Three Bethune-Cookman players to watch versus Miami football
The Miami football team opens the 2022 season against FCS opponent Bethune-Cookman. Bethune-Cookman is picked to finish fifth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division. Three Wildcats were chosen preseason All-SWAC, one each on offense, defense and special teams.
Defensive Back Omari Hill-Robinson and tight end Kemari Averett were chosen preseason first team All-SWAC. Return Specialist Darnell Deas was named to the second team. Hill-Robinson had 36 tackles, led Bethune-Cookman with eight pass breakups and four interceptions while adding a fumble recovery.
Averett led Bethune-Cookman with 52 receptions, 888 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021. Averett was sixth in the SWAC in receptions, fifth in receiving yards and third in TD receptions. The Miami football team will need to be aware of where Averett lines up for Bethune-Cookman.
Deas had 17 kickoff returns for 476 yards, a 28.0 yards per return average and two TDs in 2021. Deas was second in the SWAC in kickoff returns and tied for the lead in return TDs. Hill-Robinson and Deas are returning to South Florida with a chance to play in front of family, fans and friends.
Hill-Robinson is a Dillard alum and Deas prepped at Pompano Beach. Miami receivers will have a big advantage against Hill-Robinson and Deas who plays CB in addition to starting on the return unit. Hill-Robinson is 5’10, 160 pounds. Deas is 5’10, 175. Tyler Van Dyke will have to be aware of Hill-Robinson’s ball-hawking abilities.
Averett told the Bethune-Cookman website that he is in the best shape of his life getting down to 250 pounds. Hero Sports named Averett a first-team FCS all-American. Miami safeties Kamren Kinchens, Avantae Williams and James Williams will be tested by Averett. At 6’6, Averett has the ideal size for a TE.
Next. As expected Miami doesn't release depth chart versus Bethune-Cookman. dark
Transfer QBs, Jalon Jones from Mississippi Delta College and Walter Simmons from East Carolina could share the snaps. Both are new to Bethune-Cookman and might need time to develop a rapport. Miami has dominated Bethune-Cookman in the past and that should continue in the opener on Saturday.