Aug. 8, 2006
Coral Gables – The Miami Hurricanes football team used its second day of preseason practice on Tuesday morning as a great learning session, sweating through a workout at the Greentree Practice Fields.
“There was a lot of teaching today,” head coach Larry Coker said. “I really like the way our staff is working with our guys and teaching. We’re trying to get in a lot of work and stay healthy. The main thing is that our guys are working very hard. They are getting a lot of coaching from the coaches and they are really receptive.”
Coker was content with his team’s expected energy level and the fact that there have been minimum injuries and heat-related complications. “Day two should be a lot of energy,” Coker said. “Days three and four, sometimes, are when you really have to push on. We need to finish off today with some good meetings and film study and get ready for tomorrow. Everything has been fine (with the heat). We’ve been trying to address it and guys have been hydrating.”
The Hurricanes were dressed in helmets, jersey and shorts again on Tuesday. No padding means little contact, but Coker was able to give a limited assessment of the offensive line, a unit that will feature four new starters in the season opener on September 4 against Florida State. “They’re not making mentals (mistakes),” Coker said. “They’re playing with a lot of emotion, a lot of energy, and they’re having fun. What I’ve seen in shorts is good, but until you actually get in pads, it’s hard to say with the offensive line.”
Miami returns to the practice fields at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday.
NOTES
Byrd’s spot to loseAlthough not written in stone, Coker was sure to let the media know who was ahead in the battle for the right tackle spot on the offensive line. “Tyrone Byrd is the guy until somebody beats him out,” Coker said. “He’s the best and he is the starting right tackle until someone shows us different. We’re going to give some other guys some opportunities, but as of right now (the position) really isn’t up for grabs.”
Derron Thomas stepping upSophomore running back Derron Thomas has been taking the No. 2 reps behind Charlie Jones and for now has secured his position in the backfield. “He’s practiced well and he’s had a great summer,” Coker said. “He’s really increased his physical status and he’s a good running back. He has running skills and he deserves to be there.”
The more, the merrierHaving a strong stable of running backs to choose from won’t exactly be seen as a problem by Coker this season. The competition between Andrew Johnson, Javarris James and Kylan Robinson, along with Tyrone Moss, Jones and Thomas is welcomed by Coker. “I’d like to keep guys fresh, like the Miami Dolphins did last year with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams,” Coker said. “I think that’s a great situation to have. When I’ve had a great (running back), they’ve played a majority of the time. But I’d like to be able to share some time with some of the running backs.”
Who wants it?There will be plenty of competition at the receiver position as well. Key contributors Darnell Jenkins, Ryan Moore and Lance Leggett all seem to have a firm grasp on major playing time. But it will be up to Terrell Walden, Khalil Jones and freshman Sam Shields on who gets to catch passes in the games. “They just need to step up and make plays,” Coker said. “They’re going to have a lot of opportunities. It’s August and that’s what it’s all about. They have great speed, and Khalil has outstanding size and outstanding skills. His numbers are good, but now he just needs to step up and be a player now. I’ve been very impressed with Shields and Walden. Walden is our fastest guy and Shields is probably right there with him. You are putting great speed on the field and both have made exceptional plays in the first couple days.”