Hurricanes Wrap Up Spring Ball in Orlando
By Camron Ghorbi
HurricaneSports.com
ORLANDO – The 125-day countdown is on.
The Miami Hurricanes wrapped up their spring schedule Saturday afternoon, scrimmaging in the same venue where their next major competition will occur.
Nearly 10,000 fans got a glimpse of things to come at Camping World Stadium, where Miami opens its 2019 season in primetime against the Florida Gators on August 24. Miami’s offense – dressed in white – topped the orange-clad defense, 35-32, in the final of 15 spring practices.
There were athletic touchdown grabs by a pair of tight ends, several eye-popping passes from the Miami quarterbacks, ferocious defensive end play, and two turnovers (but no chain).
“The big thing we talked about this morning was passion,” head coach Manny Diaz said. “I wanted guys who were excited to play. We had a great turnout. The fanbase really stepped up.”
One of the spring’s major questions – who will start under center for the Hurricanes in late August – seemed to have three very plausible answers Saturday afternoon.
Tate Martell, N’Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams all impressed in Orlando, combining to throw for 343 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception.
“I thought there was good execution on both sides,” Diaz said. “I was happy to see all three of our quarterbacks make plays. We believe all three of those guys can play. We go into the summer now knowing that all three guys can play.”
Among the scoring plays: Martell hit wide receiver K.J. Osborn for an 80-yard touchdown, Williams lofted a gorgeous pass to tight end Will Mallory for an impressive 15-yard score, and Perry found freshman Jeremiah Payton for a late first-half TD.
Mallory was among Miami’s top contributors on the day, finishing with 63 yards on three catches.
Not to be outdone, Miami’s defense was spearheaded by an interception from redshirt senior Jimmy Murphy, a fumble recovered by Nigel Bethel, and sacks from six different players.
Freshman Jahfari Harvey, redshirt freshman Greg Rousseau and redshirt freshman Jordan Miller each finished with two sacks on the afternoon.
“Our one [first-string] defense played like our one defense should,” Diaz said. “There was one drive that I thought was not up to our standard. But for the most part, I thought those guys tackled well.”
Diaz said that, while the Hurricanes have concluded spring practice, it is pivotal that his group continues to march forward into the offseason with the same momentum it has been building since January.
“In glimpses, you can kind of see the improvements that this team has made. Now if we stop here, we have no chance. So what today was about, it’s like taking a photo of ourselves,” he said. “We know we have to continue to improve.”
