Notes from Tuesday's practice
OL David Istanich was held out of practice because he had "flu like symptoms."
LB Pooh Bear Mars worked with athletic bands during the beginning of practice. Coach Mario Cristobal said about Mars' progress so far, "He did OK. You want it to happen right now. It's a pretty serious injury. He's improving. The strength is good. The range of motion is good."
TE Dudley LaPorte (still in the orange jersey) practiced and looked ready to play.
Special football sections out ThursdayThe Miami Herald's annual football preview sections will be in Thursday's newspaper. Make sure to grab a copy (shameless plug). Here's a little taste of what the FIU section will look like (left, Toronto Smith, ©The Miami Herald, Al Diaz).
Post practice interview with Mario Cristobal
On Tuesday's practice
"It was a long practice, we had a good chunk, 40 minutes, devoted to special teams. A lot dedicated to the running game inside outside. Just about every running back that we have. And the quarterbacks and their decisions in the running game as well as the passing game and checking in their audibles.
On S Ash Parker's recovery
"He's done well. In our scrimmages we limit him to 45-50 plays instead of the full 70+ plays. We are going to gradually increase him to a full game. He really is a good football player and he is really really smart. You hope and pray for the young man."
Q. On if the offense has caught up to the defense.A. "I think the offense has caught up. The defense is still a little bit ahead but the [offense] is gaining ground and gaining ground fast."
Justin Azpiazu
