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Miami Hurricanes' Eric Moncur visits specialist for groin injury

University of Miami defensive end Eric Moncur landed in Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon to be examined by a physician for pain near his groin that Moncur hopes is unrelated to a large tear in his abdominal muscle that was repaired in December, someone close to the family told The Miami Herald on Wednesday afternoon.

Moncur is one of three UM defensive ends who are injured, at least one or more of them severely. Defensive end Gavin Hardin also has been out, and Shannon said earlier in the week that he would be out ``a while.''

Fellow end Adewale Ojomo underwent surgery for a broken jaw Tuesday and is expected to miss substantial playing time.

Miami Hurricanes' Eric Moncur thankful to have another shot

Marcus Forston couldn't stop himself from giggling while recounting what happened Friday before the defensive line's first meeting of the season with position coach Clint Hurtt. It wasn't anything Hurtt said that was funny.

It was the imitation sixth-year senior Eric Moncur did of UM's defensive line coach before he walked in -- from his voice to his body expressions -- that put a smile on his teammates' faces.

``It's so great to have Eric back,'' Forston said. ``He has that crazy little face that makes us all feel better. And he's so great at imitating people. That guy brings light to the night, man.''

Miami Hurricanes staying off injury report

The past couple of Thursdays have meant bad news when Miami's injury report has been released. This week, the prognosis appears to be better.

The only player ruled out for Saturday's game against Clemson -- not out for the season -- is fullback Pat Hill, who still has not fully recovered from a high ankle sprain.

Nine other Canes are listed as probable: RB Graig Cooper (hip); RB Javarris James (lower extremity); RB Mike James (ankle); WR Aldarius Johnson (shoulder); OL Joel Figueroa (lower extremity); DL Josh Holmes (lower extremity); DL Eric Moncur (groin); DB JoJo Nicolas (arm); and DB Randy Phillips (torn labrum).

Miami Hurricanes coach says DE Eric Moncur back this week

According to University of Miami football coach Randy Shannon, defensive end Eric Moncur will be back this week in the Hurricanes' home opener against Georgia Tech.

If things are going well for the Hurricanes, UM fans also might see backup quarterback A.J. Highsmith for the start of his college career.

And the kickoff duties this week will be done by either redshirt freshman Jake Wieclaw or walk-on senior Alex Uribe.

Improved Miami Hurricanes defense to get tested at Virginia Tech

Eric Moncur was so elated about being able to play football again that he spontaneously bear-hugged UM coach Randy Shannon before last Thursday night's kickoff against Georgia Tech.

Someone suggested to Moncur that it was more of a tackle.

``I gave him a little hug, you know what I'm saying?'' said the intimidating senior defensive end, who was granted a rare sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after sitting out most of the 2008 season with injuries. ``I let him know I appreciate him.''