Cristobal lets emotion slip into answer about first game as Miami coach. And new RB update
Three days before the Miami Hurricanes home opener against Bethune-Cookman, coach Mario Cristobal finally let a bit of emotion seep into an answer about if this week feels any different from when he coached at Oregon — the question broached because of Cristobal’s history as a former UM player and native Miamian who won two national titles with the Canes.
“It’s hard to articulate,’’ Cristobal said Wednesday during a Zoom videoconference. “I understand the question. I understand the significance of the question, especially with me being an alum and all the things that go with it. Honestly, I don’t know how to answer that genuinely or respectfully. I’d have to sit down and assess it and analyze it. because my mind is so much on making sure we’re prepared.”
Then, this: “I mean, come on, this means the world to me. That’s the best way I can describe it — and it does. But the energy poured into it wherever I’m coaching is always everything I have.
“Of course when you play at a certain place, it’s different — it will always be different. I think there are eight to nine coaches in Power 5 Football, Division I football, that are coaching at their alma mater. I’m sure if you asked every single one of them, they’ll remember every great moment, every bad moment, tough situations, development moments, teaching moments — all that stuff.
“So it is, it’s off the charts super special, but, unfortunately for the nostalgia side of myself, which I don’t really have, every ounce is focused on our team, our players.”
▪ Cristobal remained noncommital when asked about left tackle Zion Nelson, who recently returned to practice after rehabbing from getting arthroscopic knee surgery to remove loose particles. “We’re still taking it day by day,’’ the coach said. “He has progressed. He’s on schedule.’’
Cristobal said coaches would “make a decision” on Nelson’s status for the opener “in the next couple days.’’
▪ Jacolby George, a 6-0, 175-pound sophomore out of Plantation High who played in nine games last season and caught seven passes for 183 yards with one touchdown, was seen on the scout team Tuesday during media viewing. Cristobal was asked about George’s status, and about the coach’s scout team philosophy.
“Everybody takes turns on the team, first- and second group and some guys take reps on the scout team. So, we run our process,’’ was all Cristobal said.
▪ New UAB running back transfer Lucious Stanley was already on the field at practice Tuesday, when the media was permitted to only watch the stretch period. Cristobal said on Monday during his news conference that he wasn’t sure if he was able to comment on the situation.
On Wednesday, Cristobal did discuss Stanley.
“Lucious has had a really good career,’’ the coach said. “He’s got a lot of experience. He’s a big guy. He can accelerate. He’s got great balance. If you watch his film he’s made some explosive plays. We’re always searching. The portal allows some wiggle room during this time of year — it’s very narrow, very slim, and certain parameters have to be met. It just so happens he was there in the portal and we needed someone at that position.
“He’s been here for a couple days. He’s in good shape. He’s already been through camp from what I understand. And today you really saw him carry the ball and protect and do some things where you feel that, ‘Man, this guy is a really good football player. He’s going to help us.’’
Stanley, 6-0 and 215 pounds, averaged 5.1 yards on 211 college carries with 12 rushing and two receiving touchdowns. He joined UM as a walk-on redshirt senior, per CaneSport.
▪ Cristobal said kicker Andy Borregales hit 58- and 56-yard field goals Wednesday.
▪ Former five-star prospect Mark Pope, a receiver out of Miami Southridge, has entered the transfer portal for the second time, according to multiple reports. He was at Jackson State after transferring from UM in the offseason.
This story was originally published August 31, 2022 at 1:27 PM.
