The Miami Hurricanes have begun the 2023 spring sessions with much lower expectations nationally. After finishing 2022 with a 5-7 record, the Canes look to make huge leap.
Ultimately, in order for that leap to happen these players will have to take huge strides in 2023.
RB Don Chaney
One of the top backs coming out of high school in 2020, Don Chaney was expected to be a feature back going into 2021. However, a server leg injury sidelined him for the season. Sadly, in 2022, Chaney dealt with another season ending injury.
Still listed as a freshman, Chaney has a lot of potential. In the few games we’ve seen him play healthy, Chaney was difficult to bring down. The 6’0 running back runs hard and doesn’t let one man bring him down.
The reason Chaney is a name to watch going into the 2023 season is due to the need of a running game. Miami lacked a dominant running back in 2022 and the running game suffered.
When healthy, Chaney is a feature back in this offense that will have multiple back touch the rock. In todays era of football, a physical running back with speed like Chaney is coveted. If you look at the top programs in the country, a strong physical back is a requirement.
WR Brashard Smith
Going into 2023, Smith is the Deebo Samuel like player the Canes need to keep defenses on their heals. Smith is quick, fast, with good hands. When he touches the ball, Smith has the ability to make a play.
In 2023, Smith was in the Josh Gattis offense which limited his ability. Many fans thought he might transfer to a school that could better use his talent. New offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson for Miami should fix that.
Dawson’s offense is quarterback and receiver friendly. Specifically, Smith is a receiver that needs space and Dawson’s offense create that. Smith will excel in the short to intermediate game for Miami.
Honestly, Smith is a mix match for most defenses in the ACC. Ultimately, it is only a matter of time until we see Smith have a breakout game and season. I expect 2023 to be just that.
QB Tyler Van Dyke
Headed into the 2022 season, Tyler Van Dyke was projected as a potential 1st round draft prospect. However, after a year of terrible play and injuries, Tyler Van Dyke is looking to rebound in 2023.
Like Brashard Smith, the Josh Gattis offense hindered Tyler Van Dyke’s talents greatly. This is one of the biggest reason why the offense looked terrible in 2022. Under new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, we should see the old Tyler Van Dyke return.
In 2023, Miami will be running an offense similar to the one they ran under former OC Rhett Lashlee. Lashlee, now the head coach at SMU, ran a high tempo passing offense that was very quarterback friendly.
Van Dykes when healthy is one of the better quarterbacks in the country. Again, Van Dyke was out for majority of the year due to injury 2022. Ultimately, the reason for the leap is because he will be healthy.
In 2023, I expect Tyler Van Dyke to be on a mission to silence any doubters about his talent and NFL future.
