Tag Archive for: Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes take on Louisville Cardinals in Week Two matchup

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The Miami Hurricanes (1-0) are set to take on the Louisville Cardinals (1-0) in the ACC opener. With both teams winning their first game of the season, this should be a fun game.

The last time these two teams met, Miami beat Louisville 52-27 on November 9. This game will be a lot different as Miami comes in ranked No. 18 in the country, while Louisville checks in at number 18;

Miami Hurricanes get the job done

In their opener, the Miami Hurricanes struggled with UAB through the first two quarters, as it was a 14-7 game at halftime. Come the third quarter, Miami would score 17 points and fully break away from the Blazers. D’Eriq King went 15-of-23 on the day, throwing for 141 yards, and a touchdown.

The running game was strong despite some deficiencies in playcalling. Cam’Ron Harris carried the ball 17 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while D’Eriq King rushed for a touchdown of his own. Brevin Jordan led Miami and receiving with three catches for 51 yards.

Defensively, Noah Wilder led the team with eight tackles.

Louisville beats Western Kentucky behind strong passing attack

For Louisville, they were able to beat Western Kentucky by a 35-21 score. Malik Cunningham had a big day under center, throwing for 343 yards three touchdowns, and an interception.

Although Louisville was able to get things going on the ground, it was the receivers who made a huge impact. Senior Dez Fitzpatrick caught four passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Braden Smith also added four receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown to his name.

Danny’s Focus: Involve the tight ends a bit more

Last Thursday, it seems like everybody was involved. From the quarterback to the running backs, to the outside wide receivers, it seemed like everybody was able to get touches on offense. Jordan was able to lead Miami and receiving. However, that position in your is extremely talented and they can be used to open the field and take some pressure off the outside receivers.

In some cases last week, this team looked like they lacked focus and were not fully engaged.  Involving all positional groups offensively is a good way to make sure everybody is engaged. This is not going to be an easy game, this is going to be a challenge that requires everybody to step up and make plays.

Prediction: Miami, 31. Louisville 27

Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes : 2020 season positional preview

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Heading into the Miami Hurricanes 2020 season, the Five Reasons Sports Hurricanes crew put out predictions for each position. In what is sure to be a unique season, the Hurricanes are talented on both sides of the football

Canes fans: it’s officially game day. 

 

Quarterback

By: Jazz Santana

Starter: D’Eriq King

I chose the easy one. There has been absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind, D’Eriq King has been QB1 since the first day he stepped foot in Coral Gables. King, the transfer from the University of Houston has given this football program new life! He has come and been every bit as good as advertised. Not only is D’Eriq King on the Maxwell Trophy, Davey O’Brien and Heisman watch, but most importantly, he is the leader of the Miami Hurricanes football team. The position is deep with veteran guys like N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell and evening Tyler Van Dyke, but make no mistake, this is King’s team. King can make plays with his arm and his legs, which makes him a legitimate threat every play. For the first time since the days of Ken Dorsey, I can confidently say that the Canes have a quarterback that not only is extremely talented, but does one thing above all – bring hope. 

 

Running Back

By: Jaccare Givens

Starter: Cam Harris

Bound for a breakout: Jaylan Knighton

 

Looking at the University Of Miami running back position it is by far one the deepest positions on the UM roster, with guys such as Cam Harris, Don Chaney Jr., Jaylan “Rooster” Knighton, and Robert Burns. The top 2 running backs will be Cam Harris and Jaylan Knighton because they’re a good compliment to each other Harris is more of the bruiser back. Knighton is a  home run threat every time he touches it because of his blazing speed that has been displayed throughout camp. I also expect Knighton to be a breakout player and contender for freshman-All American, ACC newcomer, and ACC freshman of the year. 

 

Wide Receiver

By: Paul Austria

Starters: Mark Pope, Dee Wiggins, Mike Harley

Bound for a breakout: Jeremiah Payton

 

Miami’s wide receiver unit in 2020 is poised to be a problem for opposing defenses, considering the speed and athleticism of this unit as well as the integration of OC Rhett Lashlee’s offense. Wiggins has been a steady contributor for the Canes in his first two seasons, making a total of 27 catches and Pope could be in line for a big season as his natural speed and talent are major reasons why he was considered a top recruit in 2018. The senior Harley is also in a great position to show off his speed this season.

 

While the upperclassmen wideouts get most of the spotlight here, don’t be surprised if you see redshirt freshman Jeremiah Payton making some plays this season. Players and scouts raved about Payton while he was a member of the scout team last season and is very quick and strong route runner who has all the tools to become a regular starter by next season.

