Stock up, Stock down - 2021 Spring Game

Stock up, Stock down - 2021 Spring Game

Geo305

Comments (108)

Forgot to mention. Some of this write up is through sources as well throughout spring that have been at practice and through guys on the team. By the way, I’m sure you all knew this already but Cribby always been legit and he’s not blowing smoke up everyones blouses.

Excellent work, Geo. I can’t find any place where I disagree. This season should be the turning point we were all looking for.
 
I’d be surprised if Daz left. I’m higher on him than most. He needed some physical development coming in but it looks like he is on the right track there.
And he just got over a couple surgeries if I’m not mistaken. I’d expect him to get more snaps beginning next year if he stays. I haven’t watched the spring game yet but I heard he made a few nice plays.
 
Actually he’s the one I’d been talking up as the perfect candidate since last year. Use him as a lb this season. But they went with Keontra.
I believe they made the right move. Keontra has been a LB’er for years since his days with FTL Hurricanes. It is his natural position. He can play the Mike too if he ends up bulking more.

If Gil is not in season form like last season by the fall I would be surprised. He will respond to having a down spring by accounts knowing him well. Watched the game twice and scrubbed through every play, while he didn’t play bad and was involved. It was noticeable he was carrying on extra weight and a step slower.
 
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Regarding playing favorites with the upperclassmen,, to some degree you have to do that until the younger guys get worked into the rotation and prove they’re better in live game reps.

Besides which, you don’t want everyone transferring out who has experience. You want them knowing that they’re lined to compete for the job and aren’t getting leapfrogged by a younger guy based on some practice snaps.

I expect that we are going to see some major lineup changes as soon as the second half of Alabama, perhaps even sooner depending on how these young guys continue to develop during summer camp.

Patience grasshopper.
 
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Payton go to UCF and Wiggins to FIU. It would make sense for everybody.
If Payton were to transfer, that is the destination I would expect as his brother went there. I would be surprised to see him transfer though without competing this off-season after being out all spring. This reminds me a bit of people forgetting about Sam Brooks because he was out all spring. Diaz said it best in his presser that there are guys coming back in fall and arriving that will and could factor in. It’s a great situation to have.
 
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@DMoney I think this is the play you’re referring to with Keontra.


Great play by Keontra. Keontra made the kind of play we rarely saw last season, especially at the LB positions.

McCloud-53 needs to hold the edge a lot better though. 53 didn’t have it at LB, and IMHO, 53 doesn’t have it at DE either. SMH, 53 looked played the run on that play like our DEs did against UNC last season. 53 isn’t good against the run and he didn’t rush the QB well either. I don’t think 53 will start, and if he does, Jafhary Harvey-12 will get more snaps
 
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I don’t think Daz would transfer, at least not this year if it were to happen. I came away impressed with him during the game and the size he’s put on since he’s arrived. Coming off surgeries too.
That’s good. I was thinking the same thing. He’s not going to be a Day 1 contributor especially coming off surgeries. Next year I think he will have a bigger role.
 
The only transfer candidates at wide receiver that I see are Pope and Wiggins. Why would any of the younger guys transfer when the competition will be wide open again after Rambo and Harley leave, especially if Pope and Wiggins are gone, too?
 
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The only transfer candidates at wide receiver that I see are Pope and Wiggins. Why would any of the younger guys transfer when the competition will be wide open again after Rambo and Harley leave, especially if pope and Wiggins are going to.
With Payton, it’s just my general sense he has fallen out of favor. Hasn’t got any run in 2 years and the coaches that recruited him are long gone. I don’t ever see him in the rotation here.
 
QB:



Stock up:



Jake Garcia obviously had a great day, the hype is real and we saw some things that wouldn’t be expected of a kid who should be in high school right now. It’s still very early and while a lot of promise, there is some things I’d like to see in a live game setting. With the bullets actually flying.



TVD can make all the throws and he had a solid day even though they cut his snaps at a point. He really should have had 2 TDs on the day.



