Miami Returns to Greentree on Day Two of Camp
Aug. 9, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team held its second practice of the preseason and its first on the Greentree Practice Fields for approximately two-and-a-half hours Sunday morning. A day after opening camp in front of exclusive ticket holders at Cobb Stadium, the Hurricanes again worked out in helmets and shorts in hot conditions with the heat index reaching triple digits.
Practice Highlights
On back-to-back plays in 7-on-7 drills, senior defensive back Ryan Hill broke up a deep pass intended for sophomore receiver Travis Benjamin before intercepting a pass in the right flat.
Sophomore linebacker Arthur Brown made a diving interception in 11-on-11 action.
Junior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson made two catches in the 20-yard range in 11-on-11 drills.
Junior running back Graig Cooper made several plays (rushing and receiving) of 10+ yards.
Senior defensive back Sam Shields made a few standout plays defensively, including a pass break-up on a deep ball intended for sophomore receiver LaRon Byrd.
Photo Gallery: Day Two
Click HERE for a photo gallery from today’s practice that includes an inside look at players working in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 sessions as well as individual and group drills.
Pipho Post-Practice
After practice, head coach Randy Shannon and several players met with the members of the media. Senior tackle Matt Pipho was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including the upcoming season, his offseason workouts and his development as a player on the offensive line over the last four years at UM.
On offseason workouts – Coach Swasey makes sure each and everyone one of us are ready to play. Everyone goes all out and does everything that’s possible.
On having more of a role this season – I came here to play football and I’ve waited four years to get significant playing time. Now’s my time and I’m not going to let anything stand between me and that.
On the valuable experience he got at tackle against Virginia and Virginia Tech last season – That was the first time I played tackle in a game. Before last year, I played guard and center. Getting in the game against Virginia helped a lot, they had a stud linebacker and I was able to block him, so I said to myself, I can do this.
On pressure of playing more at right tackle this season – None at all. In the spring, I saw how I performed. I saw how I performed against Virginia and Virginia Tech. I haven’t lost a step yet. I’m happy with what I am doing, and I think I’m going to be fine.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Cory White
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Position: Offensive Line
Favorite Food: Chicken & Rice with cream of mushroom
Barrington Levy is in my iPod right now
I’m a `Cane because: It’s all about family here
My training camp roommate is: Stephen Plein
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Football
My first two days of practice have been: Exciting
A.J. Trump keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Jason Fox
My most freshman-like moment was when: I walked into a meeting late
Additional Jersey Number Changes
Senior tight end/long snapper Jake Byrne is wearing No. 87 this season while senior holder Matt Perrelli is now No. 33. Byrne made the switch to tight end during spring practice to add depth. He wore No. 69 last season while serving as the long snapper on PAT’s and field goals. Perrelli, who has been kicker Matt Bosher’s holder since their days at Jupiter High School, wore No. 19 last season.
Practice Schedule
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Two of those workouts have been completed. The Hurricanes open the season on Labor Day Monday Night at rival No. 19 Florida State. Hurricanes’ practices will start at 8 a.m. daily, with the exception of off-days on Aug. 14, 16, 20 and 22. Miami’s first day in full pads is slated for Wednesday Aug. 12. Four two-a-day practices are slated for preseason camp with the first taking place on Thurs., Aug. 13 at 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. UM’s other two-a-day practices are Mon. Aug. 17, Wed. Aug. 19 and Sun. Aug. 23. The schedule is subject to change.
TV Appearances
Miami already has been selected for three national television appearances, beginning with the Sept. 7 opener at Florida State (ESPN). Additional games chosen for national telecasts are the Hurricanes’ home opener against Georgia Tech on Thurs. Sept. 17 (ESPN). Miami’s game at UCF will air on CBS College Sports at 8 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 10.
Post-practice notes
Sunday’s practice was the team’s first of the fall on the Greentree Practice Fields.
The session lasted approximately 2 ½ hours.
Practice temperatures: Consistently in the upper 80’s, with a heat index that reached 102.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Mon. Sept 7 is 29 days away.
For `Canes Tickets
Single-game tickets for University of Miami home football games are on sale. Ticket prices for all games begin at $19 and can be purchased via www.HurricaneSports.com, www.ticketmaster.com or at the Miami Hurricanes Ticket Office located at the Hecht Athletic Center on campus or by calling (305) 284-2263. Hours of operation for the ticket office is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Individual game tickets are also available at Ticketmaster outlets including select F.Y.E. and select Simon Malls, The Mall at Wellington Green and Dolphin Mall. To charge your individual game tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000. Individual game tickets will be available on the 100 Level, Club Level and 400 Level of the stadium. The best way to guarantee tickets to all Miami Hurricanes home games at Land Shark Stadium is to become a season ticket holder, Club Level member or Executive Suite member. To purchase season tickets starting as low as $99, Club Level or Executive Suite Memberships, call 1-800-GO-CANES or purchase your seats on-line at www.HurricaneSports.com.
