Six Miami Hurricanes Making First Career Start in Opener

Smith earned the start with a stellar training camp. The Miami Hurricanes coaching staff has been trying Smith out at fullback throughout the summer and into training camp. He is listed as a fullback/linebacker on his official Hurricanesports bio.

Speaking about the hard work that Smith has put in Diaz said:

"“Mike Smith I feel is the same way [as Michael Jackson]…So often I feel the guys know what to do, but they have a hard time trusting themselves. Mike was a guy that had to learn that he knew the answer to the test and just trust it and give the proper answer. We know that Mike is a physical guy. His toughness was not in question. It’s just his ability to let it go, trust your instincts and go out there and make the play. He’s another guy that as a staff we are proud of to see go out there and represent us on Saturday.”"

Quite a few other players will be in a position to make a big impact this season as Freshmen or as upperclassman stepping into bigger roles. Richt and Diaz are likely to give players a chance to prove themselves the first two weeks against B-C and Arkansas State.

Next: Miami Hurricanes Likely Surprise Starters

By week three the Miami Hurricanes coaching staff is going to have to have an idea of who they can rely on. That week three ACC opener against Florida State is looming