Miami Hurricanes Transfer Portal Impact?
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The Miami Hurricanes start off the 2023 season at Hard Rock Stadium versus the Miami RedHawks. It’s a chance for 15 Transfer Portal players to make noise.
Which players actually do it? Here are five questions and predictions about the Canes transfers.
1) Biggest impact versus Miami of Ohio?
That question could be asked in every UM game this season and the answer would likely be the same. Center Matt Lee. It just cannot be stated enough how important it is to have a future NFL center snapping to quarterback Tyler Van Dyke.
Just watch, the Hurricanes ground attack will be more consistent with Lee making calls up front. Same deal with keeping Van Dyke from being hit as often.
2) Can defensive tackle Branson Deen be a big-time performer?
Playing next to Leonard Tayler III, Deen will see a lot of one-on-one pass blocking and run blocking. He must be impactful from the outset of the 2023 season and not let up. With 8 career sacks and 16 career tackles for loss, the 6-foot-2 and 280-pound interior defender will have ample opportunities.
Against Miami of Ohio, it's hard to imagine Deen not being impactful. He probably possesses more talent than the players from Miami of Ohio playing offensive line, and he’s a veteran. If he does not consistently flash against the RedHawks, it’s not a good sign before the Canes take on Texas A&M (Sep. 9). Look for him to be a part of several stops near the line of scrimmage.
3) Can Davonte Brown be a lockdown corner?
No doubt, Brown is beginning his Miami career with high expectations. A three-year starter for UCF, Brown’s length and athleticism are notable. It’s his experience and ability to play man or zone that’s just as important, however.
The RedHawks will probably start three wide receivers that are either a senior, fifth-year senior, or even a 6th-year senior. None of them are necessarily dominant, but they will be savvy. Look for Brown to match their ability to run routes and be quite effective if Brett Gabbert throws 50-50 balls in Brown’s direction.
4) Ready to be the man in the middle?
Do not forget about Francisco Mauigoa. The Washington State transfer will be Miami’s best linebacker this season when considering his ability to bring down ball carriers and also make key adjustments within the front seven.
Against a Miami of Ohio team with a veteran quarterback and receivers, that second point about Mauigoa will be of special importance on Sep. 1. The RedHawks will probably move the ball at times; cannot allow them any free yardage by way of mental errors as well. That’s where Mauigoa makes his impact as much – and probably more – than with his tackling numbers by game's end.
5) Canes go deep?
Will Tyler Harrell catch a deep pass from Van Dyke? Even if Miami goes up top and it’s a miss, as long as the Miami receiver beats the Miami of Ohio defensive back by running by him, that also makes an impact because it shows what Harrell's speed can do.
Just catching a few passes underneath and not catching a bomb, Harrell is likely to contribute to Miami's passing game. Cannot teach speed or experience. Miami’s wide receiver room is in a much better place now than it was one year ago, and Harrell is a part of that equation.
Overall, several other Miami Transfer Portal additions could help during Game 1. There's running back Ajay Allen and cornerback Jadais Richard, among others. It's a really talented group overall. Look for Miami's performance to be greatly impacted by the Portal.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.
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