Hurricanes Begin Preparation For Terrapins

Nov. 7, 2006

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes were was missing some key components to its offense and defense in Tuesday afternoon’s workout at the Greentree Practice Fields, but they continued to press on in its preparation for the matchup against the No. 24 Maryland Terrapins on Saturday.

Junior quarterback Kyle Wright (thumb) was in full dress for the practice, but he rarely participated. Starting sophomore safety Kenny Phillips may be lost for the entire season and had surgery to repair a broken right hand. In addition, sophomore left tackle Reggie Youngblood missed practice (knee).

But the show must go on.

Sophomore quarterback Kirby Freeman took 90 percent of the snaps under center in place of Wright, head coach Larry Coker said. “It’s a little bit like Ken Dorsey,” Coker said of Freeman filling in for Wright. “He stayed around here for eight games and never played. But he was always ready, prepared when you called on him, and he’s ready to go. Kirby has always been that way. He had a pretty good bounce to his step.”

Freeman is looking forward to the possible prospect of more playing time. “I’m not pushing Kyle anymore,” Freeman said. “I’m pushing myself. I’m doing the best I can to prepare for the week and now it really matters.”

Wright, who will have the protective cast on his throwing hand taken off tomorrow, was given a “wait-and-see” status for Saturday’s game by Coker.

Losing players to injury is never good news, but Coker found some comfort in the depth the Hurricanes have at safety to account for the loss of Phillips. “We still have Brandon Meriweather,” Coker said. We have Lovon Ponder. We also have Willie Cooper, who has played that position for us. It’s not good news, but I think it’s at a position where we have a lot of depth.”

Miami returns to the Greentree Practice Fields at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Notes: Tavares Gooden, Reggie Youngblood (knee) and Greg Olsen (ankle) all practiced, but did not do much, Coker said.