Cristobal assesses team progress after Saturday scrimmage

CanesInSight News

Apr 8, 2023 3 min read

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal was pleased with the team's overall progress during their Saturday morning scrimmage in Coral Gables. He highlighted some standout performances and shared insights on both defensive and offensive updates.

"Some big plays, explosive plays on both sides of the ball," Cristobal said. "Kam Kinchens continues to excel. He's not satisfied at all. The banner got hung up two days ago, and it's like he's performing like it was never there, and that's awesome to see. We're seeing that from a lot of veteran guys as well but overall, very solid progress from our entire football team, and we still have three days of practice."

On the defensive front, Cristobal acknowledged that the team had been dealing with injuries during spring ball but was impressed with the players' performances in the scrimmage. "A guy like Chantz Williams showed up big, Nyjalik Kelly and Rueben Bain showed up big, Jake Lichtenstein, Thomas Gore showed up, Ahmad Moten and had some really good moments," he noted. "Our linebackers played at a high level they all did today. And then in the secondary on the back end, they did a great job being aggressive, getting hands on receivers and they made it difficult for the offense to get the ball out and they put them in difficult down and distance situations."

Offensively, Cristobal mentioned a few standout players, including Jacurri Brown, Isaiah Horton, Xavier Restrepo, and Don Chaney. However, he did point out some inconsistencies, especially with the wide receivers. "As a wide receiver group, the receivers were inconsistent today outside, we had some opportunities and we did not come up with them. Later in the scrimmage, we did, but early on we couldn't get the thing going," Cristobal explained.

Regarding second-year quarterback Jacurri Brown, Cristobal commented on his potential and progress. "Well, this suits his style a little bit more because it's just from a progression standpoint, from a learning standpoint, and then having a quarterback coach in the room – it just it all makes sense and he has progressed. Guy's won a lot of ball games. He's played in a lot of big games, and he knows how to play football. All we've got to do is make sure that him and all the quarterbacks are systematic that they're playing within the system, but without being a robot."

Cristobal also touched on the state of the ‘Canes roster, indicating that Miami will be active in the transfer portal in the coming weeks. "We have to do what it requires. That's always been the blueprint to success at the stops that we have had; you've got to build and develop to a point where you have legitimate winning and championship depth at every position. We have certainly gained a lot of ground towards that we still have to gain more so at every position."

Miami's coach did express satisfaction with the offensive line's development. "We have certainly poured a lot into the offensive line body types and mentality, which was a monstrously glaring issue upon arrival and through the season, and it's something that we feel that we're getting a lot of ground towards getting better."

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grover

Apr 8, 2023

Cribby said:
Adding 5-6 guys in the portal will separate us being a 5-6 win team and 8-9 win team. Depth is scary and a few positions need a starter added. Imo we’ll bevery aggressive after spring.

Thank god we’re manning up and admitting it now. This dumb **** of “Mario is a bro corch if he can’t win 10+ this season” was ****ing me off. I’ve been the biggest Homer on the board for years. But anyone who’s honest with himself will look at this roster and see mostly mediocrity and a lot of gaps.

We need at least 6 MORE starters (4 D, a WR and an OT) PLUS backups from the portal to get above 8 wins with any level of confidence .

Last edited: Apr 8, 2023

G
gacaneaddict

Apr 8, 2023

Tank Grill said:
So as it stands this is what a possible starting unit could look like before spring

QB Tyler Van Dyke
RB Don Chaney
WR Colbie Young
WR Jacolby George
WR Xavier Restrepo
TE Cam McCormick
LT Jalen Rivers
LG Javion Cohen
C Matt Lee
RG Anez Cooper
RT Francis Mauigoa
Swing Zion Nelson

Edge Nyjalik Kelly
DT Leonard Taylor
DT Jared Harrison Hunte
Edge Akheem Mesidor
Swing Jahfari Harvey
LB Fransisco Mauigoa
LB Wesley Bissainthe
CB Davonte Brown
CB Daryl Porter Jr
Nickel Teccory Couch
FS Kam Kinchens
SS James Williams

Where do we need to make upgrades at?