*You keep both of those guys battling all the way up until the 2022 season no matter what. It will make them both better. To name one over the other as the future is a bit premature, but I really liked the confidence from Garcia and limited reps and time he’s had so far.



I don’t think Miami can go wrong with either of those two with life after King past this season. Deriq King is obviously the guy this season, but it’s comforting knowing a legitimate QB room is being built in the Gables for the first time in a while.



Neutral:

I wouldn’t want to say stock down as it is what I expected and been told. Matocha is what he is and wouldn’t expect him to jump past Garcia or TVD in a race for QB2. I would entertain the idea of a position switch at some point as he is plenty athletic enough. TE?



RB:



Stock up:

I would put Chaney in here if he played today but by all accounts he is thee guy in the room before going down and was separating from the other two. Knighton definitely stock up after today, bit of a slow start to spring for him but has picked it up where he left off before his injury last season to close spring.



Neutral:

Cam Harris, we know he is talented but he’s had moments where he’s faded too. He had a great scrimmage #2 with the offense. I am a Cam fan don’t get me wrong but it is hard to ignore the noise Chaney was making this spring. Probably is the opening day starter with Chaney going down until fall and pass protection duties but how long he holds on to it is the question. He will still get plenty of touches this season regardless and produce.



* Bit of a note on this. The run game wasn’t featured too much today and that was by design for the spring game. It was a small sample. Knighton TD run was very impressive.



*Curious to see what type of role Franklin or Brown can carve out within the offense as a potential goal line back when they arrive.



WR:



Stock up:

Rambo, Keyshawn Smith, Restrepo, Johnson and Worsham.



Rambo looks healthy, focused, dominant and what we needed. 2019 version of Rambo, the one making big plays against Bama. He’s going to have a big season barring any injuries.



Keyshawn was a steal out of Cali and it was well noted, he was turning heads all of spring before a slight nick and now healthy showing the reason as to why he should be starting. I would not be shocked if he becomes thee guy by seasons end in the WR room moving into the next season.



It’s hard not to get flashbacks to the upperclassmen version of Braxton Berrios at Miami when the light turned on for Braxton with Restrepo now but let’s not get confused. Restrepo is bigger than Berrios and is like a runningback through traffic and the open field. Very solid spring for him through and through and has made a strong case to be a fixture in the WR rotation with starter quality reps this season. The TD brought flashbacks to Berrios senior year. Restrepo is developing at a faster rate.



Big shoutout to the walk-on receiver Dante Johnson. Had a very solid day and definitely looked the part to play. Big and strong with good hands. Not sure where he will fall in the pecking order later on, but today did show him and some other walk-ons of being good quality in the program moving forward.



Daz Worsham made some catches today against the second and third team defense, been a bit quiet from his end but nice to see production as he is still young. Has put on considerable weight since HS. Maybe not a contributor this year but definitely stock up.



Neutral:

Mike Harley, maybe should have been stock up but he is doing what should be expected of him and consistently after his breakout last season. It’s great to see a guy who had some rough outings early on in his time here, become a very solid and dependable starting WR for the offense.



Mike Redding. This guy will be a testament to what Likens can mold with coaching and development. Absolute monster tester and passes the eye test but very raw. Would have liked to see him get more opportunities today but got nicked up on a jump ball. This is someone who may be a year or two away before we see what he could be capable of.



Mark Pope. Yes the beating of a dead horse. To put him in stock down wouldn’t be fair as he was productive today in the end. Pope creates separation and gets open but struggles still, body catching in year 4. He has struggles with catches in traffic and fighting for the ball and tends to lose focus. The clock is very much ticking, and while he did have a very productive day. The stats do not tell the whole story and was very up and down. Is he someone you can rely on in a big game or important down or play, history has shown no at Miami. Very inconsistent and not something you really want to have at the WR position. A position that demands consistency. There have been other WRs in similar shoes to his during their time at Miami like Harley and Hankerson where the light turned on for them. Is it going to happen for Mark Pope? If it does... win for Miami and win for him. If it doesn’t, win for Miami and lose for him as there is young WRs making plays consistently knocking on the door already for more play time and more hungry freshmen arriving in the summer at WR. It’s do or die time for Mark Pope this offseason between post spring and fall. Consistency is key.





