Miami Hurricanes News and Notes: Canes Prepare for Spring Game, Paradise Camp Update

Good Morning Canes Fam,

Spring football will conclude tomorrow when the Hurricanes hold their annual spring game in Orlando at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff is set for high noon! As reported earlier, the game will not be broadcast or streamed.

Notes From Thursday’s Practice

State of the U’s Gabriel Urrutia —who has attended every practice this spring — delivered an article outlining the status of the Canes exiting spring practice.

After Tuesday’s practice, offensive coordinator Dan Enos stated that a starting quarterback will not be selected until the fall.

Patrick Joyner spent the week working at linebacker. With numerous injuries at LB, it’s unknown if the position switch in temporary or a long-term deal. Joyner has spent time at linebacker and defensive end. Come Saturday, the redshirt freshman is expected to receive snaps at middle and weak-side linebacker.

Injury Report

Wide receivers Jeff Thomas and Brian Hightower will miss Saturday’s game after undergoing minor knee procedures according to multiple reports.

Striker Zach McCloud will be out on Saturday with a wrist issue.

TE Brevin Jordan is dealing with a sprained knee that is not believed to be serious, but likely will be held out Saturday for precautionary reasons.

DT Jonathan Ford is also dealing with a wrist injury and will miss Saturday’s game.

LB Bradley Jennings Jr. has not returned to practice leaving Miami’s spring game with a lower body injury. His availability for Saturday is unknown.

C Corey Gaynor did not participate in practice this week due to a reported a knee injury. It’s believed that Gaynor should be able to a full go come training camp.

Paradise Camp on the Move

Not long after Manny Diaz was named head coach, questions regarding the fate of Miami Paradise Camp quickly surfaced. Staffed by UM legends such as Ed Reed, Jeremy Shockey and Vince Wilfork, Paradise Camp has been one of the better tools for Miami during the recruiting calendar.

michael Seay SOTU

On Thursday, Director of Player Personnel Andy Vaughn confirmed that Paradise Camp would be making its return in 2019. However, there’s a catch. With the Canes season opener being moved up to August 24th, Paradise Camp will take place in late June. In recent seasons, the camp ran towards the end of July. Vaughn informed the media that details still need to be worked out, but the recruiting showcase will continue.

Hurricanes Drop Series Opener Against the Cardinals

In a rare Thursday outing, Miami lost game one of their three-game series with the Louisville Cardinals 7-5. The loss halted Miami’s win streak at seven games.

The Canes will be back on the field this evening at 6pm EDT. Junior P Evan McKendry attempts to gain his seventh win of the season tonight. You can watch the game on ACC Network Extra or listen to the radio call on WVUM 90.5 FM.

The 305 Beat

Realus George, Nesta Silvera and Mark Pople. Those are just a few of the names that have impressed Manny Diaz this spring. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald details those and other Canes who have left a favorable impression on the head coach.

As good as Trajan Bandy is, he’s but one man. Meaning someone else will need to step up at the other cornerback spot in 2019. David Wilson of the Miami Herald analyzes the traits of DJ Ivey and Al Blades Jr. in their pursuit to win the second cornerback spot.

Some call it a dress rehearsal. Others feel it’s just another scrimmage. Regardless of how you define it, the Hurricanes head to Camping World Stadium Saturday for their annual spring game. Christy Chirinos of the Sun-Sentinel delivers a primer on what you should expect to see from the team in Orlando.

Director of strength and conditioning, David Feeley, highlighted Zion Nelson — who is up to 271 pounds—, Shaq Quarterman, Mike Pinckney and Greg Rousseau as players who’ve impressed in the weight room. Manny Navarro of The Athletic highlights Feeley’s immediate impact within the program.

Hof Lands With the Mercury

On Tuesday, former Women’s Basketball star Emese Hof signed a free agent deal with the Phoenix Mercury. The Utrect, Netherlands native will get her first taste of WNBA action when Phoenix opens camp on May 5th. In her senior season, Hof averaged 14.2 points per game and 8.3 rebounds. Hof earned First Team All-ACC, All-ACC Defensive Team, and the ACC Most Improved Player recognition in the 2018-19 season.

Non-Revenue Sports

Men’s Tennis replaced their rackets with some brooms after the team swept Clemson in the first round of the ACC Championship 4-0. Miami will be back in action Friday morning when they take on North Carolina State at 9AM EDT.

Women’s Tennis defeated Virginia Tech 4-1 to open the ACC Championship tourney. Next up for Miami will be a match against the Wolfpack of NC State.

Go Canes and Have a Great Day!