Canes Camp Report: Aug. 7

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Hurricanes were back in action on the Greentree Practice fields for their third day of preseason camp, and after Friday’s practice, offensive linemen Samson Okunlola and Ryan Rodriguez, along with defensive backs Damari Brown, OJ Frederique Jr., and Xavier Lucas spoke with reporters and shared their thoughts on the day’s session and how camp is progressing.

Here are some of their best quotes after Friday’s practice as Miami moves one step closer to its Sept. 4 opener at Stanford.

Defensive back Damari Brown

On the level of competition between Miami’s defensive backs and wide receivers early in camp:

“Best of the best. Doesn’t get [any] better here. I feel like we have the best skill guys not just in South Florida, but in the country [and it] shows day in and day out and it’s only Day Three.”

On the depth and camaraderie in the defensive backs room last season:

“We just had each other’s backs. We stuck together all throughout the season. If one was out, the next one’s in. Just rooting for each other, just staying in one group and just staying together.”

On how the secondary has looked and communicated through the first practices of camp:

“Going good. Coming along good. Just from spring to the summer … those guys who’ve been pretty familiar with that defense, this is now their third time around going over it, [and] it’s starting to stick to those guys. They’re playing fast and they’re gelling.”

Defensive back OJ Frederique

On his strong start in camp:

“I like to thank the strength and conditioning staff for, first thing, [getting] my body prepared. I gained a couple pounds, got stronger, faster. I’m getting older as well and I want to thank my position coaches for preparing me and letting me know I have to be a leader and step up. So, if I’m able to practice how I’m supposed to practice, the younger guys and the other guys will see my energy, and it’ll eventually go onto them. So, I have to do that. I just want to thank my guys in my room and my position coaches and strength and coaching staff.”

On what it’s like to compete against Miami’s wide receivers in practice:

“I mean, I have to come every day with it because if I don’t come with it, they’re going to take advantage of that. We have a lot of guys from older to younger that have a lot of fuel and I have to keep going and I have to do me because if I don’t come with it, I know they’re going to take advantage of that. So, I just want to thank my receiver guys for giving me the work and letting me compete at the high level I’m at right now.”

On learning to step up as a vocal leader:

“I mean, that’s something I had to work on. I know I used to be quiet and just let my game speak, but Coach told me the guys listen to me, and they see what I’ve been doing. So, if I’m able to communicate with them and let them know their flaws, and me picking up my flaws, that’s going to help them. I just have to communicate better and just step up because it’s Year Three now. My words really matter and they listen, so I had to say something. … last year, I didn’t really like to say [anything], but me communicating and then actually doing it, I mean, that’s really great.”

On the advice he’d give his freshman self, if he could:

“Something I would tell him is [to] stay focused. I mean, big plays happen. You’ve just got to stay focused and keep your mind sharpened. Something I did last year, if I gave up an explosive [play], it was always ‘next-play mentality.’ My freshman year, I kind of let that get to me. So, if I had to say something, [it’s have a] next-play mentality.”

Defensive back Xavier Lucas

On the competing against Miami’s receivers on a daily basis:

“Oh, it’s very tough, but iron sharpens iron. We make each other better every day. After practice, we pick their brains, what will help us be better, what will help them be better, stuff like that. So, we’re getting better every day.”

On how Miami’s younger defensive backs are doing through the first week of camp:

“They’re progressing day by day. They stay in the building. They’re never one of the first ones out. They’re always the first ones in, so that’s a great thing. They’re getting better each and every day. They’re staying there in the meeting rooms with the coaches, asking questions. They love the game and that’s just a blessing to see.”

On the development of sophomore defensive back Ja’Boree Antoine:

“He’s a great player. He’s special. He’s going to be something very special soon. He’s growing day by day. In the playoffs, it was a big moment, and he stepped up, but shoot, this year, he’s coming back even stronger. So, I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.”

Offensive lineman Samson Okunlola

On earning more reps last season and becoming a consistent contributor on the offensive line:

“Honestly, it was quite fun. I feel like I had a lot of fun last year and I got to build on a lot of great things and build my technique and have a bunch of confidence. And we were lucky enough to go in the playoffs and play in the national championship, so I’m taking all of that into this year and my confidence is very high.”

On fellow offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell training at multiple positions on the offensive line:

“He’s done very great. I mean, the thing about [offensive line coach Alex] Mirabal [is], he’s always going to work you everywhere … He’s going to work you everywhere so you have a better understanding of how the whole offense maneuvers and you have a complete understanding so you can play 100 percent.”

Offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez

On cross-training various positions on the offensive line during camp:

“Coach Mirabal has always been a believer in practicing every position. He’ll have you train right tackle, left tackle, right guard, left guard, center. He wants everybody to be able to play every position and as a whole, that’ll make us stronger and smarter.”

On the offensive line’s progress since the start of spring ball:

“I think we’re really gelling. A lot of reps, a lot of different looks, a lot of chemistry. Obviously, you’ve got to go through different looks, different practices, different periods, situations, and we’ve got some young guys, so they’ve got to experience a lot of things, but everyone’s stepping up to the plate. Everybody’s hungry to learn and we’re all excited to keep getting better.”

On fellow offensive lineman Samson Okunlola:

“I personally love watching Samson work. I just admire his work ethic, his routine, how he prepares, how he handles himself. He’s a true pro. He comes in here early mornings; he does his stuff; always takes care of himself. So, I know for a fact that he’s going to be prepared, and I trust him with everything I have.”