'Canes Keep Up Hard Work

Dec. 28, 1999

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of Miami football team (8-4, 6-1 BIG EAST) held a two-hour practice on Tuesday morning at Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, FL. With the workout, the Hurricanes continued preparations 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 applauded the team’s effort and intensity in its preparation for the Toyota Gator Bowl.

“We couldn’t ask for a better attitude from our players,” said Davis. “They have been phenomenal for the last two and a half weeks getting ready for the ballgame. They’ve enjoyed themselves and are having fun at practice. Their intensity in practice has been outstanding. I think it is a great sign that the trip is going well.”

Davis also declared sophomore Kenny Kelly as Miami’s probable starting quarterback vs. Georgia Tech, but did emphasize that true freshman Ken Dorsey will see action as well. Kelly missed the last three games with a sprained left knee suffered at Virginia Tech on November 13.

“All indications are that we’re probably going to start Kenny Kelly,” said Davis. “I think he’s earned that opportunity. He’s worked extraordinarily hard over the last four weeks to get himself healthy and ready to play. We would not be playing in a January 1 bowl game if it were not for the performance of both of these guys (Kelly and Dorsey). Kenny Kelly got us some great wins early in the season and Kenny Dorsey got some great wins late in season…They both are going to play. How much they play is predicated on how efficient and how effective they play.”

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 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Fletcher High School.