Irvin could add tight end depth

CORAL GABLES – For two years, David Njoku was a reliable, steady force for the Hurricanes at tight end.

After his departure for the NFL, No. 18 Miami has had to deal with a lack of depth at the position, one that Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said could affect how his offense performs.

Senior Chris Herndon projects as the starting tight end and has earned praise from teammates and coaches throughout camp for his work ethic, skill set and consistency. Behind him, though, there have been questions, especially with former St. Thomas Aquinas standout Michael Irvin II missing time early in camp with dehydration issues.

That said, Richt on Monday told WQAM’s Joe Rose that Irvin has been making progress. Now, Miami needs him to find consistency.

“I really felt like Michael Irvin II picked up the pace and showed some signs of life, that hey, I might can trust this kid in games,” Richt said on the radio. “I was thinking about, I’m going from three receivers and a tight end to four receivers if Herndon needs a rest. … But I’m starting to gain more confidence in Michael.”

Irvin, a sophomore, played in six games for the Hurricanes last year, mostly on special teams.

WR Ahmmon Richards, who is dealing with a pulled hamstring, does not appeared to have participated fully in Tuesday’s practice.

Next game: Bethune-Cookman at No. 18 Miami, Sept. 2, 12:30 p.m., ACC Regional Sports Network

Christy Cabrera Chirinos