Cornerback
WR

I don't think Young played in scrimmage could be wrong, but he has been in red jersey.

D_G87

Apr 8, 2023

Tank Grill said:
So as it stands this is what a possible starting unit could look like before spring

QB Tyler Van Dyke
RB Don Chaney
WR Colbie Young
WR Jacolby George
WR Xavier Restrepo
TE Cam McCormick
LT Jalen Rivers
LG Javion Cohen
C Matt Lee
RG Anez Cooper
RT Francis Mauigoa
Swing Zion Nelson

Edge Nyjalik Kelly
DT Leonard Taylor
DT Jared Harrison Hunte
Edge Akheem Mesidor
Swing Jahfari Harvey
LB Fransisco Mauigoa
LB Wesley Bissainthe
CB Davonte Brown
CB Daryl Porter Jr
Nickel Teccory Couch
FS Kam Kinchens
SS James Williams

Where do we need to make upgrades at?

No **** way McCormick should be starting over Arroyo or Skinner

grover

Apr 8, 2023

Scorpioncane said:
Maybe cornerback but only 1

@Scorpioncane, nothing but respect. But I look at that lineup and come away with a totally different response. I see 6-8 starters who should t start on a 10 win team, much less a team that can compete in playoffs.

C
canecountry3

Apr 8, 2023

Cribby said:
We need two wr’s from the portal

Empirical Cane

Apr 8, 2023

grover said:
Thank god we’re manning up and admitting it now. This dumb shut if “Mario is a bro circus if he can’t win 10+ this season” was ****ing me off. I’ve been the biggest Homer on the board for years. But anyone who’s honest with himself will look at this roster and see mostly mediocrity and a lot of gaps.

We need at least 6 MORE starters (4 D, a WR and an OT) PLUS backups from the portal to get above 8 wins with any level of confidence .

Porsters should curb their enthusiasm for Y2 of Big Manny.

Can he emerge as Super Mario Cristobigballs? Sure, but I expect that will come Y3/Y4. Anything prior is gravy.

Won't have good data on this team until say G3/G4.

Angry Ibis

Apr 8, 2023

grover said:
@Scorpioncane, nothing but respect. But I look at that lineup and come away with a totally different response. I see 6-8 starters who should t start on a 10 win team, much less a team that can compete in playoffs.

This isn’t news… which is why some are frustrated

Brains

Apr 8, 2023

CanefaninBuckeyeland said:
The comments on the wide outs are very disturbing

That's the material we've got. Portal needed.

Not gonna repost how many times I've said two WRs.

grover

Apr 8, 2023

Angry Ibis said:
This isn’t news… which is why some are frustrated

I get it. But Mario was also preoccupied with changing over two thirds of his coaching staff. Not an excuse just facts. We can criticize him rightfully for taking so long to back into Gattis and going for experience and star power in Steele and Strong. But most on here agree he needed to address that error above all else. The biggest consequence of that is the early talent in the portal all cleared out before the staff settled in. So here we are…

p.s. my own personal frustration with Mario was that he should have known he needed to make the changes he did by mid October, so wtf did it take so long to land new coordinators and coaches? On the other hand, I think the guys he got are quality hires.

Ironmanfootball

Apr 8, 2023

Tru C said:
The LAST position I would think Miami would struggle is receiver. Perhaps it is ignorance but in Florida, I feel like all the kids are born ready to play receiver and then slowly get molded into another position depending on how much they eat lol.....In other words, you are in MIAMI FLORIDA. Why the F can't we get some dogs out there!? lol

College WR isn’t go to the Buick, but So Fla coaching is.

252cane

Apr 8, 2023

grover said:
Thank god we’re manning up and admitting it now. This dumb **** of “Mario is a bro corch if he can’t win 10+ this season” was ****ing me off. I’ve been the biggest Homer on the board for years. But anyone who’s honest with himself will look at this roster and see mostly mediocrity and a lot of gaps.

We need at least 6 MORE starters (4 D, a WR and an OT) PLUS backups from the portal to get above 8 wins with any level of confidence .

