The Miami Hurricanes are gaining more respect within the college football world.
The Associated Press Poll ranks the Hurricanes #19 in the nation. Clemson at #14 and Florida State at #10 are the only two ACC teams ahead of Miami.
Some Canes fans believe Mario Cristobal and Miami should be higher and that is plausible considering the information about the UM talent brought up below. For now, coming off a 7-6 record and loss to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl, Miami could also be ranked lower. Depends on how one defines the situation. At any rate, here’s why Miami fans should believe their Hurricanes are going to have a really good 2024 season.
For one, Miami is building a roster through the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines possess several potential NFL players. Starting with the offensive line, Jalen Rivers (LT) is probably the next NFL Draft Pick for the Canes. It would not be surprising if Anez Cooper (RG) joins him after this season or next, with Francisco Mauigoa (RT) another likely NFL pick in the future.
Defensively, edge defenders Rueben Bain, Jr . and Akheem Mesidor are among several future pass rushers who will be difficult to block. Adding defensive tackles Simeon Barrow from Michigan State and C.J. Clark from North Carolina State helps add needed size, experience, and playmaking ability.
Miami has waves of defensive line talent and will be able to heavily rotate at defensive tackle and defensive end. Having All-American middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa coming back for the 2024 season is fantastic, too. Of course, there are the playmakers to discuss as well.
Quarterback Cam Ward transfers in from Washington State and is coming off a season with 3,736 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He’s throwing to a bevy of talented receivers led by Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George .
Restrepo is the heart and soul of the Canes offense and returns after 85 receptions, 1,082 yards, and 6 touchdowns. George is the outside burner with the ability to change games with one play (ask Texas A&M from last season as he scored three times).
Bringing in Oregon State running back Damien Martinez to an already talented running back room also bolsters the chances to score. He enters UM after 194 carries, 1,185 yards, and 9 scores.
Does Miami deserve to be in the AP Top 25? Absolutely. They could be higher in the poll but it’s not a bad ranking either considering how the Canes came away from 2023. Time to go out and prove what Miami can do this season.
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