The expectation of what the Miami Hurricanes offensive line would look like in 2019 has already seen some major reshuffling this spring. The right side of the O-line has moved to the left and there have been some surprises with the theoretical depth chart.
Miami Hurricanes Tackle Delone Scaife and guard Navaughn Donaldson moved from the right side of the offensive line where they started in 2018 to the left. The move leaves no potential starters on the OL who started at their positions last season.
Scaife became a starter in the fifth game of the season against Florida State and Donaldson started at right guard, except for the beginning of 2018, since earning Freshman All-America in 2017.
The biggest surprise this spring has been that Butler graduate transfer Tommy Kennedy is not playing with the first team. Kennedy was expected to replace Tyree St. Louis at left tackle. That is not likely to happen with Scaife’s switch to the left side. Kennedy’s talent was overrated according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
The same source also told Jackson that Kennedy’s “body needs work.” Kennedy chose Miami over Oklahoma and Texas with the hope of playing in a major program for his final season would prepare him for the NFL. He now faces the real possibility of being a backup this season.
Miami Head Coach Manny Diaz spoke about the progress Kennedy is making this spring.
"“What he’s learning is the different tempo of our practice, going up against better players than he’s gone against at any point in his career.And when [offensive line coach Butch Barry] is teaching you these techniques, you better be on point because you need them to go against the guys on our defensive front. The good thing about Tommy is he’s a willing learner.”"
Redshirt Freshman John Campbell has been playing right tackle with the first team this spring. Campbell was a three-star recruit coming out of high school. He has moved ahead of former four-star signees Kai-Leon Herbert and Zalon’tae Hillery on the offensive line.
Scaife told Jackson that Herbert and early enrollee Zion Nelson have been the backups at LT. Kennedy was seen taking some snaps at center. The line other than Scaife and Donaldson is going to be a work in progress. Junior Corey Gaynor is expected to be the starter at center.
Scaife told Jackson that he feels comfortable at left tackle, his position in high school. The sophomore also stated that he and Donaldson work well together. “Chemistry is [there] because we played together on the right side. (in 2018)”
Diaz told Christy Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel that the offensive staff and Miami Hurricanes offensive line coach Butch Barry are still trying to figure out what their offensive linemen do best and what they struggle with.
"“We’re bouncing around with guys and whatever we think they can do best…Obviously with our offensive staff being new, we’re learning more about what our guys can do and what they can’t do. Whether it’s coach Barry or anyone else, we’re trying to put them in the best position to succeed.”"
The Hurricanes offensive line was average at best last year. They allowed 27 sacks, that was tied for 59th nationally. The Hurricanes 2.4 sacks allowed per game against Power Five teams was 67th.
The offensive line was erratic during the Mark Richt era, particularly in pass protection. The Hurricanes have to improve that to become an elite team.
Donaldson was moved back to right guard last season after beginning the year at right tackle. Unless Donaldson and Scaife return to the right side, none of the Miami Hurricanes starting offensive linemen entering 2019 started at their positions last season.
With the opener against Florida, there is no time for the Miami Hurricanes offensive line to ease into Enos’ system and their positions. The offensive line needs to perform on day one in 2019.