Hurricanes Defense Making Improvements
March 31, 2005
Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – – The Miami Hurricanes are nearing the end of their third week of spring practice, and today the defense took a step forward.
“We were much improved today,” said head coach Larry Coker. “Our linebackers did a better job today, and the young defensive ends such as Calais Campbell did they things they have been coached to do. I was really encouraged. But Calais and Vegas Franklin have looked good. The linebackers, like Willie Williams, did a great job, to. They attacked the football much better. If it’s run, they have to attack. If they’re soft and we don’t make the reads, it’s going to be 2nd-down-3 or 2nd-down-4 and we’re not going to win games like that.”
Coker praised the play of senior Leon Williams, who is still the No. 1 middle linebacker. “First of all, all of the guys are back, so we should be better at linebacker,” he said. “Leon is doing better. It’s his time. I want him to pick up where he left off last year. He really played well at the end of last season.”
On offense, Coker said there were some nice runs. “We have to get more consistent on offense,” he said. Coker added that at quarterback Kyle Wright is a little ahead of Kirby Freeman. “Experience is a key there. He understands the offense better. But they both have talent and I like what I see from both of them. They’re both comfortable in the offense and with their reads.”
As to when he will name a starter, Coker said, “When it’s time, it’s time. I’m not going to be in a hurry. I just want them to compete and get a lot of work. It’ll play out like it is right now. They are both good players – that’s the good thing.”
The Hurricanes will practice again at 3:20 p.m. on Friday. Saturday’s practice is at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at Cobb Stadium, just south of the Hecht Center.
ANNUAL COACHES CLINIC ON SATURDAY
The annual UM Coaches Clinic will be held on Saturday following the morning practice for area high school coaches. Hosted by Hurricanes head coach Larry Coker and his staff, the two-day clinic at Cobb Stadium on the UM campus costs $50 per coach and includes breakout sessions with the coaches and seminars with other high school coaches. After attending the UM practice, attendees will be able to learn the latest position drills. For information, area coaches should call (305) 284-2563.
