Practice Makes Perfect

The "Quick Five" from the first scrimmage: https://miamihurricanes.com/

1 – Miami’s playmakers are transitioning well to their new offense

While at SMU last season, Hurricanes offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee presided over one of the nation’s most productive – and exciting – offenses.

The Mustangs averaged 489.9 yards per game, which ranked ninth among all FBS programs and understandably, his decision to join Miami’s staff earlier this year has generated plenty of excitement.

On Sunday, the Hurricanes got a chance to see just how much of Lashlee’s offense they’ve learned and how productive they can be against their ACC rivals this fall.

King was impressive, as was redshirt junior quarterback N’Kosi Perry, who was 8-of-13 for 140 yards with a touchdown pass. Senior receiver Mike Harley had two catches, both of which were touchdowns and redshirt freshman Jeremiah Payton had three catches for 26 yards with a touchdown. Junior Mark Pope had three catches, while Dee Wiggins had one of the biggest plays of the night – a 41-yard grab.

Donald Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton – Miami’s two freshmen running backs – also put up some impressive numbers, the duo combining for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

But more than the yardage or how much progress the offense has made in learning Lashlee’s system in a short time, Diaz noted post-scrimmage how pleased he was with the discipline the unit showed in its first test of camp.

“What I was pleased with was the operation for a first time out as a scrimmage. Your pre-snap penalties, guys lining up the wrong way, just not knowing what to do – I thought we were outstanding in that,” Diaz said. “I thought coach Lashlee and the staff did a great job in getting his guys prepared. I’m sure they’ll watch the film and realize they can be so much better, but again, just in terms of functioning in a scrimmage setting for the first time out and not having a spring. I was very impressed.”

2 – Newcomers are getting opportunities to shine – and capitalizing

 Several of Miami’s top freshmen had extensive opportunities to play Sunday night and they took advantage of those chances, showing teammates and coaches their potential.

Running back Jaylan Knighton had 10 carries for a game-high 126 yards and a touchdown. Fellow running back Donald Chaney Jr. had 11 carries for 57 yards with a touchdown. Receiver Xavier Restrepo had two catches for 54 yards and also rushed for a 70-yard touchdown, while Michael Redding III had three catches for 41 yards and tight end Dominic Mammarelli had two catches for 41 yards.

Freshman defensive end Chantz Williams, meanwhile, had five tackles and two sacks.

Given the way some of those players have performed in camp leading up to Sunday’s scrimmage, Diaz said he wasn’t surprised to see them do well.

Still, that’s not anything to take for granted.

“Both guys had explosive runs,” Diaz said of Chaney and Knighton specifically. “Chaney had some good, hard runs, some short yardage stuff and both of them had the ability, when they got into the open field, to make things happen. … They’ve both had a great camp. It was great to see them get out here. Their first couple carries, a little bit of … ‘Ok,’ but once they got comfortable, you could really see their explosion.”

And while transfer Jaelan Phillips isn’t a freshman, Sunday’s scrimmage marked his first real action in a Hurricanes uniform and the defensive end – who has been earning praise from coaches throughout camp – delivered, pressuring Miami’s quarterbacks consistently and notching a pair of tackles and a sack.

“Jaelan Phillips, we probably played him for maybe a little bit more than a quarter, he’s relentless off the edge,” Diaz said. “Just, for me, standing behind the offense and just watching him and how quick he can move … you like to see guys who’ve had a great week of practice come out on scrimmage day and put it together and Jaelan did.”

3 – Jose Borregales a boost for the kicking game

There’s no doubt Miami’s kicking game endured its share of struggles last season. But the arrival of graduate transfer Jose Borregales should help turn things around on that front.

The kicker, who was 21 of 29 on field goal attempts last season while playing at FIU, connected on all six of his extra-point attempts Sunday and hit a 49-yard field goal on one scoring drive.

That’s encouraging for a program who, last season, had its three kickers combine to go 12-of-20 with a season-long of 50 yards.

4 – Will Mallory once again showed off his athleticism

When his fellow tight end and good friend Brevin Jordan got hurt last season, Will Mallory stepped up to give the Hurricanes a boost late in the year.

Mallory had a career performance against FIU on Nov. 23, catching four passes for 71 yards. A week later at Duke, he bested those numbers with four catches for a new career-high 93 yards.

The junior picked up where he left off Sunday, showing off his athleticism with a scrimmage-high four catches for 71 yards and a 5-yard touchdown pass that elicited some excited fist pumps from quarterback D’Eriq King, who threw the pass.

