Aggies vs. Miami Hurricanes: Offensive Players to Watch
Head coach Mario Cristobal's return to the program didn't go as planned in pretty much every aspect of the season. Injuries plagued quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and tackle Zion Nelson all season while former offensive coordinator Josh Gattis' scheme never caught on in Miami.
But 2023 is a new season that brings new faces to the program. Gattis was fired after just one campaign and Miami hopes to have a fully healthy Van Dyke under center. Cristobal has quietly put together what could be one of the best offensive lines in the country - hopefully, anchored by a healthy Nelson - that includes an influx of talent from the transfer portal.
Even with a healthy signal-caller and stout offensive line, the lone weakness on this offense might be pass-catchers. But new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson brings the Air Raid offense with him that can make stars of quarterbacks and wideouts alike.
Just two seasons ago, Van Dyke threw for 2,931 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading him to the ACC Rookie of the Year, and he should flourish in Dawson's offense.
QB Tyler Van Dyke
Van Dyke had a stellar 2021 campaign that saw him complete 62.3 percent of his passes and threw for 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions. An injury slowed him down in 2022 but he still managed a 63.2 completion percentage with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, totaling 1,844 yards through the air. A change of offensive scheme to the Air Raid should suit the fourth-year junior just fine playing down south.
T Zion Nelson
At 6-5, 316 pounds, Nelson is a beast on the offensive line. The fourth-year junior dealt with an injury last season but should be fully healthy for the 2023 campaign, and that'll cause problems for opposing defenses up front.
TE Will Mallory
Mallory was the Canes' leading receiver last season, registering 42 catches for 538 yards and three touchdowns. Miami struggled at the wideout position in 2022, and Mallory picked up the slack from the tight end position. With his pass-catching ability and the Hurricanes' new offensive scheme, Mallory could have a big season in 2023.
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