Defensive end Anthony Chickillo and receiver Rashawn Scott experienced sophomore seasons at the University of Miami that both might rather forget.
Chickillo, expected to add pass-rushing punch for the Hurricanes last season, was limited to four sacks for a toothless defense.
Scott, meanwhile, finished second on UM with 35 receptions for 512 yards but was suspended for the Hurricanes’ final three games after violating undisclosed team rules.
So even though it was only a spring intrasquad scrimmage, the performance of both players Friday night before an estimated crowd of 3,000 fans at Naples High School was more than welcomed.
Chickillo led the defense by registering three sacks and two passes broken up while Scott paced the offense with nine receptions for 128 yards and a 27-yard touchdown from Ryan Williams. Scott also caught a scrimmage-long 32-yard pass from Gray Crow that set up another touchdown.
“I’m on a big mission,” Scott said. “(The suspension) is still on my chest. I’m just trying to work into it and not look back too much on what happened.”
Same goes with Chickillo, who endured a difficult sophomore slump that filtered down to the entire defense. The Hurricanes allowed school records in virtually every important statistical category and gave up 30 or more points in eight of 12 games.
On Friday, UM generated seven sacks and three interceptions.
“I think we’re doing better,” Chickillo said. “We’re playing the run better. Guys are staying in their gaps and a lot of sacks come from good coverage. Guys aren’t blowing coverage assignments.”
Starter Stephen Morris received much of the work at quarterback Friday and completed 20 of 33 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
While Morris is assured of starting the Hurricanes’ 2013 season-opener against FAU on Aug. 30, UM’s No. 2 quarterback isn’t as certain.
Williams, a junior, spent last season as Morris’ backup but is being pushed for the job by Crow, a redshirt freshman.
Williams completed 6 of 12 passes for 93 yards with an interception and a touchdown. Crow started well, leading a 99-yard drive on which he connected on 6-of-8 attempts for 67 yards. But Crow completed only two of his final nine throws and was intercepted once.
“That’s a battle,” coach Al Golden said of the quarterback position. “Gray led a nice drive and Ryan answered. There’s good competition brewing there with the ‘twos’ right now.”
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