Miami Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

Coming out of spring I think it is clear that this team can really run the ball.  Despite missing their best player in RB Duke Johnson, and arguably their most explosive incoming recruit in RB Joseph Yearby, by all indications Miami had a very nice spring running the ball. 

Gus Edwards really progressed and gives them the big back they have been missing a few years at 240 pounds. Walter Tucker also had a very good spring.  

On today’s ACC Coaches Teleconference Al Golden said that team tackling has improved and that he was really impressed with his depth and play amongst LB’s and DB’s.  He did not however, mention defensive line, and if and until we see the team defense improve in a real game against a good opponent it has to remain a question mark.

Ultimately though, the biggest ? is QB.  Ryan Williams was projected to start, until tearing his ACL. Kevin Olsen showed signs of improvement during spring practice, but played poorly in the UNite game.  

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

I really like what I have heard/scene on film of RB Joseph Yearby.  I could see him being a difference maker in the return game and with limited touches out of the back field once healthy.

Defensively I look for Artie Burns to eventually take over one of the starting CB positions, and former RB Dallas Crawford to be a key figure as a nickel or safety.

Grade each position group

 

QB: C   Williams injury put everything in flux.  Olsen did not look ready to take the reigns in the spring game. The Summer arrival of Brad Kaaya is highly anticipated.  Perhaps Williams gets back early to mid season.

RB: B+   Edwards adds a much needed dimension.  Duke/Yearby are going to be fun to watch.

WR: B   Stacey Coley is a star in the making. Whomever starts/emerges at QB should look for him early and often. Malcolm Lewis looks healthy, finally, and could be a factor in the slot.

TE: B   Standish Dobard also had a nice spring, and should add depth to Clive Walford/Beau Sandland.  Al Golden has had high praise for the TE position this spring.

OL B+   Sunny Odogwu, Taylor Gadbois, and Danny Isidora are names to watch. Proven vets like Erik Flowers and Shane McDermott remain.

DL C+   Perhaps the unit I am most concerned about outside of QB. Calvin Heurtelou needs to step up on the inside. Al Quadin Muhammad was very disruptive this spring (though he could be considered an OLB in 3-4 alignments).

LB A   AG has raved about this unit.  Denzel Perryman is primed for a huge season. Other like Jawand Blue and freshman early enrollee Juwon Yooung have stepped up as well.

DB B+   Love the depth here. Deon Bush needs a bounce back season.  Jamal Carter had a very impactful spring as well.

ST C  Matt Goudis is reliable.  Still waiting to see if he emerges to do double duty as a K/P or if anyone else steps up.

What can we expect from Miami in 2014?

Considering that the D is an uncertainty in live game action, and QB is suddenly a Q, this is tough to predict.  I could see anywhere from 10-2 if all breaks right, to 8-4 if the passing game suffers and the D isn’t miles better than last year. They have playmakers all over the field, but Miami is anything but a sure thing.  

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Jerry Steinberg of State of the U provided the information for our Miami Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up. For more Miami football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Jerry on Twitter @Category6UM & State of the U @TheStateOfTheU. 

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