Miami Hurricanes offensive line is biggest question mark for 2018
It’s no secret that the Miami Hurricanes offensive line has a lot of questions heading into the 2018 season. Center Tyler Gauthier is the only returning starter in the same position as last season. Both guard positions are questionable after Spring Practice.
In addition to Gauthier, Tyree St. Louis and Navaughn Donaldson also return for the Miami Hurricanes on the offensive line. Both have switched positions from 2017. St. Louis moved from right tackle to left tackle. After being named a Freshman All-American at right guard, Donaldson moved to right tackle in the Spring.
Head Coach Mark Richt and Offensive line coach Stacy Searles tried a few different combinations this Spring. Gauthier at one point moved to right tackle. The Hurricanes defense was repeatedly beating the offensive right tackle.
George Brown who was transferred from LSU in 2016 was originally tabbed to be the new starter at right tackle. After nine Spring Practices it was obvious he wasn’t the best player for that position.
Eventually, Richt and Searles moved Donaldson. Hayden Mahoney is now the starting right guard on the depth chart. That could change when Miami gets in training camp this summer.
Vonzell Boulware who is a Graduate transfer with two years remaining should push Mahoney and potentially earn the starting spot. He started four games with Tennessee last season.
The left guard, for now, is Rising Senior Jahair Jones. Jones was a three-star recruit at tackle coming out of high school in Al Golden’s last recruiting class.
He could potentially get pushed by Boulware if he doesn’t earn the starting spot at right guard or Rising Sophomore Corey Gaynor. Gaynor is the heir apparent to Gauthier at center. He started one game last season.
After an article last week about what makes each top 25 team so dominant, ESPN recently asked What is the “Biggest Question Mark for each Top 25 team?” ESPN’s Andrea Adelson once again wrote up the summary of Miami.
"“The Hurricanes’ offensive line remains a work in progress after the spring, as coach Mark Richt has taken to repeating that mantra. But there are other areas that could use some improvement, including chemistry between the quarterbacks and receivers. Richt has placed an emphasis on trying to hit more explosive plays in the passing game.”"
To hit more explosive plays in the passing game, the Hurricanes are going to need the offensive line to protect better than it did last season. Richt has frequently discussed the need for Rosier to work on his accuracy.
"“When Malik becomes more consistent in his accuracy – probably more than anything else – he can lead us as far as we need to go.”So can accuracy improve? “It can. Accuracy improves when routes get run better, when protection gets better, when footwork by the quarterback gets better, when maybe we call a certain play at the right time.”"
In losses during the Richt era at Miami, the Hurricanes have also struggled running the football. Everything feeds off each other and one sets up another. The Hurricanes need the offense to jell as a unit.
Next: Miami Hurricanes wide receivers will be best unit offensively
Richt did go out and get more weapons for Rosier. The incoming group of wide receivers for Miami can be special. Add in the maturation of Rising Sophomores Jeff Thomas and Mike Harley and Rising Junior Ahmmon Richards getting healthy and the offense can be more explosive in 2018.