I've been more secretive than usual about camp because our first game is against the Gators. It's frustrating as a fan because I want to share the goods with the community. And it's frustrating as a business owner because camp info generates more engagement. But my first, second, and third goal is for the Canes to succeed, and I want to do what's best for the program. So we've been very careful.
With all these disclaimers, there are still nuggets from camp I can share. I tried to include as much as possible below. If someone isn't named specifically, that doesn't mean they're injured, doing bad, or buried next to Jimmy Hoffa. I just tried to focus on specific things, position-by-position. It will lean more positive and avoid injury/depth chart talk, for obvious reasons. The opposing team's support staff scours these reports. As always, this is based on direct observation and sourcing:
- Emory Williams is vastly improved from where he was in spring. I think I underplayed his arm injury. He looks crisper, more decisive, and more consistent. Time will tell if he's talented enough to be the guy, but he's a guy that can get us through games. And since we're leading with Emory, I'll pre-empt the expected question- Yes, Cam Ward is fine and looks like Cam Ward.
- Judd Anderson is working with the third and fourth team but has shown flashes. He's led multiple touchdown drives and made big throws. He has the ability to both drive the ball and layer it when necessary. He's still very much a developmental player, particularly in terms of consistent decision-making and timing. Overall, there is still a lot for him to prove in order to be a P4 quarterback. But at least you can see the vision.
- The RB room is one of the deepest on the team. Damien Martinez has more speed than I expected and is a legitimate threat to score from 50+ yards out. Ajay Allen played through a shoulder injury last year and looks healthier in camp. He's someone who is conscientious and works on his game, so it's not a surprise to see improvement. He seems to have more explosion than he had last year. Jordan Lyle is a complete back who can play right away. There are no real holes in his game, but the areas that standout the most are his balance and short-area quickness at his size. Chris Johnson has made multiple long TD runs and can change the scoreboard with one play.
- I expect all four top tight ends (Elijah Arroyo, Riley Williams, Cam McCormick, Elija Lofton) to play and have a significant role.
- The buzz on Sam Brown is real. Multiple people feel he is the best WR on the team and an impact NFL prospect. Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George are the same as you remember. Isaiah Horton continues to emerge and look like an NFL receiver with the ability to stretch the field, run after the catch, and use his body over the middle. He's a driven worker with a lot of physical ability. RayRay Joseph is another guy who has seen his hard work pay off. He will factor on this team as a receiver and returner. His physical strength and balance play up in full-contact settings.
- I do not expect a drop off on the offensive line. A couple players who have received a workload increase are Ryan Rodriguez (as a do-it-all player) and Tommy Kinsler (getting reps at tackle and guard).
- On the defensive line, two names that are standing out and getting praised by coaches are Anthony Campbell and Cole McConathy. Campbell has really taken a step forward with his body, technique and power. McConathy looks to be a steal. He is more fluid and coordinated than your average big white guy.
- This unit has physically transformed more than any position on the team, OL excluded. A couple things that have caught my attention: Jaylin Alderman has put on some muscle, and Chase Smith looks healthier and more productive than years past. I expect him to be a special teams monster and push on defense. One of the most improved players is freshman Adarius Hayes. Ever since the pads came on in spring, his physicality and instincts have stood out. He's getting more and more playing time as a thumper in the run game.
- The talk of camp has been Romanas "OJ" Frederique. As with McConathy, CanesInSight was the first to report Miami's interest in Frederique. We also reported him standing out in summer workouts. But none of that prepared me for his performance in camp. He is a truly gifted corner with patience, length, fluidity, speed and the ability to take away the ball. He has a huge future on the outside and will play a ton over the course of the year. The nickel position is a major topic of discussion, and I expect to see different players in there. I don't think it will be one guy.
With all these disclaimers, there are still nuggets from camp I can share. I tried to include as much as possible below. If someone isn't named specifically, that doesn't mean they're injured, doing bad, or buried next to Jimmy Hoffa. I just tried to focus on specific things, position-by-position. It will lean more positive and avoid injury/depth chart talk, for obvious reasons. The opposing team's support staff scours these reports. As always, this is based on direct observation and sourcing:
- Emory Williams is vastly improved from where he was in spring. I think I underplayed his arm injury. He looks crisper, more decisive, and more consistent. Time will tell if he's talented enough to be the guy, but he's a guy that can get us through games. And since we're leading with Emory, I'll pre-empt the expected question- Yes, Cam Ward is fine and looks like Cam Ward.
- Judd Anderson is working with the third and fourth team but has shown flashes. He's led multiple touchdown drives and made big throws. He has the ability to both drive the ball and layer it when necessary. He's still very much a developmental player, particularly in terms of consistent decision-making and timing. Overall, there is still a lot for him to prove in order to be a P4 quarterback. But at least you can see the vision.
- The RB room is one of the deepest on the team. Damien Martinez has more speed than I expected and is a legitimate threat to score from 50+ yards out. Ajay Allen played through a shoulder injury last year and looks healthier in camp. He's someone who is conscientious and works on his game, so it's not a surprise to see improvement. He seems to have more explosion than he had last year. Jordan Lyle is a complete back who can play right away. There are no real holes in his game, but the areas that standout the most are his balance and short-area quickness at his size. Chris Johnson has made multiple long TD runs and can change the scoreboard with one play.
- I expect all four top tight ends (Elijah Arroyo, Riley Williams, Cam McCormick, Elija Lofton) to play and have a significant role.
- The buzz on Sam Brown is real. Multiple people feel he is the best WR on the team and an impact NFL prospect. Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George are the same as you remember. Isaiah Horton continues to emerge and look like an NFL receiver with the ability to stretch the field, run after the catch, and use his body over the middle. He's a driven worker with a lot of physical ability. RayRay Joseph is another guy who has seen his hard work pay off. He will factor on this team as a receiver and returner. His physical strength and balance play up in full-contact settings.
- I do not expect a drop off on the offensive line. A couple players who have received a workload increase are Ryan Rodriguez (as a do-it-all player) and Tommy Kinsler (getting reps at tackle and guard).
- On the defensive line, two names that are standing out and getting praised by coaches are Anthony Campbell and Cole McConathy. Campbell has really taken a step forward with his body, technique and power. McConathy looks to be a steal. He is more fluid and coordinated than your average big white guy.
- This unit has physically transformed more than any position on the team, OL excluded. A couple things that have caught my attention: Jaylin Alderman has put on some muscle, and Chase Smith looks healthier and more productive than years past. I expect him to be a special teams monster and push on defense. One of the most improved players is freshman Adarius Hayes. Ever since the pads came on in spring, his physicality and instincts have stood out. He's getting more and more playing time as a thumper in the run game.
- The talk of camp has been Romanas "OJ" Frederique. As with McConathy, CanesInSight was the first to report Miami's interest in Frederique. We also reported him standing out in summer workouts. But none of that prepared me for his performance in camp. He is a truly gifted corner with patience, length, fluidity, speed and the ability to take away the ball. He has a huge future on the outside and will play a ton over the course of the year. The nickel position is a major topic of discussion, and I expect to see different players in there. I don't think it will be one guy.
