We Ready, We Ready!

From "Iron Sharpens Iron" by Christy Cabrera Chirinos

Every day on Greentree, they push each other. Drills are run. Blocks are made. Tackles delivered. Sometimes, words are exchanged. They’ll concede it isn’t always pretty and they can even get under each other’s skin.

But once practice is over, it’s not uncommon to see Hurricanes offensive linemen like Anez Cooper, Jalen Rivers, Ryan Rodriguez or Samson Okunlola huddling with defensive linemen like Rueben Bain, Jr., Elijah Alston, Akheem Mesidor or Ahmad Moten, Sr..

And in their conversations, there is often brutal honesty – the kind each one knows will only make all of the linemen better once they move off Greentree and into gametime situations, like the ones that await in Gainesville on Aug. 31 when No. 19 Miami opens the season against rival Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

“I feel like we have one of the best o-lines in the country and we’ve got one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, so every day, we’re going out there, competing, and we’re going to talk a little smack,” said Moten, a redshirt sophomore who saw action in 11 games last season and consistently earned praise from coaches throughout camp. “Then after that, after practice, we’re back to being brothers. We’re going to help each other out. ‘Hey, how can I beat you on this move, Coop?’ or Jalen Rivers will ask somebody ‘On this long arm, where are you going to put your hands, so I know what to expect from different opponents?’ We’re all bought in. We all like doing it together. It’s just iron sharpens iron.”

Added Alston, who joined the Hurricanes earlier this year after five seasons at Marshall, “Yes, we do butt heads every day and we do beat each other up. But after practice, we’re coming to one another like, ‘Hey, the only reason I beat you like this is because you did this. That’s something you should work on.’ Or ‘The only reason why your rush didn’t work is because you did this instead of doing this. You didn’t sell it enough.’ And I feel like that plays a major part because when we get in front of real competition, it’s only going to help us grow a little bit more and work on the things we need to work on.”

As the Hurricanes start preparing for next week’s season opener, expectations are high for both Miami’s offensive and defensive lines.

Both units have talented, experienced players, like Rivers, a fifth-year redshirt junior who started all 13 games for Miami at left tackle last season, was a second-team All-ACC selection and is now on the watch list for the Outland Trophy.

Bain, meanwhile, was the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and a consensus Freshman All-American after a breakout season in which he had 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

Sophomore offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa had a big debut season himself, starting all 13 games for Miami at right tackle, earning Freshman All-America recognition and helping the Hurricanes average 431.2 yards per game, a number that ranked second in the ACC.

To that mix, the Hurricanes have added Alston, who totaled 108 tackles and 9.5 sacks during his time with the Thundering Herd, defensive line transfer Simeon Barrow, Jr., who made 30 starts during a four-year career at Michigan State, defensive line transfer Tyler Baron, who totaled 101 tackles and 13.5 sacks in four years at Tennessee, and center Zach Carpenter, a redshirt senior who made 25 starts at Indiana before joining the Hurricanes – among others.

That kind of experience will be a boon for the Hurricanes as they look to continue their growth and improvement under third-year head coach Mario Cristobal, a two-time national champion offensive lineman at Miami.

When he returned to his alma mater, Cristobal made it clear fortifying Miami’s defensive and offensive lines would be a priority and now, both units are expected to be strengths.

“It’s better,” Cristobal said during camp, of Miami’s depth. “We feel like we have significant improvement in a lot of areas, particularly the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.”

Added assistant head coach and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal of his group in particular, “You’ve got a practice organizational chart and then you’ve got a game organizational chart, right? And your practice organizational chart has got to be deep enough where you can get the reps with the ones, the twos, the threes and sometimes, the fours. In a game, it isn’t that. In a game, it’s your top five guys. Some guy goes down, who’s the next best guy? If you have eight or nine of those, that’s a luxury. That’s what you’re looking for. We had it last year. We already have it now, this year, in my opinion. What you’re looking for as a coach is you’re looking to continue to grow that.”

For more of this article click here: https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2024/08/21/fb-feature-iron-sharpens-iron/

Comments

[HARRY MILLER Jr.\]

in 1946 my dad took me to see Miami Hurricanes play in the Orange Bowl Miami had a pretty good team that year and we were playing Holy Cross in the biggest game which we won in the last second
with an interception that was run back for a touchdown and a win. Seventy-four years later I am still a Canes fan and can't hardly wait for the Canes to beat the Gator.

WE are finely Back and on our way to the play off's.

We are Back.

[HARRY MILLER]

I mean 75 Years later, getting old.

Go Canes, Cane's 31 Gators 17

[HARRY MILLER]

Actually, 77 yrs ago. Hard to believe I will be 81 0n September 30.

Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the more you pull out the faster it goes.

I believe Canes are going to win the ACC Championship, be a 3rd seed.

31 to 17 Canes

[DallasTX Cane]

LOL HARRY MILLER… math sukks! Good thing for the INT, in another reality we’re tackled at the ONE and U grow up a Holy Cross fan!

