sports_m-footbl_spec-rel_081798
August 17, 1998
CORAL GABLES, FL – The University of Miami football team continued withtwo-a-day workouts today at the Greentree Practice Field in Coral Gables.The Hurricanes worked out in shells and tomorrow will don pads for thefirst time since preseason camp opened.
“We’re really starting to get into the flow of practice,” said headcoach Butch Davis. “We’ve put in at least sixteen hours per day withpractices, drills, walk-thrus and meetings. The most encouragingthing is the way the players are pushing themselves and maintaining a good,solid work ethic throughout the practices.”
The running backs caught Davis’ eye in the morning session. “Thiswas clearly their best day in all phases. Edgerrin James, Najeh Davenportand Nick Williams made awesome plays in the back field and had outstandingperformances in the one-on-one, blitz and pass protection drills.”
Davis also spoke highly of the young offensive line. “I thinkthey’re getting better. We’ve made some position moves and the playersare working really hard. We moved Ed Wilkins from the defensive line,which has really helped us, but we’ll find out how good they are in thenext few days.
The entire Hurricane team earned Davis’ praise following the afternoonpractice. The ‘Canes used the session to work on special teamsbefore concluding with 11-on-11 drills.
“I and the assistant coaches enjoy coming to work every day becausewe continually see the players getting better,” said Davis.
Davis was extremely pleased with the pass rush during the day’s secondpractice and applauded the effort of offensive tackle Damond Neely.”I thought Damond was very successful today. Damond is taking whathe is learning from the coaches and applying it on the field; thus makingbig plays on the field.”
Davis says his team his hungry to play and eager to get the seasonstarted. “The players feel better about themselves personally andI know their hard work will pay off.”
There were no new injuries reported.
Schedule of Upcoming Events
August 22, CanesFest (Scrimmage), 9:00 a.m., Orange Bowl Stadium, Miami.
August 26, CanesFest-Broward (Practice), 6:00 p.m., Lockhart Stadium,Ft. Lauderdale.
