This spring, Miami Hurricanes sophomore OT Zion Nelson has continued his body transformation; after arriving at UM two years ago at 240 pounds, Nelson reports that he is up to 315 at this point and still making strength gains.
“The last bench I did, 375 - I feel I could have kept going,” Nelson said. “That’s my biggest gain as far as strength. And I’m up to 315 in weight, down to 16 percent body fat. I’m really happy to see that. On the field, I’m good, but nowhere near where I want to be right now.”
Nelson was a part of an improved offensive line in 2020 that gave up 20 less sacks (51 to 30) than they did two years prior. While the mobility of QB D’Eriq King certainly played a role, there was no doubt the line played well in stretches during last season, showing more cohesion and confidence. Although Nelson agrees the OL has made progress, he is still not satisfied with where they are just yet.
"For the most part, the biggest thing is to stress all being together, being on one page,” Nelson said. “Two years ago, we weren’t there yet. We’ve gotten closer, we still can be better.”
The Canes did not lose any member of the regular OL rotation over the offseason, and the experience and depth UM possesses at the position going into 2021 hasn’t been seen in years in Coral Gables.
"There’s a lot of competition, just about everybody has started a game or played in a game,” Nelson said. “It makes everyone better. It’s really good for us.”
According to Nelson, Jakai Clark and Jalen Rivers are competing at left guard next to him, and Nelson has been impressed by Rivers’ work ethic.
“He works hard, just like everybody else,” Nelson said of Rivers.
**According to head coach Manny Diaz on Tuesday, WR Keyshawn Smith had been one of UM’s early standouts through the first two spring practices. For his part, Smith says he is working to be consistent and bring the same level of play to the field every day.
"Nothing is easy, nothing is handed to us," Smith said. "We have to fight for the position, there's nobody starting right now, everything is up for grabs."
As a freshman in 2020, Smith recorded 2 catches for 58 yards, but just missed on multiple big plays throughout the year. To better convert on those and see the field more moving forward, Smith talked about what he feels he needs to work on.
"My strength, I need to get stronger - I’ve gotten stronger but other dudes are way bigger than me,” Smith said. “I have to be able to block, help my teammates out.”
At 6’1” 184 pounds, Smith has been clocked running at 22 mph in camp this spring, and that speed is what helps him to stretch the field for Miami’s offense.
“I’ve been impacting on deep balls - I’d say I’m a deep ball threat, I love to outrun people,” Smith said. “Deep balls are my thing ever since high school. I’ve improved on the top of my routes, staying low, because coach (Rob) Likens is always on us about that.”
Of who he models his game after, Smith pointed to two current NFL star receivers.
“I love watching Julio Jones and Stefon Diggs,” Smith said. “Stefon has the routes, and Julio attacks the ball.”
Smith also touched on what he’s seen from early enrollee QB Jake Garcia, and the two have bonded over both being from California.
"Jake is my guy, I speak to him all the time. We're both from the West Coast. He has an arm, can read, is someone to look at for the future."
“The last bench I did, 375 - I feel I could have kept going,” Nelson said. “That’s my biggest gain as far as strength. And I’m up to 315 in weight, down to 16 percent body fat. I’m really happy to see that. On the field, I’m good, but nowhere near where I want to be right now.”
Nelson was a part of an improved offensive line in 2020 that gave up 20 less sacks (51 to 30) than they did two years prior. While the mobility of QB D’Eriq King certainly played a role, there was no doubt the line played well in stretches during last season, showing more cohesion and confidence. Although Nelson agrees the OL has made progress, he is still not satisfied with where they are just yet.
"For the most part, the biggest thing is to stress all being together, being on one page,” Nelson said. “Two years ago, we weren’t there yet. We’ve gotten closer, we still can be better.”
The Canes did not lose any member of the regular OL rotation over the offseason, and the experience and depth UM possesses at the position going into 2021 hasn’t been seen in years in Coral Gables.
"There’s a lot of competition, just about everybody has started a game or played in a game,” Nelson said. “It makes everyone better. It’s really good for us.”
According to Nelson, Jakai Clark and Jalen Rivers are competing at left guard next to him, and Nelson has been impressed by Rivers’ work ethic.
“He works hard, just like everybody else,” Nelson said of Rivers.
**According to head coach Manny Diaz on Tuesday, WR Keyshawn Smith had been one of UM’s early standouts through the first two spring practices. For his part, Smith says he is working to be consistent and bring the same level of play to the field every day.
"Nothing is easy, nothing is handed to us," Smith said. "We have to fight for the position, there's nobody starting right now, everything is up for grabs."
As a freshman in 2020, Smith recorded 2 catches for 58 yards, but just missed on multiple big plays throughout the year. To better convert on those and see the field more moving forward, Smith talked about what he feels he needs to work on.
"My strength, I need to get stronger - I’ve gotten stronger but other dudes are way bigger than me,” Smith said. “I have to be able to block, help my teammates out.”
At 6’1” 184 pounds, Smith has been clocked running at 22 mph in camp this spring, and that speed is what helps him to stretch the field for Miami’s offense.
“I’ve been impacting on deep balls - I’d say I’m a deep ball threat, I love to outrun people,” Smith said. “Deep balls are my thing ever since high school. I’ve improved on the top of my routes, staying low, because coach (Rob) Likens is always on us about that.”
Of who he models his game after, Smith pointed to two current NFL star receivers.
“I love watching Julio Jones and Stefon Diggs,” Smith said. “Stefon has the routes, and Julio attacks the ball.”
Smith also touched on what he’s seen from early enrollee QB Jake Garcia, and the two have bonded over both being from California.
"Jake is my guy, I speak to him all the time. We're both from the West Coast. He has an arm, can read, is someone to look at for the future."
