UM coach Al Golden says RB Joe Yearby will start in opener

The depth chart says “or” between the names of running backs Joe Yearby and Mark Walton, but Miami Hurricanes coach Al Golden said Wednesday that sophomore Yearby will start in Saturday’s 6 p.m. home opener against Bethune-Cookman.

Behind Yearby is freshman Walton, followed by sophomore Trayone Gray and junior Walter Tucker.

Offensive coordinator James Coley, who said he expects Yearby, Walton and Gray to each get touches Saturday, indicated Wednesday that just because Gray is the biggest back physically doesn’t mean he’ll be the one used in goal-line and short-yardage situations.

LIKELY NO SUSPENSIONS

Barring any late surprises, which in the past has happened more prevalently in opening-season games, there will be no first-game suspensions, Golden said.

When asked if UM had anyone suspended to start the season, the coach said, “We do not right now. If there are suspensions we’ll tell you like we do every game. You will be notified in pregame if there’s anything. … That’s our protocol.

“Right now we expect to have everybody.’’

Golden said the players “who are out” are running back Gus Edwards (foot surgery), linebacker linebacker Juwon Young (sprained foot) and safety Ryan Mayes (hamstring).

ONE-GAME LIMIT

Part of UM’s ongoing NCAA sanctions is that recruits are limited to only one game all season.

“We try to drive them to one or two,” Golden said. “We’re trying to limit our mistakes. If a kid comes twice it’s a violation.”

Thus, the coach explained, UM is prudent by “closing down shop” on some games.

He didn’t indicate which games he has chosen.

“It’s painful,” he said. “The whole thing, you know… it’s not good.”

This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 9:57 PM with the headline "UM coach Al Golden says RB Joe Yearby will start in opener."