Tight End

By: Paul Austria

Starters: Brevin Jordan, Will Mallory

Bound for a breakout: Will Mallory

 

Historically speaking, Miami’s had a great legacy of tight ends and you’d be crazy not to include them in any Tight End U conversation. The group Miami will carry in 2020 is in a great position to carry on that tradition, led by first-team All-ACC selection and John Mackey Award finalist Brevin Jordan. The junior is returning for what may be his last season with the Canes as he is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Throw in fellow junior Will Mallory, who has shown glimpses of his talent. He caught 16 passes for 293 yards in 2019 but did struggle with dropped passes at times. With opposing defenses placing a bigger focus on Jordan and the implementation of OC Rhett Lashelee’s Air Raid offense, Mallory should see more balls thrown his way in 2020. 

 

Miami did get thinner at the position as Michael Irvin II decided to grad transfer to FAU but they do have two freshmen sitting in the wings. Coach Diaz was able to preserve the redshirt status of Larry Hodges last season, who saw action in four games and caught a couple of TD passes against Bethune Cookman. 

Offensive Line

By Paul Austria

Starters: LT John Campbell, LG Ousmane Traore, C Corey Gaynor, RG DJ Scaife, RT Jarrid Williams 

Bound for a breakout: LG Ousman Traore

In 2019, the offensive line was one of the most criticized units of the Canes and a lot of factors were to blame but with a new coach in Garin Justice leading the way, things are looking up. Because of limited depth, Miami started a true freshman in LT Zion Nelson against Florida’s nasty pass rush and it did not go that well. Nelson has since added 60 pounds to his frame and is now playing behind John Campbell, but do not be surprised if he steps in if the latter struggles. Miami also added some stability at right tackle with the addition of Jarrid Williams, who transferred from Houston and actually played with D’Eriq King during King’s incredible 2018 season.

This could be a coming out party of sorts for Ousman Traore. Miami’s new starting left guard is only a sophomore but the talent is absolutely there as he did sit on an offer from LSU before choosing the Hurricanes in 2019.

 

Defensive End

By: Paul Austria

Starters: Jaelan Phillips, Quincy Roche

Bound for a breakout: Jahfari Harvey

Greg Rousseau’s departure brought initial worry when you think about the Canes losing a potential top-10 first round pick for this season. But all those worries were quickly followed by reassurance when you consider who’s the next man up. Rousseau was expected to form a very disruptive duo with Temple grad transfer Quincy Roche, who won the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award with 15 sacks in 2019. This is also the year in which another transfer gets his shot in former UCLA transfer JAelan Phillips. Phillips was hampered with injuries during his tenure with the Bruins but reports out of camp state that he is showing glimpses of why he was considered the top recruit in the nation out of high school in 2017.

My breakout player at defensive end is definitely Jahfari Harvey. Harvey impressed as a member of the scout team in 2019, where he redshirted. But he seems very poised as he will probably be the first guy off the bench once Phillips and Roche have left their impact on opposing offensive lines. 

 

 

Defensive Tackle

By: Paul Austria

Starters: Jon Ford, Nesta Silvera

Breakout: Nesta Silvera

Miami’s depth at the defensive tackle position is probably amongst the best on its roster, although it is on the younger side. Jon Ford is entering his senior season with the Canes and should he stay healthy, he will be a mainstay on Miami’s defensive line. He is a very in-your-face, physical inside lineman who has great size to plug up running lanes. Nesta Silvera will hold down the other defensive tackle spot and is the perfect complement to Ford as he is more of a speedy, finesse runner.

The level of urgency for Silvera to take the next step is at an all-time high this season, especially with the limited amount of experience behind him. Silvera will get his opportunities to make plays when opposing offenses zero in on defensive ends Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips

 

Linebacker

By: Danny Jaillet

Starters:  Inside: Bradley Jennings,  Weak-side Zach McCloud

Breakout: Nesta Silvera

The Miami Hurricanes have a bunch of options to play with at linebacker. Although some of the names may be  unproven talent, there is no doubt that the talent is there. It is just about execution and building off of what they learned last year.

Zach McCloud is  the team’s starting week-side linebacker. Waynmon Steen, Avery Huff, and Tirek Austin-Cave fill out the weak side

As a freshman in 2018, Steen recorded two tackles. He missed all of 2019 due to knee surgery. A redshirt freshman, Huff figures to be in the mix as well.

At middle linebacker, you have a bunch of players ready to break out. Bradley Jennings and Sam Brooks would certainly fit that description.

