Spring Practice/Portal Stuff …
Of course, some kids may transfer out as well.
If Beck doesn’t come through, this is probably an 8 win team at best.
Emory Williams is an adequate backup but he ain’t a starter IMHO.
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The Miami Hurricanes figure to go looking for a receiver, another safety and perhaps another linebacker and a defensive tackle in the second portal cycle beginning in mid-April. Whether they need to find starters at those positions will be among the most important matters to be sorted out when UM reconvenes after spring break Tuesday for the fourth spring football practice, culminating in the spring game on-campus at 4 p.m. April 12. A look at five positions where a handful of players are competing not only with teammates, but also are essentially competing with players who aren’t even on the team: 
Boundary wide receiver: Jojo Trader has picked up where he left off in the bowl game, making multiple catches and creating separation during the first week of practice. He might have the highest ceiling among UM receivers, and Ny Carr, Daylyn Upshaw and Joshua Moore also look like they could be part of the next wave of Canes standouts. TOP VIDEOS The question isn’t whether Trader should be a starter. The issue is whether Miami can find someone — internally or externally — who’s better than CJ Daniels, a good player who was LSU’s No. 4 wide receiver last season. As the most experienced player in the room, Daniels seemed like a front-runner to start. He still might. At the very least, he should be in the rotation regardless. But he needs to prove to coaches that he’s starter material and doesn’t need to be pushed down the depth chart by a portal addition. Daniels’ performance this spring (as well as the growth of the freshman and sophomore receivers) will determine the extent to which UM must find receiver help in the portal and how much NIL money must be dangled. Slot receiver: This isn’t just Ray Ray Joseph against impressive freshman Malachi Toney. It’s Joseph and Toney against the whole transfer portal. UM needs to be convinced that at least one, and probably both, can contribute immediately. Otherwise, this shoots near the top of portal needs. Middle linebacker: Raul Aguirre had some nice moments last season, and Jaylin Alderman was a competent starter for Louisville in 2023. But can either adequately replace Francisco Mauigoa, who was very good in 2023 but struggled mightily in 2024? Aguirre and Alderman will have every chance, but it’s telling that new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman (who also coaches linebackers) has experimented with Wesley Bissainthe at middle linebacker. If emerging Cam Pruitt or even Chase Smith becomes UM’s second-best linebacker, a case could be made to put Bissainthe inside. Adarius Hayes also could become a factor. Either way, Hetherman must be convinced there’s an impactful middle linebacker on the roster, or Mario Cristobal will need to go shopping for one in late April. Starting safety: In an ideal world, Jacksonville State transfer Zechariah Poyser and ballyhooed second-year player Zaquan Patterson will give UM what could be the nation’s only Z-Z starting safety combo. Perhaps Dylan Day, who flashes, can get in the mix. But if those three second-year players leave any doubts, than Miami will need to go safety shopping this spring. Starting defensive tackle opposite Louisiana Tech transfer David Blay Jr.: This is Justin Scott’s job to lose; the five-star prospect was as talented as anyone in UM’s 2024 recruiting class. But don’t overlook Ahmad Moten, who has improved considerably during his time at Miami, or even Joshua Horton. Another veteran likely will be added, because Cristobal likes experienced players in that room. The question is whether UM will be shopping for a starting defensive tackle or merely depth in a month. Scott and Moten can mold that decision with their play over the final 11 spring sessions. Other ongoing battles: At left guard, Ryan Rodriguez has the early edge on Michael McCoy. UM should be fine at that spot without needing to find a starter in the portal. At cornerback, the sense is Xavier Lucas has the early lead over Ethan O’Connor, Emmanuel Karnley and Charles Brantley for the boundary job opposite OJ Frederique. This is by far UM’s most improved position. In the slot, Brantley, Damari Brown and eventually Jadais Richard (recovering from last November’s knee injury) will be at the epicenter of one of August’s most spirited competitions, with Chris Ewald and others potentially joining the mix. Nobody has particularly emerged behind Elija Lofton at tight end, with Jackson Carman, Tulane transfer Alex Bauman and freshmen Brock Schott and Luka Gilbert competing for that role.
Emory Williams has been the best of the backup quarterbacks, with Carson Beck sidelined by his offseason elbow surgery. If Williams surprisingly transfers, UM would be in a bind. From all indications, Judd Anderson wasn’t sharp the first week of camp and early enrollee Luke Nickel isn’t ready. This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 12:13 PM.