Nelson, Ishmael sit out game against Middle Tennessee State

MIAMI GARDENS — Hurricanes offensive lineman Zion Nelson missed Miami’s seasonopener after having offseason surgery. After playing in Miami’s past two games, he appeared likely to miss UM’s game against Middle Tennessee State.

The fourth-year junior did not participate in Miami’s pregame warmups, watching from the sideline in a jersey and shorts. Redshirt freshman Jabari Ishmael also did not participate in pregame warmups while watching in shorts and a jersey.

Nelson, who was a preseason All-ACC selection, played 20 snaps in Miami’s win against Southern Miss on Sept. 10 and followed that with 41 snaps in a loss to Texas A&M on Sept. 17.

In his two games, Nelson had a 54.1 offensive score from Pro Football Focus. The site gave him a 49.8 pass-blocking grade and a 62.4 run-blocking grade.

John Campbell Jr. has played left tackle in Nelson’s stead, earning a 69.1 offensive grade, 76.4 pass-blocking grade and a 64.7 run-blocking grade.

Ishmael has not seen the field much for the Hurricanes this season, playing just five snaps against Bethune-Cookman.

Recruits in town

Miami hosted a couple of priority recruits for Saturday’s game, including an uncommitted star.

Four-star wide receiver Tyler Williams, a Lakeland native, was in South Florida for an unofficial visit. The stand out prospect is expected to make his college decision on Tuesday.

He is listed as the No .20 wide receiver

and No .182 player in the class. The Hurricanes also hosted one of their top committed prospects: Orlando Jones linebacker Malik Bryant. The four-star linebacker posted on his social media accounts that he was in South Florida for the game. Bryant, who committed to Miami on July 27, is the No. 5 linebacker and No. 90 player in the 2023 class.

Out for revenge?

There is history between Miami and Middle Tennessee State. The Hurricanes and Blue Raiders have squared off twice in the program’s history. Despite Miami’s history of success, the Hurricanes are winless against MTSU.

The Hurricanes lost to the Blue Raiders in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 25-6 in 1931. The following year, Miami lost 7-0 to Middle Tennessee at home.

Those Miami teams were far cries from the powerhouse teams that would come decades later. The Hurricanes went 4-8 in 1931 and 3-4-1 in 1932.

DOUG MURRAY/AP Middle Tennessee State wide receiver Elijah Metcalf catches the ball and outruns Miami defensive back Jaden Harris to score a touchdown Saturday in Miami Gardens.