Various reports on the WQAM broadcast for Miami and other reporters covering the Hurricanes have reported on potential opt-outs versus Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo announced on Saturday morning his intention to enter the NFL Draft.
Restrepo will not play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami WR Sam Brown also announced via his Instagram he will also be entering the NFL Draft. Restrepo is out of eligibility. Brown had one more year of eligibility remaining. Miami will be missing at least three of its top four receivers with Isaiah Horton transferrring to Alabama.
Miami sideline reporter Josh Darrow reported cornerback Damari Brown is out. Miami play-by-play announcer Joe Zagacki reported he did not see CB Darryl Porter Jr. during warmups. Miami is already without CB Jadais Richard who suffered a season-ending leg injury versus Duke on November 4.
Miami will have to dig deep into its secondary versus Iowa State. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel each have over 1,000 yards receiving this season for Iowa State. Freshmen, O.J. Frederique who was the best CB for Miami this season and Dylan Day and junior Dyoni Hill will have to step up for Miami with increased snaps on Saturday.
Darrow did report on the pre-game show that the "defensive line looks like a relatively healthy bunch." Darrow interviewed Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain during the pre-game show. The pre-game show panel agreed that Miami defensive tackle Simeon Barrow could be the key to the game on Saturday.
With Brown, Horton and Restrepo out, Jacolby George could potentially have a big game. Miami will also have tight end Elijah Arroyo who has not indicated if he will enter the NFL Draft or return for his final season of eligibility. Young Miami WRs Ny Carr, Ray-Ray Joseph, Shermar Kirk, Chance Robinson and JoJo Trader will see increased snaps on Saturday.