After Tuesday’s practice, Manny Diaz updated the injury status of a few players, including Brevin Jordan (foot), who was held out of the win over Louisville this past week.
“We held him out of practice today - he is getting better, hopefully we’ll have him for next week,” Diaz said of Jordan.
Diaz also confirmed that LB’s Waynmon Steed (knee) and BJ Jennings (quad), who have been out since the offseason, would miss the rest of the year, but are both expected to be back in the spring.
“The bowl game will still be too soon for both those guys, but full recovery by spring ball,” Diaz said. “We should have a good, old competition (at linebacker).”
LB Patrick Joyner returned to the field and saw action in the 4th quarter of UM’s blowout win this week after missing Miami’s first 9 games with a broken leg.
“He played well when he was out there,” Diaz said of Joyner.
In other news, TE Evidence Njoku made known his decision to transfer from the program today. He had 1 career catch at Miami.
“Evidence came to me, said he wanted to transfer,” Diaz said. “We wish him well wherever he winds up.”
Miami has been running a quarter of simulated games on Sunday’s for players who are redshirting or aren’t seeing the field much to get them more prepared for playing time in the future.
“Jeremiah Payton, he makes plays every Sunday,” Diaz said. “The young defensive linemen - (Jalar) Holley, (Jared) Harrison-Hunte, (Jason) Blissett, Cameron Williams. Avery Huff, we love watching Avery get out there and play. And even guys playing in games like Christian Williams and Te’Cory Couch still get to feature in Sunday night football and they’re getting coached.”
After playing against Louisville this week, Payton has now played in 4 games, but Diaz says they will shut him down for the rest of the year to redshirt him.
“We think he has a big-time future, may try to keep him behind the glass, in case of emergency window,” Diaz said.
LB Shaq Quarterman has racked up 7.5 TFL in his last two games, and Diaz feels he has taken his game to the next level.
“There’s no way there’s a linebacker playing better than Shaq Quarterman” Diaz said. “Since halftime of Georgia Tech, the guy has taken his game, in my opinion, to an All-American level.”
The offensive line has shown improvement the past few weeks and, in particular, Diaz feels LT Zion Nelson is coming into his own a bit.
“He has great athleticism, is tenacious,” Diaz said of Nelson. “He’s getting into games, functioning.”
With the Canes on bye this week, Diaz said the staff will use the extra time to start having conversations with juniors about potentially leaving early for the NFL vs. staying for their senior season at UM.
“Let them know that we’re here for them, we want to provide them with as much information possible so they can make the best decision possible,” Diaz said.
Miami’s goals over the bye?
“We want to stay sharp, get our bodies back,” Diaz said. “This bye came at a good time. We can use the time right now to heal some guys that wouldn’t be 100%… We’re being smart with our guys, making sure they’re fresh and healthy.”
Diaz also mentioned that, despite Camden Price’s relative success in recent weeks, he still wouldn’t rule out bringing in another scholarship kicker for next year.
“We held him out of practice today - he is getting better, hopefully we’ll have him for next week,” Diaz said of Jordan.
Diaz also confirmed that LB’s Waynmon Steed (knee) and BJ Jennings (quad), who have been out since the offseason, would miss the rest of the year, but are both expected to be back in the spring.
“The bowl game will still be too soon for both those guys, but full recovery by spring ball,” Diaz said. “We should have a good, old competition (at linebacker).”
LB Patrick Joyner returned to the field and saw action in the 4th quarter of UM’s blowout win this week after missing Miami’s first 9 games with a broken leg.
“He played well when he was out there,” Diaz said of Joyner.
In other news, TE Evidence Njoku made known his decision to transfer from the program today. He had 1 career catch at Miami.
“Evidence came to me, said he wanted to transfer,” Diaz said. “We wish him well wherever he winds up.”
Miami has been running a quarter of simulated games on Sunday’s for players who are redshirting or aren’t seeing the field much to get them more prepared for playing time in the future.
“Jeremiah Payton, he makes plays every Sunday,” Diaz said. “The young defensive linemen - (Jalar) Holley, (Jared) Harrison-Hunte, (Jason) Blissett, Cameron Williams. Avery Huff, we love watching Avery get out there and play. And even guys playing in games like Christian Williams and Te’Cory Couch still get to feature in Sunday night football and they’re getting coached.”
After playing against Louisville this week, Payton has now played in 4 games, but Diaz says they will shut him down for the rest of the year to redshirt him.
“We think he has a big-time future, may try to keep him behind the glass, in case of emergency window,” Diaz said.
LB Shaq Quarterman has racked up 7.5 TFL in his last two games, and Diaz feels he has taken his game to the next level.
“There’s no way there’s a linebacker playing better than Shaq Quarterman” Diaz said. “Since halftime of Georgia Tech, the guy has taken his game, in my opinion, to an All-American level.”
The offensive line has shown improvement the past few weeks and, in particular, Diaz feels LT Zion Nelson is coming into his own a bit.
“He has great athleticism, is tenacious,” Diaz said of Nelson. “He’s getting into games, functioning.”
With the Canes on bye this week, Diaz said the staff will use the extra time to start having conversations with juniors about potentially leaving early for the NFL vs. staying for their senior season at UM.
“Let them know that we’re here for them, we want to provide them with as much information possible so they can make the best decision possible,” Diaz said.
Miami’s goals over the bye?
“We want to stay sharp, get our bodies back,” Diaz said. “This bye came at a good time. We can use the time right now to heal some guys that wouldn’t be 100%… We’re being smart with our guys, making sure they’re fresh and healthy.”
Diaz also mentioned that, despite Camden Price’s relative success in recent weeks, he still wouldn’t rule out bringing in another scholarship kicker for next year.
