CORAL GABLES, Fla. – For weeks, they’ve practiced on Greentree, learned from their coaches, studied film and worked toward improving in every facet of the game.
And on Saturday afternoon, in front of family, friends, former players, alumni, and season-ticket holders, the Hurricanes had a chance to put it all together and close spring drills with their annual spring game, this one held at Cobb Stadium on campus.
The action on the field was modified – full contact was limited to the first half – but there were still more than a few moments, including an impressive touchdown grab by freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, that elicited cheers from the crowd in attendance.
“It was very exciting,” Toney said of the chance to play in his first spring game. “[Offensive analyst Donovan] Varner and [wide receivers coach Kevin Beard], they gave me the opportunity to come in as a freshman, show my talent and that’s what I’m doing right now. We had a great spring. Now, it’s time to transition over to the summer. Got to keep going.”
The rest of the Hurricanes, including head coach Mario Cristobal, echoed that sentiment.
While Saturday, yes, may have been an opportunity for fans to get their first look at new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s scheme and see how much progress freshmen like Toney have made during their first months on campus, the Hurricanes know they still have plenty of work to do ahead of their Aug. 31 season opener against Notre Dame.
Spring practice, and Saturday’s spring game, were just two of the steps on the journey toward the upcoming season and the games that await.
“We feel really good about our spring. We really do,” Cristobal said. “We play football, and we practice football and we’re in pads and the guys did a really good job attacking a very demanding regimen. … A couple guys were held out due to being nicked up or bumped up, nothing major. We don’t see anything major, but overall, just a very, very good spring. A lot of progress and a lot more progress to go.”
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