As we shift to game week, I wanted to share some of my big picture thoughts from camp. This is based on my personal observations and sources.
- There's real confidence in Coral Gables. Everybody was excited last year, but there were deep concerns at defensive back. This year, there’s no glaring deficiency coming out of camp. That doesn’t mean the team is perfect, and the adversity of a college season will expose holes. But most veteran observers (myself included) believe this is the most complete roster in a couple decades.
- The biggest difference between this year and last year is the talent at defensive back. I believe this will be one of the best cornerback rooms in America. OJ Frederique had a great summer after a Freshman All-American season. Xavier Lucas and Damari Brown are 6+, 200+ pounders who can run. Ethan O’Connor turned down Georgia after picking off four passes as a freshman. This is a long, athletic group with good instincts. Charles Brantley would have been a slam-dunk starter last year and he might be #5.
- We also have a true nickel in Keionte Scott. Last year, Daryl Porter (a natural outside corner) took one for the team and moved inside. Scott is someone who majors in nickel and has NFL size/speed.
- Safety isn’t as spectacular as corner, but it's significantly improved. Zechariah Poyser and Jakobe Thomas are SEC-caliber safeties who can tackle. Bryce Fitzgerald might be the best athlete on the team. If he tackles on gameday, he won't leave the field. Bobby Pruitt can help at S and LB. Dylan Day and Markeith Williams are capable depth as well. This time last year, we were hoping for a Zaquan Patterson breakthrough. The room is a much better place now.
- The other big story is Carson Beck. He looks like a first round pick. His game has a nice combination of power and finesse. He’s a former third baseman who can drive the ball, but he also has some Dorsey in him. The ball leaves his hands fast. I don’t think we’ll be more “efficient” on offense- Ward’s offense was the best in America by a mile- but we should be very good.
- I have no concerns about our offensive line and running backs. They look the part and play the part. We should run the ball as well as anybody in America.
- At receiver, the most talented players are young guys like JoJo Trader, Josh Moore and Malachi Toney. We’ve seen it on Greentree, but they'll need to prove it in games. The safest bet to me is Toney. I think he leads the team in receiving. The veteran transfers (CJ Daniels, Keelan Marion, Tony Johnson) raise our floor. I expect all three to play against Notre Dame, and they have winning attitudes. Chance Robinson is a homegrown player trending in the right direction. He’s a big body who can get open and move the chains.
- I don’t think one player will replace Elijah Arroyo. His ability to get downfield at 6'4, 250 is rare. But this is a solid group. Elija Lofton is a complete player who will have a huge impact on the offense. I still think his NFL future is in the backfield. Tulane transfer Alex Bauman has bulked up and brings experience in the red zone. Freshman Luka Gilbert is massive (6’7, 265) and coordinated. He’ll play early.
- We’re starting to look the part on the defensive line. Many around the Hecht believe Rueben Bain will have a superstar season in this defense. Akheem Mesidor is a sixth-year player with real production (36 career TFLs and 23 sacks). He’s in great shape and playing his more natural outside spot. The guy who deserves more hype is David Blay, the Louisiana Tech transfer. He’s added weight and is generating buzz with NFL scouts. Blay is not an elite athlete, but he doesn’t stay blocked and battles double teams. The former five stars have all flashed throughout camp. For me, the safest bet in that group is Armondo Blount. He’s only 18 and has the total package of size, speed, power, nastiness and IQ.
- We’ve come a long way physically at linebacker since the Manny years. Mo Toure is the prototype, and Wesley Bissainthe has bulked up from 190 to a lean 230. Both guys have tons of experience. There’s more depth in the room, too. Kamal Bonner and Jaylin Alderman were ACC starters, Popo Aguirre played a bunch last year, Chase Smith is a fifth-year guy, and the freshmen Kellen Wiley (6’4, 238) has NFL tools.
- At kicker, the battle continues. Bert Auburn has made a lot of kicks in big games. Carter Davis is less experienced with field goals but has top-of-the-scale leg strength. His upside and improvement has made this a much closer battle than reported.
Overall, I share the confidence of the staff. This is a good and balanced team. I won't try to evaluate Corey Hetherman as an amateur watching from the sideline, but everyone is raving and the defense looks more connected to my untrained eye. If that side makes a 2016-type leap, and Beck stays healthy, this team will be a contender.
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