Miami's Offensive Line is Still Very Much a Work in Progress

The University of Miami had one of the worst offensive lines among Power 5 schools last year and it's not much better right now

CORAL GABLES – Miami’s offensive line was one of the team’s biggest problems in 2019. There’s no delicate way to summarize their disappointing performance. The Canes ranked 55th in run blocking and 55th in pass blocking among 64 Power 5 schools, according to Pro Football Focus. 

The mainstays in the offensive line through the first few practices have been junior center Corey Gaynor and junior right guard D.J. Scaife. Everything else is a question mark, according to offensive line coach Garin Justice said.

“It’s hard to say Gaynor or Scaife won’t be in the mix,” Justice said, “but other than that we’ve got a lot of guys playing different spots trying to figure out what our best combination is.”

Sophomore John Campbell is getting an extended look at starting left tackle. Sophomore Ousman Traore, sophomore Zion Nelson and sophomore Jakai Clark have gotten a look with the starters at left guard, and junior Kai-Leon Herbert and senior Jarrid Williams have taken first-team repetitions at right tackle.

Justice is maintaining a positive outlook but he’s still shuffling offensive linemen largely because Miami only completed four of its allotted 15 spring practices before things were shut down by the threat of COVID-19.

Agile quarterback D’Eriq King, the transfer from Houston, should take pressure off the offensive line because he’s able to buy himself time or gain yards with his feet. But King will struggle if he doesn’t get a competent performance from his line.

As usual in the Atlantic Coast Conference, there’s a steady line of top-notch defensive linemen waiting to demoralize UM’s offensive line. Among the possible first-round picks Canes can expect to see this season are Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas, Wake Forest defensive end Carlos Basham and Pittsburgh defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman. And keep an eye on Florida State defensive tackle Cory Durden, who could sneak into the first round.

Facing such top-notch talent – Miami faces Wilson (Sept. 26), Thomas (Oct. 10) and Twyman (Oct. 17) back-to-back-to-back in games 3-5. That will put lots of pressure on Miami’s offensive line in all aspects ranging from one-on-one blocking to double teams to communication on twists and stunts.

It’ll likely be a struggle. But Justice thinks his offensive line has good traits to build upon.

“I’m really, really impressed with our athleticism,” Justice said, adding his guys are good with their feet. “We can run really well. We’re still learning how to play in a lot of ways. They’re still growing up and they’re growing up in front of everyone’s eyes in a good way.

“But as far as the talent, the ability, the athleticism, it’s all there.”

Apparently, so it the spirit.

“No offensive linemen left so it’s just all about spending time together and fighting for your brother,” Gaynor said.