Miami Hurricanes new Head Coach Manny Diaz has brought the winds of change to a program that needed life following a disappointing 2018 season. The surprising retirement of Mark Richt gave Diaz an opportunity after a very brief employment with Temple and the 2019 version of the Miami Hurricanes seem to be on the right path to get a proud program back to prominence.
The energy around the Miami program feels better than has in a decade, with a new culture, new coaches and some help from the transfer portal. Dubbed “transfer portal U” Miami was able to upgrade and further reinforce depth at positions of need and it seemed that players we’re lining up to be apart of ‘the new Miami’. Former Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell, Buffalo wide receiver KJ Osborn, Virginia Tech defensive end Trevon Hill, defensive end Chigozie Nnoruka, and former number one overall recruit coming out of highschool in 2017 linebacker Jalen Phillips round out some of the powerhouses that transferred to ‘the U’.
Miami’s new infusion of talent should help through the tougher stretches of the season. The defense should be strong led by linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, should have a strong pass rush even with the loss of Nesta Silvera in the interior and the secondary looks set to reap the rewards of a high pressure defense. On offense the Hurricanes have plenty of weapons at the disposal of whichever quarterback wins the starting job. The big question is still who of Tate Martell, N’Kosi Perry or Jarren Williams will win the job and get a chance to make plays.
There’s no better way to test out a teams heart and talent then playing against a bitter rival for the first game of the season. Miami will come out of the gates against the Florida Gators who were ranked in the top 10 to end the season last year. Their matchup at Camping World Stadium in Orlando could propel the ‘Canes forward into a new era or could be just as crushing as the defeat to LSU was in the first game of the season just last year.
While the energy around Miami is good it’s tough to just bounce back from the ups and downs of the last couple seasons. While I can see Miami having a successful 2019 I can also envision another season of highs and lows. Diaz may need time to build consistency but he is certainly on track to build it with the talent you expect from the ‘Canes. No matter the case the Hurricanes fan base will be the loudest supporters of Diaz or the first ones calling for his job depending on how the season goes.
With tough games early, the Virginia teams back to back in October and of course the always brutal Florida State game in November I believe the ‘Canes end the season on a high note but getting staggered down the stretch. I pick the ‘Canes to win the Coastal division and finish with a record of 9-3 and see Clemson in the ACC championship game.
With only two weeks to go we are soon to find out what the story of the 2019 Hurricanes will be.
The Miami Hurricanes are set to square off against the Florida Gators at Camping World Stadium Saturday, August 24th and can be seen LIVE on ESPN at 7:00 pm/ET. Don’t miss it!
Written by Darrell Wilkinson
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