Miami showed it should be in the mix over the next few years by getting to the ACC Championship game last season. Their blowout loss to Clemson was largely due to a lack of depth. While Miami might not have won if they had been healthier entering the ACC Championship they likely would not have gotten blown out.
The Hurricanes were missing their three best players on offense against the Tigers. Running back Mark Walton, tight end Chris Herndon IV and wide receiver Ahmmon Richards were all out for the ACC Championship game. They did not have the elite playmakers to replace them.
Richt has done a great job with his three recruiting classes so far. The depth is being upgraded. That should allow Miami to compete with the elite teams in the next few years. ABC and ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit spoke about the Hurricanes lack of depth last season.
"“You have to take baby steps… If you go back even not to any team but just Miami specifically, I remember in the mid ’90s, the latter part of the ’90s, the way Butch Davis built that, it took him some time to build the pieces and do it the right way. Of course, Miami wants it instantly, and they want to be able to win a National Championship. But, boy, that’s how Butch Davis laid out a perfect blueprint. Just taking a few steps, a few steps, a few steps.”"
Herndon and Walton are gone to the NFL. Richards could be after this season. He suffered through an injury-riddled Sophomore season in 2017, playing in only seven games. Miami is going to need the younger players to start stepping up and living up to their rankings as recruits.