Marlins to call up Isan Diaz and Lewis Brinson

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The Marlins will finally get to see what they truly got in return for the reigning National League MVP after calling up centerfielder Lewis Brinson and second baseman Isan Diaz, as reported by Craig Mish.

Diaz will be making his MLB debut as soon as he takes the field in New York. The Marlins are beginning a four-game series against the Mets which includes a doubleheader on Monday. He slashed 305/.395/.578 with 26 HRs and 21 2Bs in Triple-A New Orleans. The .305 batting average makes it the perfect time for him to come to Miami.

Diaz was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft but was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 along with pitcher Chase Anderson and third baseman Aaron Hill for shortstop Jean Segura. He hit 20 home runs in Single-A Carolina that year.

Starlin Castro has been the everyday second baseman this season but has been seen taking grounders from third base this weekend when the Marlins were playing the Tampa Bay Rays. He will likely move to the hot corner once Diaz joins the team.

Lewis Brinson was originally the centerpiece of the Christian Yellich trade and was the first to make it to the big leagues in 2018. He slashed .199/.240/.338 with 11 home runs in 109 games. He looked impressive in spring training but was sent down on April 30 after hitting .197 in 27 games. He’s slashed .270/.361/.510 with 16 home runs and 16 stolen bases in Triple-A so there is heavy optimism that he will showcase his potential this time around.

Outfielder Cesar Puello is likely going to the 10-day IL to make room for him. He left Sunday’s game in the fourth inning due to left hip flexor tightness. He has batted .179 in 32 games since being acquired by the Los Angeles Angels for cash on June 19.

Starting pitcher Jordan Yamamotto was also included in the trade package. Since being called up he’s 4-2 with a 3.94 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 48 innings.

Robert Dugger to make MLB debut on Monday

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The Miami Marlins travel to New York to face the Mets this week beginning with a double-header on Monday.

This allows them to call up a 26th member of the roster and that has led to starting pitching prospect Robert Dugger making his Major League debut.

The transaction has not been made official, he was with the team in the clubhouse during the weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays and conversed with the media on Sunday.

“It’s what you always dream about,” Dugger told reporters. “I always wanted to be a Major League baseball player, and the time has come. It’s just … I don’t even really have any words for it. I’m numb, I’m anxious to get out there and pitch and just get those nerves out.”

This would give the Marlins a first glance with the return from the Dee Gordon trade from the 2018 offseason. Dugger came from the Seattle Mariners along with along with right-hander Nick Neidert and infielder Chris Torres. Dugger posted a 3.31 ERA in 13 starts in Double-A with 73 strikeouts in 70.2 innings before being promoted to Triple-A and struggling with a 9.34 ERA in seven starts.

“We liked [Dugger] in Spring Training,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “It seemed like he was the guy who slotted into this spot. There were obviously a lot of factors that go into that … but he was on the right day, and everything worked out.”

The Tucson, Ariz., native was a starter for two years at Cisco JC in Texas before transferring to Texas Tech in 2016 and spending his lone season there as a reliever. The Mariners signed him for $70,000 in the 18th round of the 2016 MLB Draft and he began his pro career in the bullpen before returning to the rotation in mid-2017 when he was promoted to High A Modesto.

The trade went down after the 2017 season and since the deal, Gordon has batted .272 in 820 at-bats with 46 stolen bases.

Lionel Messi: “Repito lo que dije la temporada pasada. Confío en la plantilla”

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Lionel Messi sigue ofreciendo declaraciones que nos dan de qué hablar por meses.

Antes de la temporada pasada, Messi prometió la Champions League y muchos se aprovecharon de esas declaraciones para burlarse del astro argentino cuando llegó la debacle de Anfield.

La tarde de este domingo, un año después, Lionel Messi no reculó. Al contrario, volvió a prometer luchar por todas las competiciones, como es costumbre en el FC Barcelona. “Es difícil decirles algo hoy después de la temporada pasada. Pero no me arrepiento de nada. Vuelvo a repetir lo mismo que dije la temporada pasada. Confio en esta plantilla, en estos jugadores, en este cuerpo técnico, y no tengo dudas que todos juntos vamos a volver a pelear por todo,” afirmó el capitán blaugrana.

