Canes’ second scrimmage was good for offense

One week before the highly anticipated Miami Hurricanes spring game, spring scrimmage No. 2 took place at Greentree Field on Saturday at the University of Miami campus.

Scores of former players going back to the 1970s attended to watch the Hurricanes’ rejunvenated program under head coach Mario Cristobal. ESPN “College GameDay” host and former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard attended as well. One of the former players told the Miami Herald it was “intense” and “efficient” and extremely physical.

The situational scrimmage was closed to the media, but here’s Cristobal’s take from the scrimmage, as released to reporters in a video recorded immediately afterward: “Progress, more progress. A lot more positives on offense this time.”

Cristobal, who said last Saturday’s first scrimmage was won by the defense, said “this one belonged to the offense.”

When asked by former UM center and Canes radio commentator Don Bailey Junior if anyone jumped out on offense, the coach said quarterback “Tyler Van Dyke first and foremost.“

He also praised slot receiver Xavier Restrepo, who almost certainly will begin the season as a UM starter. “Xavier Restrepo took over,’’ Cristobal said. “Really made some big, big plays.”

Cristobal also praised tight ends Elijah Arroyo and Jaleel Skinner for “big plays.”

He cited running backs Thad Franklin, Henry Parrish and Cody Brown’s positive play. “The running backs had a good day.’’

The ball was “spread around” Saturday, Cristobal said, mentioning receivers Jacolby George

and Key’Shawn Smith.

“Most importantly,’’ the coach said, “the guys up front did a really good job.” He spoke about the tight ends being detailed in their blocking and “the protection — all that stuff was really good.”

A source told the Herald the offensive line appears much improved.

MORE FROM CRISTOBAL