Stephen Morris connected with Herb Waters and Beau Sandland for touchdowns in the Miami Hurricanes’ first scrimmage of the spring held Saturday at Traz Powell in front of about 1,500 fans.
The scrimmage, which lasted 90 minutes, consisted of about 80 plays.
“I’m excited with where we are,” head coach Al Golden said. “We have a long way to go. I’ve learned to be careful around here. We had a good first day of scrimmage, that’s it. We have to learn from it and move forward.”
Morris completed 17 of 31 passes for 171 yards with Waters catching four for 40 including an 8-yard touchdown reception.
“Stephen was sharp in his mind,” Golden said. “I would say that we were a little bit off, but in terms of where the ball should go, Stephen was really on top of it today.”
The scrimmage was the first for UM under new offensive coordinator James Coley, who left Florida State to return to his native Miami after Jedd Fisch left UM for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Miami has 10 players who started on offense in 2012 returning this year.
“I love it. I love it. I love everybody,” Coley said. “They’re hungry. They want to win. This is a team that’s got a lot of potential. I’m thrilled.”
Waters, a sophomore, came on strong at the end of last season with five receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the final two games.
“I’m excited for him,” Morris said. “I’ve told everybody to watch out for him. I’m excited to see what he’s going to be able to do for us.”
Duke Johnson accounted for 103 yards (11 carries for 58 yards and two catches for 45 yards) and Dallas Crawford reeled off two runs over 20 yards to lead the rushing attack.
Anthony Chickillo and Antonio Crawford both intercepted Morris, Dwyane Hoilett had two sacks, and Deon Bush, Alex Figueroa, and Raphael Kirby each had six tackles to lead the defense.
Defensive end Dyron Dye suffered a right leg injury and was on crutches after practice.
“I’m worried about Dyron Dye, but I’m going to reserve until we know more,” Golden said.
The Hurricanes will hold their second open scrimmage in Naples on April 5.
