Miami football projected pre-spring offensive depth chart

The Miami football program returns seven starters on offense in 2024. Miami brought in nine transfers for 2024. Only three are on offense. Two transfers are projected starters and the other two open positions on offense are projected to be filled by returning players.

Miami is projected to have a new starting center, left guard, quarterback and wide receiver. The Hurricanes significantly improved their QB room with Cam Ward, who is expected to elevate Miami offensively and Reese Poffenbarger who adds depth. Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter is the projected starting center.

Carpenter and Ward should have huge impacts on Miami offensively in 2024. The remainder of the 2024 Miami impact transfers for Miami will be on defense entering the spring. Miami could add an offensive lineman and wide receiver with the portal open from April 16-30.

Spring will be particularly critical for Miami at left guard and wide receiver. Carpenter and Ward fill the vacancies at center and QB. The seven positions on the Miami offense with returning starters will have competitions on the two-deep depth chart. Miami has more stability on the coaching staff entering the spring practice.

Quarterback Depth Chart

Ward enters spring practice as the Miami player who will receive the most attention. The biggest question for Miami on the depth chart at QB will be who is the primary backup. Emory Williams started two games last season. Jacurri Brown has three starts over the last two seasons.

Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger provides Miami with an experienced QB with two years as a starter at the FCS level. The question for Poffenbarger will be how well he acclimates to a Power Five program. After playing as a true freshman in 2023, Williams is a redshirt candidate in 2024.

Running Back Depth Chart

Miami is expected to be without part-time starter Mark Fletcher this spring. Leading rusher Henry Parrish is the projected first-team running back this spring. Ajay Allen who was fourth on Miami in rushing in 2023 will be the second-team RB this spring. Redshirt freshman Chris Johnson will have a big opportunity with Fletcher out.

Freshman Chris Wheatley-Humphrey is one of 17 Miami early enrollees. Wheatley-Humphrey will have a chance to get acclimated to college and the Shannon Dawson offense. With Parrish, Fletcher, Allen, Johnson and 2023 signee Jordan Lyle projected ahead of Wheatley-Humphrey he will likely redshirt this season.

Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George are locked in as returning starters and the two leading receivers for Miami in 2023. Isaiah Horton is the projected third first-team WR entering spring practice. Miami could add a WR after the April transfer portal window. Miami has a talented group of young, but most inexperienced WRs.

Behind George, Horton and Restrepo, sophomore RayRay Joseph and redshirt freshman Robby Washington will compete with early enrollee freshmen Ny Carr and JoJo Trader. Chance Robinson will enroll this summer. This spring is critical for Miami to develop its depth at WR.

Tight End Depth Chart

Tight end is the biggest question mark for Miami entering the spring. Cameron McCormick returns as the starter. McCormick has limitation as a recevier, but is a dynamic blocker. Elijah Arroyo's health will be critical for Miami. A highly regarded 2021 signee, Arroyo has struggled with injuries in the past two seasons.

Riley Williams led Miami TEs in 2023 with 73 receiving yards and one TD. Miami also has redshirt freshman Jackson Carver and 2024 signee Elijah Lofton at TE this spring. The Hurricanes need more from their TEs in 2024. Miami TEs combined for 18 receptions for 154 yards and one TD in 2023.

Offensive Line Depth Chart

Miami returns right guard Anez Cooper and tackles Francis Mauigoa and Jalen Rivers as starters on the offensive line. Carpenter is a near lock as the starting center. Redshirt freshman is expected to have the edge as the starting left guard entering spring practice. Redshirt sophomore Matthew McCoy is expected to challenge Kinsler.

Junior college transfer Markel Bell and redshirt sophomore Samson Okunlola are the projected backup tackles for Miami in 2024. Ryan Rodriguez is the projected backup center and Jonathan Denis and Logan Sagopolu should compete with McCoy to be the backup guards. Miami will have an experienced 2024 offensive line.

With certainty at most positions, the spring will be a time for Miami to develop team chemistry. Carpenter and Ward will have a chance to assimilate to their new teammates at two of the most important positions on offense. Miami hopes to continue the improvement the had during the 2023 season.