Scouting Miami of Ohio: Three Players to Watch
Article photo of Miami Redhawks Quarterback Brett Gabbert; credit Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Redhawks will be looking for their claim to be the real Miami. Miami of Ohio will have to prove it on the Hurricanes' home field at Hard Rock Stadium on Sep. 1 when the 2023 college football season kicks off.
The Redhawks are coming off a season similar to the Hurricanes. Both programs finished below a .500 winning percentage and were riddled with injuries. Both teams enter the year with heightened expectations. Week one proves to be a pivotal week for the Redhawks, for they will be looking to start their season with a Power Five win and reset the Hurricane hype train for 2023.
While the Hurricanes will likely handle the Redhawks, they shouldn't be taken lightly. These are three Redhawks who have the potential to be game wreckers not only against Miami but throughout the course of the season.
QB Aevon Smith or Brett Gabbert
Redhawk quarterbacks Aveon Smith and Brett Gabbert have split the signal-calling duties for the last two seasons in large part due to Gabbert's injuries. Gabbert, the younger brother of NFL quarterback and Texas Longhorn Blaine Gabbert, had an impressive 2019 (FR) and 2021 (SO) campaign, throwing for over 2,000 yards in each season. His most productive came in 2021 when he added 26 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.
In 2022, Gabbert dealt with injuries going back to when he was knocked out of the game in week one against Kentucky. He only played in four games, leaving the majority of the duties to the dual-threat Smith.
Smith is a talented sophomore who is very similar to Miami quarterback Jacurri Brown. Smith is a fluid runner with the ball, but his abilities as a passer are still a work in progress. Smith told the Journal News he felt like he got better at throwing the ball out of the pocket.
Gabbert is the favorite to win the job considering he has been the starter since 2019. Smith very well might see the field, but Gabbert's true passing abilities could test Miami's new-look cornerback rotation.
WR Miles Marshall
Miles Marshall transferred to UM-Ohio after four years with the Indiana Hoosiers. In 2022, Marshall was the No. 2 wide receiver behind Mac Hippenheimer who is now in the NFL. Marshall led his team in yards per catch (min. 10 catches) last season with 16.3 yards per catch and added two touchdowns.
Marshall is a large wideout that could pose problems for defensive backs split out wide. His 6'4, 212-pound frame is a reason why he figures to be a red zone threat for the Redhawks. Miami doesn't quite have a cornerback that can match his size, but it would be a safe bet to imagine the safeties will key in on Marshall.
DE Brian Ugwu
Brian Ugwu could be the most athletic defensive end the Redhawks have at their disposal. Ugwu finished second in sacks with five behind Corey Suttle's six. Ugwu's size is that of a compact edge rusher. He carries his 6'3, 250-pound frame like a tight end.
He's not the most powerful defensive lineman on his team, but he's certainly the quickest. Ugwu could be a good challenge for Francis Mauigoa should he line up primarily across from the true freshman.
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