As expected Miami football doesn’t release depth chart vs. Bethune-Cookman

Earlier this week, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele implied not to expect a depth chart for the Miami football team. Miami released game notes for the season opener versus Bethune-Cookman without a depth chart. Miami is expected to go 10 deep on the defensive line. Other positions have more clarified starters.

Entering the season opener the Miami football team still seems likely to start transfers Mitchell Agude and Akheem Mesidor at edge rusher, Corey Flagg and Caleb Johnson at linebacker, Tyrique Stevenson at one cornerback spot, Kamren Kinchens and James Williams at safety and Gilbert Frierson at star.

The other three defensive positions are more open. Darrell Jackson has been the best Miami defensive tackle in training camp. Fourth-year sophomore Jared Harrison-Hunte and true second-year Leonard Taylor are two competing with Jackson to open the game at defensive tackle.

Darryl Porter Jr. has been projected as the starting CB opposite Stevenson. Several other CBs have been praised during training camp. Te’Cory Couch, Malik Curtis, freshman Jaden Harris and D.J. Ivey should all be in the rotation at CB. Steele discussed the increase in the amount of players used in this era.

"“We’re not big on depth charts anymore…That went away. The day in age where you have 11 starters and if the starter goes down, give me the backup, it just doesn’t work that way if you’re going to be successful. You’ve got to have a lot of numbers.”"

Quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and center are solidified for Miami. Tyler Van Dyke will obviously start at quarterback, Key’Shawn Smith will start at one wide receiver with Xavier Restrepo in the slot. The other starting WR is expected to be Clemson transfer Frank Ladson.

Will Mallory returns for his fifth season with the Miami football program and second as a starter at tight end. Jakai Clark is entering his second season as the starting center and third overall on the offensive line. Jalen Rivers is expected to start at left guard and D.J. Scaife at right tackle. Miami has cross trained its OL in training camp.

With Zion Nelson expected to be limited in the opener or miss it entirely, veteran John Campbell will be the likely starter. Justice Olwaseun or Ousmane Traore is the expected right guard. Jaylan Knighton and Henry Parrish are expected the share the carries early with Thad Franklin behind them at running back.

Mario Cristobal has stressed the importance of competition on the Greentree Practice Fields. It remains to be seen if the lack of an official depth chart will push the players more. With games versus Bethune-Cookman and Southern Mississippi to begin the season most of the Miami roster should receive multiple snaps.