`Canes Get First Two-A-Day of Fall Camp Going
Aug. 13, 2010
CORAL GABLES, Fla. –
You know that training camp has officially gone into full swing when you reach your first two-a-day. That was the scene at 8 a.m. on Friday.
In the first session since Wednesday evening’s scrimmage, the Hurricanes returned to business as usual with a physical morning session. Friday marks the first of three two-a-day practice days.
Even though the early morning heat was tough to bear (and felt like the hottest of 2010), Head Coach Randy Shannon’s bunch looked sharp on both sides of the ball.
Big Returns
Friday morning’s practice was the first time that both LB Jordan Futch and RB Graig Cooper have donned pads since suffering leg injuries during the 2009 campaign. Their returns brought positive vibe to the field as both players participated in contact drills and were eager to get reacquainted with the physical aspect of practice.
Welcome Back
Three former Hurricanes attended the morning practice. Don Bailey Jr. and Joaquin Gonzalez spent some time talking about this year’s `Canes while watching the offensive and defensive linemen work against each other. Towards the very end of the session, the 1992 Heisman Trophy winner, Gino Toretta strolled the sidelines while the Hurricanes participated in full 11-on-11 work.
Tall Task
Early in practice, DL Curtis Porter had to face the giant offensive linemen tandem of freshmen Seantrel Henderson and Malcolm Bunche. After putting up a good fight, Porter was heard saying, “Those guys are big, It’s never going to get harder than this.” Henderson and Bunche are listed at a combined 658 lbs. and 13 ft. 3 in.
Offensive Highlights
– The wide receivers worked on their downfield blocking, especially Aldarius Johnson and LaRon Byrd, who earned praise for their efforts.
– Wideout Tommy Streeter hauled in several deep balls and used his height to leap over defenders on a few grabs as well.
– Mike James broke free on a 70-yard touchdown in 11-on-11 drills and had several modest gains throughout the practice. James continues to be one of the emerging storylines this fall.
– TE Richard Gordon opened practice with a nifty one-handed grab on a pass from Jacory Harris.
Defensive Highlights
– LB Sean Spence and S Vaughn Telemaque levied big hits in full-team work.
– Spence also had a hard hit on a tackle-for-loss. Earlier in the session, DL Andrew Smith led a charge, stopping RB Lamar Miller in the backfield.
– LB Ramon Buchanan stood out in the final group session, recording a pass break-up and a one-on-one tackle in the flat.
– Micanor Regis wasn’t fooled on a screen pass in an 11-on-11 session, blowing up the play for a loss.
