Miami players remaining who played for Manny Diaz with Hurricanes

Linebacker Chase Smith, offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez, offensive tackle Jalen Rivers, tight end Elijah Arroyo and wide receivers Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo are the only players remaining on the Miami roster who played under Manny Diaz. Those six will oppose Diaz who is now coaching Duke, on Saturday,

Wide receiver Isaiah Horton and safety Markeith Williams committed to Miami in the 2021 class when Diaz was head coach, but he was fired before they signed their National Letters of Intents that December after Mario Cristobal was hired. The above eight Miami signees are the only players on the roster with a connection to Diaz.

The six remaining players have made varying impacts throughout their Miami careers. Rivers has been a starter since his second season in 2021. Restrepo is in his third year as a starter and has a chance to break the Miami career reception and receiving yardage record on Saturday.

George had a breakout 2023 season and has remained a key contributor in 2024. Arroyo is having a breakout 2024 season as he is finally healthy. Rodriguez began the 2024 season as a starter but has been injured since the season opener. Chase Smith has been a key special teams player in his career.

To insert a text box click hereHorton is the second leading receiver for Miami in 2024 during his own breakout season and Williams has been a key reserve in the secondary since 2023. Diaz downplayed his return to Miami When he met with reporters earlier this week. Diaz had another mini-reunion with SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee and several former Miami players last week.

It should be an emotional weekend for Diaz, potentially Restrepo and the Miami football team. Beating Diaz and Duke is another game for Miami on their quest for the first undefeated regular season by the Hurricanes. This is the best season for Miami since 2017 when Diaz was the defensive coordinator under Mark Richt.