Miami Hurricanes Spring Practice Report: Week Two

The Miami Hurricanes wrapped up week two of Spring practice with a Saturday scrimmage. 

The offense had some positives and some negatives, and the running backs performed well, which is to be expected.  Damien Berry had 48 yards on eight carries, Lamar Miller had 32 yards on nine carries, and Storm Johnson added 34 yards on six carries continuing the steam he has built up so far in Spring practice.

The wide receiving corps was another story. There were many dropped passes by the receivers and tight ends, which is surprising since the receiving corps is supposed to be a strength of this team.  We all know Jacory Harris is out, and the timing may not be there with the other quarterbacks, but catching the ball is something that cannot be excused.

Travis Benjamin was the bright spot catching four passes for 49 yards, we have to only assume that Leonard Hankerson was one of the players with a case of the dropsies.  Maybe all of that work with Mark Duper last year did not pay the dividends that he expected them to pay.

The quarterback race is competitive which can only be a good thing.  Here are the stat lines for the three quarterbacks:

A.J. Highsmith: 9-18 for 95 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions

Spencer Whipple: 2-10 for 60 yards a touchdown and an interception

Stephen Morris: 6-11 for 63 yards no touchdowns and no interceptions

(www.miamiherald.com)

Right now the backup quarterback race is tight, and it seems that Stephen Morris and A.J. Highsmith have become the early front runners with Highsmith holding an early edge. 

I have to admit I did not know what to expect from Highsmith, but so far he has shown a great ability to make plays and stay in the pocket rather than scrambling.  I thought Whipple would play a bit better, but maybe he is still developing a rapport with the receivers, although it seems Morris is fitting in nicely.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kylan Robinson has taken the starting middle linebacker job from freshman Shayon Green, and now it seems like the position is Robinson’s to lose.  With that being said the defense missed a lot of tackles after a fast start holding the offense to just two first downs in its first six possessions.

That success seem to be short lived as they gave up several big plays in the passing game, and seemed to get pushed around by the offense at times especially in the running game.  Colin McCarthy had five tackles and a fumble recovery, and DeMarcus Van Dyke had three tackles and four pass break-ups which were the bright spots for the defense.

The Hurricanes have more players out with injury. Orlando Franklin is unsure if he will return this spring because of back spasms, and add Matt Bosher, Jared Campbell, Jacory Harris, and Marcus Forston to that list. 

The Hurricanes are looking like a battered team right now with so many players out, and I believe Franklin being out is a big deal because he is one of the leaders on that offensive line which needs to improve this year.  With him being out, the chance to build chemistry among the line is going to take longer with Joel Figueroa being out as well.

The Hurricanes seem like they took a little step back during the second week of Spring practice, although the secondary and running backs are looking good.  Missing tackles and dropping passes show a lack of focus, Randy Shannon has said the goal for Spring practice is to get tougher and this may be a response to Shannon being harder on the team. (miami.rivals.com)

He doubled the number of plays they usually run in scrimmage, and has already shaken up the lineup by replacing players who do not perform. 

He is sending a message that they will play tougher football this season, and your position is not guaranteed even if you are an incumbent.  Going into week three we will see how the team responds.