Tras ganar la liga de manera holgada, el FC Barcelona fracasó tras quedar eliminados en las semifinales de la Champions League al permitir una remontada al Liverpool tras vencer 3-0 en el juego de ida.

Luego, el Valencia terminó de estropear el año de la afición blaugrana al vencerlos 2 a 1 en la final de la Copa del Rey.

Lionel Messi y los astros del FC Barcelona acusaron el golpe, y saben que la presión sigue aumentando para que vuelvan a ser campeones de Europa.

Sin embargo, Messi quiso darle el valor que merece el haber conseguido ganar ocho de las últimas 11 ediciones de La Liga. “La temporada pasada la verdad que terminó siendo un poco amarga para todos por como se dio, pero creo que tenemos que darle valor a la liga que conseguimos. La octava liga en 11 años. Eso para cualquier club sería algo grandioso. Para este también lo es. Es algo muy importante lo que se hizo. Quizás hoy no le damos el valor a lo que se hizo, pero de acá a unos años nos vamos a dar cuenta lo dificil que es hacer eso. Pero como todos sabemos este club siempre lucha por todo. Y este año no va a ser diferente. Estamos con ilusiones renovadas, con muchas ganas, y espero que ustedes lleguen de la misma manera.

Los cracks que acompañarán a Lionel Messi

El FC Barcelona hizo dos contrataciones sumamente importantes para tratar de afrontar los tres frentes Lliga, Copa del Rey y Liga de Campeones) de la mejor manera.

Fichó a Antoine Griezmann un año después de que dijera en un documental que se quedaba en el Atlético de Madrid, y a Frank De Jong, pieza fundamental del medio campo que llevó al Ajax de Holanda hasta las semifinales de la Liga de Campeones de Europa, en la que estuvo a segundos de clasificar a la final del torneo con un grupo de jóvenes talentos.

Con estas dos piezas el Barcelona busca reforzar el mediocampo y el ataque, para tratar de sacarse la espinita tras ser eliminados de manera humillante dos temporadas consecutivas en la Liga de Campeones.

Además, este domingo también se confirmó el fichaje del lateral zurdo Júnior Firpo, quien será la competencia directa de Jordi Alba, señalado tras cometer dos errores que costaron caro en esa derrota 4-0 en Anfield Road.

 

El FC Barcelona estará disputando un duelo de pretemporada ante el Napoli de Italia el 7 de Agosto en el Hard Rock Stadium y nosotros estaremos ahí para llevarles de cerca todos los detalles. Estén atentos a las redes sociales de Cinco Razones Podcast. Estaremos transmitiendo en vivo al finalizar el encuentro. 

Claudio Bravo le da la Community Shield al City

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Claudio Bravo regresó por todo lo alto con el Manchester City en la Community Shield.

El guardameta chileno se convirtió en el héroe de los dirigidos por Pep Guardiola con varias paradas fundamentales durante los noventa minutos y luego al detener uno de los disparos desde los doce pasos en la tanda de penales definitoria.

Gracias a esa actuación el Manchester City se llevó la Community Shield 5-4 en los penales, tras igualar a un gol en los noventa minutos reglamentarios.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A7K-NqBo9A

De esta manera el Manchester City de Guardiola consigue su primer título de la temporada, luego de arrasar en Inglaterra la temporada pasada, ganándole la Premier League en una entretenida lucha con el propio Liverpool y la Copa de la Liga por penales ante el Chelsea.

Raheem Sterling y Claudio Bravo los mejores

Raheem Sterling fue una amenaza durante practicamente los 90 minutos del partido para el Liverpool. En la primera mitad anotó el gol que adelantó al City tras aprovechar un descuido de la defensa de los reds, en una jugada a balón detenido.

Después, fue buscado por David Silva y Kevin DeBryune constantemente, con diagonales realmente incisivas que hicieron mucho daño.

