Spring football is underway at the University of Miami. Greentree Practice Field – where fall battles are won in spring. The way it’s always been at The U.
Al Golden again has the U-Tough program in full-force, with kids working to climb the depth chart, earning that coveted black jersey for weight room efforts.
Some storylines and things to follow a handful of days into the kickoff of spring ball:
– Senior quarterback Stephen Morris is back in action this spring, after being sidelined this time last year due to his recovery from back surgery.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder completed 245 passes on 421 attempts for 3,345 yards in 2012. Morris also rang up 21 touchdowns to 7 interceptions in his first season as a starter and was sacked 17 times. His QB rating was 138.1 by season’s end.
– Morris will add some new targets, while getting some old ones back. Phillip Dorsett and Allen Hurns are expected to have big seasons, while Malcolm Lewis should be back in action after a season-ending ankle injury last fall.
Rashawn Scott got into some late-season off-the-field trouble, but if cleaned up, will be back and a threat – as will Herb Waters, who came on late, and Robert Lockhart Jr., also working to come back from a late-season injury. Scott is currently practicing with the team and says he’s grown a lot since last season’s mishap.
With D’Mauri Jones and Jontavious Carter redshirting last season and ready for action in 2013, a safe bet this year’s lone wideout signee, Stacy Coley, won’t see the field until 2014.
– Former Florida State offensive coordinator James Coley is calling his first spring in Miami and according to Morris, he’s an energetic guy who understands balance, putting the ball up enough, but focused on the ground game, while Dorsett stated that the offense is pretty much the same one Jedd Fisch ran, with a few new wrinkles.
– On the ground, Miami loses veteran back Mike James, but Duke Johnson returns for his sophomore campaign and will be backed by Dallas Crawford and Danny Dillard. Eduardo Clements will be head out of spring football due to injury, but should be back for kickoff. Miami also welcomes Gus Edwards and Corn Elder this fall, with Golden already mentioning Elder’s possible efforts as a return man.
– The third-string Dillard has dropped twenty-five pounds after showing up heavy this time last year. He’s rededicated himself in the weight room and is getting his speed back.
– Miami promoted Hurlie Brown to running backs coach recently, due to the departure of Terry Richardson for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brown spent the first twenty years of his career coaching up the defense, but due to his efforts within the organization, knowledge of the game, local ties and recruiting abilities, Golden gave him a deserved shot on offense.
– Miami’s offensive line returns five starters and Golden feels upwards of ten guys can contribute consistently at the position. Golden seems very excited about Sonny Odogwu, joining UM after putting in some time at Hargrave Military Academy.
– Senior offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson recently told the media that he’s expecting big things his final year at The U. Another guy who says he’s grown up after a tough off-the-field junior campaign, Henderson says it’s “football first” these days and that an ACC title and national title are his personal goals.
Big words from a big guy, but Henderson deserves the benefit of the doubt. Lots of time guys big in stature take time to catch up on the maturation front, as so much came easy to them early in their careers. Henderson is talking the talk right now, so let’s see if he can walk the walk this fall.
– Clive Walford earned the top nod at tight end, with Asante Cleveland backing him up. JUCO transfer Beau Sandland will get his reps and the four-star will have a shot to climb the depth chart quickly if he puts in the work. Cleveland has had his struggles, while Walford didn’t come on until late last season, so the position is hardly solidified.
Miami also recently hired a new tight ends coach in Larry Scott, from South Florida, so he has his work cut out regarding this position which hasn’t thrived at The U in a while. Scott will also get help from Coley, who coached up tight ends for Florida state the past five seasons.
– Golden is taking over special teams duties this year, which was something linebackers coach Micheal Barrow handled last season. Miami’s special teams thrived when Butch Davis was more hands-on and Virginia Tech, one of the best special teams units in the game, is run by head coach Frank Beamer. Golden’s attention to detail should help this aspect of UM football greatly.
– When talking defense, Golden mentioned days back that upwards of a dozen defenders were seeing the field too early, but had to get out there as a result of the lack of depth. He also feels that an improved offense and keeping the chains moving will help the defense greatly.
– Freshman linebacker Alex Figueroa has made it to the first team and is impressing coaches early.
– The departure of Brandon McGee at cornerback has opened the door for last year’s five-star recruit Tracy Howard to get in the mix this spring, as a player and future team leader. Rayshawn Jenkins is also seeing more action at safety this spring, sporting a black jersey and also working his way into a leadership role.
Great Miami teams always had leadership in the secondary and great to see young guys taking to that role year two.
– Tyriq McCord is listed as second team strongside linebacker this spring, after playing defensive end last season. McCord has cut weight and picked up speed while linebacker Raphael Kirby is sporting a black jersey, is in great playing shape and is benefitting from coaches pushing him hard this off-season.
– Defensive tackle Curtis Porter turned down a shot at the NFL to return for another season. He’s stronger and is getting back to top playing shape, which wasn’t the case last year as he spent most of 2012 sidelined due to injury.