[MLALUMNI 1970]

I’m at Hospice right now, with my sweetheart of 40 years. He’s 86 now and we were going to watch the game together. Covid has done him in.
We saw the Canes win in Syracuse years ago. Long horrible walk to that stadium. Saw my favorite player, Ken Dorsey, throw some amazing football throws, that I will always remember.
Hope all of you are doing well. Stay safe and healthy. GO CANES!🟧🟩

[86Cane]

WE are finely Back and on our way to the play off's.

We are Back.

Posted by: HARRY MILLER Jr.\ | August 23, 2024 at 02:18 AM

You better be right THIS TIME so I can win some $$$ or somebody in Coral Gables may get a scar! LOL

[86Cane]

Harry Miller does math like Mario takes a knee.

Oh wait...

[86Cane]

I upgraded my Spectrum Cable TV account today to get ACC Network.

Anybody know a better way thatn Cable that is user friendly and you don't need a tech degree to operate that costs less and includes ACC Network?

[Sarasota 'cane]

Anybody know a better way thatn Cable that is user friendly and you don't need a tech degree to operate that costs less and includes ACC Network?

Posted by: 86Cane | August 23, 2024 at 04:06 PM

If I lived in Florida I would get DirecTV Stream with the sports pack. I think it’s around $90-100/month. You get all the NCAA conference channels, plus you get all the major leagues (MLB, NHL, NBA) as well for every team in the state.
Keep your Spectrum internet (unless you have a fiber option). And if you go with DirectTV stream then get the dongle and smart remote for your TV’s. You can load their app on a smart tv, but if you use the DirecTV dongle and remote you have a more seemless and familiar TV experience, plus the voice command is fully integrated for their channels. There’s no surprise billing or weird charges. I think you would like it.
I have YouTube TV which has the ACC Network and is little bit cheaper because I’m in Maryland and do not watch the major league teams in this area.
I almost forgot…GAME DAY!
Go ‘canes!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Soup, I wrote a long post and it disappeared, but you should look at DirecTV Stream. It’s got all the conference channels as well as every major league team in Florida (MLB, NHL, NBA).

Gameday!

Go ‘canes!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Annnnnd my original post is back! LOL!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Man am I out of the loop! I saw 3:30pm and didn’t look at the date! Sorry for the premature Gameday shoutout! Now I gotta wait 7 more days till kickoff.

[DallasTX Cane]

Tech beats FSU on last play FG!

Season already crazy

[HARRY MILLER]

I live in the bay area in California and have Direct TV which has the ACC network with smart remote, All I have to do is push the button and say Miami Hurricanes Football, can't be any simpler then that.

I live 25 minutes fr0m the Cal Bears stadium. If we are undefeated this will be a big game. If someone wants to fly out, I can pick you up at Oakland airport. I also have two bedrooms not in use.

[HARRY MILLER]

86, not that bad at math just can't remember how old I am. Don't forget about that roll of toilet paper. You will be they're someday those birthdays keep coming faster and faster.

[VA Cane]

GT 24 FSWho 21.....GT is tough and physical....really good game from my heritage... old country Ireland!!!!!!

Doing the Defense for Highland Springs HS this year....was DC in 2022....we gave up 4.6 a game over 14 games State Champs we were really good.

Last year I was working nights consulting as an auditor...they changed the D from my schemes....gave up more points but still good, but in State Title game gave up a bunch of passing yards and long runs....that's what playing the same set every play and playing zone instead of man will do to you....

So they asked me come back...I am not working nights so we are going to go back to my schemes...the kids seem much more comfortable in my D....and they are happy I'm back....tough on them but a players coach indeed...love my boys

K'von Wallace Seattle Seahawks runs a camp as he
went to HSHS....played for me as a young kid...then moved north of James River....great camp lotta good kids from VA at it....

So we need to start out right by beating UF....set the tone for this year...a lot of people think we will be good...I hope we will be....1 game at a time fundamentals TEAM not ME!!!!

Harry nice to see you posting here ....how is your family?

ML hope you both are well!!! Prayers for you both hope we are gonna have a good year!
Glad to hear you ditched the condo.....terrible things...glorified apts!!!!!
I just appraised one in Richmond City....nice but 500K.....no thanks bad idea for me as an appraiser!!!!

Sota hope you, daughter, and mom are well!!!

Hope you all are doing well....I have 3 granddaughters 3 7 and 8....they keep me BZ....
Lets go Canes!!!!

What time is the bus leaving Soup? Is it fixed up and shiny?

[X]

Nice post VA C.

[58 Straight]

Harry, no disrespect BUT...California and Oakland are the last places I would ever go. Thank U very much!

[58 Straight]

What time is the bus leaving Soup? Is it fixed up and shiny?

Posted by: VA Cane | August 24, 2024 at 03:42 PM

No bus, no fuss, just WIN baby!

[Sarasota 'cane]

The Coca Cola 400 is crazy! This is like chariot racing at 190mph.

[JCane]

Commanders are gonna do a Sean Taylor statue.

FSU goes down. SMU, with lots of former Canes trying to come back after an awful start vs Nevada, and within 1 week of the only game that matters.

