Live from Miami, updates on Canes

University of Miami coach Randy Shannon was asked jokingly Wednesday if the team's second scrimmage of the fall, complete with referees, a pregame coin flip and a halftime, had any video replays that might have stalled the action.

''We had one,'' Shannon said.

He was kidding, right? Not exactly.

Shannon and his team did more than play dress-up Wednesday at Greentree Practice Field. The scrimmage was meant to feel like a real game. And it did.

Although the media was not allowed to watch the scrimmage, Shannon said there were four TV timeouts. Offensive coordinator Patrick Nix watched all the action -- and called plays -- from a crane above the field to simulate watching the game from the press box.

''You have to put us in those game-type situations so we're ready,'' Shannon said. ``We didn't have substitutions busts, so that was great. We didn't have to call a timeout because we didn't have the right personnel on the field, which was great. So, it was good.''

The scrimmage wasn't loaded with scoring and was dominated by the defense, according to onlookers and players, with a high number of sacks. The only scores were a field goal and a Sam Shields touchdown catch from Kirby Freeman that teammates and onlookers said was impressive.

''It was in the corner and he just went up and made a big play,'' receiver Lance Leggett said. ``It was just a heck of a play.''

NOTABLE

• Shannon said Shawnbrey McNeal, a freshman running back from Dallas, finally received clearence on his physical and practiced for the first time Tuesday. On Wednesday, McNeal impressed several teammates with a few big runs and returns on special teams.

''He's a good running back: short, quick, fast,'' defensive end Eric Moncur said. ``I heard he was like the 100-meter champion, the record-holder in Texas. He might have had one or two big runs today.''

• Much like tight end Richard Gordon, Graig Cooper continues to turn heads on special teams.

Cooper had a long return Wednesday. Despite a few penalties, which Shannon said he hopes to have resolved, players were impressed with the blocking on several returns.

''Oh my God, Graig Cooper is just lights-out, that kid is just amazing, man,'' offensive lineman Derrick Morse said. ``They've been working real hard with that blocking scheme.

``Last season, our returns weren't so hot, we were missing some blocks in terms of punt and kick returns. But I think our blocking was great. With a player like Cooper and the right blocking scheme, we're going to be great out here.''

Storm brewing down here.....

Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson trudged off the Hurricanes' Greentree Field after a recent practice drenched in sweat and so winded he stopped at a bench near the field to sit.

Hankerson, one of the University of Miami's prized freshmen, might not have much longer to catch his breath. When UM opens the season Saturday against Marshall at the Orange Bowl, several freshman are expected to play.

Coach Randy Shannon said Sunday he believes about six or seven true freshmen ''are going to have to play this year,'' not counting redshirt freshmen.

''You don't want freshmen to start now,'' Shannon said. ``Last year [in some games] we had five freshmen starting and it showed. We want guys that can contribute in certain situations, and if we could get every freshman that comes in and plays this year to play about 25 plays a game, we're going to be way ahead of schedule.''

True freshmen projected to play include Hankerson, running back Graig Cooper, guard Orlando Franklin, cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, and safeties Joseph Nicolas and Jared Campbell.

''They're real important,'' said junior defensive end Calais Campbell, the older brother of Jared.

``Right now we have a lot of guys that want to step up and be big-time players for us.''

The freshmen are considered a highly touted group. Consider:

• Cooper, Mr. Football Tennessee as a senior in 2005, rushed for 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns last year in eight games at Milford Prep. He averaged 12.5 yards per carry.

• Van Dyke, who chose UM over Florida, had 56 tackles and seven interceptions as a senior at Miami's Pace High last season.

• Hankerson, of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, averaged more than 20 yards per catch his junior and senior seasons. As a senior he had 39 receptions for 803 yards and 14 touchdowns.

• Nicolas, who starred at Homestead High as a wide receiver and safety, was ranked the No. 18 player in the state of Florida by Scout.com

• Franklin, a product of Delray Beach Atlantic High, is 6-7, 320 pounds, and is ''as physical as anybody I'm coaching,'' UM offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland said.

Franklin, Cooper and Van Dyke are getting rave reviews from teammates.

Offensive tackle Jason Fox said Franklin needs to master his technique but could make an immediate impact.

''That kid is unbelievable,'' Fox said. ``He's so strong, so athletic.''

Several players praised Cooper's speed and Van Dyke's comfort playing with the first team.

Van Dyke said making his debut against Marshall would give him valuable experience and perhaps earn him playing time for big games, such as UM's second game at Oklahoma.

''I think it will help to get out there right away because after that first game you don't want to be nervous,'' Hankerson said.

Fox, who started 12 games last year as a true freshman, splitting time at left and right tackle, recalled running through the smoke at the Orange Bowl before the season opener against Florida State and feeling ''scared'' and overwhelmed by the moment.

Chavez Grant, who started five games last season and played special teams and primarily in the nickel package, said getting experience early helped accelerate his development.

He said some freshmen have sought his advice about his emotions before his collegiate debut and how he dealt with making mistakes.

''You're real nervous,'' Grant said, ``but you feel like you've made it.''