Miami Hurricanes OL coach Garin Justice impressed with freshmen

New Miami Hurricanes offensive line coach Garin Justice is impressed with the potential that freshmen Jalen Rivers and Chris Washington showed during spring practice in March.

As told to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, offensive line coach Garin Justice was impressed with the potential that 2020 signees Jalen Rivers and Chris Washington showed during spring practice in March. The Miami Hurricanes added more talent this spring when offensive tackle Issiah Walker transferred to Miami.

Walker spent one semester at Florida before deciding to return home. Securing a talent like Walker was a huge commitment for Justice and the Miami football program. Justice has continued adding talent to the Miami Hurricanes’ OL for the future. Miami also added Houston graduate transfer, OT Jarrid Williams, this spring.

Rivers signed with Miami as the fifth highest-ranked player in the Class of 2020 and third highest ranked offensive player. The big offensive lineman has a chance to come in and play immediately. Washington is a project who will almost definitely redshirt this fall. At 6’6, 331 pounds, Rivers is an imposing presence on the Miami OL.

Justice is excited about the work ethic that Rivers and Washington have and what the future holds. With only four practices this spring, Justice acknowledged it’s his job to fit the offensive linemen at their best position and that he did not have enough time to figure out the answers of who will play what position on the offensive line 2020.

"“The thing about Jalen first and foremost is people look at the fact he’s 6-5 and he’s big and he’s physical…The thing that will make Jalen a really good player is he’s such a perfectionist. It bothers him when he doesn’t have success, bothers him if it’s not 100 percent right. They’re working hard to be good.It’s my job to figure out where to put those guys. With four practices I really don’t have answers yet.”"

Redshirt junior Corey Gaynor returns at center and is likely to keep his spot. Jackson mentioned that Williams stated Miami is planning on keeping him at his familiar position at right tackle where he primarily played at Houston. Junior D.J. Scaife and redshirt sophomore John Campbell seem likely to secure starting positions on the OL.

That leaves one spot open. Jakai Clark started 12 games at right guard in 2019 and Zion Nelson all 13 at left tackle as true freshmen. There is no guarantee that either will be starters in 2020. Rivers and if he is eligible, Walker should challenge Clark and Nelson to become starters in 2020. Justice has already made an impact on the OL.