Who Will Be Miami's Comeback Player Of The Year In 2024? | Donno Mailbag
Miami will be getting some key reinforcements back into the field next season.
Let's dive in! To take part in a future mailbag, email questions to LockedOnCanes@gmail.com.
Q: We had several players either out for the year or injured along the way. Who do you have as key players to watch as come backs and have a great year? -Poncy
A: There are several candidates here but two from the defensive line jump out to me immediately: Akheem Mesidor and Nyjalik Kelly. Mesidor was one of Miami's most productive players in 2022, recording 38 tackles, 7 sacks and a forced fumble. He missed the majority of last season and appears on track to go full speed ahead in 2024. I can see Akheem starting at defensive end opposite Rueben Bain.
Kelly also missed the majority of the 2023 season. He shined brightly as a true freshman in 2022 with 4 sacks. He has elite strength and bend at 6-5, 250 lbs.
Tight end Elijah Arroyo is another prime candidate for a sensational comeback. He's battled knee injuries for the past two seasons. He could be Miami's starting tight end if he returns to full fitness. Arroyo is well-rounded as a blocker and pass-catcher.
Running back TreVonte' Citizen will be another player to watch. He's missed the entirety of his first two seasons at Miami due to a severe knee injury. If Citizen, a former four star recruit, can carve out consistent carries next season, he'll be a candidate for comeback of the century.
Offensive lineman Samson Okunlola, a five star recruit in 2023, missed most of last season with injury and could be a key rotational tackle in 2024.
Q: Do you think that (OC Shannon Dawson) has the most pressure this season, with Cam Ward as the QB, to not make him look average and to put him in good situations to become the 1st round pick he wants to be?
A: That's one way to look at it. If Ward has a difficult year for whatever reason, people would be quick to blame Dawson, since Ward has lit it up at his two previous schools.
I look at it differently, though. Having a quarterback like Ward can take pressure away from Dawson and help him look like a genius. Ward has a rare ability to extend plays, manipulate the pocket, and throw accurately deep down the field. His ability to run gives Dawson infinite options on third and fourth down.
So far, Ward is conducting himself like an NFL quarterback at Miami. He's business-like in his approach to team building and offseason workouts. Ward is motivated to improve his NFL Draft stock for next year while having one final, hopefully special, collegiate season with Miami.
More: Miami Spring Football Preview: Who And What Are We Most Excited To See?
