On Monday afternoon, Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal spoke with the media, reflecting on Miami's 77-7 win over FAMU and his preparation for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Check out everything he had to say down below:
Opening statements: I'd like to start off by thanking our fans that showed up last Thursday and just did an awesome job providing a great environment, and hopefully they had a really good time watching our guys play. Saw a bunch of those guys play, but very appreciative of them. So moving on to Wake Forest, obviously great team, great players, great coaches, playing at a really high level and have been since last season, and a very mature team, older team, experienced team. 17 of 22 starters are upperclassmen, best way to describe them, they're fast, they're physical, play with a high motor, and they play with an edge. Okay, very, very physical. They chase and finish, really impressive tape. Tremendous amount of respect for their head coach and their coordinators, who I've had a chance to cross paths with, Coach Ezell and Coach Hazleton. It all starts, at least on the offensive side of the ball, it all starts with the fact they have great players all over the place, starting with their quarterback, Gio Lopez, 220-pounder, that can do it in the pocket, can do it on the run, great pocket presence, can hurt you with his feet, design quarterback runs, or he can just take off and improvise, off-script plays. Super accurate, and you saw him last week in double overtime take over the game. Explosive targets. You guys saw Carlos Hernandez last week, number eight, on fourth and 15. It's just a small indication of some of the explosive plays that he's had so far this season. Took a hitch in game one against Akron, took about 75 yards. Ty Clark, running back. They have a lot of good running backs, and they run behind a very physical, very mature and experienced offensive line. Very mature and physical tight ends as well, and they do a good job because these guys have had zero turnovers in the two games that they have had. But Ty Clark, 205, 210-pounder that has great contact balance, very physical, gets downhill, get out of the backfield catching the ball. Defensively, they are disruptive. They're in the backfield, they knock you back, they're knock-back tacklers. They are top 10 and top 20 nationally in just about every category. I won't get into that unless you ask questions, but, looking at them, familiar face in number five, their boundary safety, Davaughn Patterson, who actually forced a fumble two years ago against us here over at Hard Rock. But 28 career starts and a captain, very physical, downhill, can cover, can come on pressures in the backfield, forces all kinds of issues, turnovers, tackles for losses, impressive player. Their defensive ends, long, explosive, strong, disruptive, great pass rushers. They shorten the edges. They splatter blocks, both on split zone and on counter. Their boundary defensive end, Langston Hardy, you've seen him all over the place, seven sacks last year, two TFLs last week, 256 pounds, does it all, as does their defensive end to the field, Gabe Kirschke, at 285 pounds, very different type of field end than what we've seen so far. Five sacks last year, a sack last week, and a tackle for loss, disruptive, strong. Linebacker's different. You know, their leading tackler right now, number 23, a very different body type, 6'4, 230 pounds, rangy, can cover, can get downhill, knock-back tackler, can take on big offensive linemen, shed them, great at block construction. Their defensive tackle, number 52, another one that you always see in the backfield, great speed-to-power rush, great rip move, but really good at the point of attack, splitting double teams and creating all kinds of issues. And their special teams, I'm sure you guys have seen, last year fourth in the country in kickoff returns, and housed a punt return as well. So hopefully that answers a couple of things that you might have had for me, but open to questions, please.
On studying Gio Lopez’s film: Yeah, all valuable because you want to see a player's abilities and how different coordinators have used them and whatnot. But needless to say, he's playing at a really high level. People who were saying he was banged up, he's not. I mean, that guy just, he took over the game, very physical. I don't think, besides the off-script plays where he takes off with the ball, the designed quarterback runs are really physical runs. He's running quarterback counter, he's running quarterback lead stretch. He's doing a lot of things that are physically demanding, and there's no hesitation, no flinching in him. The guy's an excellent football player and a difference maker for them.
On Miami’s secondary going up against Wake Forest: Yeah, tremendous opportunity. Obviously we've worked through different combinations from the springtime throughout the summer and in fall camp, and feel good on the pieces that we've settled on to start the game and how we move them around as the game goes on in our different packages. So they will certainly be tested. These guys have an excellent group of not only skilled guys, but just their entire offense, their entire operation. And they're in sync. They're on the same page. They have different tempos. So looking forward to a great opportunity.
