Miami's first fall camp practice delivered exactly the type of intensity and competition expected from a program with elevated expectations. Across both the media viewing portion and the private segments, here's a snippet of what CanesInSight took away from today's opening practice.
- The hightlight of the morning was the one-on-one period between the wideouts and defensive backs. WR Cooper Barkate and DB O.J Frederique traded wins all practice, with what felt like the intensity of a live game.
- Barkate had an over the shoulder grab over Ethan O'Connor on the sideline, showcasing the chemistry he has with QB Darian Mensah.
- With Mensah we've talked about shades of Cam Ward in his intangibles. And like Ward, Mensah was unafraid to talk his smack, getting in the face of a defensive back after a contensted rep.
- Adding onto the intensity, the physicality from both sides was on display --- especially for an opening practice. From the trenches to the skill positions, every player was getting after it at full speed.
- In the secondary, Bryce Fitzgerald and the aforementioned Frederique shined. Both put on some good muscle this offseason and it doesn't appear to have slowed them down one bit.
- One freshman to note - Jaelen Waters. The Armwood product had plenty of quality reps today, and has the protypical body type for a boundary corner.
- At tight end, Elija Lofton drew praise for his improved athleticism, explosiveness, and ability to high-point the football, while Israel Briggs and Gavin Mueller also made impressive contested catches. Briggs put on serious weight this offseason and still moved athletically across the field.
- On the offensive line, there was plenty of cross-rotation so the chart isn't particularly clear. For example, Samson Okunlola taking reps at both tackle and guard.
- And while multiple good runs were broken off today by each of Miami's running backs, when the defensive tackle duo of Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott were on the field they were a wrecking unit.
- The hightlight of the morning was the one-on-one period between the wideouts and defensive backs. WR Cooper Barkate and DB O.J Frederique traded wins all practice, with what felt like the intensity of a live game.
- Barkate had an over the shoulder grab over Ethan O'Connor on the sideline, showcasing the chemistry he has with QB Darian Mensah.
- With Mensah we've talked about shades of Cam Ward in his intangibles. And like Ward, Mensah was unafraid to talk his smack, getting in the face of a defensive back after a contensted rep.
- Adding onto the intensity, the physicality from both sides was on display --- especially for an opening practice. From the trenches to the skill positions, every player was getting after it at full speed.
- In the secondary, Bryce Fitzgerald and the aforementioned Frederique shined. Both put on some good muscle this offseason and it doesn't appear to have slowed them down one bit.
- One freshman to note - Jaelen Waters. The Armwood product had plenty of quality reps today, and has the protypical body type for a boundary corner.
- At tight end, Elija Lofton drew praise for his improved athleticism, explosiveness, and ability to high-point the football, while Israel Briggs and Gavin Mueller also made impressive contested catches. Briggs put on serious weight this offseason and still moved athletically across the field.
- On the offensive line, there was plenty of cross-rotation so the chart isn't particularly clear. For example, Samson Okunlola taking reps at both tackle and guard.
- And while multiple good runs were broken off today by each of Miami's running backs, when the defensive tackle duo of Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott were on the field they were a wrecking unit.
