Hurricanes Begin Preparation For Wake Forest
Nov. 8, 2005
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Fresh off a monumental 27-7 win over then third-ranked Virginia Tech, the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes football team began its week of preparations for ACC foe Wake Forest at the Greentree Practice Fields Tuesday afternoon.
The Hurricanes were originally slated to play the Demon Deacons on Thursday, Nov. 17, but the game was moved up to Saturday because of Hurricane Wilma. The switch enabled the Hurricanes to reschedule their game against Georgia Tech to Saturday, Nov. 19.
“This was a good day,” coach Larry Coker said. “Guys had a good day today.”
One player in particular that caught Coker’s attention with a solid practice was defensive back and return specialist Devin Hester, who injured his hamstring at Virginia Tech. Coker officially lists the 2004 All-American as “day to day.”
“I was a little surprised with Hester. He moved around a lot better than I thought he would,” Coker said. “Hopefully, we’ll get him into the return game and maybe a little package on offense.”
The Hurricanes have motivation enough as they close out their 2005 regular season trying to secure the ACC Coastal Division crown, which would ultimately guarantee them a spot in the conference championship game Dec. 3 in Jacksonville. They were given a little extra incentive as roughly 50 NFL scouts watched in Tuesday’s practice. Because this was originally an open weekend, the Hurricanes had invited NFL team’s personnel to spend a couple of days on campus.
“I think the timing is pretty good. They had a chance to view some film and we make this pretty open for them and for our players,” Coker said. “I think it’s a pretty good motivator. It would motivate me if I’m trying to be an NFL player. If a guy is looking at me and taking notes, I’m probably going to try to do something.”
Saturday’s game in Winston Salem, N.C. is set to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. and will be televised regionally by ABC.
Notes: Coker was pleased with the recent play of center Anthony Wollschlager, who earned ACC offensive lineman of the week honors. “He has character, he’s smart, he’s tough, he competes and he’s just really a guy I’m elated for,” Coker said. “He’s made us so much better. If everybody maximizes their ability like Anthony has-with the effort he gives-we’re going to be pretty good.”….Defensive end Bryan Pata (knee) was held out some Tuesday and Coker does not think he’s ready to play as of now. “I think he’s day to day and we’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”…Cornerback Kelly Jennings (concussion) practiced Tuesday but was held out of contact. “I think Kelly will be fine,” Coker said. “Again, with a concussion, we’re very concerned about that, and the trainers and doctors are going to make sure not to rush him and make sure he’s 100 percent before we put him in there.”