Stock down:



Dee Wiggins, see Mark Pope. Wiggins has not developed at Miami like I had expected him to. He showed some flashes his first two years here with big splash plays and I accounted the inconsistencies with drops due to being young at the time and needing to develop more physically. It is year 4 and it hasn’t changed. I would have liked to see at this point Wiggins using his size and frame to his advantage against corners of smaller stature. It’s frustrating as he too creates separation and it must be frustrating for the staff but there comes a certain point where if guys can’t be relied on and other younger guys can and are able to complete the play... your snaps are going to diminish. He and Pope are one in the same that this is do or die now for their careers at Miami. The question of will the light turn on for either of them is a big one. It’s not a question of talent but more so the consistency and catching the ball with both of them. The difference between Pope and Wiggins today. Pope was productive despite some agonizing mistakes. Wiggins production was off of a play at the end of the game against walk-on DBs.



*Competition is only going to get more fierce at this position with the arrival of Brashard Smith, Romello Brinson and Jacolby George. I have confidence in Brashard Smith possibly being a strong contender for early playing time for this season with his skill set and size.



*The return of Jeremiah Payton in fall will be interesting. He was out this spring. He has been noted as showing flashes before but inconsistency with focus last year in practice and was very talented coming into Miami. While his situation is not the same as Pope or Wiggins. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the competition in fall and where he lands on the depth chart pecking order before the season. He has an opportunity to make his case. Could be boom or bust. This fall is very important to his future at Miami.



TE:



Cant put anything here as we have been mauled with injuries. Prediction? Mallory is going to be that guy this year and I’m very confident on that. Mammarelli will see a lot of time when blocking is needed. Curious to see where Arroyo is in fall. Hopefully Hodges gets everything together for fall as he can contribute. I wouldn’t expect Brantley to make a splash upon arrival but solid addition to the room.



OL:



Stock up:

I will give a stock up here to the starting O-Line. We are and will be better up front this year. A lot of that will have to do with upgrading at guard. If I am a betting man, our best 5 from left to right is 60-64-65-55-51. While I would have liked to see more in the run game today, the spring game was designed for the quarterbacks to play out today it seems.



Stock down:

The stock down I would give, I do not think we are 9 or 10 man deep quality yet on OL as Diaz has relayed to the media. With some time maybe. Campbell, Clark and Jarrid is good depth but we should have more and I think two of those are not at their best position. I’m positive they will have Clark and Jarrid continue to push and compete with Rivers and Scaife going into fall. Development of a guy like Issiah Walker will be important moving forward as he should be a tackle. I like Clark more at center and Campbell more at guard. We will see where Reed is in Fall.



*There was positive rave reviews on McLaughlin earlier in spring but he will have to continue to get bigger. I could see someone like one of Seymore or Rodriguez possibly making a splash as depth on the interior in the two deep when they arrive.





DE:



Stock up:



Deandre Johnson, Jahfari Harvey



These two are our best ends right now. Will one of them or both become dominant by the season, we shall see. Still early.



Neutral:

Chantz Williams, Cam Williams, McCloud



I know Chantz was getting a lot of rave reviews during spring as someone emerging. Was a bit quiet during the spring game but that is not a end all indicator of what can happen. I wouldn’t put Cam as stock down but he was quiet. Same for McCloud.



Could see them maybe trying to add one more guy in the portal at the position with experience.



*Thomas Davis can definitely get after the QB but will have to get bigger.



*Jabari Ishmael arrives in fall and will have to develop and get bigger as well.



DT:



Stock up:

Jon Ford, Elijah Roberts, Holley



Big stock up for Ford. He has made big strides this spring. This bodes very well for us.



Elijah Roberts actually had two sacks today. He still has to get bigger but I expect him to see play time this year in rotation.



Holley had a sack on the day and was active, looks a bit smaller now and I know that had to do with him getting sick last year.



