The Competition From Miami's Fall Camp: Are You Surprised?
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Article photo of Miami center Matt Lee; credit Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.
Looking at how the Miami Hurricanes fall camp has already begun to take shape, there certainly have been some surprises from the players that took reps with first and/or second team units.
Sure, each fall camp has surprises. That's nothing new, but this fall camp has truly taken the cake. Did anyone see this coming? For at least some of these players, I sure didn't.
That’s why this article is all about wondering what could happen moving forward. Which player or players jumps out and starts that maybe wasn’t even on the short list to do so prior to fall camp? The Hurricanes depth chart sure seems to be in flux...
Along the same lines, which first-year Hurricane makes the biggest impact from the Transfer Portal or the recruiting ranks?
Which Miami #transferportal addition or #recruit makes the biggest impact for #TheU?
— All Hurricanes (@AllHurricanes) August 15, 2023
***Just taking a look at which players I originally believed would be impact performers, I felt really good about freshman running back Mark Fletcher. I knew that the former South Florida recruit would be good enough to play early because he came from a top-notch prep program in American Heritage, possessed natural every-down running back size, and he’s a big-time competitor.
Fletcher was going to come in and work; I never doubted that. After his fall camp performance thus far, it is hard to imagine that Fletcher will not be a major part of the running back rotation.
***Continuing with the player theme, look for cornerback Jadais Richard to now be another prominent player that some folks may not have counted on prior to August.
I’ll admit that I had very little information about him prior to learning more after fall camp began, and I doubt I’m alone. That said, there’s been too much buzz for him not to at least be a contributor. In particular, Alex Donno has been quite high on Richard and he’s been to multiple practices. That’s a great sign.
***Do not discount Francis Mauigoa because he’s a true freshman. He’s a special player. Just wait until you see him perform throughout the season. He’ll make mistakes, sure, but he’s going to earn his starting spot.
***Hard to say when, but freshman slot receiver Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph is going to make some huge plays this fall. Mark that down.
***From limited action with Nebraska, running back Ajay Allen looked like a talented player. Him ripping off two long runs during CanesFest also showcased what he could do in front of a crowd. Time to consider him an option as a key running back this fall.
***Projecting the most important Transfer Portal addition or recruit, it would still be Matt Lee for all the reasons that were presented within the Countdown to Canes Football list.
He’s the man most responsible for keeping quarterback Tyler Van Dyke healthy by way of making the line calls. Look for Lee to challenge for postseason honors. He’s going to be a big part of this Miami team on and off the gridiron.
This list could carry on for a long time. Each person should be entitled to his or her opinion about which Cane jumps to the forefront of the depth chart and helps Miami wins games.
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