The Miami Hurricanes come off a tough 2021 season after finishing the year with a record of 7-5 and withdrawing from the Sun Bowl due to COVID. The firing of head coach Manny Diaz was also not handled in a great manner by the program. However, the team now has some clarity with new head coach Mario Cristobal at the helm. Fans have big aspirations for the Hurricanes to return to their historic glory, but that will take patience and time. Here’s an early outlook for Miami’s 2022 season and a fresh start.
Offense
Tyler Van Dyke will likely be the starting quarterback for Miami next year. In 2021, he had nearly 3,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. With the departure of Cam’Ron Harris, Jaylan Knighton will need to step into a bigger role as the starting running back. While there is depth at the running back position, the Hurricanes will require a consistent running game to become a balanced offense.
Charleston Rambo and Mike Harley were the top two receivers for Miami this season, but they will now pursue their NFL dreams. Although the wide receivers were not efficient, expect Key’Shawn Smith and Xavier Restrepo to be more proficient in 2022. The Hurricanes’ offense will also be able to use dual tight end formations with Will Mallory and Elijah Arroyo returning to the team. There’s no reason for Miami’s offense to take a step back in 2022, but the offensive line has to hold up in both the running and passing games.
Defense
Miami’s defense will need to find playmakers who can create pressure, for Jahfari Harvey is the only returning defensive end with more than two sacks. Cristobal will likely look into the transfer portal to get some more talent on the defensive line. The Hurricanes will still have a solid linebacker core with leading tacklers Corey Flagg Jr. and Waynmon Steed coming back.
Miami’s secondary could be a question mark with Amari Carter leaving, but Kamren Kinchens and other young talent should be ready to roll. The safety spot is not a concern for the Hurricanes, but the cornerbacks must match their coverage skills with their ball skills.
Concluding Thoughts
All in all, Cristobal’s first year should be an intriguing one for the Miami Hurricanes, and his high level of recruiting paired with high intensity should shift the direction of the program. In a few years, Miami should be back at the top of the national stage and competing for championships; it’s only a matter of time.
(Featured image by Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)