McCarthy Leads Defense During Tuesday Morning Session
Aug. 18, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team held its 11th practice of fall camp Tuesday morning, with Colin McCarthy, Thearon Collier and A.J. Highsmith among those who stood out during the two-and-a-half hour session at the Greentree Practice Fields.
The Hurricanes spent more time on special team situations Tuesday and continued to put an emphasis on third down and red zone situations in 11-on-11 play.
McCarthy had a good day of camp, intercepting a tipped pass in 11-on-11 action after recovering a fumble during inside run drills.
Offensively, Collier thrived in red zone play, catching several passes, including one that went for a 15-yard touchdown while Highsmith connected with LaRon Byrd and Kendal Thompkins on big passing plays in 11-on-11 drills.
The heat index reached into the upper 90’s again, with a consistent wind that often gusted up to 20-25 miles per hour during the session.
The Hurricanes will hold their third two-a-day on Wednesday before taking a day off on Thursday.
Practice Highlights
Colin McCarthy intercepted a tipped pass in 11-on-11 work and also recovered a fumble during running drills.
A few other defensive highlights included a Micanor Regis fumble recovery and a Luther Robinson sack.
Thearon Collier stood out among the wide receivers, picking up multiple catches – including a 15-yard touchdown – in red zone work.
A.J. Highsmith connected with LaRon Byrd for a 40+ yard gain and Kendal Thompkins (20-25 yard gain) in 11-on-11 action.
Damien Berry and Lee Chambers each picked up big runs late in the session.
Mike James caught a touchdown pass from Taylor Cook in 11-on-11 red zone drills.
Photo Gallery: Day Nine
Click HERE for a photo gallery from Tuesday morning’s practice.
Jordan Futch Post-Practice
After Tuesday morning’s practice, several players met with members of the media to discuss the start of the second week of camp. Sophomore linebacker Jordan Futch was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including his progress as a player and how the defense is looking in camp.
On his progress since entering the program – Real good, real good. I feel like it has been an easy transition from high school to college. Now that I have a year under my belt, things are going real well. Coach Shannon and coach Lovett are doing great things with us. The learning curve has really come around (for me).
On what position he has been practicing at – Primarily I am at Will (weakside linebacker) right now, but I play all positions. Coach Lovett makes sure every linebacker plays every position so it may be the Will, the Dime, Mike (middle) or Sam (strong)…all of them.
On where he’d prefer to be playing – To be honest with you, it really doesn’t matter. As long as I am on the field, making tackles, making plays…that’s all that matters really.
On how the defense is looking in camp – I feel like we have a lot of depth at a lot of positions. We are just getting better as a whole. (Offensive coordinator Mark) Whipple is throwing a lot of stuff at us and we continue to compensate for it. We are coming hard. Everyone is hitting, everyone is getting ready for Florida State.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Olivier Vernon
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Position: Defensive Line
Favorite Food: Chicken Parmesan
Young Jeezy is in my iPod right now
I’m a `Cane because: I was born a `Cane
My training camp roommate is: Jamal Reid
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Playing football
The first days of practice have been: Hot
Favorite post-practice thing to do: Eat frozen fruit bars
Mike James keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Eric Moncur, Adewale Ojomo and Marcus Robinson
My most freshman-like moment was when: I was late to workouts
If Allen Bailey was a running back, he would: Not be tackled by me
I have to admit I can: Be a bit of a PS3 video game freak
One thing I have taken from my mom’s Swiss heritage is: Love for Swiss chocolates and I can speak a little bit of German.
Favorite sport besides football: Soccer and UFC
Toughest offensive lineman to face thus far in practice: Jason Fox
Allen Bailey or Orlando Franklin in game of tug-of-war: Allen Bailey
Post-practice notes
Tuesday marked the team’s ninth day of camp and 11th practice session.
The session lasted approximately two hours and 20 minutes. Temperatures remained in the mid-to-upper 80’s throughout.
The `Canes will hold their third two-a-day of fall camp on Wednesday with early morning and late afternoon sessions.
Running back Graig Cooper (lower leg) did not practice.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Mon. Sept 7 is 20 days away.
Practice Schedule
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Eleven 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. UM’s final two-a-day practices are slated for Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, 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.