On the efficiency of Darian Mensah: I would say the mother of all learning--the repetition. The repetitions have really taken its course, where guys have really built a lot of confidence in each other. The relationships off the field have carried on onto the field, and therefore more time is being invested around each other, with each other, and that in turn turns into more of the extra work, and all that stuff adds up. And as more and more confidence is built, I think the appetite grows to be better.
On Bryce Fitzgerald: traits: I think he always had those traits. He was always a safety that had the skill set of an elite corner because he's a big guy. He's 190, 195 pounds. he's rangy. His hips, there's no limitations. I mean, he could get in and out of stuff in a hurry. His stop-and-go is off the charts. Getting in and out of breaks. I mean, you should see him at wide receiver. I mean, he's one of those guys that can flat out fit at any position because he doesn't have any limitations. And then we all know how instinctive he is. Those instincts in his first shot out there at corner, they he seemed very natural, and he's had a really good couple days of practice. So we're looking forward to watching him continue to improve.
On what he saw in Javian Mallory: We saw it in high school from him. I mean, they ran every scheme. They do a great job out there at West Boca. They run power, counter, inside zone, ISO, might split zone, wide zone. They run it all. And he was also heavily involved in protection, which is a must, right, as a running back here. There was never any flinch in his game. He's he's very intelligent and he is very invested. Like it means a lot to him, and he has a mature mentality. So I think it showed since the day he got here. I think when we were running the scout teams during the postseason, he had like a very minor soft tissue injury, but before that, I think his first carry, like he sent a message with how downhill, how physical, how explosive he was. So we saw that pretty early. We saw it in high school, but we saw it early in the practices.
On Miami's offensive line chemistry: Well, they're in sync, and I think it all starts with the command of the offense, with the quarterback in the center. When those guys are on the same page, everyone else is. And again, the level of communication and the time invested in their extra meetings, or protection meetings, or run game meetings, or plus one adjustments, or pressure adjustments has really paid off. And what you see is a bunch of guys that realize that we can get a heck of a lot better, and that they're invested in doing so.
On what he saw from freshman DB J.J. Dunnigan: He knows when you start a football player, he's got to know what to do, how to do it, and why we're doing it that way. He has to have an understanding of the concepts and what's going on around them, right? Because defensive players, offensive players, you have to know where your help is and where it isn't. And he certainly, we feel strongly and we trust him that he does. He is one of those guys. And when he triggers, he goes. There is no hesitation in him. Very physical, downhill, reliable, dependable, invested. Off to a great start, and looking forward to more. We didn't see the ball water much.
On Wake Forest defensive line: Knockback group. They create a lot of issues for opponent, and their entire front seven does. And when I say that, I mentioned their boundary safety also. They're just a very physical group that understands a very dynamic system. I mean, they'll be at four down, they'll be in bear, they'll jump in some of those exotic looks on third down, and they're all long explosive guys. They're all twitch guys that have power. You know what I mean? You don't see any deficiencies at all. And you've seen them collapse pockets. You've seen them win it was speed. You've seen them win with stunts. They're a really high-pressure operation. As high as 60 in some personnel groupings on first and second down. So, you see a group that is disruptive both because of talent and because they play really **** hard. Okay. And that's what really jumps out on tape. They run, and they chase, and they finish in place. Very impressive group.
On playing several underclassman in the FAMU game: Well, I'd say we're really intentional about playing anyone anywhere that shows that they can be trusted. Because the one thing that we like to stay away from is just playing a guy because we built up a lead. Because I think that leads to a lot of bad habits. Guys assume, 'Hey, if we get up, I want to get in and play.' And the guys that played in some way, shape, or form, they earned that time, and over the course of four years, we played a lot of freshmen. We've had a lot of success with freshman All-Americans and guys that have gone out and played at a high level here and then in the NFL. So, hopefully, it speaks loudly to our recruiting grounds, and I know it was a very important aspect to be addressed when we arrived here back in 22. So, hopefully, that action is speaking loudly enough, or we don't have to speak it.
On linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin: First of all, he's an awesome human being. Very smart, physical, big. He's a 245-pounder. Okay, so when he hits you, it's you can feel it. Pure knockback tackler, very instinctive, can unlock his hips, can get hands on people. Block destruction is really, really good, and now he has experience in a system that you know requires that position to communicate and to understand exactly what all the other pieces are doing. So he played well last week. I forget what the question was, but I can say that for him, and I'd say for us, we're really excited about him. He's got an unbelievable future.
