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Matt Lee: The New Pillar of the University of Miami's Offensive Line

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Peter Ariz

Peter Ariz

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Arguably Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal’s biggest pickup this offseason was the addition of Center Matt Lee from UCF. Lee brings with him a mix of skill, leadership, and experience. As Don Bailey put it in his sit-down discussion with Lee, "everyone we talked to is very glad you're here."

According to Lee, the reason for his move to the Canes was straightforward. "The University of Miami is a big family. The coaches, the staff, the players... everyone in it are good, genuine people that you want to be around," Lee said.

Lee's backstory here is intriguing and like many offensive linemen, he did not play center before college . "In high school, we ran a heavy offensive, and I played tackle," he recalls. It was only in college that he was nudged into the position, largely due to his size at the time. However, once he embraced the role, it was clear that he was a natural fit. He mentions how he played a bit of guard during his freshman year in college, but by his second year, he was playing full-time Center.

One of the standout qualities that Matt brings to the Hurricanes is his natural leadership. Observers have noticed how he has embraced the responsibilities that come with his position - from communication and knowledge to directing the entire offensive line. When asked about this, Matt's passion is evident, "I love it. I want to embrace that role."

Lee’s recruitment to the University of Miami was an easy sell for the center who many NFL scouts believe is a top 5 player in his position. He shared his experiences meeting Coach Mirabal and Coach Cristobal, discussing film, and understanding their vision for the team. Matt felt that the pedigree of these coaches was real and tangible. "What they've proven is even better," he expressed with admiration.

But Lee isn't just about his personal growth. He's a team player through and through, who has made it a mission to lead the group around him. "I try to even more over-emphasize and help out when I can. When there is confusion... I continually teach and teach them," he emphasizes.
 
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Will go down as one of the most impactful transfers in the history of the school. Cannot overstate how massive of an addition this dude was to this program. Raises the floor of the entire offense considerably and someone we simply cannot afford to lose. I don’t pray, but if you do, say one for this dude playing 12 full, healthy games this fall.
 
OrangeBowlMagic said:
Will go down as one of the most impactful transfers in the history of the school. Cannot overstate how massive of an addition this dude was to this program. Raises the floor of the entire offense considerably and someone we simply cannot afford to lose. I don’t pray, but if you do, say one for this dude playing 12 full, healthy games this fall.
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13 healthy games.
 
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OrangeBowlMagic said:
Will go down as one of the most impactful transfers in the history of the school. Cannot overstate how massive of an addition this dude was to this program. Raises the floor of the entire offense considerably and someone we simply cannot afford to lose. I don’t pray, but if you do, say one for this dude playing 12 full, healthy games this fall.
Click to expand...
You are absolutely right and there is no way to overemphasize the impact that Matt Lee has on this offensive line and the whole of the offense. The right side of the line is very young with true soph Anez Cooper at RG and true freshman Francis Mauigoa at RT but what these kids have is a maturity beyond their years plus a ridiculous amount of talent. The left side is seasoned and experienced with Jalen Rivers at LT and Javion Cohen at LG and Matt Lee at C. Having Matt Lee as the leader and anchor of this OL is the piece that will transform this line into one of the nations best.

I realize this has been discussed ad nauseum but just look at the rest of the kids in the top 9. Samson Okunlola LT/G, Tommy Kinsler T/G, Matt McCoy at T and Logan Sagapolu at G. It's 10 if Zion Nelson is able to come back. We can't forget we have what amounts to a 7th year blocking TE who is 6'5" 260 lb in Cam McCormick. We also have 6'6" 325 lb Frankie Tinilau and 6'3" 300 lb Antonio Tripp Jr. redshirting and developing for the future. Besides being able to provide excellent protection for Tyler Van Dyke in the passing game, this offensive line is going to enable us to effectively run the football

If it seems like I'm excited it's because I am. Never before in program history has there been this much emphasis placed on the OL. I would also venture to say that at no time in program history have we ever had this type of talent on the roster at once. Yes the 2001 OL was special of course but we were never set up to sustain that type of dominance up front like we are now. So yeah I'm pumped and I'll say something else. This staff will do the same with the DL. It won't be a walk in the park but we will build a monster defensive line no matter what happens this cycle which is a long way from being over. I can't wait for the season to start. It's great to be a Miami Hurricane!
 
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Peter Ariz said:
View attachment 252213

Arguably Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal’s biggest pickup this offseason was the addition of Center Matt Lee from UCF. Lee brings with him a mix of skill, leadership, and experience. As Don Bailey put it in his sit-down discussion with Lee, "everyone we talked to is very glad you're here."

According to Lee, the reason for his move to the Canes was straightforward. "The University of Miami is a big family. The coaches, the staff, the players... everyone in it are good, genuine people that you want to be around," Lee said.

