Miami Hurricanes practice in pads for first time this spring

"“I think when there’s a crowd, people tend to want to do better with the more people that watch…It’s just like at a normal game. When there are people in the stands, it makes it more fun and exciting.”"

Richt has said that the quarterback competition is open this spring but that incumbent Malik Rosier has the edge to emerge as the starter. The Hurricanes quarterbacks were not allowed to be hit last year during spring practice. He has still yet to make a decision for this spring.

"“We may tackle a little bit here and there…Maybe pull out eight plays a day when we’re in full pads and allowed to tackle. I might tackle just a little bit instead of some of the traditional Oklahoma drills. Just play ball for about eight plays is what I might end up doing.”"

Richt is working with the rest of the coaching staff, particularly Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz on who how they can simulate the pass rush for quarterbacks without getting hit.

"“If Manny thinks it’s a sack, we might blow the whistle at that point…but even if it is, we still need to keep playing, break contain, let everybody learn to cover out longer or do our scramble rules as receivers. That’s valuable.”"

Next: Mark Richt creating lasting legacy with Miami Hurricanes

Miami will have two days off before they get back out to the Greentree Practice Field to commence the second week of Spring Practice.