For his part, Jennings recorded eight tackles last year, and now looks to man the middle linebacker position with Brooks. Brooks certainly made an impact in his only start against Louisiana Tech last December. He recorded 12 tackles, and gave Miami Hurricanes fans a preview of potential future play. in total, he recorded 18 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. now, it’s time to see if he can put it all together.

The linebacker unit has a lot of raw talent, and it will be fascinating to watch them develop over the course of the season.

 

Defensive Back/Striker

By: Jaccare Givens

Starters: CB DJ Ivey, CB Al Blades Jr., S Bubba Bolden, S Amari Carter, Striker Gilbert Frierson

Bound for a breakout: Te’Cory Couch, Gilbert Frierson

I am going out on a limb and saying that Carter and Frierson will be with the 1st unit Thursday night. But you will also see Gurvan Hall, Te’Cory Couch, and Keontra Smith getting in the rotation this season. Couch has been very impressive throughout camp and to me he will be season end be the corner opposite of Al Blades. Couch and Frierson are my breakout players to have great seasons and make all ACC teams. Frierson because he had bright spots last year and with this being his 2nd year in the system I expect he will continue to improve and he’s at the right position to maximize his talent. Blades is the best player in this group by far but I do see Couch also building off a strong camp and being UM leader in INTs this year because he has a great nose for the ball.

 

Miami Hurricanes: Kirk Herbstreit has ‘Canes as sleeper CFP team

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Leave it to Kirk Herbstreit to get Miami Hurricanes fans excited. He made a prediction, but perhaps it is not so outlandish.

On Saturday’s edition of College Gameday , he said that Miami was his sleeper team to make the college football playoff.

Miami is loaded with talent, there is no doubt about that. For starters, D’Eriq King should be able to make an immediate impact. At wide receiver, Michael Harley, Mark Pope, and Dee Wiggins should all be able to help carry the load in the passing game.

Offensively, perhaps one of the deepest groups is running back. The positional group has played well over the course of the past couple of scrimmages. Jaylan Knighton, Cam’Ron Harris, and Don Chaney Jr. are definitely capable of carrying the load.

Miami Hurricanes have talent defensively

Defensively, the Hurricanes lost a big-time player in Greg Rousseau, but they still have a ton of talent. Names like Quincy Roche, Jaelen Phillips, and Zach McCloud should help fill the hole. In the secondary, Al Blades and Bubba Bolden should be able to hold things down.

This Miami Hurricanes roster is extremely deep offensively. Although the defense has some moving parts, they should be able to play at a high level as well. There is definitely talent there, and in particular, the linebacker position intrigues me. I’ll be interested to see what kind of production Miami is able to get from that position group.

In the meantime, this prediction from Herbstreit certainly excites me. In what is a down year for college football, now could be the chance for Miami to show what they have. This is an extremely talented roster, and it’s generated extremely worthy buzz over the past couple of months. Now, it’s time for the Miami Hurricanes to live up to that buzz.

Let the fun begin.

Capacity limits among rule changes for Miami Hurricanes, Dolphins games

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If you want to watch Miami Dolphins and Hurricanes football in person in 2020, you may be in luck. According to multiple media reports, the Dolphins will permit 13,000 capacity for the home openers for the Dolphins and University of Miami.

Miami’s first home game would be against the Buffalo Bills on September 20. For the University of Miami, their first home game is slated to be September 10 against UAB.

No tailgating will be permitted at Dolphins or Hurricanes games this season. In addition, masks will be mandatory when fans are not eating or drinking. Some other notable changes include no paper tickets, and cashless purchases for concessions, and parking.

Optimism for both Miami teams

Heading into their 2020 seasons, both the University of Miami and the Dolphins are generating excitement. Miami had a tremendous offseason and draft, with Tua Tagovailoa being the ultimate prize. Now, they will look to compete in an AFC East Division that just got a lot tighter. Along with the Dolphins, the Bills and Patriots both made moves in the offseason to make this a tight division race.

For the University of Miami, they enter 2020 with superstar quarterback D’Eriq King. He will undoubtedly bring a dual-threat play style to the offense, and allow for the Hurricanes to open up the field offensively. With the offseason that Manny Diaz had both in terms of recruiting and current personnel moves, the Hurricanes should be set for the next couple of years.

It’s an interesting time for Miami sports. Two of the most well-known football teams on the East Coast get ready to roll out their newest pieces. The good news for fans both parties is that they will be able to watch things unfold and be able to make their first impressions in person, at least for the foreseeable future.

I’ll be interested to see how the two teams fair in 2020. It’s been a year of bad news all around for everybody. Good Hurricanes and Dolphins teams would certainly give loyal Florida sports fans something to hang their hat on .

