Full Canes Depth Chart Released Ahead Of Florida Gators Clash

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Marcus Benjamin

Coral Gables, FL — ‘The New Miami’ (#TNM) is not just a new moniker that took off on social media this offseason, it’s a reality.  New head coach, new coordinators new assistant coaches, new quarterback and now a new depth chart. The Hurricanes released their list of starters and backups for their opening game against the Florida Gators today for media and fans alike.  In this modern era of college football, maintaining and adding depth on a football team is a great challenge that coaches now face.

“Keeping the middle class of your football team around for the long haul is going to be a trick,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz.  “The guys that are not quite starters that get into their second, third or fourth year of the program they have a lot of incentive now to leave from outside influences.”

Miami lost two defensive backs this week that will no longer be with the program.  Junior Derrick Smith and redshirt freshman Nigel Bethel Jr. have decided to pursue other options.

Head Coach Manny Diaz

The depth chart list has two new freshmen starting on the offensive line, two new starting safeties as the last line of defense and two players vying for the new cornerback spot.  Perhaps the most interesting additions to the starting lineup are at the offensive tackle position. 

Two Freshmen Starting On Offensive Line

The Canes will start with true freshman Zion Nelson at left tackle and redshirt freshman John Campbell at right tackle.  

“John is a guy that has just gotten better and better and it was probably maybe the second week maybe the second scrimmage if I have it right where he took a step up,” said Diaz.  “John never looked out of place. We always thought that John was very talented. We have a young offensive line. We have guys we know that are really really good and John earned the spot.  

Although being plugged in on game one will shoulder pressure and responsibility, offensive coordinator Dan Enos feels confident in both tackles abilities. 

“We’re excited about those tackles, we’re excited about the offensive line in general,” said Enos.  “We’re going to be a team that is very, very young offensively, we get that. Hopefully, we’ll see a team that is going to continue to get better, and better, and better as the season goes on.   You gotta get the first start sometime, someplace, somewhere.”

Battle Continues For DB2

On defense, the other cornerback position alongside junior Trajan Bandy is still up for grabs.  The contenders, sophomore Al Blades Jr., and DJ Ivey will continue to battle this week for the rights to play the first snap Saturday night.  Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is confident both will see plenty of game action at Camping World Stadium.

“I think both guys can see reps throughout the game,” said Baker.  “I feel comfortable with both of those guys playing out there at corner.  The competition has made them both better. I’m really proud of how those two have competed in regards to playing time.”

Defensive Line Not Settled

Baker also stated that there would be a competition this week at the defensive line in regards to who starts against Florida.  Junior Jonathan Garvin, junior Jon Ford, Senior Pat Bethel, and redshirt junior Scott Patchan are currently listed as the starters on the D-Line. 

Pat Bethel, Senior, Defensive Tackle

Redshirt senior transfer from Virginia Tech Trevon Hill and redshirt senior transfer from UCLA Chigozie Nnoruka will likely see playing time and compete for starting positions on the defensive front.

Two New Safeties

Junior Amari Carter and sophomore Gurval Hall have the tall task of replacing two NFL draftees in Shedrick Redwine and Jaquan Johnson.  Hall has flashed in camp and has earned the job over his teammates, but USC transfer Bubba Bolden and freshman Keontra Smith can certainly see some playing time come Saturday.

“Regardless of who goes out there first, they’re all going to play and that’s something that we preach,” said Baker.

The Emotions of Saturday

Plenty of these new players will be playing in the biggest game of their lives on Saturday in Orlando.  Coach Diaz understands that managing the emotional swings will be critical to the outcome.


“It is a rivalry game in a stadium where the fans will be split 50/50.  Being able to manage our emotions and to stay even-keeled and stay present will be crucial on Saturday.”

It’s safe to say that the Canes will be acting brand new come Saturday and with a win, a new start is just what this program needs after a disappointing 7-5 2018 season.

About Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.
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Posted on August 19, 2019 by Marcus Benjamin

Coral Gables, FL — ‘The New Miami’ (#TNM) is not just a new moniker that took off on social media this offseason, it’s a reality.  New head coach, new coordinators new assistant coaches, new quarterback and now a new depth chart. The Hurricanes released their list of starters and backups for their opening game against the Florida Gators today for media and fans alike.  In this modern era of college football, maintaining and adding depth on a football team is a great challenge that coaches now face.

“Keeping the middle class of your football team around for the long haul is going to be a trick,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz.  “The guys that are not quite starters that get into their second, third or fourth year of the program they have a lot of incentive now to leave from outside influences.”

Miami lost two defensive backs this week that will no longer be with the program.  Junior Derrick Smith and redshirt freshman Nigel Bethel Jr. have decided to pursue other options.

Head Coach Manny Diaz

The depth chart list has two new freshmen starting on the offensive line, two new starting safeties as the last line of defense and two players vying for the new cornerback spot.  Perhaps the most interesting additions to the starting lineup are at the offensive tackle position. 

Two Freshmen Starting On Offensive Line

The Canes will start with true freshman Zion Nelson at left tackle and redshirt freshman John Campbell at right tackle.  

“John is a guy that has just gotten better and better and it was probably maybe the second week maybe the second scrimmage if I have it right where he took a step up,” said Diaz.  “John never looked out of place. We always thought that John was very talented. We have a young offensive line. We have guys we know that are really really good and John earned the spot.  

Although being plugged in on game one will shoulder pressure and responsibility, offensive coordinator Dan Enos feels confident in both tackles abilities. 

“We’re excited about those tackles, we’re excited about the offensive line in general,” said Enos.  “We’re going to be a team that is very, very young offensively, we get that. Hopefully, we’ll see a team that is going to continue to get better, and better, and better as the season goes on.   You gotta get the first start sometime, someplace, somewhere.”

Battle Continues For DB2

On defense, the other cornerback position alongside junior Trajan Bandy is still up for grabs.  The contenders, sophomore Al Blades Jr., and DJ Ivey will continue to battle this week for the rights to play the first snap Saturday night.  Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is confident both will see plenty of game action at Camping World Stadium.

“I think both guys can see reps throughout the game,” said Baker.  “I feel comfortable with both of those guys playing out there at corner.  The competition has made them both better. I’m really proud of how those two have competed in regards to playing time.”

Defensive Line Not Settled

Baker also stated that there would be a competition this week at the defensive line in regards to who starts against Florida.  Junior Jonathan Garvin, junior Jon Ford, Senior Pat Bethel, and redshirt junior Scott Patchan are currently listed as the starters on the D-Line. 

Pat Bethel, Senior, Defensive Tackle

Redshirt senior transfer from Virginia Tech Trevon Hill and redshirt senior transfer from UCLA Chigozie Nnoruka will likely see playing time and compete for starting positions on the defensive front.

Two New Safeties

Junior Amari Carter and sophomore Gurval Hall have the tall task of replacing two NFL draftees in Shedrick Redwine and Jaquan Johnson.  Hall has flashed in camp and has earned the job over his teammates, but USC transfer Bubba Bolden and freshman Keontra Smith can certainly see some playing time come Saturday.

“Regardless of who goes out there first, they’re all going to play and that’s something that we preach,” said Baker.

The Emotions of Saturday

Plenty of these new players will be playing in the biggest game of their lives on Saturday in Orlando.  Coach Diaz understands that managing the emotional swings will be critical to the outcome.


“It is a rivalry game in a stadium where the fans will be split 50/50.  Being able to manage our emotions and to stay even-keeled and stay present will be crucial on Saturday.”

It’s safe to say that the Canes will be acting brand new come Saturday and with a win, a new start is just what this program needs after a disappointing 7-5 2018 season.

About Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.
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