Scrimmage Primer: Saturday More Than Another Practice

March 31, 2011

Spring Scrimmage Central | April 9: Canes at Traz Powell | April 16: Spring Game at Lockhart

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A lot has gone on in the four short months Al Golden has been on the job. It began with press conferences, coaching hires and recruiting trips. Then came workouts, planning and practices.

Now it’s time to play.

For the first time in the Golden Era, fans will have a chance to see their team at full go at a scrimmage open to any and all ‘Canes fans Saturday morning at Spanish River High School in Boca Raton.

I know what you are thinking. So what? It will just be a glorified practice. They won’t be going all out.

Well, this won’t be your typical scrimmage.

There will be hitting, and a lot of it.

There will be legitimate hustle, after all this is the first of three job interviews this spring for players to make their case and earn their spot.

Golden has stressed from Day One that each and every position on the roster is up for grabs. He reiterated it again this week that on Saturday, every play will be broken down and every player will be evaluated.
 
In a sense, Saturday is a tryout.

Sure, if someone struggles or underperforms there will be plenty of time and chances to get back in good graces. On the other hand, someone who stands out in Boca could easily lose their grip by next Saturday.

Take Miami’s offensive line for example. Coach Kehoe is blessed with a deep and talented group, but only five can start. Someone has to out-work, out-practice and out-play someone else to earn a place in the starting unit. Some of that is already taking place in practice, in workouts and in the film room, but it is days like Saturday when real impressions are made and spots are ultimately earned.

So if you have a chance to make it out to Spanish River for the 10 a.m. scrimmage, understand what is at stake and what the day will mean. What will be a few hours of pure entertainment for the fans in the stands will be anything but for the 90-plus student-athletes on the field fighting to get better.

And if you can’t make it on Saturday, don’t fret. A second open scrimmage will be held next Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami. Then it’s the much-anticipated Spring Game, which will be held Saturday, April 16 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

A lot has happened since December, but nothing compares to this. The next three Saturdays have become three open invitations to watch the ‘Canes earn their way and in effect, set their own depth chart.

A fresh start for everyone.