De hecho, tuvo la oportunidad mas clara de la segunda parte tras un avance y pase en profundidad del lateral Kyle Walker, pero Sterling se trabó decidiendo si la pasaba o disparaba al arco, y no definió.

Después de ese fallo llegaron los mejores momentos del Liverpool, y ahí fue que se vieron algunas de las paradas mas destacadas del chileno Claudio Bravo, quien también gozó de la fortuna en un par de ocasiones, tras un disparo de Van Dijk que pegó en la línea de gol, y un zurdazo de Mohammed Salah que golpeó el poste izquierdo de su portería.

El Manchester City pudo haber tomado una ventaja mayor en la primera mitad, y el Liverpool estuvo cerca de darle la vuelta en la segunda mitad.

Incluso, en una de las últimas jugadas del encuentro, Kyle Walker sacó un cabezazo del egipcio Salah de la propia línea de gol. Así se llegó a los penales.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZhtlmbrxzc

Esto fue solo un preview de lo que podemos ver esta temporada en Inglaterra. Paridad total entre los dos mas grandes del momento…

Disfruta de nuestra cobertura del fútbol europeo esta temporada 2019-2020 en Cinco Razones Podcast, en nuestros podcasts Deportes 3-0-Cinco y 90 + Cinco. 

 

Zach Thomas header

Former Dolphins LB Zach Thomas gets ringing Hall of Fame endorsement

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Almost anyone who watches the Miami Dolphins knows how good linebacker Zach Thomas was in his prime. Labeled as an undersized player throughout his whole career, he put hits on offensive players akin to someone twice his size. His career stats are also wow worthy, comparable and even surpassing the likes of Hall of Fame LB Brian Urlacher.

So why, after all this time, is Thomas still not in the Hall of Fame?

The theories are abundant, though some border on conspiracy. Some say it’s because Thomas was only a fifth-round pick, while Urlacher was a first-rounder. Some attribute it to Urlacher playing in playoff games and even a Super Bowl while Thomas did not. Maybe his shorter stature is to blame? Or maybe, it’s simply because Thomas is known as a Miami Dolphin, and most media don’t particularly notice or even like the Dolphins.

Whatever the reason, ask anyone who’s actually seen Thomas play, they will say that he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Some will even admit they think Thomas was a better player than Urlacher altogether. Unfortunately, with changes being introduced to how Hall of Fame inductees are selected, it’s going to be difficult for Thomas to hear his name called. There are a lot of impressive names standing in his way. Not the least of which are six-time finalist John Lynch, and three-time finalist Isaac Bruce.

Thomas has only been named a semi-finalist, and that was one time.

There is hope, however. Players who played with or against Thomas know how dangerous he was on the football field. They know voters are grossly overlooking Thomas. So 2019 inductee Kevin Mawae, who went to eight Pro Bowls and was a three-time first-team All-Pro, went out of his way to give Thomas a serious endorsement.

“Zach Thomas was my nemesis.” He said during his induction speech. “My first year with the Jets before my first game we each played against each other, Bill Parcells told me in front of my entire team, ‘if you don’t block Thomas, we won’t win the game.’ And for the next 16 matchups I never forgot that. Zach was one of, if not the smartest player I ever faced. He loved the game, had fun when he played, and he brought the best out of me. When people ask me who’s not in the Hall of Fame, and that I think should be, it’s an easy one for me. Number 54 for the Miami Dolphins.”

Back in 2018, Thomas called Mawae the best offensive lineman he ever faced. That’s high praise coming from someone as disruptive as Thomas was. One could argue that Mawae only returned the favor now that he’s in the Hall of Fame. But however it’s contextualized, there’s clearly a high level of respect between the two.

There’s always time for Hall of Fame voters to come to their senses. Plugs like the one Mawae just gave are hard to ignore. If more inductees stand up and give Thomas the same amount of love Mawae did, then sooner or later, those in charge will have to concede.

