Miami Hurricanes Football: Who Will Break Out in 2016?

Yesterday, ACC Digital  broke down the 9 players in the conference they felt would be breakout stars this fall.

Included in the list at #4 was UM's WR Braxton Berrios.

Good Selection ACCDN.

Berrios has clearly emerged post spring/fall as the Hurricanes #2 option on the outside behind Stacy Coley.

He definitely makes my list as well.

But which other 'Canes might emerge as players who take their games to the next level in this coming season?

Let's take a look at few others (for the sake of this argument, freshmen/1st year players will not be included) on Miami's roster who might make huge leaps this year.

#1 Christopher Herndon IV TE -  Herndon was a monster in UM's Spring Game, and stood out again yesterday in Miami's second fall scrimmage (at least one play we know of).

Herndon made a nice catch and physically, caught a ball short of the first down and kind of manhandled a defender to get a first down one time. - Mark Richt 8/17

He'll have to share snaps/targets with one of last year's breakout stars, David Njoku, but there is little doubt that the 6'4 253 pound tight end is going to have an increased role in the offense this season.

#2 Demetrius Jackson DE -  The redshirt sophomore has a world of athletic talent and is now working with DL guru Craig Kuligowski or Coach Kool as he is affectionately known.

That combination of raw ability, combined with savvy instruction on technique from Kuligowski, could net huge results this coming year.

Listen to Jackson rave about Kool and the new defensive scheme:

#3 Sheldrick Redwine CB - Redwine has been thrust into the role of #2/#3 corner behind Corn Elder because of UM's need at the position.

But his talent has also but him in this position.   The sophomore to be has the length and swag to be a big time bump and run cover corner in Manny Diaz' defense.

There may be some growing pains along they way as he picks up experience, but I expect Redwine to steadily improve as the season progresses, and be a key defender by its' conclusion.

#4 Tyree St. Louis OT/OG -  Right now St. Louis is working with the 2's.   And both Richt and OL Coach Stacy Searels have praised the play and attitude of incumbent RT Sunny Odogwu.

But Odogwu has struggled through his career in game situations.  If he slips even a little, St. Louis has the talent to step in and take over.

I fully expect the sophomore who was a big time recruit in H.S. at IMG Academy, to make his presence felt at some point.

With an opportunity, 2016 could be the season.

#5 RJ McIntosh DT -  At 6'4 280, he's not your prototypical run stuffer.

But his length and quickness could make him a regular visitor in opposing team's back fields.

Even with other potential studs like Gerald Willis III and Courtel Jenkins at the same position, McIntosh has been running with the 1's all spring and fall.   That says a lot.

And the staff has had nothing but good things to say about his play over the same time period.

He's also taking a role as a leader.  That's usually something that shows a player is ready to also take his play up a notch.

Who are your break out Hurricanes for 2016?

Feel free to leave comments below with the players you expect more from this coming season.