Second season seems to be smoother, UM’s Richt says
CORALGABLES— MiamiHurricanes coach Mark Richt refused to use theword “easy.”
By saying that, it would imply being in charge of a major college football program is simple. But Richt said things are flowing much smoother now that he is entering his second season.
After leading the Hurricanes to their first bowl victory since 2006, Richt is set for an encore.
“It’smuchmore comfortable just because it’s home,” Richt said. “I know our players better. I was just trying to know everybody’s name last year, trying to decide what we were going to install and what offensive style and getting ready for spring ball. Now, we knowthe kids. We knoweach other.”
Richt spoke Saturday before he hosted the All Pro Dad Father & Kids Experience at the UM practice fields. The event provides fathers opportunity to strengthen relationships with their children. Richt and Dolphins offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen have been involved for several years since it was founded by former NFL coach Tony Dungy in 2002.
“Coach Dungy and I were just starting out in the NFL andwe had young kids,” Richt said. “Like every dad, it’s always the pressures of trying to balance your work and family. We’d take long walks and just talk about how do we do this right? How do we not compromise our families?”
The Hurricanes keeping their coaching family intact during the offseason has given Richt more reason for optimism. He calledhavingnoturnover on the staff as one of the most important victories.
“We didn’t have any staff movement, whichwas great,” Richt said. “There is a little continuity there. You can look at last year’s installationDay1 in the spring and tweak it instead of start from scratch. Things are moving with a little bit less effort. Ayear ago, it took a lot of effort to get things moving. Now, we got it moving in a good direction. We’ve just got to keep it greased up.”
The Hurricanes have yet to announce when spring practices will begin. It will give Richt the first opportunity to view a recruiting class that was ranked No. 11 nationally by Rivals.com.
He said several newcomers are expected to compete for playing time.
“We don’twant anybody to think that just because you started last year, you got it made,” Richt said. “The other thing the guys have to understand is sometimes they’re not only competing against who’s here but who’s on the way. The good thing about spring is there’s no scout-team time. Everybody is getting a chance to line up and show what they can do. Giving as many reps to our guys to showthat they’re ready is what it’s all about.”
The biggest question mark entering the spring is the quarterback position. With Brad Kaaya entering the NFL draft, this will be the first time inthree seasons that there will be an open competition for the starting job. Malik Rosier and Jack Allison are the projected favorites but Vincent Testaverde and Evan Shirreffs received reps in practice last year.
Freshmen Cade Weldon, an early enrollee, and N’Kosi Perry are also in the mix. Richt said he will evaluate all throughout the spring.
“Everybody is always going to talk about the quarterback situation,” Richt said. My answer is always going to be the same. You can quote me on this one. We probably won’t know who that guy is until probably a couple scrimmages into fall camp.”
srichardson@sunsentinel.com, Twitter @shandelrich