“Will has really, really improved being physical in that C and D gap. Obviously, his catch radius is really, really good,” tight ends coach Stephen Field said of Mallory heading into Sunday’s scrimmage. “He’s tall, he’s strong, he’s fast, he can run and the fact that now he’s getting really, really good in blocking and his technique is getting good. That’s something that’s going to be really good for him and something he’s worked on with his physicalness and his strengths.”

5 – Young linebackers are progressing

One of the biggest questions Miami faces heading into this season comes at a spot that has been beyond reliable for the Hurricanes over the course of the last four years – linebacker.

But now that stalwart four-year starters Shaq Quarterman and Mike Pinckney have moved on to their professional careers, the Hurricanes will need to find playmakers to fill the void.

Redshirt senior Zach McCloud is expected to lead the group, but others – including redshirt juniors Waynmon Steed and Bradley Jennings, Jr. both of whom are coming off injuries – will need to contribute.

On Sunday night, they did, with Steed notching five tackles. Freshman Corey Flagg Jr., meanwhile, had four tackles and a sack while sophomore Sam Brooks had five tackles and a sack.

“I first have to point out Bradley Jennings and Waynmon Steed, both coming off injuries, both made a lot of good things happen,” Diaz said. “But then you mention [Sam] Brooks, [Avery] Huff, and Corey Flagg and Tirek Austin-Cave, Flagg and Cave, they left their mark a few times on some big hits. It’s fun. We’ve got a great competition at linebacker, and not even to mention Zach McCloud, we’ve got a lot of guys that have been getting in play and that competition is far from over.”

Comments

[58 Straight]

D'Eriq King – 15 of 26 for 187 yards and 4 touchdowns; 5 carries for 25 yards

Posted by: AeroCane | August 17, 2020 at 03:51 PM

I would call him the "King of Spring" but that too has passed. Maybe we can call him "He Can Ball In The Fall"?

[305 Profhit]

Efficient!

[AeroCane]

58
He’s the real deal and so is Lashee, Likens and Garvin
I’m more concerned with Blake and the D - can he call a play and stop anybody (when it counts) on 3 or 4th down? If he can (cause I think our LB’s and safety’s will be better than last year) we can have a great year!
Coming from me those be words of wisdom! Lol

[AeroCane]

This is huge imo

According to defensive coordinator Blake Baker, Bolden is fully healthy—and after a year of playing in Miami’s system, he’s also much more comfortable than he was a year at this time.

"He's 100 percent healthy and he's definitely more comfortable and you can see him growing more confident every day,” Baker said of Bolden.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"I would call him the "King of Spring" but that too has passed. Maybe he can "Ball In The Fall"?

Posted by: 58 Straight | August 17, 2020 at 10:17 PM"

Having watched enough Houston games in 2018, he can actually play the sport, unlike Turf Face. Yes, he's way too slight a build to stay healthy possibly so he'll need to slide more in the ACC than AAC play on rushes but keep him healthy and they can stay in the mix with UNC to try and catch Clemson and Notre Dame this year for a top two regular season finish with him lining them up and making a read at the line.

[Mark from Atl]

Canes brothers!
Can’t let this bat flu stop us now!
Fight the good fight!

I have missed my Canes football; equally missed Canespace!

Love all of you
Be safe!
God bless you and your family!

Go canes!

[The Herb]

Avante William's is done for the year. Some kind of lingering issues.

[AeroCane]

Herb
I read that / sort of wierd - is it surgery, etc
Got to be something fairly serious to miss the entire year
Personally, I thought he was going to be a strong ST guy and back up safety this year. Too bad and hope it’s not going to ‘linger’ more than this season

[The Herb]

Apparently it's a chronic, lingering issue. Must be a shoulder. U know everything is top secret.

[58 Straight]

Apparently it's a chronic, lingering issue.

Posted by: The Herb | August 18, 2020 at 06:39 PM

TWSS

[58 Straight]

OGV...just curious, no explanation needed, but how are U voting for President in 2020?

(D) or (R)

[HerbieIbis]

58,
I can tell u how The Herb is voting and it ain't Democrat.

[86Cane]

Roll Call: How are U voting, no explanations:

(D) or (R) for President in 2020?

