Questions for Jalen Rivers.
Rivers is one of the most experienced players on Miami with 32 career games and 23 starts. Injuries have frequently limited Rivers throughout his Miami career. Rivers is one of three returning starters on the Miami offensive line with right tackle Francis Mauigoa and right guard Anez Cooper.
Miami has Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter as the starting center in 2024. Questions for Rivers should include the importance of the continuity of the OL with three returning starters, how Carpenter is fitting in and who will potentially be the starting left guard. Miami could move Mauigoa inside.
Questions for Francisco Mauigoa
Mauigoa enters his second season with Miami after being named second-team All-ACC in 2023. Mauigoa led the ACC with 18.0 tackles for loss, tied for fifth with 7.5 sacks, was 16th with 82 tackles and had 2.0 forced fumbles, four pass breakups and an interception in 2023. Entering 2024, Mauigoa is a candidate for ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Mauigoa leads a Miami LB corps, including returning starter Wesley Bissainthe and Louisville transfer Jaylin Alderman. Alderman is expected to be the third LB when Miami breaks from the 4-2-5 Miami uses as a base defense. Mauigoa could be asked about his expectations and those for Miami defensively in 2024.
Mauigoa, Rivers and Ward enter 2024 as potential, if not projected All-ACC players. If Miami is to reach their 2024 expectations, Ward specifically needs to be All-ACC. Miami has assembled a roster ready to challenge for an ACC Championship Game berth and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.