Intensity Raised for Hurricanes in Third Practice
Aug. 9, 2006
Coral Gables – The Miami Hurricanes donned light padding in Wednesday morning’s workout at the Greentree Practice Fields. Although still a few days away from full contact, the extra padding (called shells) allowed for more contact, upping the intensity of practice and exposing strengths and areas for improvement.
“It was a little more physical, a little more intense,” head coach Larry Coker said, though he conceded that he would like practice to be crisper. “We have to speed things up as coaches and speed things up as players. We need to get the same amount of work done, but be a little more efficient with our practice organization. We can do that.”
The environment allowed the coaches to get a better idea of what to expect from Miami’s young players and position units. “(Freshman running back) Javarris James really did a nice job as a young player, he and Kylan Robinson, Coker said. “I’ve seen some nice things from them and I’ve also been encouraged by our young offensive line.”
UM’s first two practices were in just shorts and helmets, making it hard to evaluate the play of the offensive line. Wednesday was a little more revealing, with Coker specifically mentioning the play of his interior linemen, guards Derrick Morse and Andrew Bain, guard/center A.J. Trump and center Anthony Wollschlager.
Trump took some snaps at center, filling in for Alex Pou, who is limited due to injury. “I can see (Trump moving to center) and Pou moving to guard,” Coker said. “We haven’t made that decision firmly, but A.J. really looks like a natural at center. He’s one of those guys who has the rare ability to snap the ball and get off and block people. Not everybody can do that.”
Miami returns to the practice fields at 8:20 a.m. on Thursday.
NOTES AND QUOTES
Looking SharpeAfter two years of injuries, cornerback Glenn Sharpe appears to have returned with the same form that earned him playing time when he came to Miami in 2002. “I think he’s looked very good,” Coker said. “(Secondary coach) Tim Walton has really done a good job guarding him a little bit. He’s going through everything, but you want to make sure he gets healthy and gets his work done, and gets ready for Florida State. He’s the real deal.”
Another Phillips In The SecondaryAlthough sophomore Randy Phillips earned plenty of playing time last year as a true freshman, he could be joining Freshman All-America safety Kenny Phillips as a force in the secondary. Randy’s performance in Wednesday’s practice caught Coker’s eye. “Randy Phillips made some really, really nice physical, confident plays,” Coker said. “To play corner, you have to play with a lot of confidence. Randy really played with confidence today. He made some nice breaks and knocked down some balls. I was really impressed with him today.”
Wanted: Punt/Kick ReturnerWhile senior wide receiver Darnell Jenkins looks like a good return option to Coker, plenty of young players are in contention for the responsibilities, most notably sophomore cornerback Bruce Johnson., Sam Shields, Robinson, James and Bruce Johnson. “Bruce Johnson is the one who really wants to do it and has the talent to do it,” Coker said. “That’s a work in progress and no decisions have been made. We’ve got some guys who need to work and hopefully step to the front.”
Snap To ItRoss Abramson and John Rochford are competing again for long-snapping responsibilities. “Both have worked hard this summer and should be pretty good,” Coker said. Rochford, who moved to H-back from his former position on the offensive line, could also see time beyond snapping the ball “especially in goal-line situations,” Coker said. “If we need him, he’ll be in position to do that.”
Bumps and BruisesCornerback Carlos Armour and defensive tackle Antonio Dixon are both nursing hamstring injuries but should be on the road to recovery. “With one practice a day, they’re going to have a lot of time for treatments and we’re going to expect them to do that. Hopefully we’ll get them back as soon as they can, healthy.”
