The Hurricanes played the second scrimmage of the spring Friday night in Fort Myers and the defense was what the 6,000 plus fans in attendance noticed most. The offense gave up 3 interceptions, 10 sacks, and scored only 2 touchdowns after running around 100 plays. Both touchdowns came late in the scrimmage. Sophomore middle linebacker Denzel Perryman had 2 interceptions. Head Coach Al Golden was impressed with the defensive showing but realizes the offense has some work to do. “We haven’t been that physical on the defensive line and at linebacker in a while,” Golden said. “I thought we were running around and hitting. Clearly, we’ve got to take care of the interceptions, take care of the ball better, but I’m telling you what, our defensive line came to play today.”
After missing last weekends scrimmage with an injury Anthony Chickillo impressed everyone with three sacks and three solo tackles.
Gray Crow, a true freshman quarterback, was 11-18 for 64 yards.
QB Ryan Williams was not as sharp as last weekend. He was 17-33 for 177 yards and threw two interceptions in the end zone.
The Hurricanes are taking a new approach to improve the offensive line. At the University of Miami’s Wellness Center a flier was noticed on a bulletin board. ”any student that is 6’1 and 230+lbs that is interested in joining the football team as an Offensive Lineman” was encouraged to get in touch with the athletic department.
Mike James and Eduardo Clements are battling for the starting running back position.
Rashawn Scott is looking to be a starting WR this fall. Before being injured, he played 6 games in 2011 gaining 2 yards on a single catch.
Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano suffered a knee injury in last weekends scrimmage and will miss the rest of spring practice. The sophomore played 10 games in 2011, but mised two games with a sprained ankle. An injury he suffered during a touchdown celebration.
The Hurricanes inducted 4 players into the University of Miami Hall of Fame Thursday night. Ed Reed, who currently is a safety for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Bellamy, Bryant McKinnie and Richard Mercier were the honorees. Reed played from 1998-2001 and was a member of the National Championship team in ’01. Bellamy played from 1967-1970 and was the first black athlete to be given a scholarship to Miami. McKinnie played from 2000-2001 at guard and did not give a single sack. He also won the 2001 Outland Trophy. Mercier played from 1995-1999 and tied the Miami record for most career starts with 48.
Ray Blanchette covers the Miami Hurricanes for Outside The Redzone. He also covers NCAA football for the Saturday Blitz. Follow along at www.saturdayblitz.com. Blanchette is the owner of Blanchette Sports Holdings, a new sporting company that will operate 8 different sports leagues. Follow along with them at www.blanchettesportsholdings.weebly.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100003521034703&sk=wall or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/BlanchettSports
