James, Collier Stand Out During Wednesday's Two-a-Day
Aug. 19, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team held its third two-a-day of fall camp Wednesday, with the team working out in shells in the early morning and late afternoon sessions.
Wednesday morning’s practice was the coolest of the week, with overcast skies and temperatures in the lower 80’s. In the afternoon, most of the clouds cleared allowing for warmer temperatures in the mid 80’s.
In the morning session, the defense played well in red zone drills and Javarris James led a strong showing by the running backs in 11-on-11 work. In the afternoon, James continued his strong play with a couple big runs to go along with interceptions by Sam Shields and Vaughn Telemaque on the defensive end.
Thearon Collier also had a big afternoon offensively, catching several balls from Jacory Harris in 11-on-11 action.
The team continues to focus on kickoff coverage, in addition to the usual work in 11-on-11, 7-on-7 and positional drills.
After five practices in three days, the `Canes will take the day off on Thursday before holding a closed scrimmage on Friday.
Morning Practice Highlights – (shells)
Randy Phillips stood out defensively, recording a sack and pass deflection in 11-on-11 play.
In a series of 15-20 red zone plays, the defense held the offense to just one touchdown (Taylor Cook to LaRon Byrd for a 20-yard score).
Javarris James had a rush and a reception of over 20 yards in 11-on-11 play.
Lee Chambers had a few runs of 10-15 yards in run drills and in 11-on-11 action.
Afternoon Practice Highlights – (shells)
Javarris James had runs of approximately 65 and 30 yards in 11-on-11 drills.
Jacory Harris hooked up with Thearon Collier (twice) Jimmy Graham and Travis Benjamin for substantial gains in 11-on-11 action.
Sam Shields recorded an interception in 7-on-7 play.
Vaughn Telemaque picked off a pass in the end zone during two-minute drills.
Photo Gallery: Day 10
Click HERE for a photo gallery from Wednesday morning’s practice.
Joel Figueroa Post-Practice
After Wednesday afternoon’s practice, several players met with members of the media to discuss the start of the second week of camp. Junior offensive lineman Joel Figueroa was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including his development, the intensity of practices and how the younger linemen look through the first part of camp.
On how practice went today – It’s going great. We are flying around. In both practices, everyone is taking care of their assignments…looking pretty smooth.
On how the offensive line has looked in camp – The offensive line is doing well. We have a lot of young guys stepping up so we’ve got more depth on the o-line. Everybody is doing their job so I feel like we will have a lot of depth there.
On intensity of practice compared to games – These guys go real hard. I take it like it is the first game at Florida State. Those guys are trying to get it done too, so I am taking it as if I was playing them.
On what part of his game he is working on – A lot of mental things. I feel like I’ve got the physical aspect down. I’m working on my steps and focusing on mental reps. Footwork has a lot to do with improving my game.
On how the second string offensive line is looking – The two’s are doing great. They are learning…learning a lot. We have a couple guys on the two’s that we feel like can play this year.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – A.J. Highsmith
Hometown: Missouri City, Texas
Position: Quarterback
Everything really, but lately Young Jeezy is in my Ipod right now
I’m a `Cane because I love it
My training camp roommate is: Lamar Miller
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Being on the football team
Jamal Reid and Pat Hill keep me laughing
I have learned so much from Coach Whipple
The first days of practice have been: Long
Favorite post-practice thing to do: Sleep
Favorite sport besides football: Basketball
I wouldn’t want to be hit by: Allen Bailey
If I could play any other position, it would be: Defensive End
Favorite `Cane of all-time: Sean Taylor
I can win a 7-on-7 competition with Jacory Harris, LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, Sean Spence and Brandon Harris
My O-Line is: Funny
Joel Figueroa or Orlando Franklin in a game of tug-of-war: Orlando Franklin
My most freshman-like moment was when: I left my helmet in the locker room and didn’t realize it until after practice started
One thing my dad has told me about being at The U: You got to compete here
Which QB could win American Idol – Taylor Cook, Cannon Smith or Jacory Harris? Taylor Cook
Best fastball among quarterbacks: Taylor Cook
Post-practice notes
Wednesday marked the team’s 10th day of camp and 12th and 13th practice sessions.
The morning session (shells) lasted approximately two hours, with overcast skies and temperatures in the lower 80’s.
The afternoon session (shells) lasted approximately an hour-and-a-half with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 80’s.
The `Canes will take the day off on Thursday before holding a closed scrimmage on Friday.
Running back Graig Cooper (lower leg) returned to practice Wednesday in a limited role.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Monday, Sept. 7 is 19 days away.
Hurricane Hotline Set to Kick off Tomorrow
Hurricane Hotline is set to debut tomorrow, Aug. 20 on WQAM 560. The weekly two-hour show hosted by Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey will air from 7-9 p.m. from The Sports Exchange (45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Fla. 33134; Phone: 305-774-1222). Hurricane Hotline features interviews with UM head football coach Randy Shannon, players, coaches and other UM personnel as well as other featured guests. Fans are encouraged to listen on WQAM 560 or view the show in-person at The Sports Exchange every Thursday night except the night of the Georgia Tech football game.
Practice Schedule
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Thirteen 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 practice is slated for 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.