[Old Skool]

Ohhhh Ohhhh Uh Oh

Florida State: The Seminoles’ defensive line was viewed as one of the ACC’s best but did not record a sack and allowed Tech to run at will.

[Old Skool]

Ohhhh Ohhhh Uh Oh

Florida State: The Seminoles’ defensive line was viewed as one of the ACC’s best but did not record a sack and allowed Tech to run at will.

[KYcane]

If someone wants to fly out, I can pick you up at Oakland airport.
Posted by: HARRY MILLER | August 24, 2024 at 03:17 PM

If you ride with Harry, be sure to buckle up!

[MLALUMNI 1970]

VA CANE I ditched my condo and bought a house in Satellite Beach FL. Couldn’t afford it anymore. Maintenance fee was $1400 a month!
I am a widow living on Social Security and a pension.
What is the point spread on the game with Florida? Who is favored??
GO CANES

[VA Cane]

I cringed watch College Game Day.....Pat The Idiot McAfee sitting next to an all time great in Nick Saban...blasphemy.....I cannot watch PM....he's loud arrogant he's a fake. Just do not need him on tv Sat am my fav time....et good breakfast good coffee and get ready for College Football. Guess I will have to suffer!!!!

FSU got run on big time. I think it just goes to show you cannot really predict CFB...pros its down to a few decent teams....my pro season is already over as I am a Raider fan....since 65 or so....

I am excited about this season but cautiously optimistic...I hope we are going to have a breakout year...do not see title but I think CMC needs to have a big season to get us started back toward the top....been a long time coming for me....Fiasco in Fiesta is my starting point....been a while folks but you dance with the gal you brought to the dance....I started dancing with The canes in 72 or so...my aunt and uncle lived in Miami....Canes fans Fins fans....Fins were great...to say the least....Canes not so great...but loved OB games...lotta fun!

So its time to get rolling its here....like Al Davis said....Just Win Baby...

[VA Cane]

KY I love seeing that dumpster fire....a classic avatar.....hopefully the Canes will put the dumpster fire out.....instead of throwing some old tires and a couple of drums of gasoline into it!!!!

[TJL]

Mario says they hired a 'time management" coach but wouldn't name him- Good!

[KYcane]

Posted by: VA Cane | August 26, 2024 at 10:20 AM

Just for you my friend

[86Cane]

Mario says they hired a 'time management" coach but wouldn't name him- Good!

Posted by: TJL | August 26, 2024 at 03:52 PM

You called Sir?

[MLALUMNI 1970]

VA——I started dancing with the Canes, in 1966, when I was a freshman . They were not good but I love my school, then and now and always.

[MLALUMNI 1970]

I forgot. Who’s favored and what’s the line on Saturday at 3:30 on ABC?

[Old Skool]

SI's key to the game if the Gata want to beat the Canes

make every snap an adventure. Originally listed at six-foot-two, the blitzers will clog up the gaps. Ward would prefer to take a deeper drop after the first time he hits the ground. That actually favors Florida. Offensive linemen will not account for everyone.

By sliding too far back, even if Ward chooses to run, he will need to break a tackle just to get back to the original line of scrimmage. Moreover, that pressure will bait Ward into poor throws. Despite his production and athleticism, Cam Ward will make mistakes that could cost his team games. He had seven interceptions against 25 touchdowns last year at Washington State.

[58 Straight]

Who’s favored and what’s the line on Saturday at 3:30 on ABC?

Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | August 27, 2024 at 11:57 AM

Gators are favored by 4.5 points.

[JCane]

Mike Harley Jr. released by the Fins today.

Lots of verbal commits to other schools, like Dallas Wilson and DJ Pickett, will be at the Swamp for the game this weekend. A huge opening win could pay divvies for this and future seasons.

[Old Skool]

Leonard Taylor is officially a Jet. The UFA survived the cuts

[orange 'n green in the vein]

GT will be a tough game again this year.

Felonious sexual assault university may not figure it out in time to have a decent season as BC won't flinch against them either.

Basketball team has a chance to hang some banners on the wall again. Will Miami even recognize playoff era seeds earned by the football program?

I like UF to stick around for a half, but superior roster depth and rushing attack will lean on the clock in the second half for UM which probably wins this one comfortably. Napier needs this one as badly as any guy in his job has in a generation though, so you never can tell in week one.

[Old Skool]

Kam Kinchens and Javion Cohen will also be getting NFL paychecks this year

[MLALUMNI 1970]

Thanks 58 STRAIGHT for the update. Makes sense that the Gators are favored. But we always have a chance. We are MIAMI HURRICANES!
Thank you for all the support and prayers for my Richard. He’s dying and my heart is broken. 40 years together and we went to a few Miami games . The most exciting was in Syracuse, with Ken Dorsey at the helm. Magical.
I have to find the paper that was signed by every Miami Hurricane. I even got in to the breakfast room. Larry Coker let me in . My Richard and I loved it.
Beat those damn Gators on Saturday.💚🧡🟩🟧

[58 Straight]

NEW BLOG IS UP!