How a group of ’Canes are working to avoid the dreaded ‘sophomore slump’

Cornerback Al Blades Jr. has spent time learning from Miami’s receivers. Kicker Bubba Baxa adjusted his technique. Receiver Dee Wiggins makes it a point to catch at least 150 passes from a Jugs machine every day — even if he’s already worked with his quarterbacks.

And they’ve all — regardless of position or experience — endured the grueling weightlifting and conditioning sessions new strength and conditioning coach David Feeley has brought to Coral Gables.

“Working with Coach Feeley every day is a grind,” defensive tackle Nesta Silvera said. “But it’s a grind that’s going to pay off in the end.”

For a select group of Hurricanes who got their first taste of college football a season ago, this summer has been all about improving and finding ways to take on bigger roles — now that their mentors have graduated or moved on to the NFL — while a new crop of younger players is trying to find its footing.

Having already learned what will be expected of them and what awaits next month when training camp begins, Miami’s sophomores have embraced the opportunity to take the next step in their respective journeys, while at the same time, finding ways to make the Hurricanes an ACC Coastal Division champion once again.

“You learn a lot [your freshman year]. I mean, I went into spring practice now just thinking, ‘OK, I’ve been through it all pretty much. It’s nothing big anymore,’ ” said Baxa, who was 9-for-12 on field goals and 45-for-46 on extra-point attempts last fall. “It’s just like, freshman year really helped me a lot. I can’t put it into words. It’s just that experience you get. You get more comfortable and more comfortable. It was really good.”

Added Blades, “The first year, you think you know what’s expected of you, but you don’t fully have the blueprint. Now, I have the blueprint. I know everything that’s expected of me. I know what’s coming. I know how camp is going to feel. I know how to study plays. You have the blueprint now. It’s up to you to take that blueprint and take it up another notch.”

Experience isn’t the only difference maker. Confidence, running back Cam Harris said, is key.

Last fall, Harris played in just seven of Miami’s 13 games. But when pressed into duty in the latter part of the season, he delivered some memorable moments, including the first touchdown of his career against Georgia Tech and a career-best 77-yard per

formance a week Virginia Tech.

He finished the year with a modest 166 yards on 28 carries, but he showed flashes of his speed and athleticism — skills he hopes will help him earn more playing time this year.

“When I didn’t get a bunch of reps last year, I had to bust my tail in practice. Coming in spring, I had a different mindset to later at get bigger, faster and stronger,” Harris said. “But I give [credit] to Coach Feeley with his work ethic. You should see the shirt he wears. ‘Squat until you puke.’ It’s tough out there and in the weight room.”

While Feeley has only been with the Hurricanes since January, his impact, players say, is noticeable. Several credited him with helping reshape their bodies in multiple ways.

Wiggins estimates he’s gained between 12 and 15 pounds of muscle since the season ended. Striker Gilbert Frierson said he’s added nearly 21 pounds of muscle to his frame since arriving in Coral Gables last year. Baxa says Feeley’s workouts have helped strengthen his kicking leg. And Silvera noted he’s become faster and leaner since dropping about 20 pounds since December’s Pinstripe Bowl, when he weighed 323 pounds.

“Coach Feeley did a good job of adding the weight but trying to keep the speed with all the conditioning we do [and] all the weights we lift,” Frierson said. “He tries to keep that in the mix so we won’t feel like we’re getting too slow or something like that.”

Said Baxa, “On distance, I’ve gotten stronger [because of ] Coach Feeley, his workouts. You’ve probably heard all of this, but he’s great. I love him to death. I’m glad he’s here with us.”

Now, as the Hurricanes move into the latter weeks of their offseason conditioning program, Miami’s sophomores say they’re determined to building on they’ve done.

It’s up to them to help show the Hurricanes freshmen what’s expected — and to challenge upperclassmen for playing time.

“I feel like we’re all in the same position. Nobody is starting,” Harris said. “Whoever [gets] the starting spot they deserve it because that’s the way we compete in practice. … And once I get my [turn to] shine, I’ll shine. I promise you that.” continue the work