Beyond Kaaya, Golden says little
Coach won’t name starters for Canes’ final scrimmage.
CORAL GABLES — It is certain that Brad Kaaya will open Saturday’s scrimmage, the last major test of camp for the Hurricanes, as the starting quarterback.
Who else will start for UM’s offense? Coach Al Golden got a chuckle out of that question.
“I think Brad,” he said. “That’s it. You know? I don’t know. There’s really not too many guys locked in. ... There’s not many incumbents and a lot of depth for the first time. So, it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.”
UM will run through three quarters of game simulation, and on Sunday morning essentially will set its lineup for its Sept. 5 opener against Bethune-Cookman.
What will the scrimmage lineup look like?
It seems certain center Nick Linder, right guard Danny Isidora and tight end Stan Dobard are starter-caliber, with Kc McDermott and Trevor Darling — in some combination — at the tackles. Sunny Odogwu started last Saturday’s scrimmage at right tackle over McDermott, while Darling played left tackle.
UM has three receivers — Rashawn Scott, Stacy Coley, Herb Waters — who play the outside spots, and two slot receivers (Braxton Berrios, Malcolm Lewis) dealing with injuries. That could mean more opportunity for sophomore Tyre Brady to make an impression, but it will be tough for him (or redshirt freshman Darrell Langham, or freshman Lawrence Cager) to crack the top five.
It seems UM wants to play four running backs (Gus Edwards, Joe Yearby, Trayone Gray and freshman Mark Walton) and at least three tight end/Hbacks (Stan Dobard, Chris Herndon, David Njoku).
Asked about defensive starters, Golden mentioned middle linebacker Raphael Kirby. “(He’s) the epitome of a pro and a leader,” Golden said. “Same guy every day.” Golden said he likes cornerback Tracy Howard’s consistency as well.
Defensive coordina- tor Mark D’Onofrio was more a bit more precise. When asked which jobs were up for grabs heading into the scrimmage, he said both safeties, every position on the defensive line, rush end/linebacker, strong-side linebacker, and second-team middle and weak-side linebackers were open.
Kirby will start at middle linebacker, next to Jermaine Grace (weak side). At corner, Tracy Howard, Artie Burns and Corn Elder will see the most time. Either Howard or Elder will be the nickel corner, D’Onofrio said, unless safety Dallas Crawford or Deon Bush is needed for more run support.