Offensive lineman Javion Cohen took some time today to address the media about his first three games with the team, his experience on the road, and how head coach Mario Cristobal's blueprint for success has been implemented at Miami.
Quick Chemistry with Fellow Linemen
When asked about how quickly he's gelled with his fellow linemen, Cohen was optimistic and grateful for the team culture. "It's been awesome," he said. "These guys have welcomed me into their family, and we've all hit the ground running. I think Coach Cristobal and Coach Mirabal allowing us to show our personalities and perform how we perform is a great testament to how well they've put this line together."
Cohen praised his teammates for pushing him, as well as for their collective goal. "We all just want to come and go, which is to be one another at the end of the week," he added.
Road Game Wisdom
On the subject of road games, Cohen advised younger players to bring the same enthusiasm they have at home. "You really want the stadium to be empty by the fourth quarter, and you never leave your running game at home," he explained. "So bring that with you."
On Pass Blocking and Teamwork
Cohen also touched upon the O-line's success in giving quarterback Tyler Van Dyke ample time in the pocket. "It starts in practice. Coach Cristobal and Coach Mirabal drive us a lot in practice, which allows that to transition over to the game," Cohen said. He was quick to share the credit with his teammates as well. "It's also on the receivers. They get open, and they get the balls. So it's hand in hand; it's not just us, it's them as well."
Miami's Blueprint for Success
While Coach Cristobal has been vocal about the "blueprint" for Miami's success, which he borrowed partly from his time at Alabama, Cohen suggested that this plan is uniquely tailored for Miami. "This is really a strictly Miami blueprint that he's been placing on us. I think it's just getting us to return back to the national prominence that we once were and bringing the culture back to what it was," he explained.
Praise for the Young Guns
Cohen was especially pleased with how younger players performed when they got the chance. "You saw Tommy Kinsler get the back-to-back pancakes," he said. "Matt McCoy had a wonderful week of practice, which allowed him to get that playing time he did, and he went out there and performed like a starter. All of those guys brought practice into the game, and I'm just proud of all of them."
