Practice Report: 'Canes Open Practices for Sun Bowl
Dec. 11, 2010
Jeff Stoutland Post-practice Interview
Jacory Harris Post-practice Interview
Stephen Morris Post-practice Interview
A.J. Highsmith Post-practice Interview
Offensive line – one on one pass drills
Coral Gables, Fla. – Let’s start at the end.
Jeff Stoutland told the team after its first bowl practice, and his first as interim head coach, that he “loved their attitude today.”
That’s a very positive sign as the `Canes prep for Notre Dame and the 2010 Hyundai Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.
This is a very unique time in the lives of the Miami football student-athletes. They are in the middle of finals, are without the head coach they have known for four years and are excited about the upcoming hiring of a new head coach.
So returning to the football field had to be a welcome relief, and it showed. Not only to Coach Stoutland, but to the media.
Position Changes
A.J. Highsmith moved from quarterback to defensive back, in a move that has been expected and reported for some time. With one game left and limited injury concerns, the `Canes can give up a little depth at quarterback and allow Highsmith to get a jump on spring ball by working at DB now.
Jordan Futch moved from linebacker to tight end, in a move that may not be permanent.
“It’s a good opportunity for him, we’ll see if it sticks,” said Stoutland.
Moore Park Generals Pee Wee Squad
The Miami football program invited the Moore Park Generals Pee Wee squad out to practice. The kids come out in full green-and-gold uniforms and arguably had more fun playing on the open fields, than they did actually watching practice.
Afterwards, assistant coach Tim Harris coordinated autographs for the youngsters. As usual, Jacory Harris was the most popular choice.
Cranking It Up & Having Fun
He said in his first press conference, that he wanted the team to have fun and he wanted them to play with passion.
On Saturday, Coach Stoutland balanced those two agenda items by opening team work with no limitations on contact. The competitiveness was never more evident than when running back Mike James ran over two players and scored a TD on the third play of the day.
Later in an effort to lighten the mood, Stoutland took his offensive linemen and had them go into one-on-one pass drills for an entire session.
Seantrel Henderson matched up with over-sized cornerback Brandon Washington who boasted, “Water covers two-thirds the planet, I cover the other third.”
The bravado didn’t help, as Seantrel worked him on a double-move and pulled in a long pass from offensive GA Boomer Philbrick. To top it off, Henderson high-stepped into the end zone.
Orlando Franklin and Cory White also pulled in receptions.
Children’s Hospital
Several players hustled off the field to attend a community service event at the Miami Children’s Hospital. Stay tuned to HurricaneSports.com for coverage of the outreach event.
This is the second time this week, the `Canes have shared some holiday spirit. On Wednesday, they handed out Christmas gifts to underprivileged families at Paul Turner Elementary.
Coach Stoutland left the event with a family in tow. The family received so many gifts, that they didn’t have the space to carry them all home. So, Stoutland loaded up his car and gave them a lift to their residence.
Other Notes
* The `Canes did a lot of 7-on-7 work. Travis Benjamin and Kendal Thompkins both reeled in long catches.
* In 11-on-11 work, Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris both received first team reps and freshman running back Storm Johnson snuck in a few first team carries.
