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Miami Hurricanes sophomore offensive lineman DJ Scaife started the majority of Miami’s games at right tackle in 2018, but this fall, has spent all of his time on the interior of UM’s OL working at first team right guard. However, with redshirt freshman John Campbell struggling at right tackle in UM’s first game against the Gators two weeks ago, Scaife has been seen back practicing at first team right tackle on some reps this week in practice.
Comparing and contrasting playing guard and tackle, Scaife has seen a difference between the two positions.
“There’s just not as much space to work with at guard,” Scaife told CIS at media day. “At tackle, you’re set up on the edge, so it’s more about timing your block. At guard, it’s almost instant contact.”
Does he have a preference between tackle or guard?
“It really doesn’t matter. I can play both well,” he said.
Known as a quick-learner and someone that was mature beyond his years, Scaife always seemed destined for early playing time on a struggling UM offensive line when he hit campus in 2018 out of Miami Southridge. Although Scaife was eased into action last season as a freshman, he eventually saw time in every game and ended up starting the final 7 games of the year at right tackle.
Some say the biggest jump in a college players’ career comes between freshman and sophomore year, after adjusting mentally and physically to D-I football. According to Scaife, he feels he has taken that next step this past offseason and is looking to become a nationally known name in the college football world.
“I got stronger,” Scaife said. “I know the game a lot more compared to when I was a freshman. I’m trying to be an All-American this year.”
That would suit Miami’s first year OL coach Butch Barry just fine. Scaife has already impressed his new coach out of the gate, and, after inheriting a line that has a few pieces, but needs putting together, Barry hasn’t been shy about saying he will put his best five on the field regardless of position.
“He moves his feet really well, really good athlete,” Barry said of Scaife earlier this fall. “He’s got enough length, there’s guys that play in the NFL that are 6-foot-4 that are playing tackle too… I want to be able to put them in their best position, but I also have to find the five best that work together because at the end of the day our offensive line has to be connected as one.”
While it will likely be a gametime announcement before we know for sure if Scaife will actually get the nod this week at RT or RG, it’s safe to say that he will be well-prepared for success either way.
Comparing and contrasting playing guard and tackle, Scaife has seen a difference between the two positions.
“There’s just not as much space to work with at guard,” Scaife told CIS at media day. “At tackle, you’re set up on the edge, so it’s more about timing your block. At guard, it’s almost instant contact.”
Does he have a preference between tackle or guard?
“It really doesn’t matter. I can play both well,” he said.
Known as a quick-learner and someone that was mature beyond his years, Scaife always seemed destined for early playing time on a struggling UM offensive line when he hit campus in 2018 out of Miami Southridge. Although Scaife was eased into action last season as a freshman, he eventually saw time in every game and ended up starting the final 7 games of the year at right tackle.
Some say the biggest jump in a college players’ career comes between freshman and sophomore year, after adjusting mentally and physically to D-I football. According to Scaife, he feels he has taken that next step this past offseason and is looking to become a nationally known name in the college football world.
“I got stronger,” Scaife said. “I know the game a lot more compared to when I was a freshman. I’m trying to be an All-American this year.”
That would suit Miami’s first year OL coach Butch Barry just fine. Scaife has already impressed his new coach out of the gate, and, after inheriting a line that has a few pieces, but needs putting together, Barry hasn’t been shy about saying he will put his best five on the field regardless of position.
“He moves his feet really well, really good athlete,” Barry said of Scaife earlier this fall. “He’s got enough length, there’s guys that play in the NFL that are 6-foot-4 that are playing tackle too… I want to be able to put them in their best position, but I also have to find the five best that work together because at the end of the day our offensive line has to be connected as one.”
While it will likely be a gametime announcement before we know for sure if Scaife will actually get the nod this week at RT or RG, it’s safe to say that he will be well-prepared for success either way.
