k9cane
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- Nov 20, 2011
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So the #Canes regular season is over, they went 10-2 and earned a playoff bid. They play Texas A@M in Kyle Field next weekend. Here's one fans view of the top 10 players, not really just about stats but general impact and consistently good play throughout the year. I don't use PFF numbers or any analytics, again, just my overall view of all 12 games that I watched (and I literally saw every play of every game)
Again, I'm no expert, but just a guy who tunes into the games and formulates some opinions. Like pound-for-pound lists in boxing, this isn't to be taken all too seriously. Just a fun list to highlight those who have stood out for Miami in '25.
1- Malachi Toney: What else can be said? This true freshman is the most unique offensive weapon in UM history. We've seen triple-threats (receiving, running and kick/punt returns) at Miami, guys like Santana, Kevin Williams and Travis Benjamin, but Toney, is the rare quadruple-threat (his passing skills are QB-like). Should be in the Heisman discussion coming into next season. Toney just put up the greatest true freshman season in Miami history.
2- Ruben Bain : stats don't tell the whole story (4.5 sacks), Bain is a guy that elevates those around him as offenses game plan for him upfront. Biggest compliment I can pay him as that he could have played on any of the title winning teams in Miami's past.
3- Akheem Mesidor- If Bain is Crockett, then 'Mes' is 'Tubbs' and they formed the modern day 'Miami Vice'. These two might be the best overall Miami bookends edging out Kenard Lang/Kenny Holmes ,Jerome McDougle/Andrew Williams and Rusty Meaderis/Kevin Patrick and Darren Krein
4- Francis Mauignoa- since day one as a true freshman has held down the right tackle spot at a high level. He and Bain will leave Miami as first round draft choices.
5- Jakobe Thomas -- a physical enforcer who also showed he can play in space(led the team with 4 INT's). He and Z. Poyser upgraded Miami's safety play by leaps and bounds this season.
6- Keionte Scott- before his injury, 'Agent O' was in the contention for the Thorpe Award. His return would be huge in the playoffs
7- Carson Beck-- had some mid-season yips, but overall had a strong season, completing nearly 75-percent of his passes. Eventually developed strong chemistry (despite missing spring ball) with a relatively inexperienced set of receivers. Ultimately, his legacy will be in how far he can lead this team in the playoffs
8- Damari Brown - rarely did you hear his name called this season at corner. He is one of the reasons why this was the most improved aspect of the team. Really bounced back after an injury plagued '24 campaign
9- Ahmad Moten - made the leap late in the year from a reliable rotational piece to a guy who began to really become a standout inside the trenches. He is the very epitome of the 'player development' that Mario Cristobal speaks off.
10- Mark Fletcher/Girard Pringle -- Alright, Im hedging here a bit, but while it's easy to highlight the spark that Pringle gave the running game late in the season, it was Fletcher who was the steady reliable inside runner that this offense needs. He averaged just a shade under five yards a carry and had 10 touchdowns. As for Pringle, well, the offense just looked different (and more explosive) as he became a bigger part of the offense...
Honorable mention: Keelan Marion, Carter Davis, Markel Bell, Zechariah Poyser, CJ Daniels
Again, I'm no expert, but just a guy who tunes into the games and formulates some opinions. Like pound-for-pound lists in boxing, this isn't to be taken all too seriously. Just a fun list to highlight those who have stood out for Miami in '25.
1- Malachi Toney: What else can be said? This true freshman is the most unique offensive weapon in UM history. We've seen triple-threats (receiving, running and kick/punt returns) at Miami, guys like Santana, Kevin Williams and Travis Benjamin, but Toney, is the rare quadruple-threat (his passing skills are QB-like). Should be in the Heisman discussion coming into next season. Toney just put up the greatest true freshman season in Miami history.
2- Ruben Bain : stats don't tell the whole story (4.5 sacks), Bain is a guy that elevates those around him as offenses game plan for him upfront. Biggest compliment I can pay him as that he could have played on any of the title winning teams in Miami's past.
3- Akheem Mesidor- If Bain is Crockett, then 'Mes' is 'Tubbs' and they formed the modern day 'Miami Vice'. These two might be the best overall Miami bookends edging out Kenard Lang/Kenny Holmes ,Jerome McDougle/Andrew Williams and Rusty Meaderis/Kevin Patrick and Darren Krein
4- Francis Mauignoa- since day one as a true freshman has held down the right tackle spot at a high level. He and Bain will leave Miami as first round draft choices.
5- Jakobe Thomas -- a physical enforcer who also showed he can play in space(led the team with 4 INT's). He and Z. Poyser upgraded Miami's safety play by leaps and bounds this season.
6- Keionte Scott- before his injury, 'Agent O' was in the contention for the Thorpe Award. His return would be huge in the playoffs
7- Carson Beck-- had some mid-season yips, but overall had a strong season, completing nearly 75-percent of his passes. Eventually developed strong chemistry (despite missing spring ball) with a relatively inexperienced set of receivers. Ultimately, his legacy will be in how far he can lead this team in the playoffs
8- Damari Brown - rarely did you hear his name called this season at corner. He is one of the reasons why this was the most improved aspect of the team. Really bounced back after an injury plagued '24 campaign
9- Ahmad Moten - made the leap late in the year from a reliable rotational piece to a guy who began to really become a standout inside the trenches. He is the very epitome of the 'player development' that Mario Cristobal speaks off.
10- Mark Fletcher/Girard Pringle -- Alright, Im hedging here a bit, but while it's easy to highlight the spark that Pringle gave the running game late in the season, it was Fletcher who was the steady reliable inside runner that this offense needs. He averaged just a shade under five yards a carry and had 10 touchdowns. As for Pringle, well, the offense just looked different (and more explosive) as he became a bigger part of the offense...
Honorable mention: Keelan Marion, Carter Davis, Markel Bell, Zechariah Poyser, CJ Daniels
