It has been a crazy year for the Miami Hurricanes that started with the huge loss to LSU in Dallas, because of bad quarterback play. Miami went through a season that included the loss of their most NFL ready receiver Ahmmon Richards after week 1; Miami also went on another 4-game losing streak and loss the most dynamic player on the team and possibly in the state of Florida in Jeff Thomas; to top it all off, Miami loss their defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz, to Temple as their new head coach. This collapse was too much for Head Coach Mark Richt to handle and he retired. Mainly because he was going to have to fire his son and give up play calling duties.
On December 30th everything changed for Miami. Manny Diaz, the recently hired Temple Head Coach, had decided to drop Temple for Miami. It was the first time I think anybody has seen a coach flip ever. It didn’t even seem possible. But ever since the flip, Manny Diaz got rid of the problem that was holding Miami back; the entire offensive staff. Manny decided to start fresh.
Miami fans waited an entire week and a half to hear who was going to be the new offensive coordinator. Miami was able to grab Alabama’s quarterbacks coach, Dan Enos. Enos was expected to take over as Alabama’s offensive coordinator after Josh Gattis decided to leave for Michigan.
Miami was able to get a couple of transfers who are eligible to play immediately with the addition of Dan Enos as OC. University of Buffalo top wide receiver, K.J. Osborn, transferred in to Miami as well. Giving Miami much needed senior leadership at the wide receiver position. Miami has landed Tate Martell from Ohio State, and in the running for Jalen Hurts from Alabama.
Tate Martell has two former high school teammates at Miami; Brevin Jordan and Bubba Bolden (USC Transfers). All 3 played for national powerhouse high School football Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tate Martell would be that athletic quarterback Miami is looking for that can throw as well. Tate is very competitive which is what Miami was accused of not having by 5-star recruit Jadon Haselwood (Oklahoma Commit).
Jalen Hurts, the 26-2 record as Alabama starting quarterback, is probably the best short term fix. He is a winner who has played in big games. He is a solid runner and a better passer than any current quarterback on Miami’s roster. Dan Enos helped develop Hurts into a better passer after Hurts lost the starting job. These two options are very important. Miami has talented receivers, but haven’t had a guy to throw the ball to them. This was a huge reason as to why Jeff Thomas decided to leave. Now that Miami has a new offensive staff and quarterback options, Thomas decided to stay.
Jeff had originally been linked to Illinois as a possible landing spot for his services. Thomas would have had to sit out an entire year until he could see the field. Thomas is a sure fire draft pick when he decides to go pro. If he can have a solid 2019, he could very well be a First Round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Jeff return is big because of his dynamic ability to make plays. He is one of the freakish athletes that teams search the country to get.
Miami’s spring game might be the hottest ticket this spring!
(Feature Photo Credit to Tre’von Ware/ @318photo)