Richt pleased with O-line depth

CORAL GABLES – The Hurricanes have, for a little bit now, worked with a starting offensive line they believe will be effective when Miami opens the season on Sept. 2 against Bethune-Cookman University at Hard Rock Stadium.

What’s been a bit of a mystery for most of camp has been who will play behind the projected starters, which include LT , LG ,C

,RG

Gauthier Louis. Kc McDermott Trevor Darling Tyler Navaughn Donaldson Tyree St. Next game: Mark Richt

and RT Hurricanes coach shed a little bit of light on the situation Monday, noting that

Hayden Mahoney, George Brown, Jahair Jones, Corey Gaynor KaiLeon Herbert

and have made a push to earn spots in the rotation.

Gaynor, in particular, has collected reps as both the back-up center behind Gauthier and has spent time at guard while Mahoney has dealt with an injury.

While the progress from that group has been encouraging, Richt says all of Miami’s reserve offensive linemen need to continue improving.

“We’re close to having … I wouldn’t say 10 guys, but if everybody came through, we have 10 guys that can physically do it,” Richt said after Miami wrapped up a shortened practice on the first day of classes.

McDermott, meanwhile, was held out of practice Monday to rest his foot after it was stepped on during practice.

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