Offense
Notable losses: This team will have some production to make-up. The biggest loss will be slot receiver Braxton Berrios who was drafted by the New England Patriots. Berrios led the team in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The team’s second-leading receiver, tight end Chris Herndon also was drafted into the NFL, this time by the New York Jets. Herndon’s loss was felt when he was injured late in the season and will be a big loss. Finally, running back Mark Walton, an early season darling was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals. Walton’s loss is less damning with the emergence of Travis Homer last season in Walton’s absence in the team’s last nine games. Miami will also need to fill in the offensive line after losing both K.C. McDermott and Trevor Darling.
QB: Malik Rosier, RS SR
After spring practice it does not look like the fan clamoring will change this coaching staff’s mind. Rosier led the team a year ago to numerous fourth-quarter comebacks and ten straight wins. However, coaches did pull Rosier in the middle of the disheartening loss to end the regular season at Pittsburgh. Star recruits N’Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams are ready to compete. Coach Richt has stated that this job will go to the best player. It’s hard to argue that Rosier’s talent matches either Perry or Williams. Miami fans are eager to see either of those young arms get a chance in a game.
RB: Travis Homer, JR
Taking over for the injured Mark Walton was no easy task but Homer proved more than capable. He enters the 2018-19 season as the team’s lead back and deservingly so. Homer is a tough runner who fights for every yard. He showed enough burst and speed to outrun defenders as well and is a complete running back. After Homer, the next three backs are highly touted recruits who all should see time. It starts with true freshman and five-star running back Lorenzo Lingard. An insanely talented prospect with true track star speed. Richt will get him carries early and there is a chance he takes over as the season progresses. DeeJay Dallas and Cam’Ron Davis both offer elements in the passing game and will get snaps. Dallas especially has experience running the wildcat and will be chess piece for this coaching staff to utilize.
WR: Ahmonn Richards, JR
WR: Jeff Thomas, SO
Slot WR: Mark Pope, FR
Realistically it was hard to just pick three names to put in this projection. The receiver position is the most loaded part of this offense. With this projection, it came down to pure talent and these three are the most talented at the position. Richards broke every Miami record for freshmen two years ago before injuries cost him most of 2017-18. Thomas and Pope were freshmen who both saw action a year ago. Thomas is one of the fastest players in the country and has big play ability any time he touches the ball. After those three this group is rounded out by Lawrence Cager, Darrell Langham, Mike Harley, and Evidence Njoku. There is a mix of big physical receivers, slot types and traditional X receivers in this group. All should see action as Richt is known to rotate through guys at this position often.
TE: Brevin Jordan, FR
That is right, Miami will likely start a true freshman at tight end this season. After losing David Njoku and Chris Herndon to the NFL in back to back drafts, this will be a big role to fill. Jordan has been lighting it up this spring and will plant himself firmly in the driver’s seat to start the season. Michael Irvin II and fellow freshman Will Mallory will see time and work into the rotation as well. The Hurricanes also have Brian Polendey on the roster who may see a bit of time.
LT: Tyree St. Louis, SR
LG: Corey Gaynor, SO
C: Tyler Gauthier, SR
RG: Venzell Boulware, SR
RT: Navaugh Donaldson, SO
A mix of youth and experience will happen across Miami’s offensive line. The team’s most talented lineman may by Donaldson, the true sophomore. After playing right guard a season ago, the arrival of transfer Boulware will allow him to play his true position of tackle in his second season. Donaldson will then kick St. Louis to left tackle to complete this group. Swing tackles this season will be the young Zalon’te Hillery and Kai-Leon Herbert. The group as a whole will need to gel together quickly with a talented LSU defensive line waiting in the first week of the season.
AP: DeeJay Dallas, SO
A player that represents the evolving offenses in college football is DeeJay Dallas. As explained earlier, he will see time as a running back, receiver and quarterback. Not only is he an unbelievable athlete but as a competitor, there may not be a more Richt guy than him. Dallas will be a big weapon and a threat on the field all season.