Hurricanes Might Have A New Center In Byrd

April 6, 2005

Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – – The Miami Hurricanes might have found a new center in this afternoon’s practice, as redshirt freshman Tyrone Byrd worked most of the day with the first-string offense.

“We see some things that he can do that really excite me once he learns the position,” said head coach Larry Coker. “He has size and he’s very athletic. He probably set the record for the vertical jump among offensive linemen the day he walked onto campus. He’s smart. He just has to get comfortable with the position.”

Coker added that the first-team offense had a good day of practice. “It was a much better day for the offense today,” he said, “especially the first team, which was more efficient. We really did some good things in situational things. I see guys like (fullback) James Bryant and (tight end) Chris Zellner stepping up and doing better. (Offensive tackle) Cyrim Wimbs is doing better.

The Hurricanes will take Thursday off and practice again at 3:20 p.m. on Friday. The annual spring game will be at 12:00 noon Saturday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.