Miami football constantly rebuilding 2022 offensive line
With injuries decimating the offensive line this season, head coach Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal have constantly had to rebuild during the season. Tackles John Campbell on the left and D.J. Scaife on the right have anchored the 2022 OL for the Miami football team with constant shuffling at center and guard due to injuries.
The Miami football team has been without three-year starting LT Zion Nelson for the entire season with him recovering from surgery in July. Interior OL Jonathan Denis and Justice Oluwaseun and Nelson are out for the season according to Cristobal in a zoom meeting with reporters after practice on Wednesday.
Jalen Rivers who has started most of the season for Miami at left guard is week to week. True freshman Anez Cooper played all 54 snaps against Florida State and redshirt freshman Laurance Seymore relieved an injured Rivers. Expect Campbell, Seymore, center Jakai Clark, Seymore and Scafie as the starting OL Saturday.
Clark has missed two games this season with his own injuries. Denis played center when Clark was out before suffering his own injury. Miami ranks 95th nationally allowing 24 sacks this season, 93rd allowing 3.74 yards per carry and 47th with a 16.1 percent stuff rate. The lack of continuity on the OL has hurt Miami.
Mario Cristobal said he doesn’t see offensive linemen Zion Nelson, Justice Oluwaseun and Jonathan Denis returning this season.
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) November 9, 2022
Miami entered 2022 expecting to have an experienced OL. Injuries have zapped that. Campbell and Scaife have provided Miami with some experience and stability on the OL. Campbell and Scaife are both in their fifth seasons with the Miami football program. Clark is in his fourth. Those three can mentor Cooper and Seymore.
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A lack of depth on the OL has hindered Miami this season. Too many of the Miami OL have failed to develop. With Cristobal as head coach and Mirabal as the OL coach, a more physical style of play has been preached for Miami. Miami has five 2023 OL commits including five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.