Hurricanes Wrap Up Another Morning Practice Before Day Off
Aug. 28, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team held its second early morning practice session at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field Friday, working out under the lights for just under two hours.
Temperatures again ranged from the upper 70’s to mid 80’s by the end of the session, with the heat index reaching into the mid 90’s by the end of practice around 7:30 a.m.
The team went through its normal practice script ending with 11-on-11 situational periods before wrapping up practice with 10 minutes of special team work.
Both Jacory Harris and A.J. Highsmith had some long pass completions, including a couple touchdown passes by Highsmith.
“Pretty good,” Randy Shannon said of Highsmith’s progress. “He’s still got some things he needs to get done. He’s young, he isn’t going to know the whole playbook. But he’s doing well. (The learning curve) is always tough for a freshman. But he’s doing well for us right now.”
The `Canes will take Saturday off before returning to the practice fields Sunday afternoon.
Matt Bosher Post-Practice
After Friday morning’s practice, several players met with members of the media to discuss the start of the second week of camp. Junior kicker Matt Bosher was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including being named to the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, how the special teams look in camp and how fellow kicker Jake Wieclaw is progressing.
On which kickers are handling which duties – We are both working on kickoffs. Jake and I are both working on everything right now, trying to get our legs in shape and get ready for the season. We are working on everything together.
On Matt Perrelli and Jake Byrne contributing on special teams – It’s the same as last year. Last year they were both playing other positions too. It’s just kind of the same deal. It’s something we are used to….nothing different.
On Jake Wieclaw – This is Jake’s second year….I think he has improved on a lot of stuff. He has definitely matured, he is doing really well field goal-wise and he is practicing punts and kick-offs. He is doing really well. He has gotten stronger and looks really good on the field.
On being named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list – It feels great. I am happy about it…I’m proud. I just need to have a good season and back it up. I can’t do it without the special teams guys, guys in front of me blocking, Matt Perrelli and Jake Byrne holding and snapping. It’s all about the team right now.
Post-practice notes
Friday’s practice was Miami’s second since the start of classes on Wednesday.
The session lasted just under two hours.
Temperatures ranged from the upper 70’s to the mid 80’s during Thursday’s session.
The season-opener at Florida State is 10 days away.
Number Changes
Senior quarterback Matt Perrelli will wear No. 17 now this season. He makes the switch from No. 33. Also, freshman Stephen Plein has switched from tight end to offensive line and is wearing No. 77.
Jason Fox to be Featured Weekly on Sporting News Today
University of Miami offensive tackle Jason Fox is among 18 college football stars who’ll write weekly diaries throughout the season in Sporting News Today, the world’s first digital daily sports newspaper. The diaries, which will cover topics on the field and off it, begin this week. To sign up for the free digital newspaper, which is no fewer than 30 pages a day, go to sportingnewstoday.com. At 7 a.m. ET each day, subscribers are sent an e-mail directing them to that day’s edition.
Hurricane Hotline on 560 WQAM
Hurricane Hotline made its debut last Thursday on 560 WQAM. The weekly two-hour show hosted by Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey, Jr. will air from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday night 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 560 WQAM or view the show in-person at The Sports Exchange every Thursday night except the night of the Georgia Tech football game.
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. 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. 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.