Opening statements: I'd like to start off by thanking our fans that showed up last Thursday and just did an awesome job providing a great environment, and hopefully they had a really good time watching our guys play. Saw a bunch of those guys play, but very appreciative of them. So moving on to Wake Forest, obviously great team, great players, great coaches, playing at a really high level and have been since last season, and a very mature team, older team, experienced team. 17 of 22 starters are upperclassmen, best way to describe them, they're fast, they're physical, play with a high motor, and they play with an edge. Okay, very, very physical. They chase and finish, really impressive tape. Tremendous amount of respect for their head coach and their coordinators, who I've had a chance to cross paths with, Coach Ezell and Coach Hazleton. It all starts, at least on the offensive side of the ball, it all starts with the fact they have great players all over the place, starting with their quarterback, Gio Lopez, 220-pounder, that can do it in the pocket, can do it on the run, great pocket presence, can hurt you with his feet, design quarterback runs, or he can just take off and improvise, off-script plays. Super accurate, and you saw him last week in double overtime take over the game. Explosive targets. You guys saw Carlos Hernandez last week, number eight, on fourth and 15. It's just a small indication of some of the explosive plays that he's had so far this season. Took a hitch in game one against Akron, took about 75 yards. Ty Clark, running back. They have a lot of good running backs, and they run behind a very physical, very mature and experienced offensive line. Very mature and physical tight ends as well, and they do a good job because these guys have had zero turnovers in the two games that they have had. But Ty Clark, 205, 210-pounder that has great contact balance, very physical, gets downhill, get out of the backfield catching the ball. Defensively, they are disruptive. They're in the backfield, they knock you back, they're knock-back tacklers. They are top 10 and top 20 nationally in just about every category. I won't get into that unless you ask questions, but, looking at them, familiar face in number five, their boundary safety, Davaughn Patterson, who actually forced a fumble two years ago against us here over at Hard Rock. But 28 career starts and a captain, very physical, downhill, can cover, can come on pressures in the backfield, forces all kinds of issues, turnovers, tackles for losses, impressive player. Their defensive ends, long, explosive, strong, disruptive, great pass rushers. They shorten the edges. They splatter blocks, both on split zone and on counter. Their boundary defensive end, Langston Hardy, you've seen him all over the place, seven sacks last year, two TFLs last week, 256 pounds, does it all, as does their defensive end to the field, Gabe Kirschke, at 285 pounds, very different type of field end than what we've seen so far. Five sacks last year, a sack last week, and a tackle for loss, disruptive, strong. Linebacker's different. You know, their leading tackler right now, number 23, a very different body type, 6'4, 230 pounds, rangy, can cover, can get downhill, knock-back tackler, can take on big offensive linemen, shed them, great at block construction. Their defensive tackle, number 52, another one that you always see in the backfield, great speed-to-power rush, great rip move, but really good at the point of attack, splitting double teams and creating all kinds of issues. And their special teams, I'm sure you guys have seen, last year fourth in the country in kickoff returns, and housed a punt return as well. So hopefully that answers a couple of things that you might have had for me, but open to questions, please.
On studying Gio Lopez’s film: Yeah, all valuable because you want to see a player's abilities and how different coordinators have used them and whatnot. But needless to say, he's playing at a really high level. People who were saying he was banged up, he's not. I mean, that guy just, he took over the game, very physical. I don't think, besides the off-script plays where he takes off with the ball, the designed quarterback runs are really physical runs. He's running quarterback counter, he's running quarterback lead stretch. He's doing a lot of things that are physically demanding, and there's no hesitation, no flinching in him. The guy's an excellent football player and a difference maker for them.
On Miami’s secondary going up against Wake Forest: Yeah, tremendous opportunity. Obviously we've worked through different combinations from the springtime throughout the summer and in fall camp, and feel good on the pieces that we've settled on to start the game and how we move them around as the game goes on in our different packages. So they will certainly be tested. These guys have an excellent group of not only skilled guys, but just their entire offense, their entire operation. And they're in sync. They're on the same page. They have different tempos. So looking forward to a great opportunity.
