3 Miami football 2023 signees poised for much bigger 2024 roles
Defensive lineman Rueben Bain, right tackle Francis Mauigoa and running back Mark Fletcher played key roles as true freshmen in 2024. Miami needs more players from the 2023 class to earn bigger roles in 2024. Three players stand out to compete for significantly bigger roles in 2024.
Offensive lineman Samson Okunlola, tight end Riley Williams and wide receiver Ray Ray Joseph should compete for bigger roles for Miami in 2024. Okunlola projects to compete to be a starter when Miami opens the season on August 31 at Florida. Joseph will be the backup slot receiver and Williams should be one the top Mami TEs.
Per Pro Football Focus via Brian Smith of All HurricanesR, Okunlola played only 30 snaps in 2023. Okunlola suffered a season-ending knee injury after three games last year. That allowed Okunlola to preserve is redshirt. Okunlola will compete to be the starting left guard for Miami in 2024.
Okunlola signed with Miami as an offensive tackle. There is the possibility he could play right tackle for Miami in 2024. If Okunlola is the starting right tackle, Mauigoa would move inside to play left guard. Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal cross-trains his players to learn all the positions up front.
Williams tied for the Miami team lead among TEs with eight receptions and led the Hurricanes with 72 yards and the lone touchdown from the position. Williams played 299 snaps in eight games last season. Entering his sophomore season, Williams will compete with Elijah Arroyo, Cam McCormick Elija Lofton for snaps in 2024.
Joseph is an explosive and shifty WR who should earn significant snaps behind Xavier Restrepo as the backup slot receiver. Joseph should compete to be the primary return specialist for Miami in 2024. Joseph had nine kickoff returns for 185 yards and two punt returns for 30 yards in 2023.
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Miami has increased the talent on its roster with consecutive top 10 classes nationally. The 2023 class was seventh in the 247Sports composite rankings. Joseph, Okunlola and Williams should continue to make the 2023 class one that has had an impact for Miami in 2024.