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Coral Gables, FL – The Hurricanes were ranked in the top ten for the first time in the preseason Coaches Poll since 2005. Expectations are through the roof of the new indoor practice facility and the veteran leadership keeps this team grounded as freshmen experience their first fall camp. The competition is fierce as all are essentially competing for playing time, but the vets serve as a reminder that “The U” is one team.
“We’re all family,” said junior wide receiver Lawrence Cager. “We all know that we are competing for jobs but at the end of the day you just go out there and have fun. You do what you were recruited here to do. We’re happy for someone else making a play then ourselves.”
Head coach Mark Richt was impressed with Day 2 of fall practice on another sweltering day in South Florida. Each unit has its fair share of young players and veterans providing a nice mix of depth for the team at all positions.
Head coach @MarkRicht said all of the former players would be impressed with today’s practice at Greentree as Day 2 is in the books. @CanesFootball @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/5BSVqbIDTM
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) August 5, 2018
“The old guys set a standard,” said junior linebacker Michael Pinkney. “We’re trying to uphold that standard. I think the young guys learn a lot from us. I’m excited to see what they can do.”
The projected starting offensive line unit has its share of young and old players. Senior left tackle Tyree St. Louis, senior left guard Jahir Jones , sophomore Navaughn Donaldson at right tackle, junior Hayden Mahoney at right guard and senior Tyler Gauthier at center. Coach Richt said since Spring that he is trying to get the right five guys for the offensive line to go to the next level.
“There was some really bright moments today with the #1 unit especially picking up some nice nasty blitzes,” said coach Richt. “We did protect well a number of times. More times than not. Quarterbacks had time to hold the ball, make the reads and make throws. It was impressive and fun to watch.”
What truly has been fun to watch is defensive tackle Gerald Willis back on the practice field. The fifth year senior essentially missed two years and finally is getting a chance to show why he was a five star talent coming out of Louisiana.
Junior linebacker Michael Pinckney says defensive tackle Gerald Ford @gw3_9 is everything you want in a D Tackle. @CanesFootball @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/Jqw4MvUZml
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) August 5, 2018
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now, said Willis. “I’m a better person now I got my relationships right with my family and I’m ready to ball.”
He was able to shed his body fat by ten percent and gained about 15 pounds of muscle. At his size at 6’4″ 300 pounds, he is quick on his feet and maintains the agility much needed at the position with the departure of RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton to the NFL. He also has assumed the responsibility of instilling confidence with the young guys.
Head coach @MarkRicht is really proud of the progress @gw3_9 has made and is excited for what he will do this season. @CanesFootball @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/i3ZB3hKa4s
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) August 5, 2018
“I just tell them to just keep grinding,” said Willis. “Don’t let the coaches or nobody down you. Just keep going.”
The opener against LSU means a bit more for the veteran defender.
“I’m really excited to play against an SEC team. We open against my home town. I’m trying to get the young guys ready so we can go dominate. We are going to ball till we fall.”
Gerald is looking to ball this year. @MarkRicht called him a terror on the field today on day 2 of practice. @gw3_9 @CanesFootball @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/iqnHqZkCIf
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) August 5, 2018
The Miami Hurricanes open the season Sunday night, Labor Day weekend at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX.
