Hurricanes Work in Full Pads as Louisville Approaches

Oct. 11, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami’s third-ranked football team spent its last day in full pads on Monday afternoon at the Greentree Practice Fields in preparation for Thursday night’s showdown with 17th-ranked Louisville in the Orange Bowl.

“This was our last padded day of practice,” Miami head coach Larry Coker said. “I thought we had some good play today — I was really impressed. Darnell Jenkins and Roscoe Parrish really stepped up. Lance Leggett and Brock Berlin have also practiced well this week.”

The Hurricanes’ defense continues to impress the coaching staff with their ball-swarming mentality and speed getting to the football.

“I think defensively we are running to the ball and chasing the ball well,” Coker said. “We just have to make sure that we finish the week off right and get ready to play on Thursday.”

Coker was also pleased with the return of free safety Brandon Meriweather, who missed several practices last week with turf toe. Meriweather practiced on Sunday and Monday, and the coaches expect him to play on Thursday against Louisville.

Miami will practice again on beginning at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in shells. The Hurricanes and Cardinals are slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN on Thursday.