Searels looking to build offensive line depth

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Peter Ariz

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The success of the 2017 Miami Hurricanes offense will hinge not only on the newly-minted quarterback, but maybe even more on the play of the offensive line. Coach Stacy Searels was forced to experiment with different combinations last season due to injuries and lack of quality depth -- and naturally certain players were probably not in their most ideal position on the line.

Coming into this season, the hope inside the program is that players such as Kc McDermott and Trevor Darling will take the next step in what some consider their most optimal spot on the line. McDermott is playing at left tackle and Darling is at left guard.

Searels said today that there are currently six linemen in the first rotation, with Nick Linder and Tyler Gauthier battling it out at the center spot.

The right side of the line is projected to be manned by junior right tackle Tyree St. Louis, who showed he can be very good but needs more consistency. Freshman Navaughn Donaldson looks like he is locking down a first-team spot at right guard, as Coach Searels is taking notice. Donaldson has been at UM since January.

"He's starting to get it, he's starting to understand it. I really like him, but he's got to be more consistent. That's what I'm looking for right now," he said.

Miami's first unit offensive line could turn out to be a solid bunch, but the focus for Searels is to get the freshmen class of Kai-Leon Herbert, Corey Gaynor, Zalon'tae Hillery, and Zach Dykstra ready if the situation calls for it like last season.

"We're trying to develop the young guys. I told them a while ago, 'do you want me to treat you like a freshman or a Miami Hurricane?' If we had ten juniors and seniors and five freshmen coming in, maybe we could treat them a little differently, but we've got to get them ready in place where the expectations are higher. They've got to prepare better to come out to practice mentally ready to go," Searels explained on his philosophy with the freshmen players.

Searels also has high hopes for Herbert.

"Very talented young man. He's got to understand the difference of the college game and the speed of our defense which is really good. Once, he gets it, he's going to be a really good player."

The veteran lineman McDermott sees the young guys having the proper mentality when it comes to approaching their first camp.

"They're asking me questions constantly. They're in the meeting room constantly asking us questions -- they want to get better and I'm really happy about that," he said.
 
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"Do you want me to treat you like a freshman or a Miami Hurricane?"

Love that. Quote of the day.
 
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Good info. I don't pick on these kids, but if Gauthier struggles winning the center job over Linder, then that's a concern.
 
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Sounds like coach searels is very high on Herbert's talent. He played hurt throughout last year for heritage
 
Would be interested to know how Gauthier's doing with shotgun snaps.
 
Last year's O-line struggled. Kaka didn't help things, but they struggled running and pass blocking. Hopefully this defensive line helps them improve by pushing their **** in during practice.
 
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Searls is the member of the staff with the most to prove right now. The offensive line was laughably bad at times last year. They've got plenty of depth and experience and most of those guys were very highly regarded as recruits. It's time to put up or shut up.
 
Searls is the member of the staff with the most to prove right now. The offensive line was laughably bad at times last year. They've got plenty of depth and experience and most of those guys were very highly regarded as recruits. It's time to put up or shut up.

I agree wholeheartedly. We definitely had some Al-specials, but there are highly rated recruits on that line. He needs to do a better job of unlocking their talents.
 
Good to hear that Darling is back in the staff's good graces.

Looks like he's on a mission.

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Good to hear that Darling is back in the staff's good graces.

Looks like he's on a mission.

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It'd be a cot**** pleasure to bump those threads where Darling was getting hammered, but way too soon. Seems the coaches are consistently on him to play to his potential. Here's to his chance to make some money in the L. At least get an extended look. We shall see.
 
[video=youtube;Qw5OwgDtFNs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw5OwgDtFNs[/video]
 
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Searls is the member of the staff with the most to prove right now. The offensive line was laughably bad at times last year. They've got plenty of depth and experience and most of those guys were very highly regarded as recruits. It's time to put up or shut up.

I agree wholeheartedly. We definitely had some Al-specials, but there are highly rated recruits on that line. He needs to do a better job of unlocking their talents.

So you guys didnt notice all of the injuries and the huge improvement at the end of the year despite a QB who couldnt avoid a tackle from Betty White?
 
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