Patience Rewarded: Veteran Hurricanes Who Are Succeeding After Weathering The Storm
In 2021, the Miami Hurricanes finished 7-5 with a team of players that was largely recruited by then head coach Manny Diaz. In 2022, Mario Cristobal took the reins as the HC and would be the third to do so in just five seasons. That team finished 5-7. To say that the program was in need of a culture shock, would be an understatement.
Fast-forward to 2023, the Hurricanes are undefeated through three weeks and secured a signature win over a ranked Texas A&M team. It's entirely too soon, but even some quiet whispers of an ACC title game berth have begun to swirl. Clearly, the 'Canes are on the right track and these veterans deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor after some tough times in Coral Gables.
Here's a look at some upperclassmen who are being rewarded for their tenacity and hard work.
QB Tyler Van Dyke, RS Junior
Of course, Van Dyke has been on everyone's watchlist for some time now due to his poise in the pocket, and the redshirt junior has been able to do that despite some rocky situations. He's been through two head coaches and three offensive coordinators, making it all the more impressive that he mastered newly hired OC Shannon Dawson's system so quickly.
The redshirt junior's thrown for 822 yards and eight touchdowns this year, with only one interception. His 89.6 quarterback sting is fifth-best in the nation and he's beginning to climb up draft boards more with each week. If the Hurricane offense can keep up this pace through the heart of the ACC schedule, Van Dyke may just ride that wave into the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
WR Xavier Restrepo, RS Junior
Restrepo is another redshirt junior who's seen it all when it comes to this Miami offense. He's run the systems of Rhett Lashlee, Josh Gattis, and now Dawson, all without batting an eyelash.
PFF's receiver grade of Restrepo's performance so far is a 91.2, the best in the nation. That's been a key to Miami's offense being ranked as one of the best in the FBS thus far. It seems whenever the Hurricanes need a catch, Van Dyke finds Restrepo open despite the defenses best efforts.
He's tied for the team lead in catches at 17, but hasn't made a trip to the end zone yet in 2023. His selflessness, though, is part of what makes him such a a good receiver. He's more than willing to act as a decoy, throw a block, or run corners ragged, as long as it gets his team a win.
S Kam Kinchens, Junior
The 2022 All-American had six interceptions a season ago and has come out swinging in 2023, notching a pick and a fumble recovery already in the Hurricanes big win over the Aggies. He's missed a game following an injury that occurred in that Week 2 performance but Cristobal says that he's on the mend. That's good news for 'Canes fans as they'll need their best playmaker in the crunch time of the season.
It's hard to say what this season will hold for the Miami native following his injury. Knowing Kinchens, it's likely he'll bounce back to form quickly and won't miss a beat on defense. He's a ballhawk in every sense of the word and one who'll no doubt be suiting up on Sundays.
LB Corey Flagg Jr., RS Junior
The fourth-year junior linebacker is the heart and soul of this Miami defense. Flagg Jr. seems to be involved in almost every play and every aspect of the game at all moments. He's been at Miami through more than a handful of coaching changes, both at defensive coordinator and linebacker, so he knows his way around a playbook.
When it's all said and done, Flagg Jr. will be a major key in shaping this season and maybe the next one if he decides to stay at school. There's no doubt they would love to have the veteran leadership of their current captain back in the fold for 2024.
