Miami Football staff continuing to hold meetings virtually

Cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that the Miami football staff is continuing to hold meetings during the COVID-19/coronavirus quarantine virtually through the web conferencing program zoom.

The quarantine caused by the COVID-19/Coronavirus has created a challenge for the Miami football staff to be able to hold meetings and plan for the 2020 season. Head coach Manny Diaz has the staff meet via the teleconferencing program Zoom almost every day according to cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph.

Rumph was interviewed by Miami Herald columnist Barry Jackson in an article published on Thursday. According to Rumph, Diaz and the Miami coaching staff are persistent about making sure that in Jackson’s words “are being very diligent about keeping each other and their players engaged and productive during (the quarantine.)”

Keeping the players accountable when most of them have scattered and gone home across the country is a monumental task. Each position coach has had to check in with their players. Some of the positions are more difficult than others depending on the number of players that involves.

Making sure players are keeping up with school work is critical. Rumph discussed with Jackson what the Hurricanes coaching staff is doing while working from home. Both the big picture of what the Miami football staff is doing in general and how Rumph is working with his own players were mentioned to Jackson.

Courtesy of Miami Herald

"“Make sure the kids are going online and working with their professors…good and bad things to assess…Every morning at 9, I get them all on Zoom to see their faces. We…get into what they have going on, talking about what online classes they’re taking, make sure they’re eating well, checking on their health, their family.”"

In addition to keeping up with their school work, the Miami football players now have to be persistent about working out on their own. Rumph told Jackson that the Hurricanes have been in contact with strength and conditioning coach David Feeley about their workout regimen.

"“We want to make sure they’re doing stuff but not too strenuous. They don’t have the trainers around to do what they do normally with the university, but we’ve given them ideas of what they have to do. Making sure they jog each day, make sure they’re getting some sun, some Vitamin D for their immune system, getting fresh air.”"

Miami was fortunate to get in the four days of spring practice during the first week of March. Not every college football team had started spring practice by the time the NCAA canceled all activities through at least the end of the academic calendar. The ability of Rumph to work on skills with his CBs is difficult.

Rumph told Jackson that he has been able to work with his players via zoom on how to change direction. Zoom has been critical for staying in touch with the players according to Rumph and could be a way to work with players who are at home in the future. Rumph likes what he has returning at CB in 2020.

"“I like what I have. It’s a good amount of depth. This is one of the best groups of corners I’ve had since I’ve been at UM. All these kids can contribute this year; they have a good skill set and hungry to learn and fit into what we’re doing. We’ve always been able to play a bunch of freshmen at Miami, and that trend will continue.These kids will have an opportunity to play.”"

Miami lost starting CB Trajan Bandy who left a year early for the NFL draft but returns juniors Al Blades Jr and D.J. Ivey and sophomores Te’Cory Couch and Christian Williams. After leading FBS in pass defense, an inexperienced secondary other than Bandy still finished 18th in 2019. Miami signed two CBs for 2020.

Four-star CB Isaiah Dunson adds length to the Miami secondary after previously being committed to Florida State. Three-star CB Marcus Clarke adds depth or could potentially redshirt this fall. Rumph told Jackson he expects the level of competition at CB for Miami to be the best maybe since he the 2001 National Champions.