These five players need to have big seasons if Miami football wants to contend.
The Miami Hurricanes look to improve from what can only be described as an up and down season in Manny Diaz’s first year as head coach. The offense had their issues under offensive coordinator Dan Enos. The Hurricanes hired Rhett Lashlee to the same position after firing Enos.
The defense, however, was the bright spot. Gregory Rousseau was one of the better pass rushers outside of Chase Young, totaling 15.5 sacks last season. The primary issue in Coral Gables was not talent; it was the culture or lack thereof.
Enter NFL Hall of Famer and Miami legend Ed Reed. It is his responsibility to show the young men what “The U” is all about. It is interesting to see how well Diaz and Reed work together to build the culture at the U.
What the Hurricanes need next season are players who are going to be consistent. Which players are going to help Miami return to their former glory?
Miami football players poised for breakout seasons.
5. John Campbell Jr., LT
All great football programs build their teams from the inside out. The Hurricanes are stable along the defensive line. Their offensive line, however, needs some work. In their defense, both of their tackles were not only first-year starters; they were freshmen.
Of those two bookend tackles, sophomore left tackle John Campbell, Jr. needs to have a big season for the Hurricanes. Miami finished last season ranked 127th in the country in sacks allowed surrendering almost four sacks per game.
Campbell takes care of the blindside. This season, he takes care of grad transfer D’Eriq King‘s blindside. Though King is mobile, Campbell needs to stabilize the blindside for whoever succeeds King at quarterback.
Not only was the passing game inconsistent, but the run game also struggled last season. The run game averaged less than 120 rushing yards per game and fewer than 4 yards per rush. Their two primary rushers Deejay Dallas and Cam’ron Harris combined for only three 100-yard rushing games.
Miami is talented at the skill positions. Though Dallas left early for the NFL, Harris returns at running back. It does not matter what talent they have returning from last season. The offensive line has to play better.
Rhett Lashlee and offensive line coach Garin Justice have their work cut out for them. They did not have the benefit of spring and summer camp. This season is all about stability. The staff needs to stabilize the offensive line.
Without consistency upfront, the offense will always be inconsistent. That starts with Campbell.