Intensity Is High During Practice On Tuesday For The Canes

Though this was only the third practice I had covered this fall for the Hurricanes, it was by far the most intense and energetic I had seen, on what was a scorching afternoon in Coral Gables. With media day earlier and players having to do interviews and what not, I wondered how hard Manny Diaz and his guys would go at practice, but Greentree was alive with competition.

No drill exemplified this more than 1-on-1’s between Miami’s running backs and tight ends, going up against UM’s linebackers and defensive backs. Used as a blocking drill, the defenders came at the offensive players with all their might, and it was basically who wanted it more.

In my opinion, it was DeeJay Dallas going up against Shaquille Quarterman that was the highlight of the entire practice. Two leaders of the team, and they met straight up, and when Shaq got the better of Dallas, you could hear #55 talking a little bit.

Several minutes later, Quarterman was up again, though this time it was against tight end Brevin Jordan. The sophomore from Las Vegas did a great job versus Shaq.

Fellow tight end Will Mallory matched up against striker Romeo Finley, and just like Jordan had done, Mallory held his own as well against the defender. Has to make you feel great about the blocking abilities from these tight ends.

It was very clear being at Greentree, that these players have the Gators on their minds, and that they realize that the season is here.

Other notes: Jarren Williams was obviously starting at quarterback, followed by N’Kosi Perry and then Tate Martell. Though he missed Monday’s practice, Martell was there Tuesday. With the running backs, DeeJay Dallas was first, followed by Cam’ron Harris, Robert Burns and then Lorenzo Lingard.