sports_m-footbl_spec-rel_082098

August 20, 1998

Coral Gables, FL — The University of Miami football team continued withpreseason practice today at Greentree Practice Field in Coral Gables.The Hurricanes used the majority of the morning session working 11-on-11and on the two-minute offense. Following the practice head coachButch Davis announced that he was giving the players the afternoon off,instead throwing a team pool party at the UM Student Union pool.
The Hurricane defense flexed its muscle this morning making severalbig plays and delivering punishing tackles.

“Today’s practice was clearly dominated by the defense,” said Davis.”The defense held the offense to one field goal and forced a turnover inthe red zone. Those are the plays I like to see from the defense.They were swarming around the ball and twice delivered tackles that knockedthe ball carrier’s helmet off.

“Nate Webster made some outstanding plays today. He was aroundthe football all the time, and when Nate makes a tackle, he packs a meanpunch.”

Overall, Davis is pleased with his team’s performance thus far andis looking forward to Saturday’s scrimmage.

“We have competition at virtually every position,” Davis commented.“Guys are fighting for spots on the depth chart and really pushing oneanother. It has created an environment where guys can not affordto have a bad practice or take any plays off.”

The Hurricanes host CanesFest this Saturday at the Orange Bowl, featuringseason ticket select-a-seat, interactive games, autograph sessions, thenew Touchdown Alley, and the team’s only scrimmage of the preseason.CanesFest is free and open to the public. Gates open at 9 a.m.

There were no new injuries reported.

Schedule of Events
August 22, CanesFest (scrimmage), 9:00 a.m., Orange Bowl, Miami
August 26, CanesFest-Broward (practice), 6:00 p.m., Lockhart Stadium,Ft. Lauderdale