Chalupa Batman's Take: Miami's Unsung Heroes for 2023
Article photo of Miami safety Markeith Williams; credit to Brian Smith
Miami superfan Corey Carmona, also known as Chalupa Batman on Twitter, has shown a unique perspective about his beloved Miami Hurricanes. The following represented some of his thoughts about top Canes for this upcoming season:
The Miami Hurricanes are heading into year two of the Mario Cristobal era.
While last year's 5-7 season was a letdown, the addition of a top-five recruiting class combined with veteran talent and leadership from the Transfer Portal has helped the Canes be poised for a bounce-back year in the ACC.
The Hurricanes will need their top guys to step up for that to happen in 2023. I wanted to take a look at some players that might be unsung heroes when the season is over and we look back on it.
Matt Lee, Center - Transfer from the UCF Knights (2023)
The addition of the three-year starter and two-time All-ACC selection Center Matt Lee stabilized the Miami offensive line and gave them much-needed experience and leadership.
Pro Football Focus gave Lee a 90.6 grade for pass blocking and 80.6 for run blocking, but what cannot be measured is his impact on the younger offensive lineman and the offense as a complete unit.
Lee gives the Canes a second quarterback, or a second coach on the field, if one will. He’s someone who's going to make sure the guys up front understand their assignments and the ability to help the quarterbacks with protection calls is something that can't be measured or cataloged on a stat sheet but is vital to the success of any offense.
Ahmad Moten, Defensive Tackle
Moten is coming off a productive Spring where he’s looked like he’s taken the next step at defensive tackle for the Canes. In 2022, the Hurricanes allowed 142.9 yards on the ground per game which ranked 55th in the country. That’s where a talented and big defensive tackle like Moten comes into the equation to change the trend.
Moten has shown an ability to stuff the run and eat up blocks this spring, something the Canes need if they plan on competing in the ACC in 2023.
His ability to eat up space and occupy blocks will allow the linebackers to be more effective against the run, as well as allow the edge rushers to have one on one opportunities on passing downs. Because of his all-around skill set, Moten should become a key piece of the defense this next fall.
Henry Parrish, Jr., Running Back - Transfer from the Ole Miss Rebels (2022)
Parrish is coming off his first year as a Cane after transferring from Ole Miss. He was the most consistent running back for Miami in 2022. He led the team in carries as well as yards with 128 and 604 respectively. Parrish also added four touchdown runs as well. Based on the following photo, Parrish has also continued to improve his overall strength and frame.
Parrish is now the veteran in the backfield and looks to be a good fit for new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawon’s offensive scheme. His ability to be an effective receiver out of the backfield is something Miami did not utilize enough of last year, but do note that Dawson has shown the propensity to throw to his backs in the past.
I expect Parrish to be more involved in the passing game this year. Additionally, his ability to pick up blitzes in pass protection will make him pivotal to the offense in 2023, especially on 3rd downs.
Markeith Williams, Safety
Entering his redshirt freshman season, Williams is a guy who stepped up tremendously in the spring culminating in a good showing in the Spring Game. Markeith has all of the tools you’d want from a safety, length, speed, ball skills, and physicality.
With James Williams missing most of the spring due to recovering from injury, he saw himself practicing with the starters and more than held his own. His ability to cover the deep third as well as provide run support will earn him plenty of playing time this year for the Canes. New defensive coordinator Lance Guidry plays an aggressive style of defense. I believe Williams fits that philosophy to the tee and will thrive in Guidry’s scheme.
Jaden Davis, Cornerback - Transfer from the Oklahoma Sooners (2023)
While Davis is one of the newest additions to the Canes secondary, I think he will play a pivotal role in 2023.
Davis comes to Miami with a ton of experience, starting 22 games for the Oklahoma Sooners and appearing in 47. His experience in the pass-happy Big-12 will be a big help to the younger defensive backs on the roster as Jaden has seen a lot of football and that experience is invaluable.
He’s a physical cornerback that gives Miami some much-needed versatility in the secondary. Coach Guidry has the option of playing Davis on the outside, at nickel, safety, or the star position. This versatility is why I believe Davis was a good pick-up for the Canes in the Portal.
While he might not have impressive stats at the end of the season, his ability to be effective at multiple positions will allow Miami to mix and match personnel groupings to give opposing offenses a variety of looks.
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