This Devin Hester? Just curious?
UM's Hester tries to tap into his potential
By Omar Kelly
Staff Writer
Posted April 9 2005
Nobody associated with Miami football plans to baby Devin Hester anymore.
Sure, he's the most dynamic college football player east of the Mississippi River. Miami's coaches will tell you he probably is the most gifted athlete the program has had in a decade. But heading into today's Canesfest scrimmage, Hester hasn't shown the ability needed to be a lockdown cornerback, much less a starter.
The former Suncoast High standout spent the first three weeks of spring practice serving as the coaching staff's whipping boy. His technique was flawed, and his knowledge of the team's schemes was below par. As a result, receivers he defended were getting open. But if quarterbacks dared to throw the ball to Hester's man, he often recovered quickly enough to deflect the passes.
Just as he has during his entire career, Hester was using athleticism to bail him out of tough jams. However, that's the coaching staff's biggest problem with him. Too often he relies on his quickness to save him as opposed to leaning on technique or understanding.
Hester has performed better in the final week of spring practices, but his inconsistent play has him behind senior Marcus Maxey on the depth chart.
Coach Larry Coker knows the Hurricanes need their most dynamic player on the field next season, but first Coker needs Hester's football IQ to match his physical tools.
"Devin just needs a lot of practice," Coker said of Hester, who began his UM career as a receiver before moving to cornerback last fall. "That's why we have the spring. He's still a fairly young football player. There's no doubt he's still getting better, but he'll be a difference-maker at times."
Coker has said Hester's physical tools are too special to waste on the sideline. Last year, he led UM with four interceptions despite playing cornerback sparingly in the second half of the season. But coaches wonder when he'll turn the corner.
Hester said he began the spring distracted by family issues.
"I'm just getting back to feeling good about myself, and I'm trying to make the best of it," Hester said. "I was coming out here feeling depressed, and it was showing in my play. I told myself, `Life goes on, and I've got to go out there and make the best of my situation.' I've got an opportunity here to be something special."
He said his biggest challenge is being mentally ready.
Former UM cornerback Antrel Rolle, who served as Hestor's mentor last season, has talked to him about leaving whatever happens off the field behind while learning from, but then forgetting the bad things that happen on it.
The Hurricanes are hoping Hester finally shows he can be a quick study.
"I've got to get a strong mind and don't let nothing bother me," Hester said. "When I get yelled at by the coaches, don't let it bother me. Block it out and keep playing."