Expected Miami football starters in undecided positions

The Miami football program entered training camp with several starters undecided. Left guard, somewhat tight end and one of the safety positions were the primary spots that were open entering training camp. Under Mario Cristobal Miami has seldom released depth charts ahead of games.

Redshirt freshman Samson Okunlola and redshirt sophomores Matthew McCoy and Ryan Rodriguez entered training camp as the three main competitors to earn the one open spot on the Miami offensive line. The consensus projections expect McCoy to be the starter in the season opener versus Florida.

After playing in two games during his true freshman season and redshirting, McCoy played in all 13 games in 2023. McCoy was a key reserve for Miami in 2023 on the offensive line and played on special teams. McCoy was a three-star signee and the 62nd offensive tackle in the 2022 class.

Rodriguez played in one game as a true freshman in 2021 and missed the 2022 season with an injury. Rodriguez played in six games in 2023 and earned the first start of his career in the Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers. The 247Sports 2021 composite rankings had Rodriguez as the 26th-best interior offensive lineman.

Okunlola was a five-star signee with Miami in the 2023 class. A knee injury ended Okunlola's 2023 season after three games. Okunlola projects as the swing tackle for Miami behind Francis Mauigoa and Jalen Rivers. Miami OL coach Alex Mirabal likes to cross-train his players. Left guard is a position to watch on Saturday.

Miami received minimal production from their tight ends during the 2023 season. Elijah Arroyo has missed most of the last two seasons with a knee injury. Arroyo was the favorite to be the starter for Miami. It appears he has held off Cameron McCormick and Riley Williams to be the starting TE versus Florida.

\Arroyo, freshman Elija Lofton, McCormick and Williams should all receive playing time versus Florida. Lofton is expected to be utilized in a multitude of ways this season. In addition to TE, Lofton can play running back and line up as an H-back to block. Miami is much deeper at TE entering the 2024 season.

Redshirt sophomore Jaden Harris is expected to be the starting safety opposite Washington transfer Mishael Powell. Harris had 10 tackles and a 0.5 tackle for loss in 10 games last season. Harris started two games in September during the 2023 season. Isaiah Taylor and Markeith Williams are likely to be the primary backups for Harris.

Freshman safety Zaquan Patterson is worth monitoring. Patterson is the most talented safety on the Miami roster. Miami might not play Patterson a lot versus Florida but expect his snaps to increase throughout the season.

When Miami plays a third cornerback, which is often with most teams playing three wide receivers in the modern era of football, freshman O.J. Frederique or junior Jadais Richard are projected to play opposite returning starters Damari Brown and Darryl Porter Jr.

Cornerback is the thinest position for Miami entering the 2024 season. Florida quarterback Graham Mertz is one of the most efficient quarterbacks nationally. Mertz threw 20 touchdowns and three interceptions in 2023 and finished third nationally completing 72.9 percent of his passes.

Miami's secondary will be critical for Miami on Saturday. Miami's plethora of edge rushers should give Miami and advantage. If Miami can get after Mertz, the effectiveness of the secondary will increase. The experience Miami has at most of the other starting positions will help them in front of a hostile crowd in Gainesville.