Countdown to Canes Football: No. 21 Jalen Rivers
Can the Miami Hurricanes have a good offensive line during this upcoming 2023 season?
That’s the hope for the player included in today’s Countdown to Canes article, as he’s a veteran with significant experience.
Here's the full list of five players that have been included thus far.
Jalen Rivers
Size
: 6-foot-5, 325 pounds
Class
: Fourth-Year-Sophomore
Position
: Offensive Guard or Tackle
Background and Recruitment
Rivers was a highly touted prospect from the greater Jacksonville, Fla. area, playing at Oakleaf High School. From the 247 Sports composite rankings, Rivers was the No. 128 player, and No. 12 offensive tackle, for the class of 2020.
He selected the Canes over a host of programs, and had offers from the likes of Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Clemson, and Penn State among others.
Getting the Offensive Line Back on Track
One of the biggest issues for Miami’s 2022 team was the conundrum of too many injuries along the offensive line.
Looking back, losing different players along the offensive trenches caused reserves and starting players to move around too often, as well as players being thrusted into the starting lineup before probably being truly ready like Anez Cooper.
To help get that offensive line back on track, Rivers needs to play at a high level, and also help the younger players compete at a high level, too.
As noted multiple times by All Hurricanes within the Countdown to Canes series already, leadership needs to be a primary factor for each of the 25 players selected. Miami didn’t have enough of that in 2022, and that must change posthaste.
Along the offensive line, Rivers should absolutely be one of the experienced players that helps the most with that category.
Being Versatile
He’s also athletic and strong enough to play guard or tackle. Injuries happen, as 2022 showed. No matter where Rivers ends up playing along Miami’s 2023 offensive line, and even if his assignment changes at any point, he needs to attack that position assignment and once again be an effective leader while doing it.
There will be much more talent for the Canes along the offensive line this year, but will it gel?
That’s another reason for Rivers and every other Miami offensive lineman needing to be open minded about where they play along the line.
Play Big in Big Games
Texas A&M, Clemson, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Florida State, those would be some of the primary games this fall. The Canes will likely need to win a lot of those third down battles – running and passing the football – to come out victorious.
Players like Rivers must step up and be big-time contributors. That’s what veteran players must do.
2023 Projection
Look for Rivers to play a more consistent brand of football this season. Offensive line play has always been hard, but he’s now been in Miami’s program for four seasons. He’s experienced, powerful and athletic. He should be a primary player that Miami wants to run the football behind this season.
And again, it’s absolutely imperative that he’s one of the leaders. Rivers will be a key cog for the Canes.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.