HURRICANES FINISH SECOND DAY OF PRACTICE
Aug. 5, 2007
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – The Miami Hurricanes football team showcased some big plays on offense and rattled off a few turnovers on defense as the team took part in its second preseason practice Sunday morning at the Greentree Practice Fields.
“The offense did a good job with a couple of big plays, but we had two turnovers, which is something we can’t have,” UM head coach Randy Shannon said. “Right now, we’re getting big plays on offense and the defense has to stop what we’re trying to get done on offense. Defensively, creating turnovers is a big emphasis in this camp.”
On another hot day in South Florida, Hurricanes fans watched as `Cane receivers and tight ends made several impressive catches. Junior tight end Chris Zellner made several tough catches, but one of the big highlights of the day came on a long touchdown catch from senior wideout Lance Leggett in 7-on-7 passing drills.
Shannon said UM’s big play capability has everyone on the team excited. “Everyone gets excited, even defensive coordinators. They’re excited when you get seven points quick. Then, you go out on the field, stop them and the other team is little bit tired all of sudden.”
Miami’s defense recorded a couple of interceptions during morning workouts, bouncing back from giving up some long plays. Shannon said he likes to see the offense challenging the defense, and vice versa. “There’s competition everyday,” he said. “If the defense is getting whipped a little bit, that’s good. That makes those guys not rely on their morals and be complacent. If the offense is getting big plays like that, it makes the defense bear down and work harder.”
Notes:
Fast Furious Can Beat the Heat
With temperatures again in the upper 80s and the heat index around 100 degrees, Shannon’s up-beat practice tempo is the team’s way to beat the heat. “We always tell those guys if you go fast and furious, you won’t even worry about the heat because you’re always moving around and the breeze is going to hit you,” he said. “If you’re taking your time and going through the motions, a one-hour and 40-minute practice can turn into a two-hour and 20-minute practice. We stress moving fast and an up-beat tempo.” … No one new has been cleared with today being Sunday.
Tough with the Ball
Miami’s defense wants to create turnovers in 2007, which is the emphasis in preseason. Even when the whistle blows after a drill, UM defenders are still looking to strip the ball, which Shannon says is a good habit. “It makes the offense protect the ball. It also makes the defense work on causing turnovers. Both sides of the ball are getting what needs to be done by doing that.”
Single-Game Tickets on Sale
Hurricanes fans can purchase a Mega-Plan, which includes a reserved ticket to the Texas A&M game and three other home games of their choice for $160 per pack. That is a $7 per ticket savings off the $47 individual game ticket price. In addition, season tickets are still available for only $190, which is only $27 per game. Tickets can be purchased at www.hurricanesports.com or by calling (305) 284-CANES in Miami-Dade or (800) GO-CANES outside of Miami-Dade.
