Wednesday was the Hurricanes fifth practice of the spring. Some of the attention on Wednesday was taken away from Spring Practice as 15 former Hurricanes went through Pro Day at UM.
The Hurricanes have been practicing this spring like the season was much closer than the five months away that it is. Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz spoke about the dedication the players have shown through the first five practices.
"“Everybody is attacking every day with enthusiasm, really excited to work…No one appears to be content. Everybody is really trying to push themselves to get their play to another level.”"
The spring gives the Miami coaching staff a chance to focus on teaching without having to worry about game plans. Diaz said:
"“Spring is where you pull it all apart…You have all the individual parts and everybody tries to get themselves better. And then in the summer, into the fall you kind of put it back together again.”"
Spring is often the time when the coaching staff looks at players in a different position that they have previously been in. The Hurricanes have some depth at cornerback coming this fall.
Junior Sheldrick Redwine has been moved from corner to safety. Redwine started five games at corner last fall. He now faces the possibility of earning the open safety position next to his roommate and former high school teammate at Killian, Jaquan Johnson.
"Redwine spoke about where he might be playing this fall. “Whatever they need me to do…I’m a football player…you want me to play there, I’m going to play there.”"
Redwine also discussed the difference between playing safety and corner. “Probably just playing in more space,” he said. “You have to make more plays coming downhill and you have to make tackles.”
"“Probably just playing in more space…You have to make more plays coming downhill and you have to make tackles.”"
Safeties coach Ephraim Banda spoke about his newest pupil.
"“What he’s (Redwine) done so far, he’s really upped his urgency and he’s come out here every day and he’s had it…There hasn’t been a drop off, which is really what Sheldrick’s issue was in the past. I’m very proud of him coming out here with that same urgency that [Jamal Carter] or Jaquan has brought and when he does that he’s a really good player, so I’m proud of him.”"
In the second spring, Mark Richt’s staff has been able to devote more time to teaching. Last season they were still getting to know their new team. Diaz spoke about the differences between this spring and 2016.
"“There is no question that we are so much further ahead than we were a year ago…I look at the way we played in October, compared to the way we played in November, even the bowl game. And I think about what we have been able to do, especially the more experienced guys have been able to really add on to where we were in December and take that next step.”"
Next: Reviewing Miami Hurricanes Pro Day
After taking Friday off, the Hurricanes will return to the practice fields on Saturday.