Miami Hurricanes Football Five Biggest Concerns for 2017

Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt and his Miami Hurricanes team celebrate after defeating the Florida A&M Rattlers 70-3 at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt and his Miami Hurricanes team celebrate after defeating the Florida A&M Rattlers 70-3 at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 7
miami hurricanes
Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) takes a knee in the end zone before the game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Miami defeated App State 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End is a major part of Miami’s offense. Herndon and Njoku combined for 71 receptions for 1,032 yards and ten touchdowns last season. The early departures of Haskins to another program and Njoku to the NFL severely deplete Miami’s depth at the position.

Herndon is back and figures to be a huge part of the Miami offense. He had 28 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns last season. Miami is high on the rising Senior. His skill set doesn’t match Njoku’s extreme athleticism. He does have a lot of athleticism for the position and can be a major asset down the seem for whoever the quarterback is.

His skill set doesn’t match Njoku’s extreme athleticism. He does have a lot of athleticism for the position and can be a major asset down the seem for whoever the quarterback is.

Irvin made only made an impact on special teams in 2016. Miami is likely going to count on Irvin to be a part of the offense this season. If Herndon slots into Njoku’s role as a major go-to receiver, Irvin will likely be counted to put up similar numbers to what Herndon did last season.

Incoming freshman Brian Polendey is more accomplished as a blocker at this point. He is a three-star recruit. In Miami’s often two tight end sets, they could be counting on Irvin and Polendey more than they are comfortable with.

With a deep stable of receivers, the Hurricanes could be going to some three wide receiver sets this season.

Related Story: Miami Hurricanes National Signing Day: TE Brian Polendey

Schedule

Schedule