Mario Cristobal expects freshmen and sophomores ready to contribute

During his weekly appearance on the Joe Rose Morning Show on WQAM Miami head coach Mario Cristobal stated he expects his freshmen and sophomores to be ready to contribute beginning with the season opener on Saturday at Florida. Cristobal has shown the willingness to play freshmen during his first two seasons with Miami.

Rueben Bain was the 2023 ACC Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Bain and right tackle Francis Mauigoa were 2023 freshmen All-Americans. Bain earned more snaps throughout the season when season-ending injuries impacted the Miami defensive line. Mauigoa started all 13 games for Miami in 2023.

Bain, Mauigoa, cornerback Damari Brown and redshirt freshman Samson Okunlola project as the only second-year players as starters for Miami versus Florida on Saturday. Oklunlola is projected as the starting left guard. Brown played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2023 which included starting the final three games.

Several other first and second-year players could contribute for Miami on Saturday and as the season goes on. Miami has signed consecutive top 10 classes. Mark Fletcher is Miami's leading returning rusher with 514 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. Fletcher started four games as a true freshman in 2023.

"Our first class will now be true sophomores, so most of those guys we'll be playing...You know how it is with true freshmen. If guys are ready to go, we're going to play them...The guys that need some time, we're going to give them that time. But certainly, we're not in wait-and-see mode for those guys. Every day, we push them to their max to get them ready, right? It's a long season, and at some point in time, they're going to have to be able to help us...If you...can help us win, you're going to play."

- Mario Cristobal on the Joe Rose Show

Cristobal said on Monday Fletcher is healthy and ready to play versus Florida after suffering a significant foot injury in the Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers. Fletcher and Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez give Miami two running backs over 230 pounds to tire out opposing defenses.

Sophomore Ray Ray Joseph should receive significant snaps in 2024 as the second-team slot receiver behind Xavier Restrepo and as the primary kick returner for Miami. Joseph had nine kickoff returns for 185 yards and two punt returns for 30 yards as a true freshman in 2023.

Miami signed the fourth best 2024 class. Several true freshmen should receive significant snaps as the season progresses. Wide receiver JoJo Trader could be the true freshman to watch versus Florida. Trader has reportedly been impressive throughout training camp and could be ready to contribute.

Defensive tackle Justin Scott and tight end Elija Lofton are the other true freshmen to watch for Miami at Florida. Lofton is certain to receive snaps versus Florida at H-back, running back and TE. Lofton was repeatedly praised throughout the spring and during training camp.

Cristobal and his staff have done an exceptional job adding talent to the Miami roster. The freshmen and sophomore classes should be ready to make an impact for Miami in 2024. Cristobal instills confidence in his players to be ready to contribute immediately.