Braxton Berrios Says Miami Hurricanes ACC Championship Contender
Senior wide receiver Braxton Berrios told WQAM’s Joe Rose Morning show on Thursday that the Miami Hurricanes can challenge for an ACC Championship.
Rose asked Berrios if the Miami Hurricanes can contend for an ACC Coastal Division championship even with the uncertainty at quarterback. As part of the appearance, Berrios discussed the quarterback situation extensively, talked about the wide receiver core and the team’s new cornerbacks.
Berrios mentioned he thought that the 2014 and ’15 teams were on their way to improving before Head Coach Al Golden got fired. The 2016 team went 9-4 and earned its first bowl win in 2016.
A lot is being expected from the ‘Canes in 2016. They return 15 starters including the front seven two deep. The Miami Hurricanes had one of the best defenses in the country in 2016. That should continue in 2017. Berrios discussed the front seven with Rose.
"“Oh, my gosh,” Berrios said. “If it’s not — I don’t know what one looks like if this team doesn’t. Truly. The defense is almost set in place. That front seven, I’d put it up there with some of the best in the country, if not the best in the country. That front seven is great. We have a few more linebackers returning that we didn’t have last year, from injuries. And we have a lot of freshmen that can help us out as well."
Miami’s offense has a few question marks. Former quarterback Brad Kaaya was not the only significant loss on the offensive side of the ball.
Tight end David Njoku was a first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, Other Miami draft picks on the offensive side of the ball included guard Danny Isidora, fullback Marquez Williams and wide receiver Stacy Coley.
The Hurricanes bring in three highly regarded wide receivers and a lot of depth on the offensive line in this year’s recruiting class. Berrios discussed the offense’s potential in 2017.
"“As far as the offense goes, our O-line is as experienced as ever. And we have great skill players. It’s going to come down to the quarterback and how he leads. Truthfully, I believe the hype around this team is well-deserved. But I’m tired of hype, to be honest. I want to go out there and finally do it. And I don’t see why [we can’t].”"
Mark Richt has made a huge impact on Miami both on and off the field. He has helped the U raise over $30 million for the Soffer indoor practice facility, has the program on the path to returning to the nation’s elite programs and the nation’s number recruiting class for 2018.
Berrios said that Richt has made an undeniable impact on the program.
"“The culture of the team changed, the momentum,” he said. “What he’s been able to do in the short time he’s been here is truly incredible. We feel that as well. The fans get hyped or whatever, but we feel that as well. We feel like we’re on the right path. If we keep doing what we’re doing and chugging away, it’s going to pay off.”"
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Richt is one of the nation’s most respected coaches. His return to Miami has given the program a boost it hasn’t seen since they joined the ACC. The 2017 Hurricanes will be aiming to become the first in program history to win the Coastal Division title. If they get it done, he will have the program taking the next step.