Whether it came on the practice field, in the weight room or in the dark quiet of their respective dorm rooms, at some point, the realization was sobering – this isn't high school anymore.
Through weeks of offseason conditioning work and now five days of practice, the Hurricanes' freshmen have gotten their first real taste of what it's like to play college football at a program like Miami.
Off the field, there are intense workouts and classes. In practice, the bodies are bigger, faster and more powerful than any past opponents.
The transition hasn't always been easy, especially since mom and dad aren't always there to help.