Miami Hurricanes Freshmen Making Impact
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When Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes brought in the 2023 recruiting class, high expectations came with it. So far, it’s hard to go against the lofty rankings considering what's already happening.
Miami still has a shot at winning the ACC. If some of the following freshmen continue to play well, winning the ACC is a realistic goal. Further, there could even be other freshmen that step up for the Hurricanes.
Here’s a look at some of the freshmen Canes that began to showcase their skills. No question, the future is bright.
Reuben Bain, Jr., Defensive Line
Where to start? Grading at 90.9, per Pro Football Focus, from his Clemson performance, Bain is playing as well as any freshman in the country. The statistics from that game include 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
What’s incredible about Bain is that he’s actually doing it from multiple positions. Within Lance Guidry’s scheme, Bain moves to a standup role sometimes, as well as his traditional 3-point stance as a defensive end. He’s also been at the nose position before. Regardless, Bain is flourishing no matter where Guidry wants him to play.
That’s rare for an upperclassman to be successful, let alone a true freshman in college.
Francisco Mauigoa, Right Tackle
Boom! Pow!
Freshman Mauigoa with the boom! pic.twitter.com/rMFDFGKSzK
— Rich (@rchyfletcher) October 24, 2023
Yes, Mauigoa overpowers most players he goes against. His brawn is too much for even older and more experienced players like Clemson’s Barrett Carter, a soon-to-be NFL linebacker, who’s being walloped in the video above. That’s not all.
Mauigoa does well in space during screens. How many 340-plus-pound offensive tackles can make that claim? The future is really bright for the former IMG Academy star.
Emory Williams, Quarterback
After barely seeing the field, could you name a freshman quarterback that’s hit the ground running as Williams did versus Clemson? A first start, against the Tigers, and he leads the Hurricanes to victory! That’s a Hollywood script!
For the contest, Williams goes 24 of 33, 72.7%, 4.6 per attempt, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Considering how well Williams threw the ball during the second half, he seems to be quite comfortable for a freshman. It’s just incredible.
Hard not to see Williams as the future signal caller for the Hurricanes.
Mark Fletcher, Jr., Running Back
A true between-the-tackles runner who’s also capable of bouncing a play to the outside and going the distance, Fletcher is making his presence felt in a deep and talented Miami running back room.
He’s on the mend at the moment, but Fletcher has 24 carries, 133 yards, 5.5 yards per tote, and 1 touchdown. Look for Fletcher’s role to increase down the stretch, and do not be surprised if he’s a primary ball carrier during any given game for the Canes.
Nathaniel Ray Ray Joseph, Wide Receiver
There are flashes where one can see Ray Ray’s incredible burst. When he catches the football in stride, look out! Also an impressive punt returner, Miami has yet another young weapon to beat opposing teams with.
Finding more ways to place Joseph on the field – even with Xavier Restrepo and/or Brashard Smith also in the lineup – is something that could happen during the latter portion of the 2023 season. That’s a lot of speed for an opposing defense to take on.
Damari Brown, Cornerback
One can argue that Brown’s development is vital to the future of the Miami program. Miami’s cornerback position needs more consistency during pure man-to-man situations. Brown has the size and speed to be a player to help the cause.
He’s seeing time during ACC games. Now let us see if this young man from American Heritage can take the next step and be a focal point of the defense.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.
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