Future proCanes have large presence at Battle of Florida All-Star Game

CORAL GABLES— It's been a mini-Miami reunion at Florida Atlantic University this week, where eight former Hurricanes players have practiced in preparation for Saturday's Battle of Florida All-Star Game.

Six of them — cornerback/safety JoJo Nicolas, defensive ends Adewale Ojomo and Andrew Smith, offensive lineman Joel Figueroa, cornerback Lee Chambers and snapper Chris Ivory — are on the South roster while offensive lineman Harland Gunn and cornerback Mike Williams are on the North squad.

"It's a great experience, a big opportunity. You have to take advantage of each opportunity you get because that window into the league is only so big," Chambers said.

Of practicing in front of NFL scouts analyzing every snap, he added, "I've got to admit, the first day I was a little nervous. But then you tend to block it out."

Nicolas said the week leading up to the game is "a way to showcase your talents." Since UM self-imposed a bowl ban for this season, "for us to have one more game to play is great."

Ojomo said after the game, he plans to head to Dallas and train at former sprinter Michael Johnson's Performance Training Center as former UM CB Brandon Harris did before the draft last year.


(sun-sentinel.com)