Miami Spring Game: 10 Players To Watch
Article photo of Kaleb Spencer; photo credit to Brian Smith
Based on Miami’s needs, what happened last season, and the level the Canes need to reach, the following players were the ones that came to mind for most likely to perform well this Friday night.
The annual Miami spring game has more subplots than usual, too. The addition of offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry means there’s more intrigue with which specific players have best begun to understand the new schemes.
From the 10 players listed, the first five will be offense, and then five from the defense.
QB Jacurri Brown
How much will Brown be a playmaker, and be so by design. As noted above, Dawson’s new scheme has started to be absorbed by the offensive players. This version of the air raid has shown that the quarterback can be a primary runner.
Will Brown be taking off? If so, how? He needs to improve as a passer from the pocket, but Brown also must be a player that holds true to what his biggest assets have been.
RT Francis Mauigoa
Mauigoa’s physical attributes and dedication have helped him reach this point. He still has much to learn and now everyone will be capable of seeing him go live.
Despite being a young player, this big fella has a different edge to him. Look for him to play at a level that’s much higher than his age.
RB Chris Johnson
The freshman has an abundance of speed. How will Dawson and the offensive staff find ways to get him the ball? It’s that simple. Everyone should be anxious to see variety with how Johnson receives the football and runs the football.
Screen passes, misdireciton runs, being involved with run-pass option plays, etc. Let's see if the Canes coaching staff turns Johnson loose.
TE Jackson Carver
Another freshman, Carver has not gained the same amount of attention as some of his other 2023 classmates. Excellent hands, a huge frame and wingspan, Carver’s talents make him intriguing.
Look for the early enrollee tight end to get a few chances to catch passes down the field.
QB Tyler Van Dyke
No player on the roster comes close to as important to Miami’s future won-loss record as Van Dyke. He’s received good reviews from All Hurricanes Alex Donno multiple times, and he’s also been singled out by Miami’s Twitter page.
Hype aside, how will Van Dyke throw under duress? For Miami to take that next step forward as a football program, the signal caller must be clutch. Van Dyke’s redshirt-sophomore season was basically stolen from him due to injury. His season of redemption will begin in the fall, but he’s also going to play very well on Friday.
CB Davonte Brown
Miami needs a man-to-man cornerback that can help take away the opposing team’s best wide receiver. Along with the player listed after Brown below, there’s a lot on the plate for Brown.
The transfer from UCF has shown the length, change of direction skills, and quickness to make him a formidable player before this season even began. Seeing him place those skills against players like Colbie Young will help to figure out if he’s going to be a key cog for the Canes this next season. The tools have been there, now it's time to see how well Brown has adapted.
CB Terry Roberts
The transfer from Iowa will be playing a position with very little returning experience, at least Miami, and he’s also a player that could play multiple positions.
Could Roberts play some combination of nickel, cornerback, and safety? Maybe he does or does not in the spring game, but it’s a good bet that he does play multiple spots in the fall. Roberts will be a good player for the Canes all season long and during this spring game. Side note: few players will tackle as well and with as much consistency as Roberts.
LB Francisco Mauigoa
The Canes lacked much depth at linebacker this past season, and the Washington State transfer, as well as older brother of Francis Mauigoa, brings an all-around game to Coral Gables.
He’s been good in coverage, something that’s tremendously valuable at the linebacker position. That will be one focal point to watch. He’s also 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, so seeing some big collisions in the middle of the gridiron should be fun. Maybe brother going against brother a little bit?
S Kaleb Spencer
The freshman looked really good during media viewing. With the Canes' need for depth at safety, that was a good sign. Now, can he play fast and make an impact?
All-around: Will Spencer be good in one-on-one coverage, tackling in space, and the ability to keep the football in front of him overall? He’s a big part of Miami’s future at safety.
DE Chantz Williams
He was singled out by Mario Cristobal. Williams has also now been at Miami for three years. He needs to make a step forward, and he’s certainly talented enough to make a significant contribution.
For Miami’s defense to improve, players like Williams must make that step forward, in fact. It’s not just sacks either. Run-gap fits, hustling, playing with power, athleticism and intelligence; Williams will get his shot on Friday.
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