Hurricanes Wrap Up Practice No. 17 Monday Morning
Aug. 24, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team held its second-to-last practice session of preseason camp Monday morning at the Greentree Practice Fields. With the start of classes just two days away, the Hurricanes worked out in full pads for approximately two hours, focusing on red zone and overtime situations towards the end of the session.
Jacory Harris found Travis Benjamin a number of times in 11-on-11 work and hooked up with LaRon Byrd for a 20-yard score in red zone drills. Graig Cooper had a 15-yard touchdown run also in red zone work while Jeremy Lewis stood out defensively with several quarterback hurries.
Temperatures returned to the mid 80’s on Monday. The session was briefly interrupted however due to a storm threat in the area.
The `Canes will hold their 18th and final practice of preseason camp Tuesday before taking Wednesday off for the first day of class.
Practice Highlights
Jacory Harris connected with Travis Benjamin for a number of big gains in 11-on-11 work.
Jared Campbell and C.J. Holton had near interceptions in 11-on-11 action.
Jeremy Lewis stood out on the defensive line, consistently getting into the backfield on passing downs.
Red zone highlights included a Jacory Harris to LaRon Byrd touchdown, a Graig Cooper 15-yard touchdown run and a Javarris James 5-yard touchdown run.
In overtime drills starting at the 25-yard line, some highlights included a 7-yard run by Javarris James, a tackle for a loss by Jeremy Lewis and a 15-yard catch by Richard Gordon.
PHOTO GALLERY: DAY 13
Click HERE for a photo gallery from Monday morning’s practice.
Tyler Horn Post-Practice
After Monday morning’s practice, several players met with the members of the media to discuss the start of the second week of camp. Sophomore offensive lineman Tyler Horn was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including his confidence heading into the season, how the younger linemen look in camp and how A.J. Trump has influenced his development.
On how the younger offensive linemen look in camp – It’s going real good. We have a lot of guys… They have definitely picked up the offense real fast and have been playing real well this camp. They are getting a lot better every day.
On his confidence heading into the season – It’s about as high as it can get. I am ready to go. I am ready to play. I feel I’m capable of playing and I am ready to go.
On how the game has slowed down – It really has. They say college football is a lot faster, but once you get out there for a couple of plays, you are ready to go. It slows down and you start picking up the defense’s blitzes and coverages and all that kind of stuff.
On A.J. Trump’s influence on him – I am always trying to push him. I’ve learned a lot from him. He is an experienced guy and I pick up a lot of stuff from him.
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Mike James
Hometown: Haines City, Fla.
Position: Running Back
Favorite Food: Ribs
Gucci Mane is in my iPod right now
I’m a `Cane because: I wanted to win
My training camp roommate is: Brandon McGee
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Playing football
Preseason Camp has been: A good experience
Favorite post-practice thing to do: Watch film
Lamar Miller keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Coach Robinson
My most freshman-like moment was when: I left my helmet in the locker room at the start of practice
I wouldn’t want to be hit by: Allen Bailey
If Javarris James is a Cadillac, Graig Cooper is a Ferrari, then I can be a described as a: Mustang
Favorite sport besides football: Basketball
Who would win “Dancing with the Stars” – Javarris James, Graig Cooper or Lee Chambers? Coop
Most likely to bring down the house at a comedy club – Joel Figueroa, Orlando Franklin or A.J. Trump? Joel Figueroa
Getting to Know The “U” Freshmen – Billy Sanders
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Position: Tight End
A little bit everything is in my iPod right now
I’m a `Cane because I liked the tight end tradition here
My training camp roommate is: Jared Wheeler
Favorite part about being at the U right now: Being with all these guysJared Wheeler keeps me laughing
I have learned so much from Coach Pannunzio
Favorite sport besides football: Basketball
Toughest defensive lineman to hold up: Allen Bailey
If I could play any other position, it would be: Defensive End
Favorite `Cane of all-time: Kellen Winslow
Dedrick Epps or Richard Gordon in a slam dunk contest: Dedrick Epps
Best hands among tight ends: Jimmy Graham
Which tight end can be mistaken for a wide receiver? Jimmy Graham
Who would win “Dancing with the Stars” – Stephen Plein, yourself or Cory White? Me
Post-practice notes
Monday marked the team’s 13th day of camp and 17th practice session.
The session lasted approximately two hours, with cloudy skies, temperatures in the mid 80’s and a heat index that reached 90.
The `Canes will hold their third and final closed scrimmage on Tuesday.
The Hurricanes’ season-opener at Florida State on Monday, Sept. 7 is 15 days away.
Practice Schedule
Miami will have had held 18 workouts prior to the first day of class on Aug. 26 counting tomorrow’s final scrimmage. The Hurricanes open the season on Labor Day Monday Night at rival No. 19 Florida State.
Hurricane Hotline on 560 WQAM Set for This Wednesday
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. Thursday nights during the season from The Sports Exchange (45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Fla. 33134; Phone: 305-774-1222). This week’s show will air Wednesday, Aug. 26. 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.
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.
