What Should Miami Hurricanes Fans Expect in 2023?
Article photo of Miami linebacker Wesley Bissainthe; photo credit to Brian Smith of All Hurricanes.
What should Miami Hurricanes fans expect with the 2023 football team, based on the talent returning and what’s been added to the roster?
The following questions help to paint a picture of what’s next for the Canes, based on spring practices, the spring game, and intel. Speaking of what's next, Miami fans have a chance to predict the 2023 record for the Canes:
Biggest Assets?
Having an experienced and talented quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke. Very few teams possess a quarterback with his knowledge and skill. He should have a fantastic 2023 season.
There’s also a considerable amount of offensive line improvement, i.e. more talent and more size. Adding Javion Cohen (Alabama) and Matt Lee (UCF) from the Transfer Portal was fantastic for Mario Cristobal and Miami.
On defense, there will be several players with natural pass rushing ability along the defensive line. Miami will have a legitmate shot to finish in the top 10 in sacks as a team. Look for Akheem Mesidor, among others, to push for double digits in sacks as well.
Of course the backend of the defense will be patrolled by two elite safeties in Kamren Kinchens and James Williams. That’s as good as it gets for any team in college football. That duo will help Miami win football games with big plays.
Biggest Concerns?
Just not enough depth at several positions. The roster has seen an enormous amount of turnover in the last year, and that’s just not something even the Transfer Portal and top-notch recruiting can likely fix in one season. That leads to the following concern as a sub point.
Point blank, Miami needs a lot of luck with injuries in 2023. They deserve it after all the bad luck with injuries last fall.
Biggest Statistical Improvement?
Red zone efficiency will vastly improve. Miami was ranked 101 from 131 FBS teams in touchdown percentage inside the red zone last season. With new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson being on the same page with Van Dyke, plus some big-play skill players, that statistic will see major improvement and should finish in the top 30 nationally.
More: 2023 Miami Football Schedule
Position That Improves The Most?
Offensive Line, as noted above. Cristobal has discussed having the wrong body types last season, and that’s been addressed quite well. The running game will benefit the most, but the passing game will certainly look sharper, too.
Miami only averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season. Look for that number to go up over 4.5 yards per carry this year.
Mr. Reliable?
That's slot receiver Xavier Restrepo. Few players in college football have possessed his guts and consistency during the past couple of seasons. That's going to continue in 2023. Restrepo should surpass 50 receptions this fall.
Breakout Players?
Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. For anyone that’s been around this young man, he’s the kind of guy a person would want in the foxhole when things go down. He’s as talented as it gets, but Bissainthe has also proven to be a dedicated player with conditioning and learning his craft. Those categories were just as important as being a naturally elite talent.
On offense, 6-foot-4 and 215-pound wide receiver Colbie Young will make even more plays out wide, too. Look for him to have a great season and then head off to the NFL.
How will Miami Replace Will Mallory?
It's never easy losing NFL talent, but Miami will have Jaleel Skinner and Elijah Arroyo returning, Oregon transfer Can McCormick, plus early enrollee freshmen such as Jackson Carver and Riley Williams.
Which Freshmen Make Impacts?
There will be several that hit the field, and that list could grow to 10 or more players all told. Among them, hard to not see Rueben Bain and Jayden Wayne helping at defensive end, as well as Mark Fletcher and Chris Johnson contributing at running back.
Do not forget about big and talented offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. He was starting at right tackle during spring ball. Fellow freshman Samson Okunlola could see considerable action as well.
At some point, one or both of Robby Washington and Nathaniel Joseph should make impacts as receivers and/or return men. Both of them have shown elite playmaking ability as early enrollees.
Safety Kaleb Spencer impressed during spring ball, and linebacker Raul Aguirre (or another freshman) should have a chance to at least help in specific defensive packages.
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