With constant competition on both sides of the ball, doors are opening for playing time. And while certain positions are locked down with "no-brainer" picks, certain doors remain open — and we could see some freshmen standing in those doors when it's all set and done. @DMoney breaks down which freshmen could rise to the top below:

Javian Mallory is the name I keep coming back to.

He was one of the standouts at the scrimmage per my sources, and my own eyes back that up — he's been outstanding since spring and carried it into fall camp. This kid is a true freshman, four-star, chose Miami over Alabama, and now Jordan Lyle's situation has cracked the door open in a loaded room that still includes Mark Fletcher, CharMar Brown and Girard Pringle Jr.

Mallory's vision, his fluidity, his ability to get skinny in tight spaces — it's drawing Frank Gore comparisons, and not just from maniacs like me.

Watch for him against FAMU. I think he shows out.

Somourian Wingo is the receiver I'm watching closest with Cam Vaughn's future in doubt.

He showed up to bowl practices and ran by a championship-caliber defense that albeit, had heavy legs from a full season, and continued his momentum into the fall here. Basketball background, over six feet, smooth change of speed, tracks the ball well — this isn't a burner, it's a complete operator. He's going to drop a pass here and there because he's a true freshman, but he's also going to make the same play again on the next drive.

Jackson Cantwell was the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country and started at left tackle all spring, and I thought that job was cemented. Then Samson Okunlola — a five-star with seasoning, entering year four, coming off a strong playoff run at left guard — pushed into the left tackle conversation too. That's a good problem. Either way, Cantwell plays a ton this season, at tackle or guard.

Ben Congdon is going to play right away alongside Cantwell. Big body, tremendous flexibility for his size, a former top-eight Ohio heavyweight wrestler — that background shows up in how he bends his knees and moves his hips at his size. Miami's over the moon about him with plenty of reps at guard during camp.

Camdin Portis, son of Clinton Portis, had a really good scrimmage and stands out every time I see him in a game setting. Fearless, quick, ran a ten-nine — same as Keionte Scott — and he can tackle. Omar Thornton looks like the nickel starter, but I think you'll see multiple bodies rotate through that role, and Portis has a real chance to be one of them.

JJ Dunnigan might be the most talented of this freshman defensive back class. He could play nickel, he could play boundary safety like Jakobe Thomas, he could play the Keionte Scott role, the Zechariah Poyser role, even kick outside like Xavier Lucas. Bryce Fitzgerald called him the hidden gem of the group and one of the fastest players he's seen. Six-two, maybe six-three, 210-plus. That's a dangerous skill set walking into a crowded room.

Brody Jennings and Jaelen Waters are running the best freshman corner battle nobody's talked about yet.

Jennings has real bloodlines — his father Bradley Jennings played linebacker at Florida State, his brother Bradley Jennings Jr. played at Miami — and his footwork for a bigger corner is already there. Waters had an incredible offseason after an adjustment period and has taken that into a strong start to camp. Both are pushing for reps behind Damari Brown, OJ Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas and Ethan O'Connor, and Miami needs another big corner in that mix.

Karsten Busch, Jordan Campbell and Justin "JJ" Edwards are the freshman linebacker trio I'm watching, but I'm not ready to say anyone's separated. That competition is still hot, and linebacker is a live-bullets, tackle-to-the-ground position — it's hard to read from seven-on-seven or a thud practice. I'll put a pin in that one and let it play out into games.

Israel Briggs and Gavin Mueller are stepping into a tight end room thinned out by Luka Gilbert's injury, with no portal reinforcements coming. Mueller's had a strong scrimmage from what I'm hearing, good run-after-catch ability. Briggs is the guy I think makes explosive plays — in high school he was taking simple tosses 99 yards, returning punts, doing everything. The question for both is how fast they pick up Mike Viti's blocking scheme.

Watch the full breakdown below:

 

Saw Mallory highlights in the spring game already knew he was going to be good, physical runner. Cant wait to see JJ man and also how can they get Ben on the field is my question. Anyone know where they will put Pancake and him?

 

Those times being referred to was Pringle being God Awful and getting blown up in pass protection.
As much juice and electric playmaking POTENTIAL he has. You have to be able to trust your RB in ALL FACETS of the game or he becomes a liability. In the playoffs they tried to have him in cus of that potential but he showed he was a liability.
Now he was a freshman last year, growing into his body, and now it’s another year with experience and improved strength. Perhaps this year he is a better complete back that can be relied upon in every phase of the offense.

Nothing to disagree with here... while I believe Pringle had better big play ability, I'm not going to pretend he was the ideal in obvious passing downs.

 

Pringle is a great back for ACC play and should have a role in the offense either way. But Fletcher and even Marty to an extent are the type of backs you want for those big boy games.

Not arguing that they shouldn't be feature

Nah bruh. Just nah.

believe your lying eyes.

So I just should believe your eyes? You at the practices daily??

 

So I just should believe your eyes? You at the practices daily??

You seriously didn't see the games last year? You didn't see Fletcher break off big gains into open space and then choosing to initiate contact?

 

So I just should believe your eyes? You at the practices daily??

