During his first four years at the University of Miami, Jimmy Graham would find a little extra bounce in his step on the rare nights when the men's basketball team would draw a sellout crowd of 7,000 at BankUnited Center.

On Saturday, the 6-8, 260-pound former power forward had his first taste of what it's like to wear a football uniform in front of Hurricanes fans. The experience was about as different for him as the past four months have been as he tried to perfect catching a ball instead of bouncing one.

``Football is a little different at The U, and these fans are a little different,'' said Graham, who had a crowd of more than 20 fans circled around him waiting to get his autograph and have photos taken with him. ``I love it. I wish basketball had fans like this.''

Fans got what they wanted Saturday at Land Shark Stadium during CanesFest: two hours of up-close, personal experiences with current players from the five-time national championship program they are deseparately hoping snaps out of its recent funk.

Running back Javarris James was among several players who took turns taking plunges into dunk tanks.

Quarterback Jacory Harris posed for photos with fathers and their newborns -- dressed in Canes gear -- and signed autographs well after his first Sharpie pen ran out of ink.

Even freshmen -- such as highly-touted safety Ray Ray Armstrong -- had fans lined up around the corner, waiting for their turn to say hello.

``It's been fun,'' said Armstrong, who requested to wear the No. 26 jersey of late Canes great Sean Taylor. ``I'm just taking it as I go. I did a lot of this in high school, so I'm kind of used to it.''

The Hurricanes open fall camp Aug. 8, and coach Randy Shannon said excitement is building -- so much that he feels as if the Canes might be getting some of their swagger back.

``Swagger is having fun,'' Shannon said. ``I think that's what these guys are doing. They're having fun and playing football.''

Shannon said he expects everyone on his roster to be ready to go when camp begins -- including tight end Dedrick Epps, who sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament before last season's Emerald Bowl in December.

That would be a huge boost for the Hurricanes, who don't have much experience behind the 6-4, 253-pound senior. After Epps (who has 30 catches for 304 yards in his college career), the only tight end with a UM reception is senior Richard Gordon. He has four catches for 32 yards in his career.

COMEBACK TRAIL

Epps said he couldn't remember when he began running this summer, but he still feels soreness after his workouts.

``I wasn't really listening to the doctors anyway,'' Epps said. ``I just kind of took it upon myself and told myself I'd be back. I'm not worried about taking my first hit or anything like that. I'm thinking big things. I think this is going to be one of our best years.''

Whether Epps is ready for the season opener at Florida State on Sept. 7, Graham wants to be around to help the Canes out.

Since passing on invitations to play overseas after his final basketball season for Frank Haith, Graham accepted an offer from Shannon to join the football team in March.

Although Graham said getting used to playing in the heat (instead of in an air-conditioned gym) and learning the playbook have been tough adjustments, his new teammates believe he can help. Linebacker Colin McCarthy said Graham and his big body can be tough to deal with in coverage.

LOOKING GOOD

``My first impression wasn't too good. He caught me with an elbow, got me pretty good,'' said McCarthy, who said he had to have three or four stitches above his left eye after a recent 7-on-7 workout.

``He was boxing me out or something trying to catch the ball -- I don't know what he was doing. But he's been looking real good.''

Graham, who said he has been studying film of former Hurricanes tight ends Kellen Winslow, Greg Olsen and Bubba Franks, said two former UM greats have been giving him extra football tutoring.

``One of the biggest helpers I've had is Bernie Kosar,'' Graham said. ``I talk to him quite a bit. He's really helped me out a lot, teaching me little things. He's really been teaching me the game.

``He talks about keeping the beginning of your route the same so people can't predict that. Also, how quickly to come out of a break and how quickly the ball is going to be on you and just getting used to that.

``I've also had a little help from Ed Reed, teaching me how to read defense. You have to be able to read safeties and linebackers. It's a lot more than five people [on a court]. And I'm just getting used to that.''