Three Miami Players Are Key To A College Football Playoff Run

Miami's talent should place them in the College Football Playoff race

The Miami Hurricanes hold a great chance to reach the 2024 College Football Playoff. 

After the elite 2023 and 2024 Miami recruiting classes, the addition of prime-time quarterback Cam Ward, and the development of numerous Canes on the roster, the 2024 season shapes up to be one where the Canes should make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Before jumping into the list, Ward and elite defensive lineman Rueben Bain, Jr. are not included because they are elite players and everyone already knows it. 

The following three Canes are keys to the 2024 season ending up with a College Football Playoff opportunity. From three to one, here we go.

3) Xavier Restrepo, Slot Receiver

There's still room for even more production from Restrepo despite a great 2023 season.

According to the Miami Athletic website, Restrepo's junior season includes 85 receptions, 1,092 yards, 12.8 yards per catch, and 6 touchdowns. He's certainly earning the respect of Pro Football Focus because of his performance. Here's another fantastic statistical note about Restrepo:

"Fifty-three of his receptions went for a first down or a touchdown, tied for seventh among Power Five receivers."

Without question, Restrepo is one of the most clutch players in college football. His next task is one that Restrepo probably has circled on the calendar already.

Miami lost to Florida State by a score of 27-20 last year. Restrepo was targeted five times but did not record a catch. He's one of the most competitive young men in the college game. One can bet that Restrepo will be ready to ball out in the 2024 matchup with the Seminoles. 

It's also a game that could determine if the Canes reach the Playoff. Florida State is almost always a great battle between the Hurricanes and Seminoles; look for Restrepo to be a focal point for Miami to get him the ball against FSU next Oct. 26 inside Hard Rock Stadium.

Further, look for Restrepo to be a focal point for Ward when it's a must-have play no matter the opponent. He's the heart and soul of the Hurricanes and he's capable of having an even better 2024 than he had in 2023.

2) Zach Carpenter, Center

When Matt Lee came to Miami from UCF, it truly helped mold the Hurricanes offensive line. Miami's offensive line chemistry improved dramatically from the prior season. 

The 2024 version of the Canes has Carpenter replacing Lee at center. He's a sixth-year senior coming off 12 starts and 804 snaps for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Carpenter needs to be helping Ward with checks at the line of scrimmage, making sure his fellow offensive linemen are on the same page, and keeping the chains moving for the Canes. Here's another key. 

UM gave up just 16 sacks last season according to CFB Stats. A similar accomplishment in 2024 would have Carpenter's name printed all over it because he's going to be making many of the line calls that help determine the outcome of critical plays.

If Ward is given ample time to throw, unlike last season with Washington State, which allowed 38 sacks, the talented signal-caller could put up huge numbers passing to Restrepo, Jacolby George, and a bevy of talented Miami receiving targets.

Carpenter's efforts will also augment the Canes' budding rushing game which averaged 173.2 yards last season, good for 45th in the nation. Mario Cristobal wants a balanced offense and Carpenter will gain an opportunity to work some big-time offensive linemen at The U. With Carpenter taking over for Lee, Miami could be a top-25 rushing unit next season.

1) Damari Brown, Cornerback

Having big-time cornerback play is a prerequisite to being a top-notch college football team, especially one that aims to make the Playoff. Brown is the key to that happening for Miami.

Brown's game took a step up towards the end of his 2023 freshman campaign. He was thrust into the lineup against FSU due to injuries at cornerback, but Brown held his own against Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. 

Against FSU, Brown gave up six receptions, 70 yards, and a touchdown. Not incredible, but under the circumstances, pretty good. The experience likely helped him become a more impactful performer.

As a reference, the final three games against Louisville, Boston College, and Rutgers saw Brown be targeted 11 times, giving up 8 receptions, 71 yards, and 1 touchdown. All three teams went after the freshman and he only allowed 8.9 yards per catch. With Brown's first full offseason to work on his craft, he's going to be more knowledgeable about how to take on the best receivers college football has to offer.

This season, look for Brown to play opposite Daryl Porter, Jr. and be a tremendous tandem at cornerback. With Porter's savviness and proven play combined with Brown's battle-tested ability to go against top players, the Canes can attack opposing offenses with press-man coverage, off-man, or mixing and matching what they do.

Overall, few teams will have a cornerback with Brown's size, length, and overall talent. If he takes another step forward in 2024, Miami's defense can be top-five nationally. He would give a UM front seven even more time to get to the opponent's quarterback and Miami recorded 35 sacks in 2023 to begin with.

Miami's Playoff chances include these three players stepping up and helping the team make key improvements that lead to wins. If each of them hits their performance capabilities, the Canes will be prime contenders to reach the 2024 College Football Playoff.