Miami Hurricanes True Freshmen
Miami failed to reach expectations last season as a team, thus causing recruiting to suffer. With a number of key positions still lacking talent, the Hurricanes turned to the transfer portal. While a number of contributors are expected to be transfers, some have forgotten that Miami did still sign some talented freshmen.
With Miami set to kick off the college football season in week zero against the Florida Gators, practices are underway. In those practices, different freshmen have taken turns showing ability and have given the team confidence that they can contribute at some point. For a select group of freshmen, they’ll be thrust into playing immediately.
Early Enrollees
The Hurricanes had three players that bypassed their last semester of high school to enroll in college early. Those three players all will have a role as freshmen due to the choice to enroll in the spring. On offense, Jeremiah Payton should receive early playing time. He scored a touchdown in Miami’s spring game, as well as in a scrimmage prior. In addition to Payton, Zion Nelson more than likely will be a starter when the season opens on the offensive line. When Nelson enrolled in January he only weighed 240 pounds but by mid-May, he had gained 45 pounds.
The transformation of his body could possibly land Nelson the starting left tackle position in the season opener. On defense, Jahfari Harvey was the only early enrollee but he left an impression. The Hurricanes have a talented group of defensive ends but Harvey has already shown that he will play early and often. Miami defensive coordinator Blake Baker states that Harvey is one of the best athletes he’s ever been around. Extremely high praise for the young defensive end that still hasn’t played yet.
Future Starters
The majority of Miami‘s 2019 recruiting class is on defense, and many already look like they’ll be future stars. From the defensive line to the secondary, there are players that will be household names for the foreseeable future.
The interior of the defensive line has three freshmen that are pushing for playing time. Jason Blissett, and Jared Harrison-Hunte both were standout football players in New York. Meanwhile, Jalar Holley played in Georgia. All three will be assets to the depth of the defensive line and could potentially play this season.
At linebacker, Miami will soon have to find replacements for their trio that have started since freshmen. One of the newcomers that has already emerged as a backup is Sam Brooks. Although Avery Huff enrolled with training camp already underway, he has a chance to play due to injuries at the position.
In the secondary, Te’Cory Couch has been the player everyone has raved about. During Miami’s most recent scrimmage he had an interception and a tipped pass which was intercepted. He provides immediate help to the cornerback group along with Christian Williams.
Senior linebacker @OgBoobie_Shaq had some high praise for true freshmen @CanesFootball players Zion Nelson, @paytonsho_, @TecoryC_16 and @IronMan794. Although not a freshman, Shaq is also impressed with @TreSavage94_. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/V5R8v8ttGD
— Marcus Benjamin (@BenjaminRivals) August 14, 2019
Final Thought
Manny Diaz, as a coordinator, has shown that he wasn’t afraid to play freshmen and the same philosophy applies as a head coach. Other freshmen that will have a role on offense are Jakai Clark and Larry Hodges. With game day approaching closer, fewer practice repetitions are going to be distributed. So many of the first-year guys may not see the field early in the season. However, by ACC play, there will be certain ones that will start to show their potential. This class is more skilled than the class ranking shows and Miami can build off of the group they’ve brought in.
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