One of the strengths of the Miami Hurricanes last two recruiting classes has been the offensive line. Mark Richt spoke about the progress of the offensive line on the WQAM morning show with Joe Rose on Monday.
Last season Freshman Navaughn Donaldson was named to ESPN’s true Freshmen All-America team. Corey Gaynor also saw substantial playing time for the Miami Hurricanes as a Freshmen. He played in ten games on the offensive line starting one. He even saw time at fullback.
The Miami Hurricanes have to replace the left side of the offensive line. Tackle K.C. McDermott and guard Trevor Darling have graduated.
There has been a lot of speculation as to what Miami was going to do. Some of it has centered around Donaldson moving right guard to left tackle. For now, it doesn’t seem like the Hurricanes will be doing that.
According to the Palm Beach Post’s Matt Porter, it seems like Miami will be moving last year’s right tackle Tyree St. Louis to left tackle to replace McDermott. Jahair Jones seems slated for left guard.
That leaves Center Tyler Gauthier and Donaldson in their positions from 2017. The third starter in a new position would be LSU Transfer, George Brown at right tackle.
Neither Brown nor Jones received a lot of playing time last season. Miami has a lot more depth up front than they did before Richt took over. If anyone falters there are many young and talented lineman who could challenge for playing time.