Offense Looking to Eliminate Mistakes
Aug. 10, 2006
Coral Gables – Miami’s new offense flourished at times in Thursday’s morning practice at the Greentree Practice Fields. Quarterback Kyle Wright spread the ball around to receivers, including scores to Ryan Moore and Brian Monroe.
But college coaches use August to focus more on eliminating mistakes and refining technique, rather than gloating over preseason practice highlights. At least Hurricanes head coach Larry Coker does.
“We had too many (mental errors) on offense today,” Coker said. “We had a meeting last night on red zone offense. The first thing we talked about was that you cannot have foolish penalties. We had two today in 12 plays. That’s something we have to correct. Don’t let yourself be tired. We have to force through it.”
Miami isn’t exempt from the preseason learning curve that applies to all football offenses, with the defense usually being a step ahead for few weeks. But the unit did have one big play that stuck out. Monroe, the UM punter who is also seeing work at receiver, snuck behind the defense on a naked boot play and took a pass from Wright 60 yards to pay dirt.
Punter. Touchdown. The two are seldom connected. But seldom are there punters with Monroe’s athletic ability.
“He’s got as much athletic ability as a lot of those guys,” Wright said. “It’s almost comical watching a punter out there. He’s changed his face mask and has gotten a new number. He’s doing a great job out there.”
Which is why Coker revealed that Monroe would be getting a seven-to-10 day trial at receiver prior to training camp. That period may be increased. “He’s looked pretty good at receiver. We might carry it to 12 or 13 days,” Coker quipped.
The Hurricanes will be in full gear for tomorrow’s 8:20 a.m. practice at the Greentree Practice Fields.
NOTES AND QUOTES
Mountain ManCoker let reporters know how Calais Campbell moved into the starting defensive end spot in the offseason. “(Calais) decided to make himself a starter because of his performance during the spring. He was one of our most-productive defensive players. He earned that spot. It was a very easy decision.” Campbell, from Denver in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, stands 6-8 with a massive wingspan that could provide offenses with trouble this season. “If you’re a good player, it’s very, very imposing to have a guy that big coming off the edge with the range and wingspan he has,” Coker said. “Now he is getting the size and strength to go with it. He’s learning how to play the game. I think it’s pretty imposing for any offense.”
T-Moss’ Workload To Steadily IncreaseSenior running back Tyrone Moss has been putting in quality work, albeit limited since coming off knee surgery nine months ago. That work load is likely to get heavier soon. “I’ll probably increase (Tyrone’s) work,” Coker said. “But I’ll do it on the side more than take away reps from guys who will play in the game. He looks good to me. I haven’t set him down. It’s not like he’s been through a full two-hour workout. He’s played some throughout the course, but what I’ve seen looks good.”
Bumps and BruisesRunning backs Derron Thomas and Charlie Jones were at practice but did not do much, Coker said, while stating that he believes their injuries are minor. “The good part about it is that Javarris James and Kylan Robinson are getting a lot of work. We’re taking advantage of that part of it.”
