In a 48-7 win over Bethune-Cookman which they led 34-0 at halftime, nearly the entire 2023 Miami football class contributed on Thursday night. The Miami two-deep played nearly the entire first half. Edge rusher Rueben Bain and right tackle Francis Mauigoa were the true freshmen who started for Miami versus Bethune-Cookman.
Bain finished with one tackle, one tackle for loss and one sack. The sack for Bain came on the first drive of the game by Bethune-Cookman. After a first down, Bain sacked Wildcats’ quarterback Luke Sprague on first down for a loss of 13 yards. Bethune-Cookman was unable to pick up a first down and punted three plays later.
Mauigoa helped the Miami offense score 34 points and gain 415 yards, 247 passing and 168 rushing before the reserves took over in the second half. Mauigoa helped lead the way for the first-half offensive explosion and played a clean game after struggling with penalties in the first two weeks of the season.
Samson Okunlola who was a five-star signee with Miami in the 2023 class earned snaps at left tackle versus Bethune-Cookman. Mauigoa and Okunlola are expected to be the five-star anchors at the tackles for the Miami football team in the future. Okunlola could redshirt in 2023 and start at left tackle in 2024.
The majority of the true freshmen made their impacts in the second half versus Bethune-Cookman. Quarterback Emory Williams continues to impress for the Miami football program. Williams completed nine passes in 11 attempts for 102 yards. In two appearances this season, Williams is 12-14 for 144 yards.
With Mark Fletcher out with an injury, true freshman running back Chris Johnson made his collegiate debut. Johnson was impressive with seven carries for 40 yards. Johnson showed his speed on a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to cap the Miami scoring versus Bethune-Cookman.
Freshman wide receiver Ray-Ray Joseph had three receptions for five yards and one kickoff return for 15 yards. Fellow freshman WR Robby Washington had two receptions for 27 yards. Joseph previously had one reception for three yards versus Miami (Ohio). Washington recorded his first two receptions.
True freshman Samson Okunlola is in at left tackle.
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) September 15, 2023
Riley Williams continues to impress as a true freshman and the second tight end with Elijah Arroyo injured. Williams was open down the left sideline for a sure TD that Emory Williams just overthrew. Riley Williams has been adept as a blocker and had one reception for 18 yards versus Miami (Ohio) from Emory Williams.
With starting edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and Nyjalik Kelly out with injuries, Bain and Jayden Wayne had the opportunity to contribute. Wayne tied for the Miami lead versus Bethune-Cookman with four tackles. One of the tackles for Wayne came on first and goal at the Miami two-yard yardline.
Miami signed four linebackers in the 2023 class. Raul Aguirre had two tackles and 0.5 TFLs, Bobby Washington had two tackles and Marcellius Pulliam had one versus Bethune-Cookman. Cornerback Damari Brown was impressive with two tackles and 1.5 TFLs on Thursday night.
Thursday gave the freshmen a foundation to build their careers. Players can appear in four games and maintain a redshirt season. Bain, Brown, Mauigoa and Riley Williams will continue to contribute this season. The other freshmen redshirting in 2023 will depend on injuries and the performances of the other Miami players.