The move of Trayone Gray from halfback to fullback and addition of the nation’s number one player at the position in the Freshmen class of 2018 Realus George will give the Miami Hurricanes offense a new look this fall.
Appearing on WQAM’s Hurricane Hotline with Miami Hurricanes Play-by-Play Announcer Joe Zagacki quarterback Malik Rosier discussed what changes are being made for 2018.
Without a fullback last season Miami had to use three wide receiver sets almost exclusively. When they did need a fullback Miami often used offensive lineman Corey Gaynor.
Miami was also thin at tight end in 2017. Christopher Herndon was the only experienced and productive player at the position. Michael Irvin II never seemed to grasp what he needed to at the position. Scott Patchan was switched from defensive end to tight end to give the Hurricanes needed depth last season.
For 2018 Irvin and rising Sophomore Brian Polendey will have another year of experience. Miami also brings in highly touted Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory to allow Miami to use two tight end sets this fall.
Rosier spoke about the differences between last year and the upcoming season with Zagacki.
"“Last year, we kind of got stuck in three receiver, one tight end personnel grouping…Sometimes you saw Deejay Dallas come in. This year, you have the two tight ends coming in [Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory], the fullback [Realus George]. “Trayone Gray moving to fullback is going to be a mismatch for linebackers; he’s freakishly strong, real athletic. Deejay is going to make a huge impact. We asked Deejay to do a lot — once he gets it, he’s someone we will use everywhere and someone who will get this offense to the next level.”"
Jordan, Mallory and George will all get playing time. Jordan and Mallory are big-time talents who are likely to surpass Irvin and Polendey when they enroll this summer. George’s role could depend on how quickly Gray picks up his new position.
Rosier is also high on a trio of his receivers this spring. He spoke about the maturation of Lawrence Cager and Freshmen Brian Hightower and Daquris Wiggins.
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"“The big thing with Lawrence is just confidence…Lawrence is 6-5, big, strong, physical. When he plays physical, I don’t think there’s anyone that can cover Lawrence… They are rookies (Hightower and Wiggins). They make mistakes. For the most part, they’re phenomenal. Wiggins does a great job of playing the X receiver. In high school, he was more athletic than anybody.”"
Cager is a projected starter at wide receiver with Ahmmon Richards and Jeff Thomas. Hightower and Wiggins are going to have to battle to get on the field. Wide receiver is Miami’s deepest position.
The Hurricanes also return last season’s hero Darrell Langham and rising Sophomore Mike Harley. Freshmen Marquez Ezzard and Mark Pope will arrive later this summer.
The pressure to produce will be paramount to the wide receiving core. Richards and Thomas have a track record of production. The other receivers are going to have to prove it this year.
Next: Malik Rosier continues to lead Miami Hurricanes quarterback race
The ability to play different formations should help Rosier and the Miami offense to keep opposing defenses off balance. The deeper roster of talent will also allow Mark Richt and Thomas Brown to be more diverse on offense. That will all hopefully lead to greater production.