Disagree on the last part. When I see teams like wake forest and NcSt be able to win 9 games in the acc without all this talent and depth my question is why does miami have to have a loaded roster to win 8 games in the acc?

Angry Ibis

Apr 8, 2023

grover said:
I get it. But Mario was also preoccupied with changing over two thirds of his coaching staff. Not an excuse just facts. We can criticize him rightfully for taking so long to back into Gattis and going for experience and star power in Steele and Strong. But most on here agree he needed to address that error above all else. The biggest consequence of that is the early talent in the portal all cleared out before the staff settled in. So here we are…

p.s. my own personal frustration with Mario was that he should have known he needed to make the changes he did by mid October, so wtf did it take so long to land new coordinators and coaches? On the other hand, I think the guys he got are quality hires.

Agreed. These roster issues are not new. They are exactly what he would have read or watched on the plane from Oregon to Miami 16 months ago…and then the coaching staff situation and QB / RB adding to it…

I’m glad he seems to recognize that he really needs to hit this next portal wave hard…

J
Jaxcane4

Apr 8, 2023

252cane said:
Disagree on the last part. When I see teams like wake forest and NcSt be able to win 9 games in the acc without all this talent and depth my question is why does miami have to have a loaded roster to win 8 games in the acc?

If our defense can be as good as NC State defense was last year or if TVD can be as productive as Sam Hartman we should be able to. I think we are a DT and a wr or two from both though.

grover

Apr 8, 2023

252cane said:
Disagree on the last part. When I see teams like wake forest and NcSt be able to win 9 games in the acc without all this talent and depth my question is why does miami have to have a loaded roster to win 8 games in the acc?

Teams in the ACC are mostly mediocre. So in any given year, many teams can end the year between 5-8 wins without being significantly differentiated talent-wise. Tell me one that CONSISTENTLY wins 9+ games other than Clemson? That's what we're looking for. Not depending on luck but on a roster that is one deviation or more above the competition. I contend that the current roster is slightly better than, but not a deviation above, most of our ACC opponents, which is why I am predicting 6-8 win season without more talent from the portal.

Canesfan1899

Apr 8, 2023

Cribby said:
We need two wr’s from the portal

Was that always the plan?

tsimonitis

Apr 8, 2023

Cribby said:
We need two wr’s from the portal

Cribby said:
Adding 5-6 guys in the portal will separate us being a 5-6 win team and 8-9 win team. Depth is scary and a few positions need a starter added. Imo we’ll bevery aggressive after spring.

Has the back channeling started? How we looking?

Canesfan1899

Apr 8, 2023

Tank Grill said:
So as it stands this is what a possible starting unit could look like before spring

QB Tyler Van Dyke
RB Don Chaney
WR Colbie Young
WR Jacolby George
WR Xavier Restrepo
TE Cam McCormick
LT Jalen Rivers
LG Javion Cohen
C Matt Lee
RG Anez Cooper
RT Francis Mauigoa
Swing Zion Nelson

Edge Nyjalik Kelly
DT Leonard Taylor
DT Jared Harrison Hunte
Edge Akheem Mesidor
Swing Jahfari Harvey
LB Fransisco Mauigoa
LB Wesley Bissainthe
CB Davonte Brown
CB Daryl Porter Jr
Nickel Teccory Couch
FS Kam Kinchens
SS James Williams

Where do we need to make upgrades at?

Corner, maybe edge, DT, and wr

AbsoluteUnit

Apr 8, 2023

For portal... CB, backup Safety, 2 DTs, 2 WRs, RB, and QB

H
HurricaneKush

Apr 8, 2023

I’m just too burned of 20 years of bad coaches to believe anything any of them say. Just win

TruCane81

Apr 8, 2023

JHallCanes said:
I’m bullish on this kid as well.

Not for nothing but how he played when the entire team and coaches seemed like they had thrown in the towel for the season showed me a lot.

Maybe that’s overplaying it a bit but that’s the kind of thing I love to see out of a QB.

No matter how bad things got, he never looked like the moment was too big. Exceptional poise, toughness and resilience.

If he can complete 60% or better and protect the football, he will be a SUPERSTAR.

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Cristobal assesses team progress after Saturday scrimmage

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