Miami Hurricanes Football Spring Preview: Offensive Line

Introduction

Here’s my introduction to Miami’s offensive line. The standard isn’t the same as when we were winning national championships in the early 2000s. We simply need the most basic interpretation of steady. But the o line can’t do it alone. Whoever starts at quarterback needs to play like a stud. That’ll make the o line click. Ultimately the two will be judged at the end of the season together like Hall and Oates.

Old Guys

Miami’s offensive line strength will be the right side. Tyree St Louis could be an All-ACC performer at right tackle. I like Navaughn Donaldson at right guard. He could also be an ALL-Conference player. Tyler Gauthier should represent well at center. What gives me nightmares is the entire left side, where our starters may end up as Hayden Mahoney and Kai-Leon Herbert and George Brown. Unproven to say the least.

New Guys

Miami will at times bring in star studded players on the offensive line, such as when they recruited Donaldson, Ereck Flowers, or Seantrel Henderson. For the 2018 season, Miami recruited what I would call three studly linemen with Delone Scaife, John Campbell, and Cleveland Reed. All three of these players are ranked four stars according to Rivals. Yes, CMR could have brought in a couple more players to round out the depth chart. But because he didn’t, I expect Scaife, Campbell, and Reed to get meaningful reps in 2018.

Conclusion

I still think we’re a year or two away from our o line being a force. We have quality players across the line, but depth and overall talent might be exposed against FSU, Clemson, or any other elite defensive line. Success will be determined by how well our quarterback plays. If our quarterback makes good plays, our o line may look like a collection of All-Americans.