Five Miami Hurricanes with breakout performances in second scrimmage

The Miami Hurricanes second scrimmage had some breakout performances after three defensive starters returned following missing the first scrimmage last Sunday.

The return of defensive starters, defensive end Quincy Roche, defensive tackle Jon Ford and safety Amari Carter gave the Miami Hurricanes coaching staff a better chance to grade the second scrimmage this month after they missed the first scrimmage last Sunday.

Several players had breakout performances Saturday night. After a dominant performance by the offense in the first scrimmage last week the defense asserted itself with the return of Roche, Ford and Carter who are all projected starters in 2020.

Junior running back Cam Harris and Freshman wide receiver Xavier Restrepo made impacts on offense Saturday night.

Redshirt freshmen, DE Jahfari Harvey and linebacker Avery Huff made an impacts on defense and true freshman safety Brian Balom showed he is capable of earning playing time. The Miami freshmen have been impressive in the first two scrimmages. Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton show they are ready to back up Harris in 2020.

Chaney and Knighton had their second straight impressive scrimmage. Chaney ran eight times for 48 yards and a TD on Saturday. Knighton added 13 carries for 43 yards and TD. Harris was the star of the third scrimmage with 13 carries for 77 yards and a TD and contributed five receptions with two receiving TDs.

The new up-tempo spread offense run by Rhett Lashlee is expected to help the mediocre Miami offensive line and the Hurricanes running game.

Lashlee called his offense a power spread earlier this summer. Miami is projected to run about 15 more plays per game in 2020 and that should tire opposing defenses.