Former Miami Center Explains Why The Hurricanes O-Line Is In Great Shape For 2024
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In his one season at center for the Miami Hurricanes, Matt Lee earned a top four pass-blocking grade in America.
Pro Football Focus graded the former UCF Knight at an elite 89.1 in that category. Lee is headed to the NFL. So is Miami's starting left guard Javion Cohen, who also had a tremendous 2023 season in Coral Gables. Will the Hurricanes be able to fill their shoes and build a cohesive offensive line in 2024?
"They're gonna be good," said Lee. "And that starts with (OL Coach Alex) Mirabal. He's gonna have his guys prepared to go, and I know that for a fact. You've got (starting left tackle) Jalen Rivers out there to be the experienced leader from a mental and physical standpoint. He's been around a long time and played a lot of football. You've got Coop (Anez Cooper) coming back and CiCi (Francis Mauigoa) coming back. All three guys that are really good football players. Coop is gonna take a big step. CiCi from year one to year two is probably gonna take an even bigger step."
Lee also commented on the two open spots, with him leaving the center job behind and Cohen leaving an opening at left guard.
The Hurricanes added graduate transfer center Zach Carpenter from Indiana. "I've heard good things about him from players and coaches," Lee said. "He should do a good job holding it down." Lee said he's spoken to Carpenter briefly but hasn't had a chance to sit down with him just yet.
Lee isn't sure who will win Cohen's guard job. "There's several guys that I think could slide into that spot," he said.
He was asked specifically about Samson Okunlola. The second year, former five star recruit, has been getting some work in at left guard in practice. Okunlola was a standout offensive tackle in high school. Can he move inside to guard if necessary?
"He can play guard. Body type is always subjective. Samson is 6-5 or 6-6 around 320 lbs. It's perfectly fine to play tackle or guard. He could probably even play center with his long arms. He's got quick feet and he moves well in a small area. He's a big, imposing guy but he moves around like a guy who might be able to play smaller and lighter. I absolutely think he can play guard, yeah."
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