MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. \u2014 The Miami Hurricanes are back at work, opening spring practice after a run to the national championship game last season and now moving forward with a new quarterback and renewed expectations.<\/p>\n
But momentum from last season isn\u2019t something head coach Mario Cristobal is ignoring.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think everybody knows, the people in the building, that the people that are here now and the work that we do is going to lead to continued progress,\u201d Cristobal said. \u201cAnd so, yeah, they\u2019ve been chomping at the bit to get out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even on day one, Cristobal said there is no easing into the work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe go, we go, you know, and, and not in a reckless manner, but we\u2019re physical,\u201d he said. \u201cWe practice hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hurricanes are turning to Duke transfer Darian Mensah at quarterback, marking the third straight year the program has added a signal-caller through the transfer portal. Early on, he\u2019s already drawing praise from teammates.<\/p>\n
\u201cA confident dude making whole shot throws, you know,\u201d said defensive back Zechariah Poyser. \u201cA very impressive dude. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe came like a pro, came here to chill, just ready to work, humble guy, and everybody just ready to roll behind him,\u201d said running back Mark Fletcher Jr. <\/p>\n
Fletcher, who opted to forego the 2026 NFL draft, will also return for his senior season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just the fact I just wanted to come back and play with these guys,\u201d Fletcher said. \u201cThis team and I had another opportunity to do it, just, you know, be a true senior, and I wanted to take that opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
With several leaders from last year\u2019s team headed to the NFL, Cristobal said new players will need to step up.<\/p>\n
\u201cLose your sensitivity because if you are wearing a \u2018U,\u2019 whether you\u2019re a coach or a player, at some point in time, you\u2019re going to get your butt chewed out,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd you\u2019re not gonna like it, and that\u2019s OK. You know, it\u2019s not for any other purpose but to bring something to your attention that\u2019s going to make you better and make the team better and help us win football games.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hurricanes will continue spring practices through April 18, when they will hold their annual spring game. The season opener is scheduled for Sept. 4 against Stanford.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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