On the efficiency of Darian Mensah: I would say the mother of all learning--the repetition. The repetitions have really taken its course, where guys have really built a lot of confidence in each other. The relationships off the field have carried on onto the field, and therefore more time is being invested around each other, with each other, and that in turn turns into more of the extra work, and all that stuff adds up. And as more and more confidence is built, I think the appetite grows to be better.
On Bryce Fitzgerald: traits: I think he always had those traits. He was always a safety that had the skill set of an elite corner because he's a big guy. He's 190, 195 pounds. he's rangy. His hips, there's no limitations. I mean, he could get in and out of stuff in a hurry. His stop-and-go is off the charts. Getting in and out of breaks. I mean, you should see him at wide receiver. I mean, he's one of those guys that can flat out fit at any position because he doesn't have any limitations. And then we all know how instinctive he is. Those instincts in his first shot out there at corner, they he seemed very natural, and he's had a really good couple days of practice. So we're looking forward to watching him continue to improve.
On what he saw in Javian Mallory: We saw it in high school from him. I mean, they ran every scheme. They do a great job out there at West Boca. They run power, counter, inside zone, ISO, might split zone, wide zone. They run it all. And he was also heavily involved in protection, which is a must, right, as a running back here. There was never any flinch in his game. He's he's very intelligent and he is very invested. Like it means a lot to him, and he has a mature mentality. So I think it showed since the day he got here. I think when we were running the scout teams during the postseason, he had like a very minor soft tissue injury, but before that, I think his first carry, like he sent a message with how downhill, how physical, how explosive he was. So we saw that pretty early. We saw it in high school, but we saw it early in the practices.
On Miami's offensive line chemistry: Well, they're in sync, and I think it all starts with the command of the offense, with the quarterback in the center. When those guys are on the same page, everyone else is. And again, the level of communication and the time invested in their extra meetings, or protection meetings, or run game meetings, or plus one adjustments, or pressure adjustments has really paid off. And what you see is a bunch of guys that realize that we can get a heck of a lot better, and that they're invested in doing so.
On what he saw from freshman DB J.J. Dunnigan: He knows when you start a football player, he's got to know what to do, how to do it, and why we're doing it that way. He has to have an understanding of the concepts and what's going on around them, right? Because defensive players, offensive players, you have to know where your help is and where it isn't. And he certainly, we feel strongly and we trust him that he does. He is one of those guys. And when he triggers, he goes. There is no hesitation in him. Very physical, downhill, reliable, dependable, invested. Off to a great start, and looking forward to more. We didn't see the ball water much.
On Wake Forest defensive line: Knockback group. They create a lot of issues for opponent, and their entire front seven does. And when I say that, I mentioned their boundary safety also. They're just a very physical group that understands a very dynamic system. I mean, they'll be at four down, they'll be in bear, they'll jump in some of those exotic looks on third down, and they're all long explosive guys. They're all twitch guys that have power. You know what I mean? You don't see any deficiencies at all. And you've seen them collapse pockets. You've seen them win it was speed. You've seen them win with stunts. They're a really high-pressure operation. As high as 60 in some personnel groupings on first and second down. So, you see a group that is disruptive both because of talent and because they play really **** hard. Okay. And that's what really jumps out on tape. They run, and they chase, and they finish in place. Very impressive group.
On playing several underclassman in the FAMU game: Well, I'd say we're really intentional about playing anyone anywhere that shows that they can be trusted. Because the one thing that we like to stay away from is just playing a guy because we built up a lead. Because I think that leads to a lot of bad habits. Guys assume, 'Hey, if we get up, I want to get in and play.' And the guys that played in some way, shape, or form, they earned that time, and over the course of four years, we played a lot of freshmen. We've had a lot of success with freshman All-Americans and guys that have gone out and played at a high level here and then in the NFL. So, hopefully, it speaks loudly to our recruiting grounds, and I know it was a very important aspect to be addressed when we arrived here back in 22. So, hopefully, that action is speaking loudly enough, or we don't have to speak it.
On linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin: First of all, he's an awesome human being. Very smart, physical, big. He's a 245-pounder. Okay, so when he hits you, it's you can feel it. Pure knockback tackler, very instinctive, can unlock his hips, can get hands on people. Block destruction is really, really good, and now he has experience in a system that you know requires that position to communicate and to understand exactly what all the other pieces are doing. So he played well last week. I forget what the question was, but I can say that for him, and I'd say for us, we're really excited about him. He's got an unbelievable future.
