Malachi Toney's eye-popping practice video put concerns over added size to rest

Malachi Toney showed off his bigger frame several weeks ago, and it got a lot of attention along with some questions. Did the Miami Hurricanes' top playmaker put on too much size? How will he perform with the added weight? Will he lose his agility and quickness?

Well, if the first practice is any indication, the answers are: No; Very good; and, Absolutely not. 

Toney looked as quick as ever running routes during the first practice of camp. The 18-year-old wide receiver is not going to sneak up on anyone this year and he knows it. But despite all the attention, Toney continues to go about his business with the professionalism of someone far older. 

READ MORE: Malachi Toney's eye-opening weight gain will be major for Miami this season

A bigger version of Malachi Toney should be even better

Toney had a crazy-high usage rate last season. At times, it seemed like Carson Beck didn't have another receiver on the roster that he trusted. As a true freshman, that started the season at 17 years old, Toney led the FBS with 109 catches and set a school record with 1,211 yards. He also played 16 games, which is the most games the Hurricanes have ever played in a season.

And Toney is physical. Mario Cristobal calls him an honorary offensive lineman. He throws his body around on blocks. He's tougher than a two-dollar steak, and you know he played a lot of the season with bruises and nicks that would've slowed down a more pedestrian player. But Toney is far from that even though his humble demeanor would suggest otherwise. 

"A big-time receiver, they usually expect the ball and when they don't get the ball... I think he only had a few targets today," quarterback Darian Mensah said of Toney. "Usually they'll start complaining. He won't say a word."

READ MORE: Malachi Toney wants Miami to stay on the hunt, even with a bullseye on its chest

Toney should thrive in a much deeper wide receiver room

Miami's wide receivers were pretty good last year with Toney, Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels leading the way. But with the latter two fighting for a roster spot on their respective NFL teams, the Hurricanes needed immediate help to support Toney. 

Cooper Barkate, who had over 1,000 yards receiving last year with Duke, joined Mensah in coming over to Coral Gables. Miami added two more transfers — Vandrevius Jacobs from South Carolina and Cam Vaughn from West Virginia. Both players had over 30 catches and 500 yards last season and will compete with returning sophomores Joshua Moore and Daylyn Upshaw for starting roles. 

A deeper group of pass catchers and a likely upgrade at quarterback, should serve the Miami offense and Toney well. The opposition will have to account for him every time they are on the field, but double-teaming him comes at a big risk with some much more proven production on the field.

As for Toney's aggressive nature when he doesn't have the ball in his hands, that's likely not going to change. He wants all the smoke whether he's catching the ball, running the ball, throwing the ball or performing as a lead blocker. That's why he's become one of the leaders in the program despite his age. 

I think that's what's the most special about him," Mensah added. "How hungry he is."

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