Miami Hurricanes backups should have chance for more snaps versus Duke

The Miami football team is a 21.5 point favorite at Duke on Saturday according to WynnBet. If Miami can play a full game and put Duke away early, several players on the depth chart could receive significantly more snaps than they have throughout the season. Getting players more snaps in an ACC game will help the future.

True freshman running back Thad Franklin had a career-high nine carries for 36 yards last week against Virginia Tech. Eight of the nine carries Franklin had came in the fourth quarter to help ice a 38-26 Miami victory over Virginia Tech. Head coach Manny Diaz has instituted a youth movement throughout this season.

If the Miami football team can get significantly ahead against Duke, it will be a chance for first-team RB Jaylan Knighton to rest. In addition to Franklin, expect another 2021 signee, Cody Brown to share snaps with Franklin. Brown has been ahead of Franklin most of the season with 27 carries for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

Freshman wide receivers Jacolby George and Brashard Smith both had over 100 all-purpose yards last week.  George had two receptions for 39 yards and three punt returns for 65. Smith had 102 all-purpose yards and a 75-yard TD reception. George and Smith should continue to have an impact against Duke.

True freshman tight end Elijah Arroyo and wide receiver Romello Brinson have shown their potential this and both should get a chance for snaps in the second half if Miami takes a big lead as projected. Miami has an extremely young offense full of freshmen in eligibility that should continue to thrive in 2022.

Safety Avanatae Williams who missed the first half of the season after a six-game suspension should continue to see his snaps rise on Saturday against Duke. True freshman safety James Williams became the third Miami safety since the end of August to be lost for the season with an injury.

Fifth-year senior Amari Carter is expected to move from striker to safety to start in place of James Williams. True freshman Kamren Kinchens will start and other safety with Gilbert Frierson expected to start at striker. Avantae Williams will be the third safety in the Miami rotation versus Duke.

Avantae Williams has contributed significantly in the last three games. Three weeks ago against Georgia Tech Williams had four tackles and a 32-yard interception return. Against Florida State, Williams had seven tackles and he added two stops versus Virginia Tech last week. The Miami football program has a bright future at safety.

Second-year freshman Marcus Clarke has passed veteran Te’Cory Couch on the depth chart. Miami could also play more freshmen against Duke on the defensive line and at linebacker. The experience many freshmen have received in 2021 should help Miami heading into the 2022 season.