Lee's backstory here is intriguing and like many offensive linemen, he did not play center before college . "In high school, we ran a heavy offensive, and I played tackle," he recalls. It was only in college that he was nudged into the position, largely due to his size at the time. However, once he embraced the role, it was clear that he was a natural fit. He mentions how he played a bit of guard during his freshman year in college, but by his second year, he was playing full-time Center.

One of the standout qualities that Matt brings to the Hurricanes is his natural leadership. Observers have noticed how he has embraced the responsibilities that come with his position - from communication and knowledge to directing the entire offensive line. When asked about this, Matt's passion is evident, "I love it. I want to embrace that role."

Lee’s recruitment to the University of Miami was an easy sell for the center who many NFL scouts believe is a top 5 player in his position. He shared his experiences meeting Coach Mirabal and Coach Cristobal, discussing film, and understanding their vision for the team. Matt felt that the pedigree of these coaches was real and tangible. "What they've proven is even better," he expressed with admiration.

But Lee isn't just about his personal growth. He's a team player through and through, who has made it a mission to lead the group around him. "I try to even more over-emphasize and help out when I can. When there is confusion... I continually teach and teach them," he emphasizes.
Click to expand...
Massive upgrade
 
FrancisSawyer said:
You are absolutely right and there is no way to overemphasize the impact that Matt Lee has on this offensive line and the whole of the offense. The right side of the line is very young with true soph Anez Cooper at RG and true freshman Francis Mauigoa at RT but what these kids have is a maturity beyond their years plus a ridiculous amount of talent. The left side is seasoned and experienced with Jalen Rivers at LT and Javion Cohen at LG and Matt Lee at C. Having Matt Lee as the leader and anchor of this OL is the piece that will transform this line into one of the nations best.

I realize this has been discussed ad nauseum but just look at the rest of the kids in the top 9. Samson Okunlola LT/G, Tommy Kinsler T/G, Matt McCoy at T and Logan Sagapolu at G. It's 10 if Zion Nelson is able to come back. We can't forget we have what amounts to a 7th year blocking TE who is 6'5" 260 lb in Cam McCormick. We also have 6'6" 325 lb Frankie Tinilau and 6'3" 300 lb Antonio Tripp Jr. redshirting and developing for the future. Besides being able to provide excellent protection for Tyler Van Dyke in the passing game, this offensive line is going to enable us to run effectively run the football

If it seems like I'm excited it's because I am. Never before in program history has there been this much emphasis placed on the OL. I would also venture to say that at no time in program history have we ever had this type of talent on the roster at once. Yes the 2001 OL was special of course but we were never set up to sustain that type of dominance up front like we are now. So yeah I'm pumped and I'll say something else. This staff will do the same with the DL. It won't be a walk in the park but we will build a monster defensive line no matter what happens this cycle which is a long way from being over. I can't wait for the season to start. It's great to be a Miami Hurricane!
Click to expand...
Love the enthusiasm and hope your take is right. Like many, I'm forcing myself to wait and see.
 
OrangeBowlMagic said:
Will go down as one of the most impactful transfers in the history of the school. Cannot overstate how massive of an addition this dude was to this program. Raises the floor of the entire offense considerably and someone we simply cannot afford to lose. I don’t pray, but if you do, say one for this dude playing 12 full, healthy games this fall.
Click to expand...
So he’s a rich man’s Harland Gunn
 
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His and Cohens additions can’t be understated even past on field performance. I think they’re going to be keys to turning around our OL for years to come.

The guys now will embrace the same roles acclimating subsequent classes as Cohen and Lee are with the current group.
 
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mirvin88 said:
His and Cohens additions can’t be understated even past on field performance. I think they’re going to be keys to turning around our OL for years to come.

The guys now will embrace the same roles acclimating subsequent classes as Cohen and Lee are with the current group.
Click to expand...
Yeah I predict Cohen will go down as the 2nd greatest transfer here. You cant put enough emphasis on the addition of a guy who "knows what it looks like" coming from a championship program in Bama. A program that during his tenure was a "championship or bust" mentality and not just happy to hopefully win their side of the conference bracket. With the young OLineman we have in the room.. they will soak up winning knowledge, winning habits, and a winning mentality. A "dominate every rep and dominate the man across from you every play" mentality that will stick with them through their tenure and hopefully make this the best OL in the country in a few years anchored by Mauigoa, Samson and Kinsler.

But Lee is absolutely a God send and I dont know where we would be at C without him.
 
mirvin88 said:
His and Cohens additions can’t be understated even past on field performance. I think they’re going to be keys to turning around our OL for years to come.

The guys now will embrace the same roles acclimating subsequent classes as Cohen and Lee are with the current group.
Click to expand...

It’s nice to have real leaders for once in the locker room. CULTURE!!!
 
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