Miami Gardens, FL – Head Coach Mark Richt had a plan when he took over the head coaching job at his alma mater two years ago. Upgrade the facilities and win recruiting in the state. Richt first spearheaded the construction of a multi-million dollar indoor practice facility that is now set to be ready in the fall and last year he out recruited Florida and Florida State. His recruits from last years recruiting class made big plays today in the first Spring Game held a Hard Rock Stadium since Richt took over the reigns of the program.
Head Coach @MarkRicht appreciates the support from the @CanesFootball faithful at the Spring game at @HardRockStadium @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/jKQxUOteFQ
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) April 15, 2018
True freshman have been the talk of Spring Camp. The question today was how would they perform under the bright lights of Hard Rock Stadium in front of thousands of fans? They answer: just as great as they did during Spring Camp. Brian Hightower, at 6’3 195 pounds, lead the team with 100 receiving yards on four catches for two touchdowns.
“He’s big. He’s physical and he uses his size to his advantage,” described Richt. “When getting ready for a jump ball he positions his body well, he doesn’t get knocked around and he’s been an excellent blocker. He’s doing some things that give us confidence that he can play.”
Richt wanted to make sure that the turnover chain had an impact on the game as he made it a point of emphasis for the youth football players in the community to be seated behind the defense. Gilbert Frierson, true freshman out of Coral Gables High School, picked off N’kosi in the endzone and earned the turnover chain in his first opportunity in a game.
“It was fun to see Gilbert wear the turnover chain,” laughed Richt. “I’m the one who told [Manny Diaz] to do it in case there were a couple turnovers the kids could see the celebration. I felt it would be good to do.”
Still no definitive answer at quarterback as all signs are pointing toward Malik Rosier to take the first snap in Jerry’s world against SEC power LSU on Labor Day weekend. Rosier was not overly impressive against the Hurricane defense. He went 9 for 14 for 105 yards with zero touchdowns but was sacked four times. Jarren Williams also got some work in going 9 for 14 for 107 yards and a touchdown. N’Kosi Perry could never get into a rhythm throwing the ball as he went 11 for 26 for 166 yards, scored 1 TD and 1 interception. Perry did make plays with his legs as he lead the team in rushing with 45 yards and connected with IMG Academy product Hightower on a post route for a 52 yard gain.
“I like how the younger guys are competing and they’re making some plays. It’s hard to say until I watch the film [when it comes to quarterback play].”
Veteran @CanesFootball receiver @LC18era_ comments on how his quarterbacks played during today’s spring game. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/ZJ2cBDmFUZ
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) April 15, 2018
The other true freshman that continues to wreak havoc is Greg Rousseau. He finished with five and a half tackles, four for loss and had three sacks. Jonathan Garvin also had three sacks in the game as the canes defense had nine in total. The offensive line is of great concern for Head Coach Mark Richt as he is looking to put together a cohesive unit for fall camp.
“We have to make sure that we have the right five [offensive lineman] ready to go and have a lot of reps together. They had two days with this new lineup and that’s tough. We just gotta make sure we get the right five and we will work them all this summer.”
The Hurricanes will have a final scrimmage to be held next week closed to the public.
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