Mario Cristobal believes Jacolby George behavior heading in right direction

Speaking to reporters after practice on Thursday, Mario Cristobal was asked if he gave any thought to dismissing wide receiver Jacolby George after three personal foul penalties late in the 2023 season. Cristobal stated that dismissal initially comes to mind because it's not part of the culture he wants to create.

George had a breakout season in 2023 with 57 receptions for 864 yards and eight touchdowns. The big breakout game for George was six receptions for 94 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-33 win versus Texas A&M in week two. George had a career-high 153 receiving yards on five receptions with to TDs versus Florida State.

Cristobal told reporters they are committed to George and he expects it to end well with him. George discussed being mentored by WR coach Kevin Beard and the three personal foul penalties. George knows he let down his teammate and said he had to regain the trust of Cristobal. Miami needs George to be a leader as a junior.

The confidence Cristobal shows in George is encouraging to get past the indescretions of last season. George does have the opportunity to build on earning 2023 third-team All-ACC. With Cam Ward at quarterback in 2024, George should have an opportunity to improve on his breakout 2023 season.

"I think initially, yeah that comes to mind right away because it's not part of the DNA of the program. It's not what we want to be as a program...Then you also have to stop for a second and think well it's your job to find a way to get it right, until you can't get it right. We've invested a lot in him and there's been a lot of growth and development. It's time for that to show as a teammate, as a guy who's completely committed to being the best he can be to help the team win. I believe we're heading in the right direction and I think he knows that. I think this is going to end really well with him. So that's the path we have chosen to take. You know but I understand the question. It's always something that comes to the forefront when dealing with a team and culture you got to get it right we're committed to doing so."

- Miami head coach Mario Cristobal

George was one of the best big-play receivers in the ACC in 2023. George finished fifth in the ACC in 2023, with 35 receptions of 10 or more yards. Xavier Restrepo finished second in the ACC last season and led all returnees with 40 receptions of 10 or more yards and 20 with 20 or more.

"I just had to gain his trust back and just be able to move on and just be a better teammate and be a better player on the field and off... (If he felt remorse about the penalties) Of course, I messed up the team. I, we could have won the game and that kind of set
us back."

- Miami WR Jacolby George

Miami has an inexperienced and young WR corps behind George and Restrepo. Isaiah Horton is projected to be the third starting WR for Miami. Freshmen Ny Carr Joshisa Trader have received positive reports about their performances this spring, Miami could add a transfer WR when the portal opens from April 16-30.

George will be a key player for Miami in 2024. The personal foul penalties need to be behind him. Cristobal clearly expects George to become a leader in 2024 based on his statements on Thursday. Hopefully, George has regained the trust of the entire Miami football program entering the 2024 season.