Week in Review

Backup QBs display promise in Miami Hurricanes spring game

On the first play of the University of Miami's spring game, defensive end Steven Wesley pummeled quarterback Spencer Whipple.

The Traz Powell Stadium crowd of 7,000 likely prepared itself Saturday for a sack party similar to the one in the Hurricanes' first open scrimmage a couple of weeks back. But this time the offensive line decided otherwise.

Miami's three quarterbacks, aided by much improved pass-blocking and some phenomenal catches, combined for 452 yards, six touchdowns -- and three interceptions -- to give hope to fans that these backups have plenty of promise.

With starting quarterback Jacory Harris watching from the sideline as he recuperates from thumb surgery on his throwing hand, newcomer Stephen Morris, who struggled two weeks ago, completed 12 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns -- one of them a 75-yarder to speedy Travis Benjamin. He threw one interception.

First-team quarterback A.J. Highsmith completed 11 of 20 for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Highsmith had perfect touch on many of his throws, including a graceful 39-yarder to Leonard Hankerson in stride for a touchdown. But he threw two interceptions, one of them right into the arms of linebacker Colin McCarthy.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/28/1551500/backup-qbs-display-promise.html#ixzz0jVfvRYFD

Miami Hurricanes' defensive ends off to a good start By BARRY JACKSON

Defensive end appears to be UM's strongest position on defense, with Allen Bailey leading a group that also includes Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, Steven Wesley, Andrew Smith, Olivier Vernon and Dyron Dye.

And the unit has received a boost this spring, with Ojomo's return from a broken jaw and Smith's improvement.

Ojomo, who redshirted in 2009 after being punched last August by former walk-on Tyrone Ballard, said his return has gone well and he feels no rustiness.

``His timing is off a little bit, but from where he was earlier to now, he's back to being physical, tough,'' coach Randy Shannon said Wednesday. ``Sometimes he shows some flashes. Sometimes, you'll be like, `You still have some work to do.' His progress has really been above what expectations are. But like anything, you want more out of him.''

News is mixed for Miami Hurricanes’ linebackers by Jorge Milian

There’s good news and bad news regarding UM’s linebackers.

First the good news: UM coach Randy Shannon said Tuesday that he’s excited about the play of middle linebacker Kylan Robinson, a senior who is getting his first crack at playing time in a Hurricanes’ uniform.

“If you say [who’s] the most improved guy at this point in time – and we still have some days left – I would say Kylan Robinson,” said Shannon, comparing Robinson’s development to that of former UM linebacker Tavares Gooden, now with the Baltimore Ravens.

Ray Ray Armstrong is battling Jamal Reid for starting safety job.

Asked where Robinson had improved most, Shannon said: “The overall game, the physical part of it, the mental aspect of it. He’s doing some great things for us at middle linebacker. He’s a totally different guy. You never know when the light is golng to come on and the light has come on for him.”

University of Miami's Jason Fox hurts hamstring during Pro Day

For Jason Fox, Friday's Pro Timing Day at the University of Miami had to be an exasperating disappointment.

Fox, a 2009 first-team All-ACC left tackle, had 47 career starts for the Hurricanes, third most ever by a UM player. But not only did an injured left knee and subsequent surgery prevent him from playing in what would have been the final two games of his college career, he sustained a hamstring injury Friday while running the 40-yard dash for NFL scouts and representatives at UM's combine.

His close friend and fellow senior lineman, center A.J. Trump, said it was disappointing, but Fox would ultimately prevail.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/26/1549981/ums-fox-hurts-hamstring-during.html#ixzz0jVdrueCu

Graham turns heads at Miami's Pro Day

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) - Jimmy Graham can thank former Miami Hurricane quarterback Bernie Kosar for his expected future in the NFL.


Kosar threw to Graham, a four-year letterman on the basketball team, last summer three days a week as Graham had aspirations to play football.

"He was the one, who kept pushing me and telling me, 'Jimmy, I think one day you can be a playmaker in the NFL'," Graham said.

He was initially surprised at the praise he received from the former Pro Bowler.