The Miami Hurricanes football team began its final week of spring practice on April 11, with players and coaches reflecting on their progress at the Greentree Practice Fields.
Spring practice is a key time for college football teams to develop skills, build team chemistry, and prepare for the upcoming season. For Miami, this period offers a chance to assess new talent and strengthen returning players after coming up short in last year’s national championship game.
Wide receivers coach Kevin Beard said there is still significant work ahead for his group. “What stands out is we’ve got a lot of work to do. I know a lot of people see a lot of talent, a lot of new guys and we have a culture here that put us in the national championship game and we came up short. So, the mindset right now is how do we get back and how do we finish the drill? … I believe from 2003 and 2004 and 2005, moving forward, that guys just came here to throw The U up and be a part of something that was great and didn’t really understand what it took to be that. So, right now, we’re just learning how to become great players, great teammates and just continue to build a culture.”
Beard also praised transfer receiver Cooper Barkate’s consistency: “He understands when he fails, he has work to do and he understands when he succeeds, he still has work to do…he comes with that.” On sophomore Malachi Toney’s development as both player and leader among wide receivers Beard said: “With all the success he’s had…he’s showing guys how it looks. I always say success leaves clues…So…just follow him…until it becomes your process.”
Transfer wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs described his move from South Carolina as positive: “All the guys … welcomed me in with open arms…The transition has been great.” Jacobs called quarterback Darian Mensah “a total package” who gives his best effort each play.
Daylyn Upshaw reflected on returning from injury: “Spring practice is going good so far…Coming off my injury I feel like I did a real good job recovering…” Defensive backs Dylan Day—who credited extra film study for his growth—and Omar Thornton also shared their experiences adapting within defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s system.
As Miami wraps up spring drills this week, coaches will continue evaluating progress while preparing athletes for summer workouts ahead of next season.