Miami Hurricanes: DE Greg Rousseau opts out in blow to ‘Canes defense

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Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Greg Rousseau has opted out of the 2020 season . In an announcement made by Manny Diaz during his press conference on Thursday, the tackle is not coming back to Miami.

Last season, he completely tore up the gridiron for Miami. He recorded 54 total tackles and 15.5 sacks. In addition, he forced two fumbles. His best game of the 2019 season came against Duke. In what was a 27-17 loss for the Hurricanes, he was a bright spot. Rousseau recorded nine tackles and two sacks.

This is a huge loss for the Miami Hurricanes, as he is considered a top draft prospect. He was also considered a first-round selection for the 2021 Draft.

As expected, reactions poured in from the Miami coaching staff. As the announcement came during his press conference, Diaz had nothing but support for his player.

“As a coach we are for these young men and advocates for them,” Diaz said. “We want what is best for him and if that is what he has chosen, we support that.”

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker also showed support for his player.

“Really couldn’t be happier for Greg. We support him 100 percent in his decision. We’d had some conversations with him in the previous days and knew that it was something on his mind. But at the end of the day, like I said, we support him 100 percent in that decision.

“Obviously, guys have got to step up and that’s why you sign a guy like Quincy Roche and obviously Jaelan Phillips from a year ago and Jahfari Harvey… It’s by far, our deepest position, probably, on the defensive side of the ball. Definitely excited by the guys that are going to be playing for us this season as well.”

Those aforementioned players have some big shoes to fill. However, Miami definitely has some talent at the position, and it just speaks to how important their last couple pickups have been. It will be interesting to see what the Hurricanes do to offset this loss defensively and if in fact Harvey and Phillips can step up.

Miami Hurricanes: D’Eriq King named starting quarterback

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The Miami Hurricanes have named their starting quarterback. To perhaps nobody’s surprise, D’Eriq King has been made the starter for the upcoming season.

King came to the Miami hurricanes in January, after four successful seasons at Houston. While in the Lone Star State, he was sensational. His best season came in 2018. That year, he recorded 2,982 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

King redshirted last season in order to preserve a year of eligibility. He split reps with  N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell, Tyler van Dyke, and Peyton Matocha during the four spring practices Miami had.

 

King will bring spark to Miami Hurricanes

A native of Manville, Texas, King will bring a dynamic playmaking ability to the Miami Hurricanes. In what has been a revamped offseason for the program, they appear to be in much better shape.

Now, they will look to contend for the Coastal Division. After a disappointing 2019 season, Manny Diaz and the coaching staff worked hard this offseason to try and revamp the program.

Here’s to hoping that the moves they made will lead to success. In particular, they are performing well in recruiting. They are building a solid foundation that’s should lead to sustained success in the future.

After not getting a ton of consistent production from the passing game last year, all eyes will be on King as he looks to bolster the Miami passing attack. His ability to run with the football as well as his strong arms should open up a lot of opportunities for the Miami offense.

King’s play style fits very well in the modern game of college football. No longer is it just about running the ball and controlling the clock.

Football is becoming an offensive game. King’s arrival with the Miami Hurricanes should help the program keep up in the wild world of college football.

Canes commit

Local DE becomes first Canes commit for 2022

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One night after all the craziness following Canes commit James Williams’ joining to Manny Diaz and the Canes started to die down, coaches got a head start on the 2022 recruiting cycle from yet another local standout.

Jaamal Johnson announced his commitment to Miami on Thursday night. A three-star defensive end and the 26th-ranked strongside defensive end in his class, he becomes Miami’s first 2022 commit. 

He continues the Chaminade-Madonna to Coral Gables pipeline, as Miami added two Lions in the 2019 recruiting cycle (striker Keontra Smith and CB Te’Cory Couch) and they currently have two (DT Allan Haye and RB Thaddeus Franklin) committed in the current 2021 class. 

Johnson was last measured at 6’2”, 240 pounds. Although currently listed as a strongside defensive end, he could end up moving to the inside when it’s all said and done. 

Alongside Allan Haye, he was part of an outstanding defensive line that helped lead Chaminade to a 3A state title and he finished the season with 48 tackles and 8 sacks as a sophomore. 

Stay tuned to 5 Reasons Sports for all of your Canes commit coverage on and off the field.

 

Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes steal safety away from Georgia Bulldogs

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The Miami Hurricanes stole a recruit from the Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday night. 2021 five-star safety James Williams committed to the program.

He was predicted by nine experts in the 247Sports Crystal Ball to go to Georgia.

