Final Prep For Saturday's Scrimmage is Complete

April 7, 2011

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Spring football was more like summer football as the sun beat down on the Hurricanes’ 10th practice Thursday afternoon on the Greentree Practice Fields.

Temperatures stayed in the mid-80’s throughout most of the session, with the heat index reaching into the lower-90’s. However, offensive line coach Art Kehoe had a different take.

“Fellas, we have a cool day,” Kehoe yelled to his unit at the start of practice. “Let’s take advantage of that.”

Kehoe surely knows from all his years in Coral Gables that come training camp, temperatures and humidity are only going up from here.

Heat of the Battle
Al Golden met with the media before practice and reiterated again to reporters that this weekend’s scrimmage will be weighted highly in his overall evaluation of his team and his players.

In particular, he has been watching the quarterback competition closely and says that all three have been leaders out of the field this spring.

“I don’t know if this will be resolved this spring,” said Golden.

Jumpin’ Jedd
Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch was hyped for practice today yelling, “Are you ready!?” to the team as they were stretching.

Later in the session, he jumped and chest-bumped 320-pound Malcolm Bunche after the offense successfully completed a deep pass play.

Quick Work
Thursday’s practice was a little shorter than most this spring as the coaches were looking for a quicker, fast-paced session – much like the format fans will see during Saturday’s scrimmage at Traz Powell.

While there was still the usual special teams work, the majority of practice time was spent in team drills as everyone’s focus continues to move toward Scrimmage No. 2.

Highlights
– Thomas Finnie made the play of the day with an interception in which he blocked the receiver off to the outside and jumped the route to make a diving catch, dragging a foot inbounds for the pick…. “One of the best plays I’ve seen,” said coach Golden as he ran over to congratulate the freshman.
– Jacory Harris threw a perfectly placed 50-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Streeter in stride with tight coverage in the long ball drill.
– Travis Benjamin and Lamar Miller both looked good as punt returners as coach George McDonald looked on. McDonald was instructing the players to get up field as much as they could in the return instead of dancing around.
– Stephen Morris and LaRon Byrd hooked up for a 65-yard touchdown pass in the second half of the session.
– Cornerback Nate Gholston laid a good hit on tight end Clive Walford late in practice that got the defense going.

Hotline Tonight
Tune into Hurricane Hotline tonight beginning at 7 p.m. on 560 AM or WQAM.com for a spring football update from Joe Zagacki, as well as a special appearance by Orlando Franklin, who will be on to discuss this month’s upcoming draft. For baseball fans, head coach Jim Morris and slugger Rony Rodriguez will also be on.

Time to Go
Thursday marked Miami’s the final practice before Saturday’s scrimmage at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.

The scrimmage, which will start at 10 a.m., is free to the public. Parking opens at 8 a.m. RSVP here if you are planning on attending.

Center Shane McDermott before practice…

Defensive back Jamal Reid before practice….

To reserve season tickets for Miami’s upcoming 2011 season at Sun Life Stadium, visit HurricaneSports.com or contact the UM ticket office by calling 1-800-GO-CANES.

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