The Canes wrapped up the spring football session on Friday night in Fort Lauderdale at the repose DRV PNK Stadium. Spring games can be tricky to judge with playbooks being vanilla, players sitting out as they recover from post-season procedures and the team is playing against itself. All things considered, the best you can do is look for certain players to make plays and try to note high level, schematic changes with the team; especially when there are new coordinators calling plays as is the case with Miami. I attended the game in person and then rewatched again at home so I wanted to share my biggest take-aways. Read on and hit the comments to let me know what you thought about the game.
The offense will look like 2021
The Josh Gattis experience was short lived and that’s the best part about it. In comes Shannon Dawson and you can immediately tell he’s a much better fit for the current personnel and, more specifically, Tyler Van Dyke. TVD looks healthy (he ripped a couple throws) and comfortable in this spread system. The scheme is built to get the ball to the playmakers quickly and take shots down the field when they get 1-on-1 matchups. The one thing I didn’t see that I’m hoping we get more of in the Fall is versatility in the run game. I will say, quarterbacks definitely have more of a green light to tuck and run than they did last season and while TVD is no burner we’ve seen if given a window he can do enough to make teams respect his legs.
The offensive line will be better
This one is a bit of an assumption because we didn’t get to see the whole starting five. Starting LG and Alabama transfer Javion Cohen was warming up but came up gimpy, reaching for his knee on his final pregame rep. It didn’t seem like a major thing but it was clearly enough for him to be held out. True sophomore and projected starting RG Anez Cooper was also held out. He was visibly frustrated to not be playing and I saw several coaches and teammates visit him on the sideline trying to uplift him. Regardless, the line looks bigger and certainly more cohesive. There were the occasional breakdowns but overall I liked what I saw. Matt Lee is the unquestioned leader, Francis Maugioa is going to be a 3-year starter and there’s size across the line. The line being markedly better will automatically make the entire offense better. I wonder what happens if Zion Nelson can get healthy again. Whatever the result is, with him in the fold the line has about 7 guys you can feel really good about.
The defensive line will once again be the best unit on the team
Defensive End is a position group that has as much depth as any on the team which is so refreshing because in this day of football you have to be able to rush the QB. The line was missing several key contributors in Leonard Taylor, Jared Harrison-Hunte and Jafari Harvey and yet they were still effective. I don’t want to overreact here but depending on who leaves after this season, Reuben Bain might be the best player on the team next year. The outrageous production he had in high school is immediately translating and that kid is going to be a star. He’s, understandably, running third behind Akheem Mesidor and Nyjalik Kelly but it’s going to be very hard to keep him off the field. He can lineup inside or out and just makes plays. Something to keep tucked away in the back of your mind – Ahmad Moten will be a guy. Might not be this season but keep your eye on the young boy.
Francisco Mauigoa is the best linebacker we’ve had since Shaq Quarterman
I realize that ain’t saying much but I had to say it. The staff and beat writers have been talking him up and it was nice to see it translate to the Spring Game. He reads and reacts very quickly and once he goes he’s a missile until he gets contact. During the game he was spotted in the backfield more than once just disrupting what the offense wanted to do. I’m excited about this kid. He immediately elevates the LB room and boy did they need it. He will also alleviate pressure on Wesley Bissainthe which will allow him to go through a more natural maturation process.
The defense will be fun
New Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry is not afraid to mix things up. I saw multiple fronts, edge rushers standing up and a lot of pre-snap chicken being played. Pressure will come from different places and offenses are going to kept on their toes because you can see he wants to keep them off balance. This defense will look to dictate terms more than read and react and if you have the right roster, that makes for some big plays from that side.
We need to be active in this summer transfer portal window
Certain spots could use a starter (Defensive Tackle) but several others need depth. On offense I’m looking at running back and receiver. Don Chaney looks like his old self and Mark Fletcher looks college ready (I walked by him twice and he’s not small – I’m 6’3-250 for reference) but I’m concerned about the group. We know Don’s injury history, Parrish isn’t a true RB1 and Citizen is still wearing a large brace…we need some proven commodities in the room. Colbie Young could be WR1 but if he can’t it’d be nice to have more competition for him in that role.
On defense I’d like to add a run-stopping defensive tackle *sends up prayers for Bear Alexander*, a cornerback and a safety. I know I just said the d-line will be the best unit and I believe it but I also believe we could use a 6’4-330ish body type to eat up blocks and clog the middle. The corners aren’t horrible but there’s no “guy” so find one if you can. Safety starting spots are locked down (Kam Kinchens is a dog even on a tweaked ankle) but another quality, rotational guy behind him and James Williams wouldn’t hurt.
Final thoughts
All-in-all it was a good night. The offense made plays so it wasn’t a snoozefest (I’m looking at y’all in Gainesville) but the made plays as well. There are clear signs to show that the team will be better and Mario is building it up through talent acquisition. The notable transfers are making their presence felt and the freshman class has several guys that will be hard to keep off the field in year one. Now it’s time to get healthy, grind while no one is looking and gear up for the season.
Go Canes!
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