Hurricanes breeze through Saturday morning practice.
Aug. 16, 2003
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – The University of Miami football team returned to the Greentree Practice Fields on Saturday morning for a two-hour practice session. The Hurricanes wrapped up the workout by focusing on game-type situations.
“We ended up with a two-minute drill today,” head coach Larry Coker said. “We are going to continue to do that, it is a good conditioning drill plus it is good learning drill. It was a great job by the defense in the two-minute drill. They didn’t allow the offense to score, and didn’t even allow them to have a field goal opportunity.”
The coaching staff continues to develop the second string and less experienced players due to injuries to the team’s starters.
“It is not something you plan on and not something you always like, but I think in the long run it will help this football team,” coach Coker said. “If they are going to have to play, you would rather have it now than before you play the fourth, fifth, or sixth game. We still have a couple weeks before game time and they are getting a lot of work and that is the positive.”
Coach Coker commented on the players who have stood out in the Hurricane’s camp.
“I think Kevin Everett is one who continues to get better and better,” Coker said. “Orien Harris has certainly been a standout. Jarrell Weaver has been a back-up linebacker, but he has been exceptional. I think Antrel Rolle in the secondary has been awfully good. Offensively, Brock Berlin continues to impress and continues to get better. Both of our running backs, Frank Gore and Tyrone Moss are going to be exceptional players, along with the younger player Jon Beason. The offensive line is also getting better. I think Eric Winston continues to improve and he has outstanding talent. As far a receivers go, I think Kevin Beard and Ryan Moore have really been stand out players.”
The Hurricanes’ coaching staff has also looked at number of players thus far to handle the kick returning duties this season.
“One could be Sean Taylor, one could be Antrel Rolle,” Coker said. “I think for sure Darnell Jenkins is one and I think Devin Hester could be one. I think all of those guys have to potential to be there and they are all working there.”
Two players were added to the injury list on Saturday. Junior tight end Kellen Winslow was held out of the second half of practice with a mild toe injury. Sophomore defensive back Kelly Jennings was held out of Saturday’s practice with an ankle sprain.
The Hurricanes will return to practice on Sunday afternoon for a scheduled 3:30 p.m. workout.For UM football ticket information, please call 1-800-GO-CANES. The Hurricanes are set to open the season on Aug. 28 against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport. La. UM then returns home to face the Florida Gators on Sept. 6.
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