ESPN states what we learned from Miami football spring practice

The Miami football roster has evolved a lot during the offseason. In the nearly two months since spring practice began, Miami has added several transfers. Mario Cristobal made it clear during the spring that establishing a culture of accountability and physicality will be the foundation he is building the Miami program around.

With 17 players out due to injuries and the transfers Miami added over the last month, August training camp will have a very different look than spring practice did. Several of the transfers Miami added will start, particularly on defense. Miami has upgraded the defensive line and likely starters at cornerback and linebacker.

Cornerback Darryl Porter Jr., from West Virginia, defensive ends Mitchell Agude from UCLA, another former Mountaineer, Akheem Mesidor and linebacker Caleb Johnson a former Bruin teammate of Agude all project as 2022 starters for the Miami football team. ESPN broke down each ACC team after spring practice.

ESPN posted “ACC spring football recaps: Breaking down the offseason for each team.” Each ACC program was analyzed with what was learned after spring and what needs to be learned by week one. The biggest questions for Miami will be the offensive line, is the tackling improved and can all the new players build chemistry.

"Miami HurricanesWhat we learned this spring: The Miami offensive line made huge strides throughout the spring, and that is a credit to both new coach Mario Cristobal (a former offensive lineman) and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.This has been an area of inconsistency over the last several seasons, so seeing those strides with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and a talented group of running backs returning is hugely important.Several transfers look as if they will make an immediate impact, including Ole Miss transfer running back Henry Parrish Jr. and USC transfer defensive end Jacob Lichtenstein.What we need to learn by Week 1: Miami has hit the portal hard looking for contributors on the defensive line and linebacker. In addition to Lichtenstein, Miami has added four other defensive linemen. With some talented players returning up front, who will end up starting? Perhaps the bigger question is at receiver.The team’s leading receiver in 2021, Charleston Rambo, is gone, and Miami is still searching for a receiver who is able to stretch the field. In the spring game, the receivers had far too many drops. The potential is there for this group, but it’s going to have to show a little bit more in fall camp to answer questions about who will step up."

Parrish would seem to have the edge to become the starting RB entering the remainder of the offseason. Returning RBs Don Chaney Jr.and Jaylan Knighton missed the spring with injuries and will compete with Parrish as well as rising sophomore Thad Franklin for carries during the 2022 season.

Key’shawn Smith is the lone returning Miami starting WR. Xavier Restrepo is the projected starting slot receiver. Jacolby George was impressive this spring and Clemson transfer Frank Ladson will likely be an important part of the rotation. Breshard Smith will backup Restrepo and Romello Brison will have roles.

In addition to Lichtenstein, the Miami football program added DL Antonio Moultrie from UAB and defensive tackle, Darrell Jackson, from Maryland. Cristobal said Moultrie will be a DT for Miami. With UAB, Moultrie was frequently an end rusher. There are still a lot of questions to be answered by the September 3 season opener.