MIAMI – It was mainly about the defense for much of Miami’s spring game today.
Played in front of around 10,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium, Hurricanes defensive end and Lake Worth alum Jonathan Garvin showed lots of promise on the field. He did that by finding a way to edge past the offensive line and post three sacks in the first half of Soffer’s 17-0 win over Carol.
Garvin also recorded a few more tackles along the way, which impressed the Miami coaching staff so much that he was one of only four players chosen to speak with media members after the game.
The rising college football defensive standout didn’t have a whole lot to say today. But actions speak louder than words, and that’s what matters in the eyes of his coaches and players.
“We work hard in the offseason,” Garvin said. “We challenge each other. It just shows another step forward.”
Typically a spring football circuit would end with the spring game itself. But it’s not the case this year at Miami, as the ACC program has a few practice sessions left next week before they wrap up.
“We’re going to bring it everyday,” Garvin said. “We have three practices left.”
Miami defensive lineman Joe Jackson was also available to media members after the game. He had three sacks as well, and he made it a point to speak on his and Garvin’s play from today.
“Our goal is to put pressure on the quarterback each and every play,” Jackson said. “We got to make them (the quarterbacks) play the way we want them to play and get them out of their comfort zone. We took a step forward, but we still have a ways to go.”
Miami head coach Mark Richt raved about Garvin’s overall performance in the spring game.
“He has great get off,” Richt said. “When the ball snaps, he’s gone. He’s either beating the tackle or it’s a tie. He’s got speed off the edge, and guys can’t turn off the corner as well as he can. He’s developing all types of moves. He’s doing great.”
Jackson summed up everything in regards to Garvin’s play today.
“I don’t have to say much about Garvin,” Jackson said in response to a reporter’s question about the Lake Worth alum. “You could see for yourself.”
NOTE: Miami has three practices left in its spring football circuit. They will take place on Tuesday (Apr. 17), Thursday (Apr. 19), and Saturday (Apr. 21).
