Hurricanes Practice in Full Pads for the First Time in 2004

Aug. 14, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes football team practiced in full pads for the first time this year, including a grueling mini-scrimmage in the heat this afternoon at the Greentree Practice Fields.

“I saw some nice glimpses of things today, some big plays on offense and some opportunities to make some big plays,” head coach Larry Coker said. “We had some inconsistencies, such as snap problems, but that comes with being tired and getting some mental fatigue. That’s something we have to fight through this time of year.”

Running back Frank Gore looked impressive in his comeback from a torn ACL last October, especially on a 60-yard touchdown run down the left sideline with hundreds of fans cheering.

“I have really been encouraged with Frank,” Coker said. “He’s having a lot of fun and playing with a lot of confidence. I see a lot more confidence in his knees now than I did a year ago when he was coming back from one knee injury.”

As for whether Gore would play in the Sept. 6 season opener vs. Florida State, Coker said, “I don’t think there’s any doubt about it, unless there’s a major setback. I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t play. But there are still several weeks before we play FSU. Frank looks awfully good to me.”

The Hurricanes will return to the practice field at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The workout is open to the public.