Football Practice Report - Tuesday, September 2, 2003

Sept. 2, 2003

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – The University of Miami football team went through a two-hour workout on Tuesday at the Greentree Practice Fields. The Hurricanes practiced in full pads in the session in preparation for this weekend’s upcoming match-up with #18 Florida.

The Hurricanes’ defensive unit has maintained an intense pace throughout this week’s workouts.

“We had really physical practice today and I like what I saw from our defense,” head coach Larry Coker said. “They really practiced with an attitude today. They flew around the football and were aggressive. That is the attitude and mentality we need to have to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game on Saturday.”

Coach Coker and the Hurricane coaching staff are impressed with the play of junior cornerback Antrel Rolle, who has emerged as one of Miami’s top play-makers this season.

“That is what we expect from Antrel,” Coker said. “I think he is a game-changing type player and almost a secret weapon for us. He is a leader in the secondary and on special teams. He has helped us dramatically in special teams, not just on punt and kick returns but also on punt blocks.”

Coach Coker also commented on the Hurricanes’ injuries this season compared to seasons in the past.

“This has been typical,” Coker said. “As I mentioned before, we had four starters miss the Rose Bowl in 2001 and we won the national championship. It is just one of those things when you have one guy out it gives another player a chance to step up. We had people step up in that game and we will expect some guys to do the same this week against Florida. We have talent and we expect the talent to play well.”

The Hurricanes will return to the practice fields at 3:30 on Wednesday.

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-UM-