'Canes Get Back to Work

March 28, 2000

CORAL GABLES, FL — The University of Miami football team continued spring practice, with a two hour and 30 minute practice in helmets and full pads, at the Greentree Practice Facility on the UM campus.

Following pre-practice warm-ups, the team broke off into their respective position groups to work on fundamental drills. After the position workouts, the offense and defense separated and worked on their formations and plays. The practice ended with a full contact 11-on-11 scrimmage.

After practice, head coach Butch Davis spoke about how the team has progressed during spring practice.

“I think as a mid-term grade you would have to say that spring practice has been pretty much a success. We’re staying relatively healthy, we have some bumps, but the thing you have to look at is the improvement with a lot of the younger players.”

Coach Davis then discussed the play of the Robert Williams and Nick Nettles, two players who changed positions this spring.

Robert Williams is doing some things at tight end that gives reason to believe that he will be a valuable contributor. Our coaches have also been encouraged by the play of Nick Nettles. In the scrimmage, this past Saturday, he ran the ball well, but the main thing is that he’s a ferocious blocker. He’s been a very pleasant surprise.”

Davis also addressed the achievements of the young players on the defensive side.

“Defensively, we’ve talked about how impressive Dan Morgan, Al Blades and Ed Reed have been, but some of the young guys are really playing well. Larry Anderson has been a pleasant surprise, just watching him develop, he’s doing some things that are very positive as a pass rusher. We also moved LaVaar Scott to defensive end and he’s made some real progress. It’s obvious that he’s a playmaker and he really hasn’t even been coached at the position.”The Hurricanes will resume practice on Wednesday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m. at the Greentree Practice Facility on the Coral Gables Campus.

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 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.