Defensive linemen Cyrus Moss and Nyjalik Kelly, tight end Jaleel Skinner, cornerback Khamauri Rogers, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and quarterback Jacurri Brown are the six early enrollees who are participating in spring practice with the Miami football program. They all have varying levels of expectations this spring.
It was learned at the outset of spring practice from a press release Kelly and Rogers are two of 16 Miami football players missing spring practice. Most were assumed to be out with injuries but no reason was specified for the players being out for the spring. Kelly was expected to challenge to be on the two-deep depth chart.
Some of the focus areas for Miami this spring will be edge rusher, linebacker and the offensive line. Bissainthe and Moss have a chance to make an impact this spring and compete to be in the rotation this fall. Brown and Skinner will likely be third team.
With Kelly out, Moss will have a chance to compete with returning defensive ends Jahfari Harvey and Chantz Williams to be first-team. Redshirt freshman DE Jabari Ishmael is also out for spring practice. With the injuries Miami has at DE, Moss and redshirt freshman Thomas Davis will have more opportunities than expected.
Moss and Kelly are the highest-ranked early enrollees for Miami. Skinner is the top-rated offensive 2022 Miami signee. With fifth-year senior Will Mallory and sophomore Elijah Arroyo returning at TE, the spring will be an opportunity for Skinner to learn the Josh Gattis offense and be mentored by Mallory and Arroyo.
Barring injuries to starters returning starter Tyler Van Dyke and backup Jake Garcia, Brown will redshirt as a true freshman in 2022. Brown brings a skill set as a dual-threat QB that Van Dyke and Garcia do not have. The spring will be a time for Brown to study and take reps to improve his accuracy.
The six early enrollees will get a head start on the other eight 2022 signees. Miami signed the 15th best class in 2022. Mario Cristobal did an exceptional job upgrading the Miami 2022 class that was ranked in the 70s when he was hired in December. This will be a critical spring of transition.