HURRICANES CONCLUDE TRAINING CAMP WITH SHORT PRACTICE
Aug. 21, 2007
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – The Miami Hurricanes held a short 45-minute practice at the Greentree Practice Fields Tuesday afternoon to conclude its final day of preseason camp. After 18 straight days of practice, the team will have its first day off Wednesday since it is the first day of classes at UM.
“Today we had slight workout,” UM head coach Randy Shannon said. “We worked on some key situations as far as special teams, like punting out of the end zone, taking a safety, punt after safety and onsides kick. There are some things that you never do. We need to do those things two or three times before the first game, and the guys did an excellent job of executing. So it was good today. It was fun. It was fresh. They came out enthusiastic. We ended with the two-minute drill, so that was great.”
The team practiced in shells. UM held its final full-pad scrimmage of the preseason on Monday at the Orange Bowl. Miami opened up practice Tuesday working on kickoff coverages and returns.
Senior quarterback Kyle Wright worked out some in the shortened practice. Cornerbacks Randy Phillips and Carlous Armour sat out practice.
After having the day off on Wednesday, Miami will return to the practice field on Thursday afternoon.
Hurricanes Mentally and Physically Ready for Start of season
Shannon was asked how his team was doing physically and mentally after the 18 straight days of camp. Miami began practice on Aug. 4. “Mentally and physically, they’re fine,” Shannon said. “They came out and performed. They have a lot of enthusiasm. So, mentally, they’re sharp. Physically, you are never where you want to be because injuries happen. Guys are nicked and sore, but it’s part of football. They understand that. We have to keep pushing on and pressing on in order to do the things we need to get done.”
Wide Receiver Robinson Leaves Team
Shannon announced that redshirt freshman George Robinson has left the team. Robinson, who prepped at Miami Central High School, spent most of the 2006 season rehabbing a torn ACL. “He wanted to pursue another career with his life,” Shannon said. “We support him in that decision and wish him the best.”
Camp Has Improved All Hurricanes
Shannon was asked to assess his team after completing preseason camp. “Everyone has improved,” he said. “I really can’t single anyone out. Camp is for everyone to improve and get better. Were we better from the first day? Yes. Are we a lot better than the first day? Yes. Are we where we want to be? No. You’re never where you want to be until the end of the season. That depends on your outcome at the end of the season.”
11 Days Until the Season Opener
Hurricanes fans can purchase single-game tickets, a four-game Mega-Plan or season tickets through the month of August. Single-game tickets are $47 each, while the Mega-Plan, which includes a reserved ticket to the Texas A&M game and three other home games of choice, is $160 per pack ($7 savings per ticket ). Season tickets start as low as $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. The Hurricanes open the season on September 1 against Marshall in the Orange Bowl.
