Hurricanes Press On Through Bumps and Bruises

Aug. 15, 2006

Coral Gables – The dog days of August are upon the University of Miami football team. It takes a little bit longer to work out the previous day’s stiffness. Bruises are starting to show, the sun somehow seems hotter, and the field longer.

Is it cause for concern? Not really. More like the re-emergence of the part of football camp that players often would like to forget. A part that requires mind over matter.

“We have some guys with some bumps and bruises that we need to get healed up,” head coach Larry Coker said in between double sessions at the Greentree Practice Fields on Tuesday. “But I told the players just now, `I know guys are tired, but don’t get tired mentally. You’re supposed to be tired this time of year.’ All in all, it’s been a good camp for us.

“We got some good work done today. I was really pleased with the effort.”

One group that has refused to plateau is the offensive line. “Their intensity level has really picked up,” Coker said. “I’ve been really pleased by their overall toughness and their attitude. They have cut down a lot on mentals. To have a good football team, we can’t have penalties, the muffed snaps and the mentals. That’s what the offensive line has cut down on.”

Several Hurricanes who were slowed slightly by minor injuries in earlier practices rebounded in the afternoon practice, including CB Carlos Armour, CB Glenn Sharpe, S Kenny Phillips and OT Tyrone Byrd.

Ryan Moore did not participate in the afternoon practice after sustaining a shoulder injury in the morning practice, leaving more room for freshman receiver Sam Shields to get some earned time running with the first string. “Sam did fine. When he had opportunities, he made plays,” Coker said. “That’s what I’m looking for. I’m not looking to throw 10 balls at you and you drop nine and make one long run. Let’s see the consistency. He’s been consistent for us.”

Miami returns to the Greentree Practice Fields at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday.