Miller, Tight Ends Shine on Day Four of Camp
Aug. 11, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Day four of the University of Miami football team’s 2009 fall camp was highlighted by several big runs from freshman running back Lamar Miller as well as a strong showing by the tight ends in 7-on-7 action.
The Hurricanes donned shells for the second straight day. After a slow start to practice, the team picked up its pace as practice wore on.
“As a group, we started off slow today; but we finished up fast,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “We can’t come out and start off slow and then try to pick it up at the end. That is part of practice. We have to get focused tomorrow and stay focused on the big picture.”
Temperatures remained consistent with the first three days of practice, with hot, humid conditions on the Greentree Practice Fields.
The team will return to practice Wednesday morning wearing full pads for the first time in camp.
Practice Highlights
Freshman defensive linemen Olivier Vernon and Luther Robinson each recorded a sack in 11-on-11 action.
Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris hooked up with sophomore Travis Benjamin andfreshman Kendal Thompkins for deep balls in 11-on-11 play.
Freshman Lamar Miller had two big runs on the morning, one that went for a 60+ yard touchdown.
Jordan Futch forced and recovered a fumble in full team action.
Tight ends stood out in 7-on-7 play, with seniors Jimmy Graham and Richard Gordon and freshman Billy Sanders all recording a catch in the 20-25 yard range.
Freshman quarterback Taylor Cook found Thearon Collier for a long touchdown in 11-on-11.
Freshman defensive back Jamal Reid broke up a pass intended for freshman tight end Billy Sanders.
In red zone drills, sophomore Aldarius Johnson, senior Javarris James and sophomore Travis Benjamin all found pay dirt.
Photo Gallery: Day Four
Click HERE for a photo gallery from today’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.
Miller Post-Practice
After practice, head coach Randy Shannon and several players met with the members of the media. Freshman running back Lamar Miller was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including his expectations for the year, the toughest part about being a freshman and his strong showing in today’s practice.
On his touchdown run in practice – It felt great. I read the offensive line, cut back and made one person miss. I tried to take advantage of my speed and my timing.
On his expectations for his freshman season – My expectation is to get in here and help the team win. Win games and get the University of Miami back to how it used to be.
On practicing in pads for the first time tomorrow – It will be a wake-up call for me, because it will be my first time in full equipment. I need to get adjusted to the blocking schemes, along with the running and the hitting.
On expectations of being a local player going to Miami – I get motivated sometimes but I am trying to stay focused, stay humble, compete and help my team get better.
On his toughest part of picking up the college game – The toughest part would probably be the blocking. I need to get adjusted to it, know my assignment, stay focused and do the right thing.
On learning a new offense – It’s a very difficult play book. You’ve got to get adjusted to it and just study. I try to focus on the play book, read it every night and know my assignments.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Jared Wheeler
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Position: Offensive Line
Favorite Food: Anything with meat in it. I like any kind of meat that’s marinated well or is very tender.
Led Zeppelin is in my iPod right now
I’m a `Cane because: This is my community.
My training camp roommate is: Billy Sanders
My first four days of practice have been: Hot and humid
Favorite post-practice thing to do: Sleep
A.J. Trump keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Coach Stoutland
My most freshman-like moment was when: I walked into the weight room in completely the wrong outfit and everyone else had on the right one.
Jason Fox or A.J. Trump in a wrestling match: Fox
If I could play any other position, it would be: Quarterback
Favorite sport besides football: Rugby
Post-practice notes
Tuesday’s practice was the team’s fourth of the fall, third on the Greentree Practice Fields and second in shells.
The session lasted approximately two hours.
Practice temperatures: Between 85-88 with a heat index consistently in the mid-to-upper 90’s.
Former players Romeo Davis and Khalil Jones were in attendance at Tuesday’s practice.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Mon. Sept 7 is 27 days away.
Practice Schedule
Miami will hold approximately 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug 26. Four 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.
