Defense Stands Out on First Day of Full Pads
Aug. 9, 2010
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – For the first time in 2010 fall camp, the University of Miami football team donned full pads for a two-hour practice session Monday morning under cloudy skies at the Greentree Practice Fields.
After rain soaked South Florida throughout much of Sunday, the Hurricanes practiced on a damp but solid turf Monday. It was a normal session for the most part, with the `Canes working through 7-on-7, 11-on-11, red zone, goal line and blitz drills.
Big Day for the D
As is the case with any camp, the offense has its days and the defense has its. Today belonged to the defense. Right from the start, the defense set the tone and carried it through to the last whistle. The defensive line was the difference, putting pressure on the quarterback and keeping the running backs from getting to the second level most of the morning. From there, the secondary was able to take advantage of the D-line’s pressure, picking off a few passes and breaking up even more.
Goal Line Stand
The strong showing by the defense was capped off by a goal line drill held at the end of practice. With the ball on the one-yard line, it was offense vs. defense with something on the line….less running. Head coach Randy Shannon challenged both sides of the ball, offering one less post-practice gasser to the winning team. The offense went with a running play to the left side of the line, but defensive tackle Micanor Regis led the push as the defense held its ground stopped the play for no gain.
Can You Hear Me?
The coaching staff had noise pumped in during practice for the first time of camp Monday morning. Speakers were set up around one of the Greentree Fields and any time the team lined up in 11-on-11 drills, the volume was turned up to simulate crowd noise. The team didn’t seem fazed by the distraction, with only one false start committed all morning.
Offensive Highlights
– Lee Chambers and Lamar Miller each broke off a pair of long runs, while Eduardo Clements closed out practice with one of his own.
– Kendal Thompkins continues to haul in passes, leading the offense in receptions for the second time in three days.
– Jacory Harris connected with Leonard Hankerson on the session’s longest play – a 70-yard connection for a touchdown in 11-on-11 blitz drills.
– Like clockwork, Asante Cleveland caught another long bomb over the top in 7-on-7 drills.
– Richard Gordon opened the practice with a big catch and run down the right sideline for a 35-40 yard gain.
– The right side of the line – specifically RT Joel Figueroa and RG Brandon Washington – played well again Monday. Washington had a key block on a big gain in a short yardage spot.
Defensive Highlights
– Cory Nelms and Jared Campbell each recorded an interception in 7-on-7 action.
– Sean Spence and Kelvin Cain each recovered a fumble in goal line work.
– Vaughn Telemaque stood out among the safeties, breaking up a few passes and stepping up to stop the run game on several occasions.
– C.J. Holton and Marcus Robinson each recorded a sack.
– Josh Holmes and Adewale Ojomo each had a tackle for a loss.
– Ojomo also got in the backfield on another series and broke up a play before it got going. Ray Ray Armstrong, among others, came on to help out after Ojomo disrupted the rhythm.
– More NFL presence was felt at Monday’s practice, with the Titans, Eagles, Vikings, Chiefs, Panthers and Bears all with representatives on campus.
The `Canes will return to the practice field for day six of camp Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
