Speaking to reporters after the spring game on Saturday, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal stated Hurricanes' quarterback Carson Beck will have a lot of opportunity coming up at player-led practices that begin on Monday. Beck missed all of spring practice after surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral nerve in his elbow on his throwing arm.
Miami was also without LSU transfer C.J. Daniels for part of the spring. Daniels projects to be the top WR for Beck with rising sophomore JoJo Trader. Beck and Daniels are critical players in the player-led practices as veterans on an offense that has to replace QB Cam Ward and his top six 2024 receivers.
Cristobal has routinely praised Beck for his grasp of the system run by Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and his high football IQ. Building a rapport with the rest of the offense is important for Beck during the player-led practices and throughout the rest of the offseason heading into August training camp.
Beck is a proven leader with a 24-3 record in two seasons as a starter at Georgia. Despite not being able to participate in spring practice physically, Beck was able to watch video, participate in meetings and walk-throughs, and provide insight to the offense and in the QB room over the last month plus.
"“The good part is, as you know, our PLP – player led practices – [are] coming up. He’s going to be fully cleared for all of those...he will have the opportunity to have about 16 of those before we even head into fall camp...So, not to mention throwing on his own with the players...There’s a lot of opportunity coming up. He certainly took advantage of whatever he could mentally. The physical part begins on Monday, so we’re excited for that.”"Mario Cristobal discussing Carson Beck
The player-led practices will be critical for Miami entering 2025. Guards Anez Cooper and Matthew McCoy and right tackle Francis Mauigoa are the only returning starters for Miami on offense in 2025. Miami will have an entirely new look at the offensive skill positions in 2025.
Daniels' addition is critical for Beck and the Miami offense in 2025. Trader is moving into a significantly bigger role and the starting slot receiver will not be determined until August training camp. Expect rising sophomore Elija Lofton to become a reliable receiver for Beck throughout the 2025 season.
Mark Fletcher will be the starting running back for Miami, with Jordan Lyle receiving a high amount of carries. The foundation on the offensive line with the three returning starters plus Markel Bell, who played a high amount of snaps in 2024, is often stated as a major reason Beck chose Miami.