Hurricanes Practice in Shells for First Time

Aug. 12, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The intensity picked up Thursday afternoon at the Greentree Practice Facility, as the Miami Hurricanes football team went through their third workout of the 2004 season.

The two-hour practice took place in shells, which consists of lighter shoulder pads, helmets and shorts.

“The intensity picked up a little bit today,” head coach Larry Coker said. “It was the first day in partial pads, what we call shells. We are still learning how to practice. We have a lot of young guys, and that is something we have to do everyday and improve on everyday. I think today we took a step forward.”

The heat played a factor again on Thursday, but the Miami coaching staff had a close eye on the situation.

“I think you have to push through, but there is a fine line,” Coker said. “We take breaks, we have water out on the field, and we weigh-in and weigh-out … we take all of the precautions. Still, it is hot and humid and guys without much body fat tend to cramp up. Not many big linemen cramp up that much, but those 170-pound, 180-pound wide receivers with no body fat will cramp up.”

The Hurricanes’ backup quarterbacks, Derrick Crudup and Kyle Wright, also impressed Coker on Thursday.

“I have been really pleased with both Kyle Wright and Derrick Crudup,” Coker said. “Derrick looks more poised, more comfortable and confident, and Kyle Wright sees an opportunity to play. I have been really encouraged with both of those guys.”

The Hurricanes will return to the practice field at 3:30 p.m. Friday.