, Head Coach Butch Davis reflected onUM’s pre-season work up to this point at his weekly coach’s pressconference.
“I’ve been pleased,” said Head Coach Butch Davis. “The kids’attitudes have been good and their sprits have been good. We’ve had a lotof good work and have had a lot of scrimmages and situational work to put usin position to compete in game situations.”
Davis went on to speak of quarterback Kenny Kelly’s progress. Kelly,a third-year sophomore, will make his first career start on Sunday vs. OhioState.
“I think Kenny Kelly has done fine,” said Davis. “I think he’sthrowing the ball much better than last year. This year, knowing that he’sgoing to be the starter, Kenny did a lot more of the things necessary toprepare in the spring and in the off-season than maybe he had over his firsttwo years.”
Davis also recognized Ohio State citing the defense, offensive lineand tailback Michael Wiley as OSU’s strengths.
“Ohio State is an outstanding football team,” said Davis. “They havebeen knocking at the door of the national championship and they’ve had a lotof truly great football players. John Cooper has been there a long time andit seems that they don’t rebuild they reload. They are excellent on defenseand they put pressure on you and use a lot of different schemes.
“As typical with Ohio State they are huge on the offensive line. They arebig and physical at the point of attack. The guy who I think energizestheir whole offense is Michael Wylie, the tailback. Last year, he made bigplays in just about every game that they needed a big play. He’s a slasherand he’s got great speed.”
Cornerback Delvin Brown (left ankle) missed practice and isquestionable for the Ohio State game. There were no other significantinjuries to report.
Miami will return to practice on Wednesday afternoon at the GreentreePractice Facility. Wednesday also marks the first day of classes for theUniversity of Miami.
