Miami football without several players versus Virginia, Cavs have QB Armstrong
Several Miami football players including leading receiver tight end Brevin Jordan are out for the Hurricanes game against Virginia Saturday night.
The leading receiver for the Miami football team junior tight end Brevin Jordan plus freshmen, safety Brian Balom, wide receivers Michael Redding III and Xavier Restrepo, linebacker Corey Flagg, defensive lineman Elijah Roberts, quarterback Tyler VanDyke and offensive lineman Issiah Walker are out against Virginia Saturday.
Jordan is clearly the biggest impact. Junior tight Will Mallory will replace Jordan as a starter. Mallory has played well for Jordan over the past two seasons when he has missed five games due to injury. Mallory has five receptions for 83 yards and three TDs this season. Mallory and Jordan lead the Hurricanes in TD receptions.
Redding has two receptions for 13 and a TD, Restrepo has yet to record a reception this season but has returned two punts for 18 yards, Balom has played well with nine tackles, Flagg has four assisted tackles, Roberts has yet to make an impact on the field and VanDyke and Walker have not played yet this season.
Virginia received their own injury news in the pre-game with the announcement that starting QB Brennan Armstong is returing after missing the Cavaliers loss to Wake Forest last week because of a concussion. Lindell Strong started last week with Keytaon Thompson and Ira Armstead receiving playing time.
Lot of freshmen out tonight along with TE Brevin Jordan for the #Canes: S Brian Balom, LB Corey Flagg, WR Michael Redding III, WR Xavier Restrepo, DL Elijah Roberts, QB Tyler Van Dyke and OT Issiah Walker, Jr.
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 24, 2020
The loss of Balom means that safeties Amari Carter and Gurvan Hall have to avoid getting a targeting calls. Miami will be down to Carter, Hall and Bubba Bolden as safety. Flagg has added depth and has received increased snaps as the season has progressed. Expect to see more of Sam Brooks and Avery Huff at LB with Flagg out.
The losses of Redding and Restrepo takes two WRs out of the equation after the Miami football team listed all nine scholarship WRs as co-starters on the depth chart this week. The absense Redding has a greater impact on the Miami offense. The absense of Restrepo means Mark Pope will likely returning punts.
Next. Miami still strong at LB after Branden Jennings to Michigan. dark
The loss of Roberts will have a minimal impact on the depth for Miami defensive line. VanDyke and Walker being out will not impact Miami. VanDyke and Walker have not played yet this season. No reasons are being given for the missing players. Jordan is missing his second straight game after an ankle injury at Clemson.