UM Football Ready For CanesFest
April 7, 2000
CORAL GABLES, FL – The University of Miami football team continued spring practice, with a two hour practice in helmets and no pads, at the Greentree Practice Facility on the UM campus. This was the Hurricanes final practice before the Spring Game on Saturday, April 8 at the Orange Bowl at 10:30 a.m.
Following pre-practice warm-ups, the team broke off into the offense and defense and worked on their formations and plays. After the offensive and defensive workouts, the team worked on blitz and coverage packages. The practice ended with an 11-on-11 scrimmage.
Coach Davis addressed some of the position changes that the team has made during spring practice.
“The bright spots of spring practice have been some of the experiments and movements that we have made. Moving Dan Morgan to middle linebacker has worked out extremely well. It’s a new position for him, but he has a tremendous amount of instincts and play making ability. Anchoring him in the middle gives him a chance to make plays on both sides of the field. The discovery of Nick Nettles has also been a positive. We moved him to fullback and in just 13 practices he has done some really good things. He has become a contributor. Moving LaVaar Scott from linebacker to defensive end is another thing. His speed and athleticism off the edge reminds you of the guys like Greg Mark and Rusty Medearis that moved from outside linebacker to defensive end.”
Coach Davis then spoke about how the emergence of back-ups is also a product of the spring practice sessions.
“Ed Wilkins is really pushing in the offensive line and he may land a spot. Brett Romberg also has a potential future at center. He’s really emerging.”
The development of Ken Dorsey, at the quarterback position, was also one of the points that coach Davis discussed.
“I think it was an absolute godsend for him to play those last four games. It did a couple of things for him. First of all, it gave him confidence to know that he can go out there and do it. Secondly, it eased some of the others players’ doubts about what he could do as a starter.”
Spring Practice will conclude with CanesFest and the annual Spring Game at the Orange Bowl on Saturday, April 8. This year’s CanesFest will feature the unveiling of the Hurricanes new uniforms, logos and designs for the 2000 season. Events for CanesFest will include season-ticket select-a-seat, “Ask the Coach” session, Fun Zone interactive area and an autograph session following the game with Hurricane players and coaches.
For ticket information for the upcoming 2000 college football season, please contact the Hurricane Ticket Box Office at 1-800-GO CANES or (305) 284-CANES in Dade County.
