Mario Cristobal discusses how transfers fit into to Miami system

During his weekly appearance on the Joe Rose Show on WQAM one of the topics Mario Cristobal discussed was how well the transfers fit into the Miami system. Miami signed the 10th best 2024 transfer class. As many as 10 transfers could start for Miami in the season opener at Florida.

Any discussion of the Miami transfers begins with quarterback Cam Ward. The addition of Ward from Washington State set the foundation for the 2024 Miami football team. Ward's late arrival during the winter transfer portal window set the foundation for an elite group of transfer additions for Miami this spring.

Running back Damien Martinez and wide receiver Sam Brown arrived during the spring and gives Ward two explosive players to work with on offense. Defensive tackle Simeon Barrow is a projected starter. Edge rusher Tyler Baron should be an impact player. Linebacker Jaylin Alderman and cornerback Dyoni Hill add depth among spring arrivals.

Miami added 15 transfers to its 2024 roster. Other transfer additions are center Zach Carpenter, defensive tackles C.J. Clark and Marley Cook and safeties Mishael Powell and Isaiah Taylor. Carpenter, Clark and Powell are near guaranteed starters. Cook should be third in the DT rotation and Taylor should be a key player.

""I feel good about him (Cam Ward) and all the guys that either got here in January or got here in the summer. They played a lot of football before their arrival, and luckily for us and part of the recruiting process, too, is finding guys that can relate to terminology, philosophy, all that kind of stuff. He made the transition rather seamless and he's excelled. And certainly he's been prepping at a high level and pushing his teammates, so we're certainly excited to watch him play. "

- Mario Cristobal on WQAM

Ward has clearly quickly taken on a leadership role for Miami. Ward is not expected to have to carry Miami offensively like he did at Washington State. The addition of Martinez was significant for Miami to have offensive balance. Powell should have a similar impact after playing for Washington in the National Championship game last season.

The experience of the transfers on the Miami roster should have the Hurricanes prepared to play Florida. Most of the Miami transfers have played in big games in front of large and loud crowds in Power Conferences. Ward averaged 295.8 passing yards per game with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions versus Power Five teams in 2023.

Cristobal has consistently mentioned the importance of building culture. Miami wants hard workers who buy into the culture and system. Physical players at every position are important for Cristobal. How well Ward builds chemistry with his offensive line and wide receivers is an element to watch versus Florida.

Expect Ward to look for Xavier Restrepo when he is pressured and on third down. Brown and Jacolby George provide Miami with deep threats in the passing game. Miami will be tested by the crowd noise at Florida. How well Ward and the offense react to the noise will be critical versus Florida.