Miami Hurricanes Offensive Lineman Building Brickhouse
The Miami Hurricanes offensive line is getting its own reward after a big play like the turnover chain given to the defense. The staff awards bricks after looking at game film.
The Palm Beach Post’s Matt Porter discussed the bricks the Miami Hurricanes offensive linemen receive after the coaching staff examines the game film of the lineman. Freshman offensive lineman Corey Gaynor discussed the awarded bricks with Porter after Wednesday’s practice.
Gaynor has been the Hurricanes most versatile lineman this season. He has lined up at offensive guard, tackle and fullback. With the left side of the line graduating after this season, Gaynor is likely to be a full-time starter in 2018.
Senior left tackle K.C. McDermott and senior guard Trevor Darling will both move on to the NFL following the 2017 season. Gaynor got a chance to start when classmate Navaughn Donaldson missed the Georgia Tech game with an injury. He has since been passed on the depth chart by redshirt Sophomore Hayden Mahoney.
Gaynor and his teammates can band together and build a house with the awarded bricks. He told Porter.
"“I’m gonna build a house…It’s a brick painted in school colors with your number and the score on it…It’s an actual brick that they paint, and it’s awesome.”"
Per Porter, Gaynor was awarded two bricks after what he referred to as crushing blocks after the wins over Georgia Tech and Syracuse. McDermott has earned three bricks and Junior center Tyler Gauthier one.
McDermott was the only Miami lineman to earn preseason All-ACC. Based on how well the line has protected in the running and passing games this season, he shouldn’t be the Hurricanes only offensive lineman to get some All-ACC recognition following the season.
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Gaynor also dreams of getting to celebrate in the end zone at some point this season from his duties as a part-time fullback. He told Porter.
"“Catch a pass?…One-handed, down the sideline, for sure…I say, ‘Offensive lineman by day, skill position by night.’”"
Gaynor’s time at fullback may be over per Porter. The Post’s Hurricanes beat writer reported.
"“Gaynor was shifted off the fullback position for walk-on Michael Parrott, who made his debut last week. Gaynor said he “messed up a little bit” in the Duke game. UM had a goal-line play that was busted.”"
Porter also reported that McDermott, as to be expected based on preseason expectations, has graded out the highest this season. He said:
"“He’ll play good the whole game and then there’s one pressure here or one bad block here and he’s really done a good job of eliminating the bad play.” Searels would like to see St. Louis be more physical, though he’s hardly ever on the correction tape Searels shows in meetings."
Next: Miami Hurricanes Need to Keep Winning Before the U is Back
If Miami is to continue to help the Commodores by building their Brickhouse they need the offensive line to thrive. With Virginia Tech coming up a week from Saturday the Hurricanes offensive line is going to have to provide max protection. Miami allowed eight sacks in a 37-16 loss last season in Blacksburg.