Miami Hurricanes Spring Practice #11 Recap: FULL PADS ON
As I was walking into the Miami Hurricanes athletic facilities bright and early today, I ran into the legendray Coach O himself, Ed Orgeron.
Coach O was drinking Cuban coffee, enjoying the Coral Gables sun, and eager to chat about his excitement for Hurricanes football.
His son, Cody, is an analyst on Mario Cristobal's staff. Ed told me that Cody loves living in South Florida and loves working on the Canes staff.
Coach O told me to tell my readers, listeners and viewers on the record that he believes in what Coach Cristobal is building and that it's only a matter of time before Mario gets things right. He told me Cristobal is a lot like Nick Saban. These are encouraging words coming from a national championship winning coach.
For those who will inevitably ask me if I expect Coach O to join the Miami staff any time soon... I think he's enjoying his hiatus, retirement, or whatever you call his current situation. He is getting paid a lot of money by LSU to not coach. In the meantime, it's great to see him around the facility frequently.
Now, let's get to practice, shall we?
The Hurricanes were wearing full pads today.
Wide receiver Colbie Young, who was in a red non-contact jersey on Tuesday, was no longer wearing red today. Whatever minor issue he was dealing with earlier in the week seems to be behind him now.
On defense, Miami's top two safeties, Kam Kinchens and James Williams, were both in red.
Kam Kinchens on Thursday in a red non-contact jersey
I spent plenty of time watching quarterback and wide receiver drills today.
All three scholarship quarterbacks looked sharp.
Here's Tyler Van Dyke connecting with slot receiver Xavier Restrepo:
Even in non-contact drills, receivers coach Kevin Beard makes sure to simulate contact and coverage with his receivers as much as possible. He is very hands-on with the group and works up as much of a sweat as any of his players.
Stay tuned here on All Hurricanes for more post-practice updates. The Canes will take the field again this Saturday, April 8th for their third spring scrimmage.
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