Hurricanes Complete Another Workout on Tuesday
March 2, 2010
Coral Gables, Fla. – The University of Miami football team concluded its fifth spring practice Tuesday with another two-hour afternoon session in shoulder pads and shorts at the Greentree Practice Fields Wednesday.
The Hurricanes continued to add to their usual practice script spending time working on third-down blitz situations, inside run, pass rushing drills along with the usual offensive and defensive position drills before wrapping up practice working in 11-on-11 team drills.
Redshirt freshman running back Lamar Miller practiced for the first time this spring Tuesday. Miller, who spent last week getting ready for the ACC Indoor Championships, had a few long runs along with running backs Damien Berry and Mike James.
Miami returns to the practice field Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
A Few Other Practice Highlights
Sophomore safety Vaughn Telemaque intercepted a pass in team drills and nearly had another one which resulted in a pass breakup.
Senior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson continued to impress as he hauled in several passes in 7-on-7 and other passing drills.
Junior wideout Travis Benjamin had a nice 20-yard gain from quarterback A.J. Highsmith in 7-on-7.
Junior quarterback Spencer Whipple also had a nice hookup with Thearon Collier in team drills. Collier and Kendal Thompkins made a few nice receptions in team period.
Dye and Miller Post-Practice
After practice, defensive lineman Dyron Dye and running back Lamar Miller along with a few other players met with members of the media. Dye, who redshirted during the 2009 season and had knee surgery, discussed his outlook for the 2010 season while Miller, who also redshirted last season, discussed running track as well as his outlook for the upcoming season.
Defensive Lineman Dyron Dye
This spring, right now I’m trying to work to get a spot, compete to get on the field and get everybody else better. I just want to help the team out the best way that I can.
On how hard it might be to crack Miami’s defensive line rotation: I’m not worried about how hard it’s going to be. I’m just worried about getting better and competing, because we’re all going to make each other better by competing.
On running back Lamar Miller: It’s exciting [seeing him run]. I couldn’t wait to see him get back on the field today. The things he does, I’ve never seen a running back do things like that. It’s very exciting to go against him.
Redshirt freshman running back Lamar Miller
On his first day: I had a great day today. All the running backs are good. We’re competing everyday trying to get each other better.
On making an impact in 2010: Last year, I watched from the sideline and that was hard. This year, I feel like I can help the team win. We want to win a national championship here.
On running track: Track went good. I came a split from the finals. I was out there competing and just trying to get fast. My time was a 6.84 in the finals and my fastest time was a 6.83 so I thought I did pretty good. Track helps me a lot with the speed. Competing against other fast people will make you faster.
On being the fastest guy on the field: Travis Benjamin and I ran in track and he beat me a couple of times. I raced him two times and he beat me both times.
On his outlook for the season: I feel like it’s my time to show the fans and my coaches what I have, so I’m just trying to come out here and compete and make myself and the team better.
On what he wants to improve: I want to improve my blocking and pass protection. In high school, we didn’t do that much pass-protection because we ran the ball a lot. I didn’t know too much about it [coming here].
On sitting out 2009 as a redshirt: It made me better as a runner and with my pass protection. I was on the scout team giving the defense a good look. That helped me out personally and that helped the defense out.
On jersey number change: I wanted to change my number. I didn’t want a double number. It was close to No. 7 [my high school number] so I picked No. 6.
Post-practice notes
Hurricane Great and Baltimore Raven Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed took in practice on Tuesday.
The `Canes will participate in 11 more practices leading up to the spring game on Saturday, March 27.
The Hurricanes will practice again on Wednesday and Friday at 3:30 p.m. and again on Saturday at 10 a.m. All practices are closed to the public this spring with the exception of a scrimmage on Mar. 11 and the spring game on March 27.
Details for Open Practice and Spring Game Announced
The University of Miami football team has announced two dates for fans to get a glimpse of the 2010 Hurricanes. Miami will hold an open scrimmage on Thurs. Mar. 11 and its annual spring game on Sat. Mar. 27. Both events are free and open to the public. The Hurricanes will hold an intrasquad scrimmage, open to the public, at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (5201 NW 12th Avenue) on Thurs., Mar. 11, at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and players will take part in an autograph session from 6-6:45 p.m. Spring Practice will conclude at Traz Powell Stadium located on the north campus of Miami Dade College (11380 NW 27th Avenue) on Saturday, March 27. UM’s annual spring game which is slated to start at 4:30 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Players will take part in an autograph session from 3:30-4 p.m.
For `Canes Tickets
To purchase tickets for Miami’s upcoming 2010 season at Sun Life Stadium, contact the Hurricanes ticket office by calling 1-800-GO-CANES. Lower level season tickets start at just $199.
