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Canes Trying To Build Depth

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 29, 2009

FORT LAUDERDALE - Damien Berry, Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith all used Miami's spring game as their final offseason audition.

The early reviews were promising.

Berry rushed 14 times for 114 yards and a touchdown, Cook completed 11 of his final 12 passes and Smith threw for one of Miami's three touchdowns Saturday morning in the Hurricanes' final spring workout. The score - offense 52, defense 3, using a rather unconventional system - was of little consequence to Miami coach Randy Shannon, who came away from spring ball convinced of one thing.

Already, he said, the 2009 Hurricanes are well ahead of the 2008 squad.

"We're a whole lot better," said Shannon, who's entering his third year as Miami's coach. "We've got more players. We feel like we've done a great job in recruiting and our numbers are up."

If all goes according to the Hurricanes' plan, none of the three will be starting when Miami opens the season Sept. 7 at archrival Florida State. But each is seeking a prime backup spot; Berry behind Graig Cooper and Javarris James at running back, while Cook and Smith are seeking to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Jacory Harris.

There's a quarterback competition again this year, but this time, it's for the No. 2 job. Harris split time a year ago with former Plant High star Robert Marve, who left the program and plans to enroll at another school with an eye on playing again in 2010. This year, Harris is the unquestioned starter, with Cook and Smith looking to be his primary understudy.

Cook finished 11-for-14 for 103 yards; Smith was 6-for-8 for 31 yards and the score, a 1-yard pass to tight end John Calhoun.

The offense ran 71 plays for 406 yards. Harris finished 9-for-16 for 141 yards and an interception.

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