Spring Practice Report: #9

March 29, 2012

CORAL GABLES, Fla.-The Canes held their ninth practice of the spring and final practice before Friday’s scrimmage at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers. Today’s practice was intense as the players are ready to showcase their hard work in the scrimmage.

Weather Report: 76 degrees with winds out of the east at 7 mph and 54% humidity.

The day’s work started off with walk-throughs on both ends of the field for the offense and defense. The offense worked on their plays from their own two-yard line and the defense worked on goal line plays.

During the usual drill circuits, freshmen quarterbacks Preston Dewey and Gray Crow seemed to be improving and were drawing some praise from offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. The tight ends worked with Coach Brennan Carroll on catching the ball correctly through a series of different routes. Wide receiver Rashawn Scott ended a set of drills by drawing some “oohs and ahs” with an incredible one-handed catch that seemed to be way out of his reach.

Special teams was also a major focus of today’s practice, as field goals and punts were practiced extensively and at a high pace. Kickers Jake Wieclaw and Matt Goudis looked sharp as they nailed all of their field goals.

During game action, the defense made their presence felt starting with diving pass deflections by Gionni Paul and Thomas Finnie. Anthony Chickillo was also back in action today and didn’t miss a beat during his time off, beating linemen and getting to the quarterback on multiple occasions. A.J. Highsmith also showed up to play as he picked off a pass and stepped up as a vocal leader of the defense.

As has been the case throughout the spring, today’s bright spot for the Canes was sophomore wide receiver Scott, who has a knack for getting open and subsequently catching whatever ball is thrown his direction. He made big catches virtually all over the field today and had a beautiful one-handed scoop of an underthrown ball over the middle. 

VIDEO: Running Back Mike James following Practice #9.

Canes Spotting: Jonathan Vilma, Reggie Wayne, D.J. Williams and Jimmy Graham stopped by practice once again before working out, as well as recent former players Micanor Regis, Randy Phillips and Ben Bruneau. Heisman winner and Coral Gables resident Desmond Howard also took in today’s practice.

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