Zach Thomas deserves a Hall of Fame induction. Fans vocally pull for him every year the voting process begins. Now, they have people with clout supporting their cause. One day, Thomas will get in the Hall of Fame. It’s only a matter of time.

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Dolphins wide receiver Preston Williams drawing high praise

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It’s been a long road for Dolphins wide receiver Preston Williams. He’s made mistakes off the field that he’s trying to get past, and he’s trying to make up for those mistakes by pushing himself as an undrafted free agent. Now, as Miami’s first preseason game draws ever closer, Williams is starting to impress the fans, his coaches, and even his teammates.

“That guy can be special.” said Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard. “He’s still learning, he’s just a rookie. (There) is so much room for improvement with him but he’s going to be a number one receiver one day.”

Considering Howard’s ever-increasing reputation, that’s extremely high praise. Howard’s job is locking down other teams’ best wide receivers, and in training camp, Howard gives that same treatment to Williams. Howard wins a lot of those matches. But there are moments where Williams makes an impressive play to beat the elite cornerback. That’s a difficult task no matter who it is, as everyone knows.

Back in late May, Ryan Fitzpatrick was asked about the tall, strong receiver, and apparently the praise wasn’t quite as pronounced.

“He’ll make some ‘wow’ plays and he’ll make some plays that remind you that he’s a young guy.” He said. “Consistency is going to be a big thing with him. In terms of some of the physical features and the way that he can go get the ball and those type of things, he’s been very impressive. Again, he’s working his tail off and it shows and you can tell out here, but there’s also a lot of work that still needs to be put in for him to be able to be trusted and be out there.”

But since then, trust has been attained, especially from young QB Josh Rosen. The two are building an impressive rapport, one that just might help Rosen win the starting job.

“Yeah, he’s got a ton of potential.” Rosen said after Saturday’s scrimmage. “He’s an unbelievable athlete. He’s got a great attitude. He works really hard, and I think he’s got a really high ceiling. It’s just about how hard he works, and I’m right there in the boat with him. We’re the same age, so hopefully we can develop together and keep pushing each other.”

To further boost their chances, Rosen and Williams actually have a history together. The two were on the same team at The Opening camp in Oregon in 2014 as recruits in high school. During that time, they made quite a tandem.

“I don’t know how much chemistry after – how long is that, five, six years ago?” Rosen said. “But yeah, it’s good to see him. That’s kind of the crazy thing about the NFL is that you walk in and you see faces that you haven’t seen in years from all over.”

Now, with an old friend throwing him the ball as he fights his way back to his NFL dream, does Preston Williams still have a chip on his shoulder from going undrafted? The answer, apparently, is no.

“That’s over, so I don’t really think about it any more.” Williams said. “I’m here now. I’ve got my foot in the door. I just came in to work. It doesn’t matter where I’m at or where I went.”

True enough, since where he is, is at the forefront of a brewing competition. As a result, he’s in the thick of it with DeVante Parker and Brice Butler for a spot on the final roster. If things stay this close between them, then preseason will have to make the final decision. In the end, Preston Williams isn’t taking anything for granted.

“It’s real humbling because a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to sit in these chairs.” He said. “So I just come out here every day like it’s my last practice.”

A fan’s view of Canes Fest

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Highlights and photos from today’s annual CanesFest held right on the campus of the University of Miami:

Fans starting rolling in at around 11:30 am to catch a glimpse of ‘The New Miami’. While most of the festival activities were outside in the parking lot right behind the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, it was inside that practice facility where all the action took place. If you ask me, it was unbearably hot…but that did not stop everyone from waiting over an hour and thirty minutes or more in line to get in for the player autograph session.

It was a great opportunity for fans to experience the new indoor facility and get up close to this year’s team. I was able to catch a few former Canes enjoying themselves as well. Some of the guys I saw were Tracy Howard, Tommy Streeter, Jacory Harris, and Bryant McKinney. McKinney and Harris also had their own signing tables. McKinney had a longer line than Harris. No surprise there. Even musical artist and big-time Canes fan Solo D made an appearance. We were even able to stick around a bit longer inside due to a torrential downpour right before they shut down the autograph session. Head Coach Manny Diaz was due to speak to the fans that came out to support outside in the parking lot. Thankfully we did not have to endure that terrible heat and were able to stay indoors to hear what Coach Diaz has to say.