You seriously didn't see the games last year? You didn't see Fletcher break off big gains into open space and then choosing to initiate contact?

Stop. You want to have a real chat, let’s have one. I commented originally because you said:

“He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.”

The first sentence is useless. My aunt would be my uncle if she had balls type stuff. Could he have made a difference? Sure. Maybe he would’ve missed a pass block on a blitzer. Maybe he would’ve housed one. We will never know. Thing is you chose the TAMU game as your example…the same TAMU game where we all watched Fletcher go off. I simply don’t agree with your second sentence. If you want to change that sentence to say “Pringle is superior to Fletcher once he REACHES the 2nd and 3rd levels,” I’ll agree. However that is not what you said.

I specifically mentioned missing a block earlier to point out that you’ve made no mention at all about blocking. Like it or not, blocking is required of RBs at UM. Fletcher is elite at blocking. I’m not saying you don’t know this. I am 100% saying this because trust from the coaches lies in the RB’s ability to block among other things.

I think Pringle has special talent. I think he will have some great runs this season. With a little luck, he really breaks out next year as well and heads to the league. He was a true freshman last year vs a junior with loads of experience. You tried to make a hot take and I didn’t agree. You now have my reasons.

And Mick Mars is very underappreciated.

 

Stop. You want to have a real chat, let’s have one. I commented originally because you said:

“He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.”

The first sentence is useless. My aunt would be my uncle if she had balls type stuff. Could he have made a difference? Sure. Maybe he would’ve missed a pass block on a blitzer. Maybe he would’ve housed one. We will never know. Thing is you chose the TAMU game as your example…the same TAMU game where we all watched Fletcher go off. I simply don’t agree with your second sentence. If you want to change that sentence to say “Pringle is superior to Fletcher once he REACHES the 2nd and 3rd levels,” I’ll agree. However that is not what you said.

I specifically mentioned missing a block earlier to point out that you’ve made no mention at all about blocking. Like it or not, blocking is required of RBs at UM. Fletcher is elite at blocking. I’m not saying you don’t know this. I am 100% saying this because trust from the coaches lies in the RB’s ability to block among other things.

I think Pringle has special talent. I think he will have some great runs this season. With a little luck, he really breaks out next year as well and heads to the league. He was a true freshman last year vs a junior with loads of experience. You tried to make a hot take and I didn’t agree. You now have my reasons.

And Mick Mars is very underappreciated.

1. The first sentence is my opinion based on what I saw. I don't need your approval to see 15-25 yard runs through gaping holes that could have been housed by faster RBs.

2. "If you want to change that sentence to say “Pringle is superior to Fletcher once he REACHES the 2nd and 3rd levels,” I’ll agree"
Good, because that was and is my main point. That explains my first point as to why it could have helped vs. A&M.

3. Pringle is obviously not a go to choice for obvious passing downs without proper protection in place, the coaching staff made it quite obvious in the games he was heavily involved in.

4. Thank you for informing me pass blocking at the RB position matters.

5. Last point, and not to throw mud at you, I have no reason to argue or dislike you but I will call a spade a spade. Don't tell me or any non-casual that Fletcher is "elite" at pass blocking, he's not. If anything its one of his weakest attributes from an NFL scouting perspective. You don't have to take it from me, you can look it up yourself.

Appreciate the passionate response.

 

Stop. You want to have a real chat, let’s have one. I commented originally because you said:

“He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.”

The first sentence is useless. My aunt would be my uncle if she had balls type stuff. Could he have made a difference? Sure. Maybe he would’ve missed a pass block on a blitzer. Maybe he would’ve housed one. We will never know. Thing is you chose the TAMU game as your example…the same TAMU game where we all watched Fletcher go off. I simply don’t agree with your second sentence. If you want to change that sentence to say “Pringle is superior to Fletcher once he REACHES the 2nd and 3rd levels,” I’ll agree. However that is not what you said.

I specifically mentioned missing a block earlier to point out that you’ve made no mention at all about blocking. Like it or not, blocking is required of RBs at UM. Fletcher is elite at blocking. I’m not saying you don’t know this. I am 100% saying this because trust from the coaches lies in the RB’s ability to block among other things.

I think Pringle has special talent. I think he will have some great runs this season. With a little luck, he really breaks out next year as well and heads to the league. He was a true freshman last year vs a junior with loads of experience. You tried to make a hot take and I didn’t agree. You now have my reasons.

And Mick Mars is very underappreciated.

1. The first sentence is my opinion based on what I saw. I don't need your approval to see 15-25 yard runs through gaping holes that could have been housed by faster RBs.

2. "If you want to change that sentence to say “Pringle is superior to Fletcher once he REACHES the 2nd and 3rd levels,” I’ll agree"
Good, because that was and is my main point. That explains my first point as to why it could have helped vs. A&M.

3. Pringle is obviously not a go to choice for obvious passing downs without proper protection in place, the coaching staff realized this in the Pitt game.

