Coach: Transfers part of process
CORAL GABLES– Miami Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz, on the Joe Rose Show on 560-AM Monday morning, addressed two recent transfers in the secondary that left the program last week in defensive backs Derrick Smith, a junior safety, and redshirt freshman cornerback Nigel Bethel.
“We said this going in — that we were going to make competition king again here in our facility and on Greentree Practice Field,” Diaz said. “By nature, if it’s a competition, not everyone can win. Different guys want to leave for different reasons, so we wish them well, but we move on with what we’ve got.”
Smith and Bethel transferring out leaves the Hurricanes with five scholarship players at both safety and cornerback — with the ability to play strikers Romeo Finley or Gilbert Frierson, technically, in the secondary.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker said on Monday he feels comfortable with UM’s depth on the back end.
“I think it’s next-man-up mentality, and I think our guys that have been called upon to answer the bell have done that,” Baker said.
“I think, when you look across the board, there’s going to be some young guys that we were counting on when you talk about [freshman cornerback] Te’Cory Couch. I think he’s come in every single day and proved his worth to play well within our scheme. [Freshman safety] Keontra Smtih is another young guy, and hopefully with [redshirt sophomore safety and USC transfer] Bubba Bolden, as well. He’s really, really smart. He’s done a great job of answering the call. I feel good about where we’re at from a depth standpoint defensive back.” at
Depth chart notes: Miami’s opening depth chart of the season was released without many surprises.
Of note, freshman Zion Nelson did indeed win the starting left tackle job after working there with the first unit since the end of spring and through fall camp. The right tackle competition was won by redshirt freshman John Campbell. KaiLeon Herbert, who was competing with Campbell there, is behind Nelson at left tackle.
“John is a guy that has just gotten better and better,” Diaz said of Campbell. He also noted that the second scrimmage was where he took a step up.
The backup quarterback job remains up for grabs between Tate Martell and N’Kosi Perry. Al Blades Jr. and DJ Ivey are still competing for the starting cornerback spot opposite of Trajan Bandy, but defensive coordinator has previously said that in nickel packages he can envision Blades and Ivey on the field on the outside with Bandy defending the slot.
The three starting receivers are K.J. Osborn and Jeff Thomas on the outside and Mike Harley in the slot. Thomas is also listed atop the depth chart at both kick returner and punt returner.
Monday morning quarterback: Diaz was also asked about reports of quarterback Martell working out at wide receiver in practice.
“No, right now, we’re trying to figure out who our second-string quarterback is,” Diaz said on the radio.
Offensive coordinator Dan Enos touched on the idea of using Martell — or any other player on offense — in imaginative ways.
“Really, that’s every guy on our offense. We’re always constantly looking for ways to improve and find playmakers,” Enos said. “Certainly Tate right now is a battle with N’Kosi to be the backup, and if there are ways N’Kosi and Tate can help our football team going forward, we’ll certainly investigate those avenues. “
Diaz noted that having Williams set as the starting quarterback has had a “calming effect” on the entire team.
He said Enos does a great job of “creating offense that’s friendly for the quarterback,” and that will be key for Miami in getting Williams comfortable for his first start against Florida.
Diaz said of offensive players’ excitement over Enos’ play-calling: “They can see the plays that are available and they can see the problems that it causes for a defense.”
With Williams set to make his first start, he will have a true freshman protecting his blind side in Nelson.
“To me, just go play. Because all of that is just going to create external pressure,” Diaz said. “We had a competition, and what class you were and what grade you were didn’t matter. These were our best guys.”