Neutral:

Miller, Harrison-Hunte



A bit quiet for the both of them during the game but nothing negative either. I expect Miller to be heavily involved this year in rotation. JH-H I expect to show us even more of the flashes and big plays he showed us all last year, again this season heavy in starter rotation snaps.





*This group is very promising and hard not to get excited about. Nesta returns in the fall and very important to the group. Leonard Taylor arrives and I expect him to make a quality freshman splash along the entire DL, receiving snaps at DE too moving around. Allan Haye arrives as well to continue building quality depth in the DT room.





LB:



Stock up:

Keontra, Steed



Love the move of Keontra to LB and it will pay off in my opinion. Steed looks the healthiest I’ve seen him during his time at Miami with a history of injuries dating back to high school. There was a few plays that stood out with him if you rewatch the game. That is a positive sign, he was a natural linebacker dating back to central and a very productive one. Some athletes can come back from injuries and still be productive, we shall see.



Neutral:

Flagg, Huff, TAustin-Cave, Troutman



While it was quiet for Flagg and Huff, nothing I can say negative either. Flagg is in much better shape now. If the season were to start today, Flagg is the starting MLB and Huff would be heavily involved with the competition going on at WLB. The season doesn’t start today and there will be competition up to the opener at the LB spots. TAC and Troutman looked good but small sample size. TAC is very fast I will say for a LB but have heard he will have to continue to develop similar to how Huff had to. Troutman has to get bigger. I think by next year TAC will make some noise.





Stock down:

Jennings



It is becoming very clear that Jennings playing time is about to take a massive hit at Miami. It doesn’t seem as if he has improved since last season either. The coaches want more speed and athleticism at the position. If he sticks around as sometimes upperclassmen who lose jobs or playing time end up leaving. Could see him carving out a role on special teams unit as a headhunter.



*Two things I want to point out. It wasn’t enough to get a full gauge on what’s going on at LB but Keontra did make a nice splash today early on, on a run that could have went to the house. Those are plays needed to be made at the position. LB is a position that’s going to have competition going on at both spots all through fall. I expect a completely healthy Sam Brooks to make a stamp at the LB position in fall with his athleticism and size as he was out all this spring. If I’m betting, the guys you see this year on the field at LB are Brooks, Steed, Keontra, Huff and Flagg. The likelihood they try to get a guy through the portal for more experience in the group is high but I don’t think they will settle for just a depth guy either. They will want someone who has really produced at a high level, I doubt they would settle. LB is wide open at this point.



*Tyler Johnson arrives in fall. I don’t expect him to make an immediate freshman splash as he played more pass rusher in HS, he will need some time.



Striker:



Stock up:

Chase Smith



This guy is going to be special and I see them having a hard time keeping him off the field as the season progresses along.



Neutral:

Amari Carter



Didn’t see anything that made me say wow with Carter at striker but nothing that made me face palm with mistakes like in the past. This is good and I expect him to do well at his new position. Would like to see him on special teams as well.





Stock down:

Gilbert Frierson



I hate to do this as he was arguably one of our top 3 players on the defense last season and had a good season at the position. I’ve known him personally too in past during his recruitment to Miami so it feels personal. I expect this to be a stock up by the time fall and the season rolls around. I don’t think the guy has forgot how well he played last year at all. Yes not a good look that he didn’t have his best spring and not in best shape either coming into it. This happens sometimes with players and they do bounce back. It’s not uncommon or unheard of. Knowing him, I expect him to bounce back especially with competition he sees at Striker. He starts at striker when the season opens in my opinion and replicates last year performance if I’d place a bet knowing him.





CB:



Stock up:

Tyrique Stevenson, DJ Ivey, Dunson



Tyrique is CB1, that is not a debate.



DJ Ivey looks improved this off-season. Do I think he’s going to become a superstar, no but I think he will become solid and what we expected from him coming in to Miami and a lot more consistent.



Dunson has made some strides and flashed a bit during the spring game.





