Hurricanes Productive In Sunday Practice
Aug. 27, 2000
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – As their walking wounded continued to return to action, the Miami Hurricanes continued work for the season opener against McNeese State with a two-hour practice Sunday afternoon at the Greentree Practice Field.
“I think our weekend has been productive,” said Hurricanes’ head coach Butch Davis. “It’s a little bit crazy trying to simulate a game-week practice with a Thursday game. That meant today’s practice is a Tuesday type of workout. But I think we’re coming together and I’m encouraged.”
One of the most encouraging developments Davis cited after Sunday’s practice was the execution of the Miami offense. Defensively, end Jevon Rhodes stood out as one of the team’s most improved players at defensive end.
“Today was probably the most productive offensive practice we’ve had in a week,” Davis said. “We looked really sharp, really crisp with our execution. We’ve really been working on the different stunts and blitzes McNeese (State) uses and the guys are getting familiar with everything.”
On the injury front, tight end Jeremy Shockey returned to full-speed work on Sunday after shaking off the lingering effects of a sprained ankle. Running back Jarrett Payton and receiver Kevin Beard, both of whom also suffered ankle sprains, are still limited. Beard is being held out of contact drills while Davis said Payton remains several days away from returning to action.
The Hurricanes open the 2000 season Thursday, Aug. 31, against McNeese State at the Orange Bowl with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. Practice continues Monday at 3:30 p.m. All practices are closed to the public. For ticket information for Hurricanes football, contact the UM Ticket Office at (305) 284-2263 or 1-800-GO-CANES. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.hurricanesports.com.
