Hurricanes Don Shells on Day Three of Camp
Aug. 10, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After opening camp with two practices in helmets and shorts, the University of Miami football team practiced in shells for the first time Monday morning at the Greentree Practice Fields.
For the third straight morning, the heat index stayed consistently in the upper 90’s as the `Canes worked out just over two hours.
Practice Highlights
Sophomore linebacker Ramon Buchanan intercepted a pass deflected by senior safety Randy Phillips in 7-on-7 action.
Senior tight end Jimmy Graham and junior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson each made big catches in 7-on-7.
Defensive linemen Allen Bailey and Marcus Forston each recorded a sack in 9-on-9 drills.
Sophomore wide receiver Thearon Collier and senior tight end Richard Gordon each made catches of 15+ yards in 9-on-9 play.
Some 11-on-11 highlights include junior safety JoJo Nicolas breaking up a pass intended for Jimmy Graham, senior running back Javarris James breaking through for a 15-20 yard gain and senior defensive back Sam Shields forcing a fumble.
Photo Gallery: Day Three
Click HERE for a photo gallery from Monday’s practice that includes an inside look at players working in 7-on-7, 9-on-9 and 11-on-11 sessions as well as individual and group drills.
Hankerson Post-Practice
After practice, head coach Randy Shannon and several players met with the members of the media. Junior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including how the start of camp is going, his progress since spring practice and his role on the team this year.
On his offseason workouts – I’ve been coming in, working hard, doing what I do. I go out there every day and try to get better.
On how he has improved since his freshman season in 2007 – I feel like I am mentally tougher, more physical and more focused on what I need to do.
On being pushed by the sophomore class of receivers – I don’t worry about that. We are all working hard, making plays out there and making each other better.
On a particular part of his game he has been working on – I’ve been focusing on keeping my eyes on the ball, looking it into my hands. Before, I was worried about getting YAC yards (yards after the catch) before I had the ball.
On his improvements as a player – I think I’ve improved a lot. I worked hard the whole summer, harder than I ever had in the past. Concentrating and concentrating; doing what I need to do to get the job done this year.
Head coach Randy Shannon was asked about Hankerson’s progress this past offseason – Good. He’s a whole lot better. A whole lot better. He’s improved from the spring time to now. That is the one thing you notice about him. He is making a lot of plays and becoming a leader of that (wide receiver) group. He’s doing well.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Ray-Ray Armstrong
Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
Position: Defensive Back
Favorite Food: BBQ
Gucci Mane, Lil’ Boosie and Young Jeezy are in my Ipod right now
I’m a `Cane because: It’s family here.
My training camp roommate is: Dyron Dye
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Football
My first three days of practice have been: Tough
One word to describe Sanford Seminole teammate Dyron Dye: Brother
Eric Moncur keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Randy Phillips
When I think of seniors Randy Phillips and Eric Moncur, I think: Wise, funny and intelligent
Post-practice notes
Monday’s practice was the team’s third of the fall, and second on the Greentree Practice Fields. It was also the first time the `Canes practiced in shells.
The session lasted approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
Practice temperatures: Consistently in the upper 80’s, with a heat index reaching the upper 90’s.
Former wide receiver Khalil Jones was in attendance at Monday’s practice.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Mon. Sept 7 is 28 days away.
Practice Schedule
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Three 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 has 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. 17.
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.