Stock down:



Jalen Harrell, not that he was bad or terrible but I feel his natural position would be striker. I believe he was moved to corner out of necessity for depth for spring and I would like to see him moved to striker at some point.



*Getting Blades, Couch and Clarke back in fall is very good for this group. If I were to bet on how the position shakes out. Tyrique and a committee opposite of him between Blades, Ivey and Couch along with Couch as your nickel corner. Clarke and Dunson round out your depth.



*Malik Curtis arrives in fall and he is very new to the position. I wouldn’t expect to see him play outside of maybe mop up duty at CB, but if for some reason they can’t figure out kick or punt returners between all the options they have now. You let him get a crack at it if it can’t be figured out.



S:



Stock up:

Gurvan, Avantae, Kinchens, Washington



Everyone in the safety room that played in the game. Stock up and clearly a stock up. This has been mentioned a bit but the safety play has been commented as being very good this spring.



Gurvan looked good and the best I’ve seen him at Miami. The light may be coming on. Pope long catch was not on Gurvan fault if you rewatch the game. I don’t think he’s going to turn into a bonafide superstar this season but I liked what I saw and think he could turn out into an all-conference level safety if he trends the right way. This was a guy Saban flew a helicopter in for, not everyone gets that treatment and remember who’s coaching him now.



Avantae was all over the field. Yes the missed tackle by him and Amari that took Ivey out of the game and sprung Knighton to a TD was very glaring. Outside of that, he was all over the field. Whether he’s first in rotation or starting at some point, he will play a lot regardless.



Kinchens looks good for a true freshman, him getting in for spring was great for his development. Great for his confidence moving forward grabbing a pick today.



Washington surprised me. Watching him back in high school, he wasn’t really known for being that physical. He is now, not the first time he’s popped loose a fumble this spring either. I had some thoughts about him as a potential striker with his size at some point at Miami while he was recruited. There is a logjam and talent pool at safety now, maybe not this year but maybe next spring a potential move to striker with natural attrition at that position. He should definitely be on special teams this year at minimum.



*Unfortunate we couldn’t see Bubba play today but if the group looked like that, I can imagine what he would have done as well. The level he was playing at early on last season was incredible before he had tailed off. I expect that again and more consistency between coaching and being more comfortable. Balom will be nice to have back in fall and he had gained a lot of experience last season.



*Bubba, Hall and Avantae clearly are the main 3 fixtures. After that it seems to be a big competition and anyone guess how it shakes out.



*Last but not least, James Williams arrives in the summer. It will be interesting to see where he falls into between all the competition but let’s not deny his talent, size and athleticism that are abnormal to the position. If he catches on quick, they will have a hard time not playing him in rotation at minimum.



***Miami has a great and complicated situation in the safety room. T-Rob must be smiling from ear to ear, we have real depth there.





K:



Stock up:

Borregales



Doesn’t look like we are going to miss a beat.



P:



Neutral:

Hedley



Hedley is Hedley, we know he’s good.





Returns:



Stock up:



Why? One, hate to keep beating the dead horse but Pope is off returns and rightfully so as it was a disaster last season there. There is way too many options to not find someone who has the juice at KR or PR or both.





Special Teams:



*We’re just going to have to wait till the season to find out, but a way of having better special teams unit is by having more quality depth. We are getting there and not a getting there as in the Golden era or early Richt era getting there slowly. We are getting there and close.











  • There is no reason why this team shouldn’t win at minimum 10 games during the regular season this year outside of catastrophic injuries. Anything less is a disappointment. COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise to getting the depth up to quality and retaining a year of eligibility for all who stayed. The additions of Rambo, Stevenson and Johnson were very important from the portal. If they land a bonafide proven LB in the portal, they are cooking with grease.
You need your CIS pension for this great post.

I love long, detailed and informative posts like this.
 
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Rivers started the game running with the 2s. Did anyone notice that on Knighton’s TD run, he ran behind Rivers who was put in with the 1s for that series? Rivers definitely moved his man on that play.

Rivers should start. We need to play our most gifted OLs, if we expect to compete with elite programs, like Alabama
 
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