Last year the return of The U was recognized across the nation as they finally brought back the defensive swagger that they’ve been missing since the 80’s. The quarterback battle is one of the most intriguing in the country as coach Mark Richt said, “It’ll go all season long.”
Prestige Rank: 5*
Though these past two seasons have been great for what had been a team in a succession of mediocrity, it seems as if Richt has brought the winning way back to Coral Gables.
Last Year’s Record: 10-3 (7-1 ACC)
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 6
QB Malik Rosier, WR Ahmmon Richards (Knee injury), WR Jeff Thomas, WR Mike Harley, RB Travis Homer, RB Deejay Dallas, LT Tyree St. Louis, C Tyler Gauthier, RG Navaughn Donaldson
As stated previously, Malik Rosier’s job is in jeopardy, but if he can show the positive play that he had at the beginning of last season, he’ll keep his starting spot. Whoever ends up as the starter for this team, will have a lot of speed around them as they have a ton of talent at the wide-out position with Ahmmon Richards leading the way.
Defense: 7
LB Shaq Quarterman, LB Michael Pinckney, LB Zach McCloud, DE Joe Jackson, DT Gerald Willis, S Jaquan Johnson, CB Michael Jackson
On the defensive side of the ball, the Canes return their entire starting linebacker core from last season. The secondary is where they may find themselves to be shaky at.
Special Teams: 0
Mark Richt returns no kicker, and loses his best return man in Braxton Berrios. Bubba Baxa is a freshmen who had a rough senior year of high school kicking wise, but he has a cannon for a leg.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team: Bubba Baxa
Key Loss: Braxton Berrios
Berrios was a huge playmaker, and was Rosier’s go-to target. Berrios recorded 55 catches for 679 yards and 9 TDs. He also played a huge role on special teams as a return specialist. He will be deeply missed for his offensive production.
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 17
Richt has certainly helped bring back the top talents of high school football to The U. After the mediocrity machine driven by Al Golden, Richt has made sure to only have guys play with speed and intensity on both sides of the ball.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans by Seasons End: With a little help from our old pal Andy Jones, if the end of the season is anything like last year’s, they’ll be taking tequila shots with a snort of cocaine using the $100 bill “Uncle Richt” gave them.
Outlook
Although they got absolutely hammered last year in the ACC title game against Clemson, Miami is looked at as one of two teams that have a chance to somehow dethrone the stacked-again Tigers. The Hurricanes plan on having a repeat of last years success, but we’ll see if they can compete with Clemson by season’s end.