Mario Cristobal made a statement by acquiring Cam Ward, but there are still some holes on this roster that will need to be filled before the Canes face the Florida Gators to begin the season.
As of today, 14 Miami Hurricanes players have left the transfer site, while Miami has only added nine players. Even with the additions they made to the 2024 recruiting class, there are still several issues to address before the season begins. In addition, there are several position groups that are well-rounded and represent roster strengths.
Let’s take a look at both to evaluate where Miami stands and where they still need to work:
Strength: Quarterback.
Miami has made some significant changes to their quarterback room, which was previously led by Tyler Van Dyke (now at Wisconsin). While Ward is expected to be the starter, there is still some major potential behind him. Miami returns Jacurri Brown and Emory Williams, who will compete with Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger for the backup position. Freshman Judd Anderson also enters this room, but he will most likely redshirt. If Miami retains the commitment of 2025 quarterback Luke Nickel, the Hurricanes will have plenty of options moving forward.
Weakness: Wide receiver.
Even though Miami returns Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, who combined for 1,956 receiving yards, the rest of the roster is filled with inexperienced or unproven players. Colbie Young’s departure to Georgia opens up the X-receiver position, and Isaiah Horton may not be an option just yet. Young and Brashard Smith’s departures open up 69 receptions, but Ward’s acquisition could lead to a more aggressive pass approach. Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr have the potential to be immediate impact players, but they lack Young’s physical profile.
In terms of alternatives available in the portal right now, Wisconsin transfer Keontez Lewis is one of the few players who match the mould. Having said that, don’t be surprised if Miami waits until the spring window to add talent at receiver.
Strength: Running Back.
This current running back room, which was already a strong last season, will benefit from another year of development as well as a freshman who may see action this season. However, this room has two clear leaders: Henry Parrish Jr. and Mark Fletcher Jr., who combined for 1,139 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. This past season, their combined stats would have placed them in the Top 30 rushers. Despite the departure of Donald Chaney Jr., Miami has other options in Ajay Allen, Chris Johnson Jr., TreVonte’ Citizen, and incoming freshman Jordan Lyle. Even if one of the main backs misses time, there is enough quality in this room to replace the vacuum.
Weakness: Cornerback.
Even with players like Tyrique Stevenson coming through the school, the Hurricanes’ cornerback position has been a source of concern in previous years. Looking at next season’s cornerback room, Daryl Porter Jr. and Damari Brown figure to be alternatives going forward. While both did have great seasons, the absence of outstanding safety play behind them makes their jobs tougher. Robert Stafford is a player that will have eyes on him in the Spring to potentially break into this group, but there’s no doubt that quality needs to be put into this room.
A check at portal shows only one experienced player in Tacario Davis, but there doesn’t seem to be much talk in the direction of Miami. Expect Miami to make a move on some cornerbacks to boost depth and competitiveness, much as it did during the Spring window last year.
Strength: Defensive line
While Miami lost a crucial starter in Leonard Taylor, they compensated by adding the nation’s finest defensive line class for 2024, which includes Armondo Blount, Justin Scott, and Marquise Lightfoot, to name a few. Add Elijah Alston, C.J. Clark, and Marley Cook via the portal for veteran additions, and the talent level skyrockets. Akheem Mesidor, Rueben Bain, Nyjalik Kelly, and Jayden Wayne return, while Mesidor and Kelly attempt to recover from injuries. If the interior defensive line can chew up those blocks, freeing up their pass rush, this team has the ability to perform at the same level as the Hurricanes in 2019, when they had 47 sacks.
Weakness: Tight end.
One of Miami’s more perplexing situations last season, many expected Elijah Arroyo to breakout, but he ended up fighting injuries all season. Cam McCormick returns for his ninth collegiate season, but his position is mostly blocking rather than a receiving threat. Riley Williams demonstrated some potential, while Elijah Lofton from the Class of 2024 has joined the mix. Miami may be able to avoid addressing this position depending on what they do in the wide receiver area, as Shannon Dawson has never placed a high value on his tight ends in his offensive schemes.
Leave a Reply