[86Cane]

(R)

[AeroCane]

(R)

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"OGV...just curious, no explanation needed, but ...
(D) or (R)

Posted by: 58 Straight | August 18, 2020 at 10:08 PM"

Since this will be the sixth one I'm eligible to vote in but also the one I'm most undecided at this late stage of the process, I'll explain anyway; if the election was today I'd say I'm undecided between those two choices and would probably just vote my registered Green party by mail and call it a day. Since I have major doubts either of the main candidates will actually be able to physically finish their term through 2025 I'm probably going to wait until the VP debates at least to make up my mind this time. Also that gives both of them plenty of time to say or do something completely moronic enough to turn me off them for good. Biden, in retrospect, screwed up not running when he was mourning his son Beau in 2016 and now he might be too far gone to effectively operate as a political figurehead, Trump could have Melania revealed as a spy for the Russians at this point and I wouldn't even be shocked, he's literally occupying what Bill 'Sports Guy' Simmons refers to as the "Mike Tyson zone" with me where you can reasonably believe any crazy made up story about him now due to past weirdness not being out of line with complete fiction going forward. Great spot to be in for entertainers, not so great real estate to occupy in a world leader.

Anyway, back to your regularly scheduled sports blob; Fake Lames should be fired and left on the regional airport tarmac in Clemson, South Carolina.

[Old Skool]

And now ... a killer whale punting a seal 80 feet in the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7WGIH35JBE

[toledocane]

R

[Harry Miller]

R

[Terrance Sullivan]

D

[Terrance Sullivan]

22 Days Until Season Opener!

[58 Straight]

And now ... a killer whale punting a seal 80 feet in the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7WGIH35JBE

Posted by: Old Skool | August 19, 2020 at 08:34 AM

I watched. I was amazed!

[Old Skool]

Florida State will allow tailgating at the Seminoles’ home games this year under specific guidelines.

Parking lots will open three hours before kickoff. Patrons must tailgate at their own spaces, and everyone should maintain the 6-foot social distancing standard between families and between tailgating areas. Face coverings are also encouraged while walking through parking lots and socializing.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Obvious what and from which direction the writing slant of this would take immediately upon seeing the headline, too bad the extremely frustrated pac12 blogger forgot Miami was never a traditional power so they don't deserve to cash the paycheck with the picture of Micky Mouse on it this time until they do better. Also it is a half day away one way from the beach in Los Angeles traffic but why let access stand in your way when a quip has to be made in one sentence right? :
'
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29695737/what-now-big-ten-pac-12-fans-how-guide-picking-your-new-team

USC

About me: Frustrated traditional power, enjoy living by the beach and talking about the good ol' days (that weren't that long ago).

Matchmakers' pick: Miami

Why you'll hit it off: USC fans have been feeling sorry for themselves lately, and what could serve as a better reality check than cheering for Miami for a season? Call it a lesson in "it could be worse."'

[raizecane]

Anyone think the Pac 12 and the Big 10 will regret not attempting to play this fall???

[AeroCane]

Terrance - what’s the countdown?
I thought you were going to give us these daily! I was excited!
I am definitely buying into the offense big time; On D, I think our LB’s and safety’s will be better than last year (gurvan, with a year of experience and weight training under his belt and Bolden back; I always thought Shaq was a great cane but average LB (slow)); my concern is coaching on the D; can Blake call the right plays at the right time etc and stop someone on 3rd or 4th down when it counts! If yes, we should be really good this year! (Assuming no outbreaks, delaying or canceling games ie MLB)

[TonyCane]

Anyone think the Pac 12 and the Big 10 will regret not attempting to play this fall???

Posted by: raizecane | August 20, 2020 at 10:53 PM

I think people within the Big 10 regret it. Both conferences regret the loss of money.

The question is when will both schools truly resume play. Will it be the spring? Will it be the fall of 2021? Will it be the fall of 2022? And how many of these schools will be able to keep their football programs going without TV or ticket revenue in the latter scenario. It's possible that you may end up with a single conference when what's left of the Big 10 and PAC-12 resume play. The Power 5 becomes The Power 4.

[86Cane]

1. I always thought Shaq was a great cane but average LB (slow);

2. My concern is coaching on the D; can Blake call the right plays at the right time etc and stop someone on 3rd or 4th down when it counts!

3.If yes, we should be really good this year!

Posted by: AeroCane | August 21, 2020 at 08:24 AM

1. Yes I agree, Great Cane and solid against the run but a liability in pass coverage.

2. I share this concern.

3. IF is a small word with a BIG meaning!

[HerbieIbis]

The D Line, is The Herb's concern. Can they consistently stop the run. Can the D Tackles push the pocket into the Qb. No pressure from the interior CB's will get ate up.
Blades and Ivey are good CB's, not great, Yet!

