Mark Richt Talks to Reporters After First Day of Spring Practice

Miami Hurricanes Head Football Coach Mark Richt spoke to the press after the first day of spring practice on Tuesday at Greentree field.

Some of the things Richt discussed was the improved practice habits in the second year of his system, freshman DeeJay Dallas’ ability, the importance of physicality and the importance of players focusing on improving more than position battles.

Richt was impressed with the improved practice habits his players have in their second spring in his system

"“Like I told the team after practice, you can tell who the veterans are and you can tell who knows how to practice. You can tell the guys who are in shape and you can tell the guys who know what to do,” Richt said. “It’s very obvious who the mid-year guys are, as far as knowing how to practice and knowing what to do.”"

Kendrick Norton who earned third team all-ACC as a Sophomore in 2016 spoke about how he and his teammates were doing in their second spring practice under Richt.

"“[Freshman] have guys in front of them to show them how to do it,” Norton said. “Last year nobody had that, because everybody was a freshman last spring.”"

Norton was particularly impressed by fellow defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin.

"“Garvin is doing very well. He’s coming on, he’s learning. But it’s only the first day,” Norton said."

DeeJay Dallas could be one of the wildcards for Miami next season. He was recruited as an athlete and can play both sides of the ball. Dallas was an option quarterback in high school and could would wind up in the defensive backfield, at wide receiver or running back for Richt.

He will almost assuredly be used as a kick returner this fall. Braxton Berrios was very good on punt returns last season, but Miami struggled behind the graduated Malcolm Lewis and Berrios on kickoff returns last season.

Dallas and classmates Jeff Thomas and Mike Harvey will likely be counted on to add speed and explosiveness in the kick return game this fall. The Hurricanes finished 55th in the nation in kick returns in 2016.

It sounds like Richt is leaning toward Dallas playing on the offensive side of the ball initially.

"“Deejay showed the ability to snatch the ball well, which is a great key – to be able to catch the ball well and not cradle it,” Richt said."

The departure of tight end David Njoku two years early to the NFL leaves the Hurricanes without one of their biggest big play threats in the vertical passing game from 2016.

Christopher Herndon IV shared tight end with Njoku in 2016, often in two tight end sets. He should take on a bigger role in the passing game in 2017. Herndon spoke about the first day of practice.

"“First day was basically just getting back in the groove of thing…Everybody is kind of fresh to the offense again, so we just took our time out there today, but we were still trying to make sure we were doing everything at a full-speed pace and just focusing on our plays.”"

While the fans and media focus on who is going to emerge as the favorite at quarterback and the other open positions, Richt said the focus is more on the improvement of his players than who will be starting in the fall.

"“I want everyone to compete…I want everybody to prove that they should start or they should play, or that they deserve to be on the travel squad – whatever it is – so they’re at least proving that they’re bought into what we’re doing.”"

The focus on learning and proving their worth as a player but not necessarily as a starter is also important this spring. Which players are improving their speed, physicality and who is disciplined?

Richt has put an emphasis on discipline and has shown he expects it both on and off the field. Defensive Lineman Courtel Jenkins was dismissed in part because of repeated personal foul penalties.

"Richt said : “I want guys to play hard, play fast and be physical, be disciplined – those are the main things. If you do that, you’re going to be pretty good."

Next: What Will Miami Hurricanes Basketball Look Like in 2017-18

There is a lot of excitement in Coral Gables and Miami Gardens in spite of losing Kaaya and Njoku early. Richt has gotten exceptional play makers in his first two recruiting classes. With Virginia Tech losing several key players and a more favorable  schedule than 2016, the Hurricanes  should challenge for the Coastal Division in 2017.