I'm back from vacation and still getting my legs under me. But here is the latest. For convenience, I've separated the recruiting scoop (available
here) from the team scoop. This is the latest from Greentree:
- After an uneven beginning to camp, QB
Tyler Van Dyke has begun to turn it on. I am told he's looked unbelievable the last ten days and is really blossoming in the new offense.
- The buzz on QB
Emory Williams is real, and he is pushing hard for the backup spot. The stock on QB
Jacurri Brown is down after a bad scrimmage, but these things change quickly and some of his best attributes don't show without QBs going live. This is an ongoing battle.
- In the past, when I focused on RB
Mark Fletcher and RB
Ajay Allen on the Bank or the Podcast, some folks felt I was ignoring the more experienced talent. But there was a reason I focused on those two- they have been the two best backs all offseason and flashed huge in the scrimmage. Of course, the true test for a running back is the game, but both of these guys are generating buzz with coaches and players.
- Miami is extremely pleased with the first-team OL after the scrimmage. The next three up are likely OT
Matthew McCoy, OT
Samson Okunlola and OG
Logan Sagapolu. I've talked about McCoy a bunch in the past, and the hype from the Hecht is only building. He is one of the biggest OL on the team and has even played some tight end with numbers down due to (minor) soft tissue injuries. They think McCoy, Mauigoa, Samson and Kinsler all have big NFL futures if they keep working. The biggest concern with the OL remains backup center.
- Wide receiver still lacks a proven #1 but is an improved group. The clear top three are
Colbie Young,
Xavier Restrepo and
Jacolby George. George is having his most consistent camp of his career and is clearly feeling the competition. If he stays strong off the field, he could be in for a big year. The next two names to watch are
Tyler Harrell (speedy with inconsistent but improving hands) and
RayRay Joseph (still working hard on his hands as a former RB, but deadly after the catch).
-
Leonard Taylor is having a very strong camp.
Branson Deen is a high-motor, twitchy player who causes a lot of disruption. Our weakness up front will be big OLs and physical running games. Our strength will be the interior pass rush.
Akeem Mesidor,
Nyjalik Kelly and
Reuben Bain are the top names to know on the edge, although
Jayden Wayne is flashing more consistently than spring and pressing for real playing time. If
Joshua Horton had been here in spring, he may have already been in the two-deep.
Ahmad Moten is a legitimate talent but needs more consistency.
- Competition has elevated the linebacker room.
Francisco Maugoia is an unquestioned starter and
KJ Cloyd and
Wesley Bissainthe are battling hard. Guys like
Corey Flagg and
Keontra Smith are playing their best ball since the new regime took over and look to provide solid depth. Of the true freshman, I'm told
Popo Aguirre and
Marcelles Pulliam have been very consistent with Aguirre the furthest ahead.
- Defensive back is the biggest area to watch on defense.
Jaden Davis has been very consistent and profiles the best at nickel. He will play a lot. The Brown Brothers (
Devonte and
Damari) have the inside track to start outside, with
Daryl Porter pushing them.
Tecory Couch is also in the mix in the nickel and outside.
Jadais Richard, like Davis, is likely going to serve as a Swiss Army knife to plug holes in multiple spots. He may be our third best option at safety. Don't read much into
James Williams not playing the first snaps at safety- he is a starter along with
Kam Kinchens.
- In general, I continue to hear great things about Lance Guidry. He is going to cause a lot of problems for ACC offenses.
