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Coral Gables, FL — After a 6-7 losing 2019 season, change was inevitable for the Miami Hurricanes. The entire offensive staff was let go in the off-season in hopes to revitalize an inept offense. The Hurricanes ranked 90th out of 130 teams in points per game which is not up to the standards of Miami Hurricanes teams of the past. The Hurricanes completed their first week of Spring practice and first day with full pads Friday at the Greentree Practice Field with hopes for a change in mentality for 2020.
After week one of @CanesFootball practice @Coach_MannyDiaz talks about the difference between last year and the pace of play. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/zdOwJqoKIg
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) March 6, 2020
One of the first changes came in the form of a new offensive coordinator in Rhett Lashlee. Lashlee was the architect of an offense at SMU that ranked 7th out of 130 teams and averaged 41 points per game. Lashlee runs a spread offense which emphasizes spreading the defense out to find openings in the opposition to exploit mismatches.
“It’s such a high-intensity operation now it’s very hard for a guy to not bring it every day,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz. “The most rewarding thing after week one is that no one seems to shying away from that.”
Another disappointing aspect of last season was quarterback play. Inconsistent play at the most important position on the field many times led to losses for Miami. The Canes addressed the quarterback concern with bringing in senior quarterback D’Eriq King from Houston. King shut himself down last year to be eligible for the 2020 season and transferred to Miami in January. Last year’s starting quarterback Jarren Willams informed Miami of his intent to transfer in January after learning of King’s arrival. The dual-threat quarterback King is the first quarterback in FBS history to rush for a touchdown in 15 straight contests. He is also one of three quarterbacks in the history of the FBS to pass for 35 touchdowns and rush for 13 touchdowns in a season. Now with a week under his belt at Miami, he is certainly as good as advertised.
“You can see what he does when he has the ball in his hands in terms of the plays that he makes with his arms and feet. What is equally as exciting is just some of the connections he makes with the players in between series,” said Diaz. “We had heard good things about D’Eriq in that regard and to see it now after the first week of practice has been very exciting.”
.@CanesFootball QBs @DeriqKing_ @TheTateMartell and @KosiPerry working on back shoulder throws at practice. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/PFjQjfzCpE
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) March 6, 2020
King played in a similar hi-tempo offense at Houston and is adjusting well to Lashlee’s offensive scheme. Also adjusting to the pace of the offense is roommate, Quincy Roche. The defensive end from Temple transferred over a month ago as well and is enjoying the pace of play.
“The tempo is a lot different but I’m loving it,” said Roche. “It helps you stay on queue with everything.”
Roche was the American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year registering 49 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. The combination of Roche and ACC defensive rookie of the year Greg Rousseau should make the defensive line one of the best units on the team.
Another glaring issue with last year’s team was placekicking. Bubba Baxa served as the kicker for most of the 2019 season and converted a disappointing 5-10 including 2-5 from attempts under 30 yards. The Canes addressed this concern with bringing in FIU transfer Jose Borregales. Borregales was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist, an award that goes to the nation’s best kicker.
Transfer from FIU @F5Jose1 says he anticipates less field goals with the new @CanesFootball offense. Borregales hit field goals from 60 yards in practice today. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/LTp2DIEnxy
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) March 6, 2020
“He’s a freak,” said punter Louis Hedley. “I’m really excited for him. I’ve witnessed him kick it 60 yards, he’s got a powerful leg.”
The offensive line is also a concern and has been for the past few years. The O-Line gave up 46 sacks last season but Coach Diaz was impressed with the offensive line play after just four days of practice under new offensive line coach Garin Justice formerly of UNLV.
After four days of practice @Coach_MannyDiaz is impressed at how the offensive line has adjusted to @rhettlashlee’s new offense. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/Uw2yF5hQpd
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) March 6, 2020
“I think they understand the expectation now. This is not an offensive thing. This changes everything in your program,” said Diaz. “There is certainly a different edge about us offensively and that will do nothing but get us better.”
Other News and Notes:
Tight end Brevin Jordan was seen in a walking boot after practice tossing the football around with safety Bubba Bolden. Jordan is recovering from foot surgery while Bolden is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Former Florida State tight ends coach Telly Lockette still finalizing details on becoming an offensive analyst for Hurricanes according to Diaz.
The Hurricanes get a week off with spring break this week. Practice will resume on Sunday, March 15th.
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