Miami football building offensive line versatility out of necessity

Injuries, players who haven’t lived up to their talent evaluations and late arrivals not participating in spring practice have forced the Miami football team to move the offensive line.

Rising junior center Corey Gaynor’s injury that has him out for the remainder of the spring has had the biggest impact on the movement of the offensive linemen on the Miami football team this spring. Navaughn Donaldson has played right guard for most of his Miami career, was recruited as a tackle and has played center with Gaynor out.

New offensive line coach Butch Barry once saw all the centers for the Tampa Buccaneers hurt in the same game while he was an assistant there. Barry was hired by Diaz from the Buccaneers earlier this year to be the Miami football team’s new offensive line coach. Barry vowed he would never be caught short-handed again.

Donaldson has stepped in admirably and performed well at center with Gaynor out. That has caused the entire offensive line to move around. Delone Scaife moved from left tackle to left guard to replace Donaldson. Scaife and Donaldson both moved from the right side to the left at the beginning of Spring practice.

Donaldson spoke to reporters after Miami’s penultimate spring practice on Tuesday. The Hurricanes final spring practice will be on Thursday. The Miami football team’s spring game is at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Saturday. Donaldson gave reporters the scoop on how the centers have evolved this spring.

"“He had to put somebody else in there, so his plan from the beginning [after that] was to have five centers at all times…I stepped up and said I would do it. And I’ve been there ever since…The center is like the field general, really. You have to know everything.You have to know not just your position, but the guard and the tackle [positions]. I mean it [doesn’t] matter where I’m [playing]. As long as I’m on the field, I’m playing. So, that’s all that matters. It’s been a real good experience just learning the whole offense, seeing the bigger picture and spending time there…It’s been good.”"

Donaldson has taken the temporary move to center seriously. The Sun Sentinel’s Christy Chirinos reported on Tuesday that Donaldson studied the Miami defense to communicate the proper line calls and worked with other offensive linemen so the Hurricanes can improve as a team up front.

Miami’s offensive was inconsistent during the three-year Mark Richt era. The Hurricanes tied with five other teams for 59th nationally allowing 2.08 sacks per game in 2018. That has to improve for Miami to be successful. Diaz spoke about the QBs playing a role in pass protection on the Joe Rose show on Monday morning.

"“A quarterback is responsible for his protection either with how he negotiates the pocket or understanding how to get the ball out of his hands. I think that’s been new for our guys."

Donaldson, Gaynor and Scaife will start on the offensive line for Miami in 2019. The right side is still in question. Donaldson has made an impact on his teammates stepping in at center this spring. Rising redshirt sophomore Kai-Leon Herbert discussed Donaldson’s play at center.

"“He’s doing great. Coming in from guard to tackle then center, he’s played every position. That just makes him better. That just makes him great. I’d say we’re doing really good with him at center. I feel confident in Navaughn.”"

Offensive coordinator Dan Enos is pleased Donaldson has been a quick study at center. Although Gaynor’s injury hindered the Miami offensive line this spring, Enos considered it a benefit that Donaldson has gotten reps at center of the past few weeks.

"“I think it’s been a blessing in disguise because now we feel going into the season we’re going to have an immediate backup center that has experience and has gotten better.He can tell you, I think he’s gotten better as far as knowledge of our offense and of the defense, since he’s had to make all the calls as a center this last week and a half.”"

The athletic Donaldson’s versatility adds another dimension to the Miami offensive line. The Hurricanes need that. Miami doesn’t have a lot of experience among their big uglies other than Donaldson, Scaife and Gaynor. Graduate transfer Tommy Kennedy has also moved from tackle to center.

Developing depth and reps are essential during the spring. Diaz has stated that he wants to solidify the Hurricanes “team” a week or two after they beginning training camp in July. “It’ll probably be a week, two weeks and then we’ll have to pick a football team and move on.’’ Getting the offensive line settled will be critical.