To play for the Miami Hurricanes as a true freshman, you have to be a special player.
Development is always at the forefront for Mario Cristobal and the coaching staff, but part of that development at Miami is getting thrown into the fire early and learning how to survive.
Miami is recruiting at such a high level right now, it's easy to expect many freshmen to come in and make an immediate impact. As we approach the end of fall camp, here are six true freshmen that are likely to get on the field quickly:
Projection: Starting left guard.
Ok, this is not a surprise. Cantwell, a five-star recruit and top-rated offensive tackle in the Class of 2026. He played left tackle in the spring and did well, but Samson Okunlola was injured and now that the "Pancake Honcho" is back and healthy, Cantwell has been working with the first team at guard. That's probably where Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal wanted him to start this season all along.
Their belief is that this will help him get acclimated to the speed of the game for the eventual move to tackle. The process was successful with Francis Mauigoa and others who will follow the same steps. There are few offensive linemen that the country is more eager to see than Cantwell and on September 4, we'll get our first look.
Projection: Rotational guard
The 6-foot-8, 320-pound Congdon is a mammoth athlete already and as much as he's impressed coaches in camp on the field, it's the off-the-field things that make me believe he's going to be very good down the road. Congdon admitted that he got a little caught in the good life once he arrived in Coral Gables, but the Ohio native buckled down and got himself back into shape.
Congdon will probably be the second-team left guard to start the season, but if a situation forces Cantwell to move to one of the tackle spots, I could see the freshman jumping into a starting role if that happens. As of now, he'll get snaps and be part of the special teams.
Projection: Rotational safety/nickel
Corey Hetherman and secondary coach Will Harris will never hesitate to play freshmen in the secondary and that's not going to change anytime soon, especially given what the Hurricanes have coming in next year's class. Dunnigan was the talk of the spring for his speed and competitive nature.
Dunnigan will play a LOT this season. I am guessing around 250–300 snaps at minimum. He's going to be the first safety off the bench and, considering how interchangeable Zechariah Poyser, Omar Thornton and Bryce Fitzgerald are at the safety and nickel positions, there will be opportunities for Dunnigan at both spots.
"JJ is a hidden gem. He's the fastest guy I've probably ever seen. I told him a few things, but he came in and he was ready to go. He learned his way, but now JJ is on a whole other level," Bryce Fitzgerald said.
Projection: Backup running back
Mallory might get some early snaps depending on Jordan Lyle's situation, but the running back room at Miami is so deep and projected backups like Girard Pringle Jr. and even Chris Wheatley-Humphrey aren't going to give up their carries without a fight.
Credit is due to Mallory for having a few breakthrough practices and taking advantage of the potential that Lyle may sit for a game or two. The former West Boca High standout is up for the challenge of going against a lot of talented, established players and that's a good thing.
Projection: Rotational cornerback
Are you surprised that the son of Hurricane great Clinton Portis has emerged as a serious threat to the two-deep at cornerback? Much like his father, the younger Portis has been competitive and has been welcoming all the smoke from the talented Miami wide receivers.
"He just wants to compete every time," Fitzgerald added. "Every practice, he's like, 'Bryce, let me get a rep against [Malachi Toney]. He's fearless."
Sounds like a chip off the old block.
Projection: Rotational wide receiver
I think Wingo is slightly ahead of fellow true freshman Vance Spafford in getting on the field this season. The battle for snaps behind Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate is fierce and loaded with young talent like Daylyn Upshaw and Joshua Moore along with veterans like South Carolina transfer Vandrevius Jacobs.
The departure of Cam Vaughn opens up the space a little bit and adds to the sense of urgency for Wingo to be the player that fills out that final spot on two-deep roster.
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