Miami Hurricanes News and Notes: Canes prepare for Bethune-Cookman, Gerald Willis III returns to practice, Aid for Houston

It’s another great day to be a Hurricane! Here’s what’s in the news as it relates to the ‘Canes.

The Highlight Reel

Tuesday and Wednesday are the only days that the Hurricanes will be available to the media before Saturday afternoon’s tilt with Bethune-Cookman. Here is what some of the players and coaches had to say as gameday approaches.

Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz fields some questions after morning practice yesterday. Among his responses, Diaz stated that the defense does not plan on redshirting anyone for the season. Diaz goes on to outline the roles for Trajan Bandy and Malek Young in the defense.

Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown answers questions about what he expects from starting quarterback Malik Rosier on Saturday. Heads up, the IPF construction mutes most of the questions asked to Brown during most of the video. Brown also gives an update on RB Robert Burns as well as answering the question, will other quarterbacks gets reps on Saturday?

Linebacker Zach McCloud is lets us know the defense is ready for Saturday, praising the defense's consistency and effort. McCloud goes on to emphasize the defenses’s support and trust in the offense to do their job.

Tight end Christopher Herndon answered questions regarding whether the offense is being underestimated, along with what he’s witnessed from Malik Rosier since being named the starter at quarterback.

Starting in place of suspended LB Michael Pinckney, linebacker Michael Smith answers questions regarding his path to become a starter.

CMR took to the stage to answer various questions. Will there be a quarterback rotation? How does it feel to finally get ready to go against another team that is not your own?

Peter Ariz of CanesInSight.com was first to report that Gerald Willis III has returned to Miami and enrolled in classes this semester.

HOWEVER.....

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald provides some insight into the Hurricanes offense.

Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post wrote a piece regarding ESPN’s Desmond Howard picking Miami to make the CFB playoffs. Porter also predicts Miami to go 11–1 this season.

Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald pulled some great quotes from head coach Mark Richt heading towards Saturday’s game against Bethune-Cookman.

Sports Illustrated projects Miami to return to El Paso, Texas to play in the Sun Bowl. This time against Oregon.

ESPN senior writer Mark Schlabach predicts Miami to win their first Coastal Division title.

Ben Kercheval of CBSSports.com believes that Miami is underrated in the ACC entering the season.

Pro Football Focus released their All-ACC team last week.

Off-Campus Headlines

By now you have probably heard or witnessed the destruction to the city of Houston and the surrounding coastal areas of Texas after Hurricane Harvey touched land four days ago. The ongoing efforts to help the stranded and begin the recovery process is paramount. Current Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller clearly has Houston on his mind in he tweet below.

University of Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson sent out the tweet below, asking for donations to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

‘Canes Hoops answered Sampson’s request. Head coach Jim Larranaga tweeted out a picture of the package UM is sending to the University of Houston in their time of need.

Brad Kaaya could be Matthew Stafford’s backup in Detroit through attrition if the rumors are true about QB Jake Rudock being on the trading block.

A few ProCanes were in Las Vegas to catch the big fight last weekend.

Ray Lewis will join the cast of Inside the NFL for this upcoming season.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!