4. Thank you for informing pass blocking at the RB position matters.

5. Last point, and not to throw mud at you, I have no reason to argue or dislike you but I will call a spade a spade. Don't tell me or any non-casual that Fletcher is "elite" at pass blocking, he's not. If anything its one of his weakest attributes from an NFL scouting perspective. You don't have to take it from me, you can look it up yourself.

Appreciate the passionate response.

Fletcher is elite at pass blocking.
I’ve seen it with my eyes and heard several qualified folks say it as well. I literally just heard it last week. I can’t remember if it was Landon Tengwall or someone on a CiS pod or LockedOn. Doesn’t matter. I’m not going to continue this because you don’t know what you’re talking about. Go Canes.

 

Right, should have played more if you asked me. He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.

lol you didn’t pay attention to the game and it shows.

 

lol you didn’t pay attention to the game and it shows.

OK, Casual.

 

Right, should have played more if you asked me. He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.

That was until the playoffs. Fletch raised his game in those areas and won us a game and was kinda the mvp on offense in our run

 

Fletcher is elite at pass blocking.
I’ve seen it with my eyes and heard several qualified folks say it as well. I literally just heard it last week. I can’t remember if it was Landon Tengwall or someone on a CiS pod or LockedOn. Doesn’t matter. I’m not going to continue this because you don’t know what you’re talking about. Go Canes.

You don't have to continue anything - It was Tengwell and he was speaking more to his physical ability to meet the defender, but didn't mention that he struggles with identification and getting to the point. Just in the playoff run alone he gave up a sack vs. A&M, another 1 maybe 2 vs. Ole Miss and another vs. Indiana.

Don't take my word for it, just go look at the ******* tape. I hope he improves in his recognition, that's where he can struggle but please don't call him elite, you're embarrassing yourself.

 

OK, Casual.

If you wanna talk breakdown let do this.

Pringle, while has great twitch, open space ability and burst, he's weak at pass pro and balance.

In your offense the OL splits are tighter and our bodies on OL are huge so you're asked to play in a phone booth and are expected to run through arm tackles. Not Pringles best assets as a freshman.

Fletcher wore down the TAMU defense out and you saw him explode in the 2nd half and his style in the first half allowed us to control tempo and clock and play the field game. He is what we need that game. We have a stable of RBs and our offense last year what predicated on a strong inside tackle run game with PA and over the middle throws.

Go back to being a spectator on the website.

 

If you wanna talk breakdown let do this.

Pringle, while has great twitch, open space ability and burst, he's weak at pass pro and balance. - Never argued otherwise, so why bother bringing this up?

In your offense the OL splits are tighter and our bodies on OL are huge so you're asked to play in a phone booth and are expected to run through arm tackles. Not Pringles best assets as a freshman. In my offense? I don't have an offense, I had a preference of playing both Pringle & Fletcher with a lean on Fletcher to close out games and wear defenses down in the 2nd half on high volume rushing. As for what I'm asking? I ask for nothing Dawson didn't already show vs. NC ST, VT, and Pitt. w/ Pringle at RB.

Fletcher wore down the TAMU defense out and you saw him explode in the 2nd half and his style in the first half allowed us to control tempo and clock and play the field game. He is what we need that game. We have a stable of RBs and our offense last year what predicated on a strong inside tackle run game with PA and over the middle throws. I have never in my life heard someone refer to a RB wearing a Defense down on 17 f'n carries over 60 min [11 in the 2H] Miami as a whole only had 18 total carries by a RB in that game on 49 plays. Trust me when I tell you this, you don't remember what you saw that day. You think you do, but you don't. You're confusing Fletcher having a handful of rushes through large gaping holes in the 2H and making it out like it was something other than that.

Go back to being a spectator on the website. With commentary like yours, I may have no choice.

 

Right, should have played more if you asked me. He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.

 

OK, Casual.

Lmfaooo

 

Pringle was that guy last year and he ended up playing an important role in the season.

The good ones usually find a way to play.

Pringle also brought a much different skillset and Lyle got injured. And the staff was still reluctant to play Pringle, even after he was extremely successful.

Mallory is the same style of RB of at least 2 of the RBs ahead of him. Him and Pringle aren't even similar roles. Will he pass up Lyle and Brown?.... Him getting snaps over Pringle would be absurd. Staff continues to Love Lyle even after he has has a lot of poor production. And clearly they went back to Brown in playoff over even Pringle even after Pringle was like the sole reason our Run game was rejuvinated half way into the season....

With Injuries mallory will play a little maybe. Without injuries, he wont play beyond garbage time.

 

17 out of a total of 49 plays, thanks so just under 50 percent and yes you run later in the game because the opposing defenses get tired on longer drives.
Of course he isn't gonna run the same things vs TAMU then the ACC programs you mentioned.

Man go back to watching, you're a hard troll and you have less then 50 posts since 2021.

Take your Madden football knowledge, have a beer, and watch the game.

 

Don't get this obsession with Pringle.

 

Right, should have played more if you asked me. He could have made a huge difference earlier on in the A&M Game. Pringle was superior to Fletcher at getting to the 2nd or 3rd level.

Fletcher did kind of suck in that game

 

Lmfaooo

Guy has 40 posts and is calling people a casual. Brutal