To be quite honest, it was the best thing about the whole event. It’s almost as if it was the only thing the fans really came for. Biggest thought I came away with was the way in which Coach Diaz carries himself. He’s the CEO. He’s not the Defensive Coordinator or the Linebackers Coach. He’s the CEO. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is yet to be determined. Some of the best coaches thrive in that role. Others, not so much.

He mentioned changing the mentality from within the program first, and then the outside will follow. And I know it’s cliche to say this but, there does seem to be a different feel to this team, the coaches and everyone around the program.

The question is, will it translate to wins?

While it’s great that he wants to change the mindset on what it is to be a Miami Hurricane – what it means to play like the Miami Hurricanes – the play on the field will have to talk the loudest. That’s the only way things will change. As fans, we all know it’s always been, us against the world. I think I speak for all Canes fans when I say, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

A few fun tidbits: I asked kicker Bubba Baxa if he had a name for his leg yet and man, he ate that question up. He said, “yeah, it’s Boomstick”. From now on, he’s Boomstick to me. Well, as long as he proves it on the field. I think he’s poised for a big sophomore season. And of course, the fan-favorite, Deejay Dallas was seen sprinting up and down the row of fans leaning up against the fence, high-fiving them all and showing love. Hard not to like that kid.

Header for defense versatility

Miami Dolphins coaches using versatility to define defense

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Consider the New England Patriots. One of the things that makes their defense so formidable is that opposing teams can never be sure what they’re facing. Is there a blitz? Why are there are so many defensive backs? Are the linebackers blitzing or in coverage? It’s through reputation alone that they’re considered good, even when they’re objectively bad. They put together personnel groupings that throw offenses for a loop, make them think twice about what they should do. The versatility of their players is a big part of what makes that defense tick.

And that’s exactly what head coach Brian Flores is stressing as he installs his defense.

“I would say first and foremost, it’s in the kicking game for really anyone on the team. If you make plays in the kicking game, you make a name for yourself in the kicking game here in this organization, that means a lot to me. If guys want to impress me, do it in the kicking game.” Flores said on Wednesday. “That’s where I started in college, that’s how I got on the field at Boston College. That’s how I broke into coaching in the National Football League from working with guys like Brad Seeley and then Scott O’Brien.

“It’s a very important phase of the game to me, so if a guy wants to impress on this team, do it there, carve out a role there, and then if you’re at the game for the kicking game, we’ll find something for you to do offensively or defensively. The players know that. I think everyone in the league should know that. That’s a spot where you can definitely carve out a role, and then, that’s how your reps increase. If you do a good job in the kicking game, you get more offensive or defensive snaps. If you do a good job with those snaps, we’ll give you more, and that’s how guys evolve and grow in this profession.”

Already, training camp has consisted of players lining up where they normally wouldn’t. Reshad Jones, T.J. McDonald and Minkah Fitzpatrick are getting linebacker snaps. Bobby McCain is turning himself into a safety. Defensive linemen are lining up out wide, inside, and everywhere in-between.

Is Miami running a 4-3, or a 3-4? Maybe a 4-2-5?

“I don’t even know what that is.” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said on Thursday. “People ask us, (and we) say, ‘I don’t know.’ You look out there, we can be 1-10 if you want us to be. We’ll figure out something. If it works, we’ll do it.”

So nothing is off the books when it comes to what the defense will do on any given play. Matchups decide who’s on the field at any given moment. The more players adapt to what’s thrown at them, the more they will get to play. Even if they don’t project to start over someone else.

Of course, this puts a mental strain on the players. They have to overcome it.

