Hurricanes Begin Practice In Jacksonville

Dec. 27, 1999

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of Miami football team (8-4, 6-1 BIG EAST) held a two-hour workout on Monday afternoon at Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, FL. The practice marked the first formal workout for the Hurricanes in the Jacksonville area as they prepare for their New Year’s Day matchup with Georgia Tech (8-3, 5-2 ACC) in the Toyota Gator Bowl.

Following the practice, Head Coach Butch Davis commented on the performance of the team in its first practice since December 22.

“It was a very good practice,” said Davis. “I was really pleased with the focus and the intensity of the players. I thought they did an outstanding job. If today is any indication of how the week is going to go, then it should be a very productive week.”

Davis also addressed whether sophomore Kenny Kelly or freshman Ken Dorsey will start at quarterback in the Gator Bowl. Kelly has not played since injuring his left knee on November 13 at Virginia Tech.

“We will probably make that decision tomorrow (Tuesday). We expect both of them to play. They are not in competition with each other. This isn’t about one of them tying to win the job over the other. This is about trying to get our football team prepared to have the best performance that we can to win the game against Georgia Tech…We’re going to try to get two players prepared as if they are both going to start the game, regardless of what we decide tomorrow.”

Freshman running back Jarrett Payton (right ankle) participated in limited work. Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport (right knee) and senior linebacker Michael Smith (right knee) remain out.

The Hurricanes return to practice at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at Fletcher High School.