Hurricanes Practice in Full Pads for the First Time
Aug. 12, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – On the fifth day of fall camp, the University of Miami football team practiced in full pads for the first time, working out for nearly two-and-a-half hours Wednesday morning on the Greentree Practice Fields.
After working in helmets and shorts on Saturday and Sunday and shells on Monday and Tuesday, the Hurricanes moved into full pads and had increased contact in certain drills on Wednesday.
Brandon Harris and Colin McCarthy stood out defensively, with each recording two interceptions on the morning. Offensively, Leonard Hankerson made a few big catches while Graig Cooper, Damien Berry and Mike James each had a few big runs.
Temperatures again held consistent, ranging from 85 to 88 degrees throughout.
The team will return to practice Thursday with its first two-a-day of camp. The `Canes will practice in full pads at an 8 a.m. session before coming back out at 3:45 p.m. in shells.
Practice Highlights
Brandon Harris and Colin McCarthy each recorded two interceptions on the morning. Harris made the first pick of the morning in 11-on-11 action before McCarthy recorded his first in 7-on-7. Both players then wrapped up the morning with back-to-back INTs during the two-minute drill in 11-on-11 play towards the end of the session.
Vaughn Telemaque (7-on-7), Ryan Hill (11-on-11) and Brandon McGee (11-on-11) also recorded interceptions Wednesday.
Leonard Hankerson made two catches of 30+ yards in 11-on-11 action.
Jacory Harris connected with LaRon Byrd for a deep ball in 11-on-11.
Jimmy Graham and Damien Berry each scored during red zone drills.
Damien Berry, Graig Cooper and Mike James all picked up significant gains in middle drills.
Dedrick Epps, Tervaris Johnson and Aldarius Johnson all recorded catches of 20+ yards in 7-on-7 play.
Photo Gallery: Day Five
Click HERE for a photo gallery from today’s practice that includes an inside look at players in full pads for the first time.
Graham Post-Practice
After practice, head coach Randy Shannon and several players met with the members of the media. Senior tight end Jimmy Graham was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including how his first day in full pads went, how his transition to football is going and his thoughts on going up against the defense in practice…
On being in pads for the first time – It’s like having 30 more pounds on you, but it felt great. I’m getting used to it. I got lit up a couple of times, but I’m just trying to get better every day.
On how basketball helped prepare him for football – My footwork and quickness. Also getting up for balls in the endzone.
On facing the defense – They are really quick out there. I think we have one of the best defenses in the country. They are just really quick.
On which defenders made contact with him today – A few of the safeties. Jared (Campbell) got me one time. I’m just really excited though, happy to be out there.
On whether he is sore from contact – Yeah, I would say my hips may be a little sore. I’ve just got to get used to getting low and blocking those D-Ends. We got some big boys at the ends but all in all, I feel pretty good.
How has practice gone as the week progresses – Aggressive, much more aggressive, but it’s getting better day by day. I’m getting more used to the DB’s and the linebackers.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Dyron DyeHometown: Sanford, Fla.
Position: Defensive End
Young Jeezy is in my Ipod right now
I’m a `Cane because: It’s a “U” thing. It’s family here.
My training camp roommate is: Ray-Ray Armstrong
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Being around all the talent
The first day in full pads was: Okay. A lot of guys flying around.
Darryl Sharpton keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Eric Moncur and Steven Wesley
My most freshman-like moment was when: Coach Hurtt got on me
Favorite post-practice thing to do: Eat
One word to describe fellow Sanford Seminole Ray-Ray Armstrong: Athletic
Favorite sport besides football: Fishing
Toughest Offensive Lineman to face thus far in practice: Orlando Franklin
Eric Moncur or Adewale Ojomo in an arm wrestling match: Eric Moncur
Loudest player on the defense: Randy Phillips
Post-practice notes
Wednesday’s practice was the team’s fifth of the fall, fourth on the Greentree Practice Fields and first in full pads.
The session lasted approximately two hours and 20 minutes.
Practice temperatures: Between 85-88 with a heat index reaching the upper 90’s.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Mon. Sept 7 is 26 days away.
Practice Schedule
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Five 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. 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 7:30 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.
