ORLANDO – The Miami Hurricanes weren’t at the “U” today. Instead, they were in the “O” at Camping World Stadium for their annual Spring Game.
The Canes traveled up to Orlando so they could get used to the stadium for their season opener here on Aug. 24 against the Florida Gators.
“We had a great turnout,” said new Miami head coach Manny Diaz. “…I thought there was good execution on both sides.”
One guy who got used to the new atmosphere really quick was Palm Beach County’s own Jonathan Garvin. The 6-4, 250-pound defensive end from Lake Worth made his presence felt early with a sack in the end zone, which resulted in four points for the defense.
Garvin finished with that sack and multiple quarterback hurries for the day.
Other highlight-worthy plays of the game were transfer quarterback Tate Martell’s two touchdown passes. One of them was an 80-yarder and another a 17-yarder to a leaping Michael Irvin II to start the second half.
Redshirt freshman Jarren Williams threw a touchdown pass to a diving Will Mallory later in the spring showcase.
“It was a great throw,” said Mallory following the game. “He set me up for a perfect touchdown. I just needed him to give me a chance and make a play.”
Redshirt sophomore quarterback N’Kosi Perry threw a touchdown in the game.
Add it all up, and you have a total of four combined touchdown passes thrown by the three quarterbacks currently battling for the starting spot.
In his first spring as a Hurricane, it was the transfer Tate Martell who stood above the other with more touchdowns (2) and more passing yards (154). Most of those yards did come though on one play (80-yarder).
Perry went 9-of-13 for a 69 percent completion percentage, while Martell threw 60 percent of his passes with six completions on the day.
Williams went 4-of-6 for 44 yards and a touchdown, but threw the lone interception of the three.
“I was happy to see all three of our quarterbacks make plays,” said Diaz. “I think they go into summer now knowing that all three guys can play.”
LOCAL STANDOUTS
Garvin wasn’t the only guy from Palm Beach County to make his presence known.
Sophomore safety Gurvan Hall. Jr., from Palm Beach Gardens, had three solo tackles, two coming in the first quarter. His teammate and fellow Gardens alum Amari Carter had five assisted tackles.
Santaluces alumni Zach McCloud was unable to play due to a wrist injury. But he was there cheering his teammates on the sidelines.
QUICK PROGNOSIS
Overall, the Hurricanes have some things to work on over the summer, as all teams do. But expect it to not be such a learning curve with longtime coordinator Manny Diaz taking over for the team heading into his first season as its head coach.
