Hurricanes Perform Well During Monday's Two-A-Day

Hurricanes Perform Well During Monday's Two-A-Day

Aug. 11, 2008

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team opened its second full week of practice Monday morning with its second two-a-day this fall at the Greentree Practice Fields. Just two days after the team’s first scrimmage of camp, UM worked through its second of four two-a-days this fall with a practice early in the morning followed by another late in the afternoon.

The team placed an emphasis on special teams’ coverage, specifically kickoff and punt formations, in addition to structured plays in short yardage and red zone situations.

“Our attitude has been great,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “It has been phenomenal. That’s the one thing that I like about this team that is a little different. They like to practice, they’re cheerful, and they’re having fun with it.”

The Hurricanes practiced under normal morning conditions for mid-August in South Florida, with sunny skies and temperatures in the lower-to-mid 80s with a heat index reaching 94 by the end of the two-and-a-half hour session.

The team however got some relief in the afternoon, with overcast skies, a light rain early on and temperatures in the lower 80s throughout.

UM finished both practices with 11-on-11 work after the team’s usual 7-on-7 and 9-on-9 drills.

On the progress of the quarterbacks, Shannon noted, “They’re doing well. It’s no different than what it was last week – they are executing the offense. Sometimes they’ll make mistakes but for the most part, they are doing what we are asking them to do.”

Fans can order tickets for the 2008 season, including season tickets starting at $99, by visiting www.hurricanesports.com or by calling the UM ticket office at (800) GO-CANES or (305) 284-CANE. The UM ticket office, located at the Hecht Athletic Center on UM’s campus, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

UM’s season-opener is slated for Thursday, Aug. 28 against Charleston Southern at Dolphin Stadium. Kickoff for the opener is slated for 7:30 p.m. and all fans are encouraged to wear orange to the game against the Buccaneers.

Post-practice notes
• The morning session lasted approximately two-and-a-half hours.
• The afternoon session lasted approximately two hours.
• Shannon noted Eric Moncur worked on individual drills in the afternoon session.
• UM will practice just once on Tuesday, with stretching starting at 7:45 a.m.
• Defensive linemen Antonio Dixon, Marcus Forston and Jeremy Lewis, safeties Anthony Reddick and C.J. Holton and linebacker Gavin Hardin all practiced in the morning session Monday.
• The Hurricanes’ season-opener against Charleston Southern is 17 days away.