[Harry Miller]

College Football live on teams to watch Boston College. Pitt and Miami. Lashlee and D'Erick King to cause a lot of problems for defenses.

[Harry Miller]

Herb I think you are spot on, if we can stop the other team we will be in good shape. I believe we will score a lot.

[Terrance Sullivan]

AeroCane I have mostly been posting on Facebook Page but we are 19 days until Showtime!

[AeroCane]

Thanks T
Countdowns to good things are always fun!

[AeroCane]

Second scrimmage later
Let’s hope the DT’s stand up to the run
Let’s hope Knighton and Chaney continue doing great
I’m not concerned with King - but let’s hope he keeps working on his timing with the receivers (plus Mallory and Jordan)
NO INJURIES!

[roachcane77]

NO INJURIES!
Posted by: AeroCane | August 22, 2020 at 10:15 AM

💯💯💯🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[AeroCane]

It appears no injuries. DL showed up!

[AeroCane]

LT is still a weak spot - we face a lot of good DE’s this season so we better game plan accordingly and King better be at the top of his game (getting passes out quick and avoiding the rush)
Roche and Phillips are the real deal but IMO, we will still miss Rousseau (Wish he stayed)
We need Brevin to stay healthy this year / him and Mallory are an awesome combo

[AeroCane]

Also, Ford is really stepping up at DT
If nesta plays up to his potential, our DT’s should be good

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Posted by: AeroCane | August 23, 2020 at 10:06 AM

In theory, we'll see how it plays out in actual practice instead though, King's mobility should alleviate some of those problems along the line, turning potential sacks from last year into short rushing gainer attempts instead.

Wouldn't expect King having to scramble every other pass attempt to stay on the field too well though as a player or offense as a whole . . .

[AeroCane]

“Miami Athletics, in conjunction with Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins and local and state government officials, today announced its stadium capacity and safety protocol plan for the 2020 Hurricanes football home opener," the school wrote in a release. "A maximum of 13,000 fans will be allowed to attend the home opener on Thursday, September 10, at Hard Rock Stadium against UAB. Kickoff time will be announced at a later date."

[Terrance M Sullivan]

16 Days Until Showtime! I expect GameTime and What Channel Game Will Be Broadcasted on to be announced no later than Thursday! Go Canes!

[AeroCane]

Thanks T!!

[AeroCane]

Just curious- who’s going to try to go to the game?

[Old Skool]

Interesting opinion piece on college football by the author of Friday Night Lights

Here's a couple of snippets from the article

The National College Players Association and Drexel University’s sport management department did a study showing that major college football and basketball players generated as much as $1.5 million each beyond the value of their scholarship

A simpler and quicker method would be to tie annual player compensation in the Football Bowl Subdivision schools to the salary of the head coach. As an example, let’s use Mr. Swinney’s $9.3 million a year at Clemson. Divide that by the number of players on scholarship, limited to 85 by the N.C.A.A., and you come up with an individual share of $109,412. Taking the average F.B.S. salary of $2.7 million, the player share would be $31,765.

https://tinyurl.com/y486ckxu

[58 Straight]

Just curious- who’s going to try to go to the game?

Posted by: AeroCane | August 25, 2020 at 04:10 PM

I would go because I am not scared of the C-19. But I am no longer buying tickets until I see change happen and success. This is one more year for HOPE!

[58 Straight]

Taking the average F.B.S. salary of $2.7 million, the player share would be $31,765.

https://tinyurl.com/y486ckxu

Posted by: Old Skool | August 25, 2020 at 07:38 PM

So now take your company's profits, and those in your industry, and divide that like you just did and pay your employees the same amount. Do you?

Let's say you company makes $50 million dollars and you have 30 employees. Do you take that $50 million and divide it evenly? I bet you don't!

Answer me with a YES or NO!

[AeroCane]

No!

Employees generate me the money but I borrow the funds, manage the funds, take the risks etc
And guess what, ‘you’ may be good but there are many more ‘good’ ones ready to take your job if you’re not happy!
JMO

[JCane]

Any specific concerns about the ultra high COVID rate at UAB presently on whether the 9/10 game happens?

Prayers to all on the LA/TX border.

[KYcane]

Just curious- who’s going to try to go to the game?

Posted by: AeroCane | August 25, 2020 at 04:10 PM

I thought about it, since I was being stubborn and not giving up my season tickets after last season.

But I’ve decided to roll mine over to next year as the chances of me being in the top 13,000 for first choice is very slim.

Been working on the homestead and yard so I will just record them and watch at my convenience.

[AeroCane]

KYcane
I think a great plan