Six players, now on third coach, remain from UM’s #Storm18 recruiting class. And OL update
Miami cornerback DJ Ivey and offensive lineman DJ Scaife, fifth-year seniors, were in the vaunted 2018 recruiting class known then as #Storm18, which had 18 of UM’s then-20 oral commits inking their autographs to begin the early signing period in December 2017.
Both, along with four others from that class still on the roster — cornerback Al Blades Jr, offensive tackle John Campbell Jr., defensive back Gilbert Frierson and tight end Will Mallory — have how had multiple position coaches and three head coaches: Mark Richt, Manny Diaz and now Mario Cristobal.
“It’s very challenging,’’ said Scaife, a Miami Southridge High alum listed as 6-3 and 315 pounds on signing day and now, 306 pounds. “I don’t say it’s bad because you can see different schemes and different techniques. You just have to adapt to it and keep going.’’
Ivey, then listed as 6-1 and 175 pounds out of Homestead South Dade High, is now a sturdy 194-pounds.
“It’s all about adjusting,’’ Ivey said. “You’ve just got to adjust to the circumstances and keep moving forward.
Ivey, from Florida City, played in all 12 games last year with four starts, including the final three after Tyrique Stevenson hurt his shoulder. He had 25 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. This year’s starters are expected to be Stevenson and a battle among several players, including West Virginia transfer Daryl Porter Jr., third-year sophomore Isaiah Dunson, fifth-year redshirt junior Al Blades and fourth-year junior Te’Cory Couch.
“It flew by,’’ Ivey added of the time factor. “I’m already in my fifth year and it feels like I’ve only been here like two years. I’m just excited to see what this year holds.”
Offensive line
During the media’s 30 minutes or so of viewing Tuesday, the offensive line, as usual, did its position drills in the distance at the far end of Greentree. The first-team lineup was 6-5, 315-pound left tackle John Campbell, appearing to at least temporarily solidify his spot on the left side while 6-5, 320-pound starter Zion Nelson recovers from knee surgery; 6-3, 310-pound Justice Olewaseun at left guard; 6-3, 320-pound Jakai Clark at center; 6-2, 325-pound Logan Sagapolu at right guard; and 6-3, 306-pound Scaife at right tackle.
The second team was, left to right, Jalen Rivers; Laurance Seymore; Jonathan Denis; Ousman Traore; and Chris Washington. It’s clear that 6-5, 330-pound third-year redshirt freshman Rivers, a substantial talent who started three games at left guard last season before sustaining a major knee injury, is being trained as well at left tackle while Nelson is out.
Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal is having linemen practice at multiple positions in case of injuries. In 2023, when Nelson, a first-round draft prospect, could be in the NFL, Rivers could shift to tackle.
Campbell, now in his final season at UM, could also play right tackle, with Scaife, also in his final season, at right guard. Scaife excelled at right guard in 2021, starting eight games there.
When asked which position suites him more, Scaife smiled and said, “Wherever coach puts me at. I can snap the ball, too. Tackle, you’re just on an island — it’s 1-on-1 pass blocking. Guard, you’re more physical, downhill... It’s more aggressive.
“It’s been kind of fun because we’ve all been rotating. We have a lot of different combinations. I might play next to Justice, I might play next to Logan, I might play next to Jakai.’’
Added Scaife of Nelson: “Even if Zion were here, he’d be moving around, too.’’
Ed Reed
Miami Hurricanes great Ed Reed, the Pro Football Hall of Fame safety who serves as the UM football program’s chief of staff, was seen during media viewing Tuesday for the first time since fall camp opened Friday.
Reed, naturally, stayed on the sideline near the defensive backs, a couple times giving some advice.
“It’s always good to see a Hall of Famer, a person who wears a gold jacket, to come around and give you pointers,’’ Ivey said.
