Miami football early enrollees expected making offensive impact

Eight early enrollees on offense will participate in spring practice for the Miami football program. Five-star offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunola, tight end Jackson Carver and Riley Williams, wide receivers Nathaniel Joseph and Robby Washington, quarterback Emory Williams and OL Antonio Tripp are enrolled.

Mauigoa and Okunlola are the players to watch from that group. Most projections have Mauigoa and Okunlola challenging at least for playing time in 2023 and potentially becoming starters. Mauigoa is the highest-ranked 2023 Miami football signee as the 10th prospect overall, second OT and second in Florida.

Okunlola is the 23rd overall prospect, fourth OT and the top player in Massachusetts. Mauigoa and Okunlola join transfers, center Matthew Lee from Central Florida and interior offensive lineman Javion Cohen from Alabama as newcomers on the Miami OL who are expected to have major roles in 2023.

Cohen at guard and Lee are expected to be starters for Miami in 2023. Miami also returns tackle Zion Nelson and guard Jalen Rivers on the left side of the OL after they missed all and a part of the 2022 season with injuries. Tripp is a three-star 2023 signee that could redshirt as more of a long-term developmental player.

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Williams is an elite prospect who was 109th overall, the fourth TE and 27th in Florida out of IMG Academy with Mauigoa, Tripp and edge rusher Jayden Wayne among 2023 Miami football signees. Miami will have a deep and talented TE rotation in 2023 led by 2021 signee Elijah Arroyo and 2022 Jaleel Skinner.

Carver did not begin playing football until his senior year of high school. An excellent athlete that previously played hockey and lacrosse, the scouting report on Carver is that he has a high ceiling with good ball skills. At 6’6, 220 pounds, Carver provides Miami with excellent size and good long-term developmental player.

The consensus from Miami fans on social media is excitement about Joseph and Washington. Joseph provides Miami with another potentially explosive and shifty slot receiver behind Xavier Restrepo and Brashard Smith. Joseph could also have an impact on Miami in the return game.

Washington is also projected as a slot receiver in what should be a deep position for Miami. The Hurricanes need to sign an outside WR through the transfer portal in the next window in April or significantly develop one on the roster. Joseph and Washington provide Miami with much-needed speed to its roster.

Emory Williams provides Miami with a QB who has a chance to significantly exceed his prospect ranking. If Tyler Van Dyke and Jacurri Brown can be productive and stay healthy Miami will be able to redshirt Williams. Following the transfer of Jake Garcia, Brown, Van Dyke and Williams are the only three Miami 2023 scholarship QBs.