Everyone in the Canes community is asking the same question: how do the quarterbacks look? After one spring practice, Mario Cristobal made clear he likes what he's got at the position.
"They got a really good quarterback room right now."
Of course, the tip of the spear is Washington State transfer Cam Ward. Cristobal noted that both Ward and Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger are on the fast track and are "creating excitement for the right reasons."
Last season, Ward passed for 3,765 yards, 25 TDs and 7 INTs (66.6%) for Washington State. But when asked what Ward brings to the table, Cristobal looked off the field: "Leadership. A guy that can take command at the line of scrimmage. He understands what everybody's doing and can make plays."
As is typical for Miami's spring practice, there are several key players held out of spring for clean up surgeries or to recover from lasting injuries. He placed the injured players into four categories: guys that are banged up but will return during spring (Akheem Mesidor, Damari Brown and Cole McConathy), guys with minor injuries (Brian Balom, Cam McCormick), guys that may miss spring (Josh Horton, Jonathan Denis) and guys that are out for spring (the Mauigoas, Isaiah Thomas, Nyjalik Kelly, Armando Blount, Mark Fletcher, Ajay Allen, Zion Nelson, and Frankie Tinilau.).
Two guys who were able to participate in practice despite recent injuries are Samson Okunlola and Emory Williams. "Samson looks great, 100% healthy. Expect him to have a really big spring." Some around the program noted that Okunlola was beginning to emerge when he got hurt during the bye week last year. On Williams, Cristobal said he was "over-the-top dedicated" and looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He was a full participant in today's practice despite breaking his non-throwing wrist.
One common fan complaint last year was the team's inability to utilize the tight ends. Riley Williams led the position in yards with just 72, and the starter for most of the season (McCormick) only had 8 catches. Cristobal did not shy away from the topic, noting that it was an emphasis of the offseason.
"We have to do a better job schematically. We also have to get the ball to them when they're open. Elijah Arroyo looks incredible right now."
Despite ranking high in several categories and returning an elite kicker/punter combination in Andres Borregales and Dylan Joyce, Cristobal made clear the special teams unit needs to take another step.
"Special teams need to improve. We had some bright spots last year, but some areas that really hurt us in key moments."
Cristobal noted that the program performs offseason studies to identify areas of improvement. "You can evolve as an offense and as a defense by incorporating things that maybe are completely new and maybe some things that fit."
Isaiah Horton stood out right away with a new uniform number (#2) and improved physique. Many around the program expect him to take a huge leap with Colby Young off to Georgia.
"Isaiah Horton is a guy that... at some points in the season, he flashed what he can be... he's put in work and we expect him to keep getting better and better as spring goes on."
The 26 new players weren't the only fresh faces on campus. Cristobal had praise for Miami's two new position coaches, CB coach Chevis Jackson and RB coach Matt Merritt.
"They're great teachers, elite human beings, and hard workers."
Miami resumes spring practice on Wednesday, March 6. CanesInSight will be on site and reporting live on the daily CanesInSight Podcast.
