After their first scrimmage during 2022 August training camp head coach Mario Cristobal spoke about what to expect from the Miami football team during the second week of practice. Miami has had to integrate about 30 players who did not participate in spring practice. Cristobal acknowledged that Miami has made progress.
Mario Cristobal always keeps his players focused and looking ahead. The returning Miami football players have had to become integrated with a new coaching staff, learn the new systems and the 11 transfers and 15 2022 signees get acclimated. Cristobal likes the direction Miami has taken during training camp.
Mario Cristobal and his staff have focused on making Miami a more physical football team and for the defense to improve on their tackling. Cristobal expects constant effort from his teams and discipline. Miami will have a more business-like culture with Cristobal as the head coach.
Miami has to continue progressing with just over two weeks remaining until the season opener on September 3 versus Bethune-Cookman. Setting the culture and getting the systems in place will be critical before Miami plays at Texas A&M on September 17. Miami hosts Southern Mississippi on September 10.
"“The reality that we have work to do. The fact that we have made progress, that’s real. The fact we have elevated our levels of physicality, of knowledge of the systems, our culture, the way we operate, but it just keeps going. There’s no time to reflect. There’s time to reassess, be your own self truth-teller.I’m going to be a truth-teller…They’ll get that. And realize that what we do, the foot doesn’t come off the gas because of what we have to do and the timeframe we have to do it. The level of correction, the level of improve that we need requires everything we have. There’s just no other way.”"
The infusion of transfers has added needed experience to the Miami football roster. Cristobal and his staff will try and develop leadership amongst the Miami football players. The return of Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback will help new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis integrate the Crisobtal culture and his system.
When Cristobal played for Miami from 1988 through 1992 players were constantly challenged for their positions. Cristobal wants the Hurricanes to have the same level of competition on the practice fields in the present. The players will know where they stand with Cristobal while he is a bit more guarded with the media.
During the first scrimmage on Saturday Cristobal praised the team as a whole without mentioning players or statistics. The emphasis is clearly more on the team than it has been in the past. Van Dyke has declined to answer questions this month about which players are performing the best in training camp as well.