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**Official Spring Game Thread**

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Gru said:
If anybody is bored. Ohio state spring game on BTN
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Miami’s passing game will be explosive this year, as I’ve mentioned plenty of times, and that’s no surprise between the marriage of Mensah being the most efficient deep ball passer returning to CFB this season and the return of a group of young promising receivers and the newcomers. The ball placement is immaculate. Mensah fits this offense.

It is absolutely evident the chemistry Mensah has with Barkate. For the fans that slept on Barkate, I never understood why they did. He is going to be a problem for opposing defenses. Daylyn Upshaw doesn’t get spoken about enough, ability to play slot and Z. Vandrevius Jacobs has an obvious suddenness to him and is someone I think fans will really enjoy watching for what he can create in the quick game and downfield. Cam Vaughn has deceptive speed at his size. Milan Parris had quite a few catches with the second group that were eye-opening, and Spafford has the ability to separate downfield. I don’t know how much those two play because of a deep room, but they can absolutely play at this level (a premiere P4 program). No Moore and Wingo today, but they will factor in this year, especially Moore. Toney reps were limited.

Miami absolutely still has a stable of running backs, despite withholding a few for the spring game. Jordan Lyle absolutely has his confidence back. Javian Mallory runs very tough and is in great shape, with more long speed than you would think, and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey showed off some wiggle today. Fletcher reps were limited.

The tight end group will be a work in progress. There is some talent there, but this is something I’ll be watching closely in the fall to see who really separates themselves. Not enough consistency yet. Izzy Briggs has athletic traits that are exciting, Lofton has been steady, and Gilbert is probably the best blocker, but I need to see more.

Jackson Cantwell is as advertised, Miami has a cornerstone for its wall for the next three years. Max Buchanan is very physical on the interior. I think Ryan Rodriguez may be Miami’s best run-blocking center since Matt Lee. The second group has some promising pieces in Wilkerson and Congdon, but I do worry about a backup at center (too many mishandled snaps for my taste).

Defensively, the defensive backs room has real depth. A couple older guys were missing at corner today, but young players like Jaboree Antoine and JJ Dunnigan can absolutely see the field this season. Omar Thornton looks to be the favorite for nickel as of now. Xavier Lucas continues to flash, and I wonder what his ceiling can be when it all comes together. Poyser and Fitzgerald are the two obvious at safety, but I am intrigued how they will get Dunnigan involved this year.

The younger linebackers really popped today in Kellen Wiley and Ezekiel Marcelin. Miami needs their development to continue from spring to fall to field a solid four- to five-man group for a long season. I’m optimistic about where this group overall is headed. Kamal Bonner looks healthy now, and Cam Pruitt still has good coverage skills and has put on effective weight. Chase Smith may be the most improved of the room. Toure will be back in the fall. Even Jordan Campbell and Justin Edwards made a splash play each.

On the defensive line, I felt it was back and forth between them and the first-team offensive line until Mensah started to settle in more. The guys that stood out to me were Justin Scott, Armondo Blount, and Jarquez Carter. I believe Carter’s addition through the portal is going to go a long way for Miami this year. Isaac Chukwurah really impressed me working against second- and third-string groups, the pass rush ability he has stands out, just putting on good weight is key.

Remember, it’s just a spring game. Take it for what it’s worth, and I will have a full take on spring closing out tomorrow.
 
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