Diaz: Dinged-up DBs practicing

After Wednesday’s practice, Miami Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz gave updates on the statuses of starting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and starting safety James Williams, both of whom were seen wearing red noncontact jerseys during Tuesday’s practice, ahead of Saturday’s road game against Florida State.

“They’re both fine,” Diaz said. “That was just your normal bumps and bruises after the game. Both guys practiced fully [Tuesday] and they practiced fully [Wednesday].”

Stevenson, a third-year sophomore who transferred from Georgia during the offseason, has been Miami’s top cornerback and has the majority of snaps in each game this season, recording 34 tackles (21 solo), five pass breakups, 2 ½ tackles for loss and one interception.

Williams, a true freshman out of American Heritage in Plantation, has started in six of nine games for UM, recording 28 tackles (19 solo) and two interceptions.

It isn’t known if either player will be limited against the Seminoles in Tallahassee.

If Stevenson’s limited, the Hurricanes would likely rely more on a combination of Marcus Clarke’ Te’Cory Couch and DJ Ivey, while Avantae Williams is the primary backup safety behind James Williams and Kam Kinchens.

Second-year freshman Isaiah Dunson is also an option at safety after making the move to the position from cornerback earlier this season.

“He’s been good,” Diaz said of Dunson’s position change. “Isaiah’s highly competitive. I think we think he fits better at safety. The development’s going well.”

Diaz added that starting defensive tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte, who was limited in last Saturday’s win over Georgia Tech, is expected to be available against Florida State.

Who is Jaylan Knighton’s top backup?: The Hurricanes continue to sort out who’s going to be No. 2 on the running back depth chart behind starter Jaylan Knighton.

Knighton, a second-year freshman, had a career-high 32 carries in the win against the Yellow Jackets for 162 yards and one touchdown.

His high usage as a runner came after he had 22-plus touches (carries and receptions) in Miami’s previous two wins against Pittsburgh and N.C. State. The Hurricanes have been relying on Knighton to carry the load in the backfield due to Cam’Ron Harris and Don Chaney Jr. being sidelined for the season with injuries.

True freshmen running backs Cody Brown and Thaddius Franklin Jr. played a combined eight snaps against Georgia Tech, recording a combined four carries.

“We actually let those guys kind of compete during the week to see who will be the second guy in the game,” Diaz said. “Both what they do with the ball in their hands and what they do without the ball in their hands.”

Diaz added that the biggest step both players need to take is in their pass protection, saying “making sure they know where to go. Gotta protect our quarterback, right? That’s the crucial thing.

“It’s usually details. Guys know how to run. They’ve been usually great running backs since the time they were in pee-wee football. Sometimes it’s the nuances of the footwork, the steps, the patience on how to get the ball and let the holes develop. We really think Cody and Thad are both talented. So it’s kind of who can process the little details like that and go in and function in the game. The last thing above all is ball security. Who can we trust to protect the football.”

Hedley named Guy semifinalist: Punter Lou Hedley was one of 10 players who were named a semifinalist for the 2021 Ray Guy Award, which annually recognizes the nation’s top punter, on Wednesday.

Hedley, who’s in his third season with Miami, was a finalist for the award last season and was named to the preseason watch list for this year’s award.

He’s averaged 45.1 yards per punt on 40 punts this season.