Williams was a highly sought-after recruit. In addition to Miami, he also had offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, and Tennessee.

Williams was recruited by Ephraim Banda and Manny Diaz.

Williams should be playmaker for Miami Hurricanes

Taking a look at his high school highlights, he was a man among boys. He has excellent vision as soon as the ball is thrown. He is able to follow the quarterback’s eyes and make a play. In addition, his athleticism is particularly noticeable. At the safety position, he will give Miami a player that quarterbacks want to avoid on the field.

Williams becomes the top player in a 2021 Miami Hurricanes class that has a ton of talent. The class is currently ranked 11th overall and third in the ACC per the 247Sports Team Rankings. There is a nice base of players here for Miami.  In addition to Williams, they also have Kamren Kinchens coming in. In this class alone, they have two safeties that will be able to make an impact.

It’s great to see Diaz continuing to aim high for the 2021 class. The fact that he was a recruiter  for Williams shows how badly the Miami Hurricanes wanted him.

The program has done a nice job of adding impact playmakers to the class.  In what has been a complete program overhaul, Miami has aimed high and succeeded. They have swung for the proverbial fences, and landed big names. It will be interesting to see how Miami finishes this class as they continue building a solid blueprint for the future.

Hurricanes cancel Thursday practice as players test positive for COVID-19

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As the coronavirus continues to impact the state of Florida, it has found its way into the Miami Hurricanes football program.

According to a report from the Miami Herald, at least three players have tested positive for COVID- 19.  As a result, the Hurricanes canceled their mandatory workouts on Thursday.

Aligning with the school policy, the University did not confirm whether any players have tested positive.

As the Herald notes, there are three Miami Hurricanes’  known positive coronavirus tests among football players.

The ACC plans to announce its plans for the 2020 season by the end of July. Miami was slated to take on Temple September 5. With the elimination of non-conference opponents, that is expected to change.

In any event, these positive tests continue a theme among collegiate and professional sports. Players have tested positive ever since the return of workouts. Positive tests were expected. Now, it’s going to be about whether individual commissioners and leagues deem it safe enough for play to return this season.

A year of uncertainty for Miami Hurricanes, sports in general

The cancellation of practice on Thursday is certainly not a positive sign. Any way you slice it, coronavirus is now in the Miami football program. Now, it’s going to be a question of containing the spread. Especially with workouts getting underway, players are going to be in close proximity to one another.

In what has been a wild 2020 calendar year, stories of positive tests appear to be the norm for sports moving forward. Hopefully, the Miami Hurricanes can contain it and continue workouts smoothly.

With a revamped program, the 2020 season is slated to be one of high hope for Manny Diaz’s bunch. With several new players in the fold, the Miami Hurricanes are in better shape roster-wise than they were at this point last year.

Hopefully, we will get to see action in Coral Gables sooner rather than later.

Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes add playmaking, hard-hitting safety to 2021 class

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Manny Diaz’s recruiting class in 2020 has welcomed a lot of great prospects. Even with a 6-7 season, the Miami Hurricanes have reloaded the roster with talent. In particular, the safety position has three newcomers who should be able to make an impact.

Saturday, they received a commitment from four-star safety Kamren Kinchens The local product out of Miami Northwestern High announced his commitment to The U on Saturday. In doing so, he becomes the fifth Bull in the 2021 recruiting class. He picked Miami over the likes of Auburn and Texas A&M.

He is also the first safety commitment in his class. The 2021 Miami Hurricanes recruiting class is looking strong. They are ranked 12th nationally and third overall in the ACC per the 247Sports Team Rankings.

Currently, the highest-rated commitment in the ’21 class is wide receiver Romello Brinson. It’s worth noting that the 2021 class is aligning very similarly to last year’s class.

Last year, their class ranked second in the ACC. In terms of the 247Sports average rating, they clocked in with a 0.9006 rating last year. This year, they have an 0.8837 rating.

Last year, he had 74 tackles and 10 interceptions for Miami Northwestern. When you watch his film, he is a hard-hitter. He also possesses tremendous vision. He makes a break for the ball as soon as it is thrown, and often settles underneath it nicely for an interception. Opposing quarterbacks would be wise not to throw his way on the field. He is truly a playmaker on that side of football.

It would be unfair to compare him to Miami Hurricanes great Ed Reed. However, he has that same type of playmaking ability. I’m not saying he will be the next Reed, but he will eliminate the middle of the field for Miami defensively.

This is a another notch in the belt for the Miami coaching staff. Diaz has done a great job of rebuilding this program this entire offseason. it will be intriguing to see what move comes next.