FREEMAN NAMED HURRICANES' STARTING QUARTERBACK
Aug. 28, 2007
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – Junior Kirby Freeman has been named the starting quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes for the 2007 season opener against Marshall Saturday, head coach Randy Shannon announced at his Tuesday press conference.
“Kirby Freeman will be our starting quarterback for the Marshall game,” Shannon told members of the media. “We are excited about both of the quarterbacks. We are fortunate to have two quality quarterbacks that can lead us in the right direction. Both of the guys worked well in the offseason. They did some things to try to win the job, but as a coach, you have to make tough decisions. We feel that Kirby will give us the best opportunity to win games. Kyle Wright has done a wonderful job preparing himself.”
Freeman went 2-2 as a starter last season and threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns to take MVP honors in Miami’s 21-20 win over Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl. In his starts last season, he completed 54.4 percent of his throws for 745 yards, with five touchdowns and six interceptions. He threw at least one TD pass in all four games.
“The competition was good all throughout camp,” Freeman said. “I felt that camp was successful. I’m really excited. I feel that our team has grown, and I feel like I’ve grown within our system. That’s something I’m really proud of. This is a new era of Miami football, and I’m proud to be here for it. Our main focus is to win games, and I want to do whatever I can to help this team win.”
Miami held its first practice of game week Tuesday at the Greentree Practice Fields. The Hurricanes worked out for nearly two hours. Shannon also unveiled his first depth chart of the season on Tuesday.
“It was the same intensity in practice,” Shannon said. “Guys know that their jobs are always on the line, and they have to compete every day. Just because we have a depth chart intact, it doesn’t mean that their job is locked up. They have to keep working.”
Miami will practice again Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Greentree Practice Fields. UM will host Marshall at noon Saturday in the Orange Bowl.
Four Days Until 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 Saturday against Marshall in the Orange Bowl.
