The Miami Hurricanes began spring football practice on Monday with most eyes on the new uptempo, spread offense being installed by new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Head coach Manny Diaz appeared on the Joe Rose Show to discuss spring practice.
The Miami Hurricanes enter spring practice with a lot of optimism following staff changes and roster additions during the offseason. Miami head coach Manny Diaz appeared on the Joe Rose Show on WQAM Monday morning before he and his team progressed to the Greentree Practice Fields.
Diaz expressed that the emphasis this spring is more on effort than schematics. Rose did ask Diaz about the difference going to an up-tempo spread offense will make for the Miami Hurricanes in 2020. Diaz and Rose also discussed any more additions Miami might make in the transfer portal and the offensive line.
The hiring of Lashlee and additions of quarterback D’Eriq King and defensive end Quincy Roche have created a buzz for the Miami Hurricanes football program for the second straight offseason. The spring gives everyone a chance to start over and put the disappointing 2019 season behind them.
Diaz stated that everyone will have a fresh start in 2019. The Hurricanes’ second-year head coach likes what the tempo of the new offense will mean for opposing defenses. Diaz also told Rose the high tempo offense should neutralize opponents’ defensive lines and take away their best attributes.
"“It (the uptempo offense) will help a lot, sort of the world we live in. In our league, we will see a lot of it. It points to the benefit of having depth. You have to be able to roll two defensive lines. you have to be able to roll guys in the secondary…on both sides of the ball.”"
Getting better play from the offensive line is critical for the Miami Hurricanes in 2019. Miami finished 128th in FBS in 2019 allowing 51 sacks. That was last among Power Five schools last season. Everyone returns in 2020 something Diaz states will help the offense. He discussed new offensive line coach Garin Justice.
"“Getting everybody back. College football is a developmental game, nowhere more so than the offensive line. When you start two true freshmen (tackle Zion Nelson and guard Jakai Clark), where have you ever heard of that anywhere let alone a program like the University of Miami.Garin Justice will continue to get in there and develop those guys. The spread offense and going uptempo…there is no position it benefits more than the offensive line. because you are going to try and neutralize the energy of the defensive line by your tempo, it’s the great equalizer.There is nothing more physically taxing than to rush the passer. You got to get it rolling on offense. You get those guys (opposing defensive linemen) off their game.”"
The new offense will create a lot of excitement this spring. There is a lot of competition on the offensive line, running back and wide receiver. Barring something shocking King will be the starting QB and
, who is out with an injured foot this spring, should be the starting tight end.
Diaz cautioned not to expect any starters to be determined this spring. The injuries on both offense and defense, plus the freshmen who will arrive later this year will give Miami a different look at training camp in August than they will have in spring football in March and April.
"“Let’s get on the grass and go 15 days and find out what we are all about. it would be a mistake to start determining spots…We’ve got a handful of guys that are out with injuries and graduating high school. We are not the same team we play with in September.”"
Compete for everything. #DayOne #Greentree pic.twitter.com/aQc3Hg8V6R
— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) March 2, 2020
The spring will be about setting habits and effort over schematics. Diaz wants the players to get in the right frame of mind to be ready to play in September. Getting off to a good start with the schedule Miami has this fall is critical. The Hurricanes faced a tough beginning to 2019 with losses against Florida and at North Carolina.
"“Establishing habits that’s what leads to success in the fall.”"
In addition to King and Roche, Miami also added former FIU kicker Jose Borregales to the 2020 roster. After one year with the Hurricanes, Borregales will be succeeded as the Miami kicker by his brother Andres who is a commit to the Hurricanes 2021 recruiting class. Diaz spoke about any more additions in the transfer portal.
"“That sort of has a rhythm. might see another little blip after spring ball ends. If we think there is a guy who will help our team (we will) hop back in there.”"
The talk about Miami re-entering the transfer portal in 2020 has primarily focused on the offensive line and wide receiver. A veteran presence in both units would greatly help the Miami Hurricanes roster. Miami is reportedly looking at wide receivers Rico Bussey from North Texas and Tarik Black of Michigan.
There are not many offensive linemen with the talent and skill to play for a Power Five program remaining. There has been some speculation that the Miami coaching staff could be reluctant to sign an offensive lineman through the transfer portal after Butler graduate transfer Tommy Kennedy was a complete bust in 2019.
One final emphasis was addressed by Diaz and Rose during the 15-minute chat on Monday morning. Miami was 4-2 at home last season and 5-1 in 2018. Miami was favored in all three of those losses, to Duke in 2018 and Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech in 2019. Protecting the home field will be emphasized.
"“You have to have the roll response to incentives. You have to win at home. there has to be a price to pay when we don’t. (You) want the players to identify with the fans paying their hard-earned dollar to watch them.”"
Spring practice began on Monday morning and will go through April 11 when Miami plays its spring game at Traz Powell Stadium. Hard Rock Stadium is unavailable to the Hurricanes for the third time in four seasons. Miami held a scrimmage at Traz Powell in 2019 before playing their spring game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.