“It’s not more so the attacking defenses that I’ve been in, in the 4-3 systems that I’ve been accustomed to.” said veteran DT Akeem Spence. “In this defense, you’ve got to really learn a lot. It’s more so learning about more spots than positions and learning a new technique and what Coach Flores wants and Patrick Graham want and trying to go out and execute and compete.”

“It’s all about discipline. The biggest thing is everybody’s got – I mean, the coaches are going to put you in the best position to make plays, and I think that’s the biggest thing I keep in mind.” said pass rusher Charles Harris. “The number count isn’t the most important thing. When that game ends and you’re winning, that’s all that really matters. Like I’ve said before, one of the biggest things that we’ve got, one of the quotes that we’ve got coming is ‘get over yourselves.’ If I’m not getting that many plays, it might not be a week. We might have different schemes for different teams and stuff like that. You really don’t know.”

The Dolphins’ first preseason game draws ever closer, and after Saturday’s faux scrimmage, things are only going to ramp up from here. But more importantly, everyone will get a chance to see what this team can do in real action. True, it’s only the preseason. But considering what the expectations are for this team, how they do against other teams evaluating their depth will be telling.

Miami Dolphins camp Quickie Notes: Day 9

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Day 9

– NO Scrimmage. Regular Practice scheduled. Oh Well.
– Coach Flores arrives 5 minutes early.
– I know I said Ryan Fitzpatrick was leading the competition, but there is still plenty of competition left – Coach Flores
– The Practice schedule for today is unclear. When asked when the “Live” periods of practice will occur, coach Flores says, “Maybe an hour from now.”
– “We are in an evaluation process.” (when asked about the Depth Chart)- Coach Flores
– “DeVante Parker has had a strong camp” (glowing praise ensued) – Coach Flores
– Woodard, Jones, McMillan, Grant, Allen, plus 2 PUP guys…OUT.
– Practice begins, once again, with Special Teams.
– Stretch portion of practice.
– Indy drills for all. Uneventful start to practice.
– QB warmup time. Josh Rosen is cleaner with his mechanics. None of these QB’s wow anybody, ever, during any of these warmups.
– Team meeting at the 50 yard line. What’s this about?
– 11v11 now
– Drive #1. Fitzy to Stills for 6 on quick out left. Fitzy finds Parker beating the zone for 15. Drake busts a lead right for a big gain down to the 3. Charles Harris with a nice play to stop a run. Play Action Boot Pass to Drake for a TD.
– Josh Rosen leading the 2nd team.
– Rosen to Preston Williams for 15 on deep out.
– 2nd team offense has committed two penalties.
– Rosen with a good looking RPO?
– Rosen quick out to Preston Williams for 8
NICE!
– 2nd team needs to punt having failed to get a 1st down.
– Fitzy to Stills…tipped. Xavien Howard INT.
– Josh Rosen back in. Penalty to start.
– Inside Zone runs, quick out to Brice Butler. Penalty. 3rd and 15. Inside zone run gains 6. Hmm. We have seen that before.
– Penalties, inside zone runs, and a quick out…with MORE penalties sets up 3rd and 25.
– Josh Rosen does well to gain a chunk by escaping pocket, finding Preston Williams. Sets up FG. Good.
– Fitzy has an uneventful series.
– Rudock in to take some snaps.
– Fitzy back in.
– Charles Harris with a sack on Fitzy. Beats Tunsil.
– Charles Harris is a menace. In on Fitzy again. On a twist.
– Van Ginkel got sucked in by the play call. Screen behind him. Drake with a big gain.
– Wow. Fitzy flag pattern for a big one to Stills. Off his finger tips. GREAT THROW
– Fitzy tries a go to Parker on right side. Overthrown. FG try.good.
– Halftime.
– Josh Rosen in. 2nd teamers.
– Rosen, incomplete in cut. Rosen complete out to Brice Butler. Sack by Adolphus Washington ends series.
– Fitzy starts series. Jerome Baker sack.
– Series goes quickly.
– Starting at their own 1. Josh Rosen leads the 2nd team. Dive play gains nothing.
– Rosen moves the chains on 3rd and 5. Rosen starts with a quick out on 1st down. Rosen hits Preston Williams on a beauty. 45 yard gain.
– Preston Williams is today’s clear cut star.
– Sets up a FG try. Good.
– Fitzy 1st teamers. Start at 25 going in.
– Gesicki beats Minkah bad on a back shoulder throw. He pushed off. Offensive P.I.
– ITS REVIEWED. REVERSED. GESICKI SETS UP 1st and Goal from the 5.
– 3rd and goal. Fitzy has nothing. FG try. Good.
– Rudock leads a TD drive on a series of runs on a short field.
– Fitzy starts from his own 1. Ballage moves it 6 yards out.
– Ballage sweep. Penalty. Count is somewhere between 12-15 penalties.
– Dieter consistently 1st team LG. Assortment at RG. Latest is Kyle Fuller.
– Here comes a Josh Rosen 2 minute drill.
– Rosen to Gesicki for 10. Fitzy comes in now. Ford for 10 on Howard.
– Fitzy pick on deep post. Xavien Howard with the pick to kill the drive.
– Rosen in now. Strike to Stills for 18 on curl. Holding. Bring it back.
– Rosen DEEP to stills…Howard with the pick. NO. Stills makes a play off of him. Huge gain. 50+ yards
– Rosen with a DISASTER throw in red zone. Xavien Howard pick. Off his hands. Caught by Ford for a TD.
– Goal line portion of practice.
– Ballage stuffed lead right. Godchaux on play.
– O’Leary TD on play action pass.
– Ballage TD on Dive play.
– Practice over.
– Stephen Ross and Josh Rosen have a long 12-15 minute conversation. Then Ross, Grier and Fitzy have a talk of their own.

