Canes begin practicing after long COVID-19 offseason

The Miami Hurricanes knew training camp was never going to be normal this year. The COVID-19 pandemic is still disrupting life across the country. College football season is going to take on a different shape, with schedules altered and games canceled.

Miami even found out just Thursday it would be without its most-talented player after Gregory Rousseau opted out of the playing the 2020 season.

Still, there was some familiarity in Coral Gables on Friday. It’s the beginning of August and, as always, the Hurricanes hit Greentree Practice Fields for the first time.

“More than anything, it just felt great to get on the practice field,” coach Manny Diaz said. “You could see, especially at the end, guys had great energy, but that moment happened where you realize you’re just present. And the thing that I think we missed for so long where you just get lost playing the game and I think there was a real sense that today was not promised to us, and just a real appreciation for all of us to be out there and have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this game.”

It still was far from normal. Players spaced out more during and between drills. Coaches and staff wore masks for face coverings. Miami had to scrap some of its practice routines, like the 1-on-1 “Big Cane” drill. Rousseau, expected to be perhaps the Hurricanes best player this year, wasn’t on the field after he opted out of the season on the eve of camp over COVID concerns.

“It’s definitely different. I think it’s going to be different for everybody across the country, but I was just excited to be out there playing football,” All-American defensive end Quincy Roche said. “With everything going on, I was just excited to be out there, and have something to look forward to and look toward.”

The Miami Hurricanes returned to the practice field to start training camp after a long, bizarre offseason. Amid the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the Canes have a greater appreciation just to practice.