Miami Hurricanes 25th in Returning Starters for 2017
The Miami Hurricanes are 25th in the nation in returning starters according to Phil Steele’s annual survey of college football starting lineups.
The Hurricanes rank fifth in the ACC with 15 returning starters. Its not clear what method or formula Steele uses to determine returning starters or who he considers Miami’s returning starters to be. He does break it down as Miami having seven starters back on offense and eight on defense.
Syracuse who the Hurricanes host October 21 leads the nation with 20 returning starters. That includes Quarterback Eric Dungey. North Carolina State who replaced the Orange from their 2016 schedule ranks third nationally with 17 returning starters including their quarterback.
Florida State and Georgia Tech are tied for ninth in the country with 16 returning starters. The Seminoles return their QB Dondre Francois, while Georgia Tech loses their QB Justin Thomas. Pittsburgh is the worst of the ACC teams with ten returning starters, six on offense and four on defense.
The Hurricanes return their front seven defensively. He likely counts the eighth starter as cornerback Malek Young. Young will be challenged for a starting spot by recently committed graduate transfer Dee Delaney from Football Bowl Subdivision team the Citadel and Junior College Transfer Jhavonte Dean.
Offensively, the Hurricanes key players to replace are quarterback Brad Kaaya, tight end David Njoku and Wide Receiver Stacy Coley. Six players are in the mix at quarterback.
Miami does return starting tight end Chris Herndon IV in their two tight end set. Coley’s replacement at wide receiver could come from a strong group of freshman at the position.
The starting quarterback job is wide open. While six players are competing for a chance to start, the starter will likely be junior Malik Rosier, redshirt freshman Jack Allison or true freshman N’Kosi Perry.
Canes Warning examined Rosier’s experience in a post about the potential of Miami contending for the 2017 College Football Playoff:
"“Rosier has thrown for 370 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in his collegiate career. Most of his work came in a two game stretch against Clemson and Duke in 2015. He was only 2-4 for 32 yards and ran for 65 yards and a touchdown in 2016.”"
Experience is important but not essential for a team’s success. Steele reported in his survey that Alabama returned 11 starters in 2016 and Clemson 12.
A lot could be expected from Miami in year two of the Mark Richt era. ESPN posed the question on whether or not the Hurricanes are or should be regarded as a sleeper for the College Football playoff in 2017.
In addition to returning 15 starters, the Hurricanes have a bit easier of a schedule this upcoming season. CW touched on it in the post about the Hurricanes being tabbed a sleeper for the playoff by ESPN.
"“Their schedule is less challenging than in 2016. North Carolina and Virginia Tech should take a step back with significant losses including Quarterback. The Hurricanes travel to UNC and Florida State and get the Hokies and Notre Dame at home next season.”"
Richt and Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will have a lot of work on their hands in spring practice and training camp. In addition to finding the best replacement for Kaaya, they also have to replace two of their biggest playmakers on in Njoku and Coley.
Next: ESPN Tabs Miami Hurricanes as 2017 College Football Playoff Contender
Sophomore Ahmmon Richards and Junior Mark Walton are likely to be leaned on more in 2017. Also watch for freshmen Jeff Thomas and Mike Harvey to make significant pushes for playing time.