We just witnessed our first 15 minutes of University of Miami's spring practice.
With a considerable chill in the air (temps in the mid 50s), the Hurricanes were outside far before the 9 a.m. time that was given as the starting time (if you're on time, you're late).
Everyone seemed excited to be starting, including defensive end Anthony Chickillo and company, who began dancing to the Harlem Shake during stretching. It didn't last very long, and it was the most entertaining part of our 15 minutes. Chickillo looks like he has the moves.
Here's who we saw on crutches: linebacker Gabe Terry (right foot in boot), defensive end David Perry (he was recently switched from tight end and had his left foot in a boot).
We knew those two would be missing spring football, but we didn't know Kacy Rodgers II would come into spring football injured -- or it sure seemed that way. Rodgers, not listed on the two-deep spring depth chart at safety -- was on the sideline in gray sweats and a red (injured) jersey, and walked with his left leg completely stiff and seemingly unable to bend.
The coveted black jerseys were back, and the ones I noticed (there might have been more) were worn by Chickillo, incoming freshman linebacker Alex Figueroa, cornerback Ladarius Gunter, cornerback Tracy Howard, defensive end Shayon Green, linebacker Jimmy Gaines, defensive tackle Curtis Porter, linebacker Denzel Perryman and Rayshawn Jenkins, who wore No. 29 but is listed on the roster as No. 26.
Be back after we talk to Al Golden and assistant coaches and some players after practice.
SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
oh and the basketball team shuld b #1 when they beat Duke at Duke today. Gonzaga has beaten weak sisters all year n doesnt deserver #1 rank. (oh and baseball might b #1 soon tooo) ITS ALL ABOUT THE U
Posted by: Dom | March 02, 2013 at 05:23 PM
The Gators are going to get blasted in week2. they always play like crap in the beginning of the year, struggling with the Bowling Greens etc, n now they lost a ton of players, lost their backup qb, and are going to get blasted by 3-4 touchdowns @Miami....... I am giving U the 1st bet of the season. Miami will b favored in that game and will win by 2 td's or more.
Posted by: Dom | March 02, 2013 at 05:26 PM
Didn't I just blabber for DOMINICK to get back on his MEDICATIONS!!!
Well DUMBO... err Dominick. Get back on your drugs!!
Because AIN'T no way Miami ends up going UNDEFEATED in 2013. Let alone finishes the season with a 11-1 or 10-2 record.
Why! ENTER one Marky Mark D'Onofrio. That's why, y'all Cane bUbba's.
Posted by: D | March 02, 2013 at 05:26 PM
Ironic that Bowling Green's DEFENSE was the reason why they was in the game against TRADITION-RICH Florida last September.
Too bad Miami's defensive unit will be the program's ACHILLES HEEL, again, in '13. Just the FACTS, baby.
Bon jour et Bonsoir
Posted by: D | March 02, 2013 at 05:29 PM
I'm sorry.......I don't know what happened to me.......It's my friend of mine who is over at my house and post on my behalf.......Sorry guys.......U know I love the U....Al Golden is the man!!!!!!
Posted by: Jim Gallo | March 02, 2013 at 05:35 PM
D, did U just say Tradition rich FL? haha. Even with the spurrier years and the meyer years, and the canes getting skrewed out of a couple titles, miami still has 5 nat titles to UF's 3 in the last 30 years.
Oh, and UF has never, ever , in their history gone undefeated....ever. .....
Again, this is Miami's best team since 2004..... Let is play out on the field......nervous are we
Posted by: Dom | March 02, 2013 at 05:42 PM
Agree this randy Shannon's offense
Posted by: Jim gallo | March 02, 2013 at 06:29 PM
EVERYONE(HATERS) HOPE MIAMI DOESN'T IMPROVE ON DEFENSE THIS YEAR BECAUSE IF THEY DO THIS TEAM WILL BE SCARY !! I DON'T QUESTION WHETHER YOUNG PLAYERS WILL IMPROVE BECAUSE AS A COACH I KNOW A SENIOR IS NOT THE SAME PLAYER AS A FRESHMEN! THE TALENT IS GOING TO GO ONE OF TWO WAYS! IF THAT TALENTED FRESHMAN CONTINUES TO WORK HARD,STAY DISCIPLINE, AND STUDIES,HE/SHE WILL BE BETTER AS THEY MATURE. THE ONLY THING THAT WILL HURT THEIR PROGRESS IS POOR COACHING !! RIGHT NOW DUKE JOHNSON IS ONE OF THE MOST EXPLOSIVE PLAYERS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL! HOW DOES HE IMPROVE ? GETTING STRONGER (HE IS) STUDYING,AND STAYING AWAY FROM IDIOTS WHO CAN CAUSE HIM TO GET IN TROUBLE! AFTER ALL THAT IT IS UP TO THE COACHING STAFF TO GET DUKE OVER THE 1000 YD RUSHING, AND IMPROVE ON HIS RECEIVING YARDS ALSO!! PUT HIM IN POSITION TO EXCEL. ON DEFENSE WITH ALL THOSE YOUNG GUYS WHO PLAYED LAST YEAR HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO IMPROVE ? BY COACHING THEM UP BETTER! NOT TRYING TO WAIT TIL THEY ARE JUNIORS OR SENIORS NOW! TEACH THEM TO STOP THE RUN, SACK THE QB,AND COVER TIGHT MAN/MAN! THEN TURN THEM LOOSE TO DOMINATE. PLAY CANE FOOTBALL NOT TEMPLE OR PENN ST. FOOTBALL (80'S) CURTIS PORTER CAN AND SHOULD BE ALL ACC AND POSSIBLY ALL AMERICAN, BUT NOT IF DUNNO DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE HIM! GO CANES 2013 ACC CHAMPS!
Posted by: TK SWAN!! | March 03, 2013 at 03:27 AM