Which Miami Offensive Freshmen Skill Players Make Impacts?
Article photo of Miami running back Chris Johnson; credit to Brian Smith of All Hurricanes
There could be many guesses as to which Miami freshmen make immediate impacts.
Which one's do you believe will hit the gridiron for the Canes and contribute the most? Vote in the poll below:
With that, it’s a good time to take a look at the talented players that Mario Cristobal and his staff signed with spring ball being over and the summer months coming up.
Here’s a look at each skill player from the group, one by one.
Emory Williams - Quarterback
He looked really good during the spring game and even had some clutch passes that were on the money.
Even so, it’s usually difficult to play as a freshman – for any college football signal caller – and that’s likely the case for Williams as well.
Expect him to redshirt and then compete for the starting job in 2024 when he faces off with fellow quarterback Jacurri Brown for the starting job. Another year of seasoning will make a big difference for Williams.
Fletcher brings size and all-around running back skills to Coral Gables
Mark Fletcher - Running Back
With natural size and running ability, plus the talent to catch the football and either make defenders miss or run over them, Fletcher could see considerable action this fall. What could hold him back?
Like a freshman at any position, learning the playbook will be pivotal. If he does that well, expect Fletcher to make a major contribution, and possibly even end up being the power back that Cristobal leans on towards the end of the 2023 season.
Beyond the play book, there’s no real reason to expect Fletcher to sit the bench.
Chris Johnson - Running back
Look for Johnson to see the field often this fall. It’s more of a matter of when and how, as opposed to whether he’s going to hit the field.
There just has to be some way to place the football in Johnson’s hands. Too fast, too shifty, to sit the pine. His natural abilities will be enough for him to make some major plays and change games, too.
Yes, it will still be hard to surpass Henry Parrish, Jr. on the depth chart. That stated, Johnson’s talents to take a simple run or pass and turn either into an 80-yard touchdown will lead to at least a couple of big plays for the talented prospect out of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard, and they’ll probably be highlight reel plays that Canes fans remember.
Nathaniel Joseph - Wide Receiver
Best suited to play slot, he’s a prime candidate to compete for reps with Brashard Smith behind Xavier Restrepo. Miami will also use four and even five wide receivers at once, however, and that’s why Joseph needs to continue to make strides during fall camp because that should lead to major minutes.
Like Johnson, his ability to score from any place on the field should lead to a few big plays this fall – special teams also being a possibility in doing so – and it’s going to be interesting to see how many different ways that newly hired offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson utilizes Joseph’s talents.
Robby Washington has explosive playmaking abilities
Brian Smith
Robby Washington - Wide Receiver
Washington will also play some slot, but he can help on the outside as well. If he picks up the offense there’s no reason he cannot compete for significant minutes at the outside receiver position.
He’s also a player that could break through – just like with Joseph – as a special teams return man. Miami was fortunate to sign Washington and Joseph.
Riley Williams - Tight End
After seeing Williams compete at the Future 50 event this past summer at IMG Academy, it was easy to see why so many schools wanted to sign the talented prospect.
Smooth, fluid, and possessed good hands in traffic. Those were skills that transferred to Miami’s spring practices as well. Look for Williams to be a key cog in the tight end rotation for the Canes. He could even end up in the top two players at the position.
He’s also a mature young man. That’s going to help him adapt to Power 5 college football quicker than most.
Out of this entire group, one could argue that Williams has a chance to play the most minutes of any offensive freshmen.
Jackson Carver - Tight End
Much like Williams, Carver’s hands and natural athleticism make him a candidate to be in the tight end rotation. With Will Mallory now an Indianapolis Colts tight end, there’s certainly playing time available for Carver to seize.
Carver’s length and physical nature will also make him a candidate to be a part of multiple tight end sets. He needs to add a little more bulk (like most freshmen honestly) but that’s doable by August.
If that happens, Carver should have chances to catch some touchdowns down in the red zone, as well as be a consistent part of the tight end rotation.
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