Hurricanes Complete Tuesday Football Practices
Aug. 14, 2001
Audio:
Coach Larry Coker
Dr. John Uribe
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The University of Miami football practiced twice in full pads Tuesday in muggy conditions at the Greentree Practice Fields on the UM campus. The drills were the first in full pads this fall for the Hurricanes, who are now 18 days away from their 2001 season opener at Penn State.
Defensive end Jerome McDougle missed the afternoon session after being hospitalized after a fainting spell he suffered at the conclusion of the morning practice. He is being evaluated overnight at Doctor’s Hospital in Coral Gables.
“It was a productive day for us and I was particularly impressed with the way the defense came back in the afternoon and really showed some improvement,” said head coach Larry Coker at the conclusion of the afternoon practice. “The defense was a little soft on the inside drill in the morning and gave up some plays, but they really flew around in the afternoon. I’m proud of the way they responded in the afternoon practice.”
The Hurricanes practiced without some key players on Tuesday, including cornerback Mike Rumph (groin), cornerback Markese Fitzgerald (hamstring), running back Clinton Portis (stomach virus), and defensive end Jamaal Green (knee). Defensive end Cornelius Green was limited during both practices by a turf toe injury. McDougle is described by Team Physician Dr. John Uribe as being in good condition.
“The doctors tell me Jerome’s going to be fine, but they want to hold him overnight and complete some additional tests to see if they can find out exactly what caused the problem,” Coker said. “I talked with him earlier this afternoon and he was his usual self. He was joking around and told me to let everyone know that he’s a warrior and he’ll be back real soon.”
The Hurricanes resume two-a-days tomorrow with a pair of practices (8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) at Greentree. Those practices are open to the public the final day that practices will be open to the public. The team’s first scrimmage of the fall will take place during the afternoon practice on Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Greentree.
Workouts are closed to the public beginning Thursday, August 16, with regular media policies going into effect at that time.
The Hurricanes begin the 2001 season Saturday, September 1, at Penn State in a nationally televised contest (ABC Sports). Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
For ticket information for Hurricanes football, contact the UM Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-CANES or purchase them on the web at www.hurricanesports.com.
