Podcast: Drafting our favorite storylines for Miami’s spring game, from new linemen to QBs
Year 1 was a dud for Mario Cristobal, but his new-look Miami Hurricanes will be on display for the first time Friday when Miami plays its annual spring game at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
It’s time for a preview — and a return to football — on the Eye the Podcast as Susan Miller Degnan, the Miami Herald’s Hurricanes beat writer, returns to the show to draft spring storylines with David Wilson.
The set-up: Each host takes turns drafting the topics most interesting to them from the Hurricanes’ upcoming spring game, ranging from the revamped offensive line to young, new players on the defensive line.
Offensive linemen Javion Cohen, Matt Lee, Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola bring a major infusion of talent up front. Defensive linemen Branson Deen, Rueban Bain Jr. and Jayden Wayne will get a big chance to prove themselves given some of the injuries in their position group. Cornerback Davonte Brown and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa will also make their Miami debuts, and quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and wide receiver Colbie Young will be back in action after flashing huge potential in their few moments together last year.
There’s plenty to be excited about — the offensive line, the Mauigoas, Van Dyke’s return from injury — but a lot of questions still need to be answered, too. Will some receiver step up and assert himself as Van Dyke’s go-to guy? Can Brown make up for the departures of former cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and DJ Ivey, who both could be picked in the 2023 NFL Draft later this month?
Even though it’s just a scrimmage, the spring game does always provide the first real hints at what the upcoming season will look like and the Hurricanes have a lot to prove after they missed out on a bowl in Cristobal’s debut season last year.
As always, thanks for listening and please continue to rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