Practice MVP: Xavien Howard, Preston Williams, Charles Harris.
Struggled: Kyle Fuller, Laremy Tunsil, Chris Reed

Miami Hurricanes: Thomas, Osborn Lead Dynamic WRs

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The Miami Hurricanes continue their first full week of Fall camp and competition across the roster is heating up.

That competition is exactly what Manny Diaz is looking for if pictures tell a thousand words.

 

In the sweltering South Florida sun the smile on Diaz says a lot.

The pads came on Tuesday and the competitive tone has been set.

Among those competitors are the wide receiver corps, a group with a mix of established performers and exciting prospects.

Thomas Brings All-Purpose Productivity

Jeff Thomas comes off a sophomore season where he began to put it together.

And then it all fell apart.

Thomas was dismissed from the team at the end of 2018, but Diaz brought him back for a reason.

His next-level speed separates him in the open field, whether on receptions or returns.

 

Consistency at quarterback hurt his productivity in terms of touchdowns late in the season.

After making house calls in two of his first three games, he only found the end zone once via reception the rest of the season.

Despite that, Thomas was still second on the team with a healthy 16.1 YPC average and led them with 563 receiving yards.

If someone can get him the ball in space and on time, he is poised for a breakout junior season.

Another Exciting Transfer

Tate Martell isn’t the only high profile transfer making his way to Coral Gables.

Redshirt senior KJ Osborn joins the Hurricanes after four seasons at Buffalo, where he was one of the top receivers in the MAC.

He and his fellow transfer Martell seem to be starting off well.

 

 

His experience will help a young receiving corps and his productivity hit career marks in receptions (53), yards (892) and touchdowns (7) last season.

Who Will Break From the Pack?

Beyond Thomas and Osborn is a group of exciting playmakers fighting for an opportunity. Junior Mike Harley was tied for third on the team with 21 receptions last year, while Dee Wiggins showed promise as a freshman in limited action on offense.

Sophomores Brian Hightower and Mark Pope will also be fighting for reps and touches during the season. The wide receiver group is one of the deepest on the team, it will be interesting to see who steps up among the second tier.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SportsWaveDave and @5ReasonsSports.

For more exclusive Miami Hurricanes content subscribe to the 5 Rings Canes Podcast.

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Miami Hurricanes: Jordan and Mallory Heirs to “TE U”?