Rosier's accuracy still a big concern
Backup QBs Perry, Williams get a chance to shine at spring game.
Attend the Miami
CORAL GABLES — spring game at your own risk.
Not because of potential physical danger, though Hard Rock Stadium, seemingly always is in some stage of a face-lift, is once again a construction site. The home of the Dolphins and Hurricanes will host future editions of the Miami Open, and some parking lots must be sacrificed to the tennis gods. If you arrive late this afternoon, you may be stuck tailgating next to yellow tape and dirt piles.
Bring a hard hat if you wish,
but the protection you’ll really need is mental: to guard against getting too high or too low off the results.
A spring game is a glorified practice. Rosters are incomplete. While today will be a valuable teaching tool for coaches and a fun time for fans, the meaningful action begins in September.
There’s plenty to monitor once the game begins at 6 p.m. (no TV, 560 WQAM), such as:
1. Will Malik Rosier have a good day?
He should, given his game experience and knowledge of how to attack a defense he first saw two years ago. In practices this spring, the redshirt senior hasn’t been
on-point even when his offensive line holds together. Will he be more accurate than he was in his final three games last year (44.9 completion percentage)?
2. Which young quarterback is sharper?
Redshirt freshman N’Kosi Perry and true freshman Jarren Williams, both former four-star recruits, have fans excited. Neither has unseated Rosier thus far, but this is a shot to show coaches how well they can run the offense. Overreaction will ensue if either has a good day.
3. Is Lorenzo Lingard as fast as advertised?
A blue-chip recruit with track speed, the 6-foot, 195pound freshman could be a major weapon off the bench if he learns the playbook. We mostly want to see if anyone can catch him in the open field.
4. Which receivers look ready for prime time?
Jeff Thomas is something of a breakout star this spring, hailed by one assistant as being ready to wreck ACC defenses. Will Lawrence Cager (6-5) and Darrell Langham (6-4) bully cornerbacks on the outside, putting up big performances to match their size?
5. Can either tight end play?
Michael Irvin II and Brian Polendey, who know high-caliber recruits Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory are coming this summer, haven’t had stellar springs. Polendey has struggled to catch in brief snippets of practice reporters have been allowed to watch. Irvin was caught in the wash last year when asked to block and has been in Richt’s doghouse on multiple occasions.
6. How much pressure will the O-line allow?
Miami believes it may have found its best mix, of (left to right) Tyree St. Louis, Jahair Jones, Tyler Gauthier, Hayden Mahoney and Navaughn Donaldson. Like all first-string units, they’ll be working against UM’s firststring defense. Like all combinations of UM’s offensive line, they have a lot to prove. Nice opportunity for youngsters such as Delone Scaife and Kai-Leon Herbert to show their stuff.
7. Are UM’s edge rushers the team’s best unit?
Joe Jackson and Jonathan Garvin, both potential future high-round NFL draft picks, have given UM’s tackles fits this spring. This could be a stat game for true freshman Greg Rousseau, who pits his Boeing-like wingspan against whichever second-string tackle is unlucky enough to face him. Will be nice to see oft-injured Scott Patchan back on the field.
8. Is anyone safe from Gerald Willis?
Miami coaches are high on Willis, the oft-troubled defensive tackle who sat out last year for personal reasons. He dominated UM’s scout team linemen and has been hailed as a new man this spring. A multisack performance would be more positive reinforcement. Canes coaches will feel great if the other middle big men (Jon Ford, Pat Bethel) come to play — and stay healthy, given the lack of depth at this position.
9. How does the 4-2-5 look?
Looking to become more mobile on defense — and missing starting outside linebacker Zach McCloud (wrist) — the Hurricanes installed a new package. Safeties Romeo Finley, Derrick Smith and slim linebacker De’Andre Wilder are now playing “Striker,” a safety/outside linebacker hybrid. Assistant coach Jonathan Patke said that 4-2-5 alignment, not a traditional, three-linebacker 4-3, is UM’s base defense this spring.
10. Who are Miami’s best cornerbacks?
Michael Jackson (four interceptions in 2017) seems to have one spot locked down. Opposite him, Jhavonte Dean and Trajan Bandy have a leg up on true freshmen Gilbert Frierson and D.J. Ivey. Dean, UM’s fastest cornerback, must be more physical to win a starting role. Bandy is a quality nickel back, but can he handle bigger receivers on the outside?