Manny Diaz says Brevin Jordan progressing but game time decision

Miami Hurricanes star sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan is doing better than a week ago but will still be a game-time decision according to head coach Manny Diaz after practice on Wednesday.

Sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan leads Miami with 495 receiving yards, is second with 35 receptions and has two touchdowns this season despite missing last game against Louisville. Miami head coach Manny Diaz stated after practice on Wednesday that Jordan is doing better but is a game-time decision Saturday versus FIU.

Without Brevin Jordan in the lineup, the Hurricanes lose a dynamic player in the passing game in the middle of the field. Jordan fits the cliche that he is too fast to be covered by linebackers and too big for safeties. Jordan’s backup Will Mallory had a 17-yard TD against Louisville but that was his only catch of the game.

Backup TEs Michael Irvin II and Brian Polendey also got in the game against the Cardinals but neither had a reception. The Miami offense had its best game of 2019 in a 52-27 victory, but the Hurricanes offense is far more dynamic with Jordan healthy. Jordan was recently announced as a semifinalist for the Mackey Award.

Miami Hurricanes Football

The Mackey Award honors the nation’s top TE. Kellen Winslow II won the fourth Mackey Award in 2003. He is the only Hurricane to be named a Mackey Award winner. If Jordan cannot go on Saturday the Hurricanes will likely use the same rotation at TE with Mallory starting and Irvin and Polendey backing him up.

On the season Mallory has four receptions for 87 yards and two TDs. Irvin has one for eight and Polendey has yet to record a reception. True freshman Larry Hodges had two receptions for three yards and two TDs earlier this season against Bethune-Cookman. Hodges is on track to redshirt this season.

If Jordan does play against FIU expect him to have a limited role. Miami should control the game which would allow the Hurricanes to keep Jordan’s snap count down.

Limiting Jordan’s play would allow him to continue to get healthy as Miami focuses on their final regular-season game against Duke and their to be determined bowl game. Diaz gave a status update on Jordan’s injury on Wednesday after practice.

"“He is certainly better than he was a week ago. We just have to see what kind of role he can play on Saturday…Congrats to Brevin for being a semifinalist for the Mackey Award as the top tight end, which is certainly well-deserving. I don’t know who the other guys are, but they’ve got their work cut out for them.”"

Jordan had been among the leaders nationally in receptions and receiving yards among TEs earlier in the season but has since dropped down. Before he missed the Louisville game, Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos had been keeping Jordan in to block more often to help the Hurricanes porous offensive line.