At their yearly spring game on Saturday, Miami welcomed spectators to Cobb Stadium and gave Hurricane fans a preview of things to come in 2024 and beyond.
Naturally, all eyes were focused on Miami’s new, dazzling quarterback. What other players stood out, and where might Miami try to bolster its roster when the spring transfer window opens next week?
Cam Ward Examined Every Detail Of The Heisman Candidate That Was Promoted
This performance shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given what we’ve seen during sessions, but Cam Ward settled in and started developing into a playmaker quite fast. Ward completed 19 of 24 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, according to the broadcast.
Ward, who was one of just 14 quarterbacks to throw for more than 3,500 yards in the previous campaign, appears to have improved as a receiver. Ward stated that he will be involved in the recruiting process to attract players to Coral Gables, given that Miami appears to be in the running for a number of transfer portal targets.
It’s possible that Isaiah Horton is the team’s second-best receiver.
This is in no way intended as criticism on Jacolby George, who was limited in his playing today, but there seems to be a risky relationship between Ward and Isaiah Horton. After Colbie Young left, Horton was the clear successor, and he has since stepped up and seems to be putting in a lot of effort every day to improve as a receiver.
Horton usually arrives at the practice facility among the first players, Ward informed the media after the game. Horton also disclosed to the press that, regardless of the venue, he and Ward practise almost daily. Although it will be difficult for Horton to surpass George, who had an All-ACC season, it is yet conceivable.
The main narrative from the spring has been Miami’s use of rookie tight end Elija Lofton, who is playing running back. Lofton’s move to the backfield gives Miami the flexibility to use him as a pass-catching threat from there as well, given his unusually large stature for a tight end.
There seems to be a hazardous relationship between Ward and Isaiah Horton; this is not meant as criticism of Jacolby George, who played limited today. Horton was the obvious choice to replace Colbie Young after his departure, and he has since stepped up and appears to be working hard every day to get better as a receiver.
After the game, Ward told the media that Horton normally comes at the practice site among the first players. Horton also revealed to the media that he and Ward practise virtually every day, regardless of the location. Horton still has a chance to overcome George, despite the fact that it will be challenging given his All-ACC season.
Whether it’s players just becoming healthier or general improvement, Miami’s line of scrimmage will only become better when fall camp gets underway. Francis Mauigoa, a great right tackle for Miami, has been out of the lineup for the whole spring. His return will strengthen an already potent offensive line. With Samson Okunlola vying to be Miami’s starting guard opposite Anez Cooper, increased experience at the position this summer will only serve to strengthen the line once more.
When Justin Scott and Artavius Jones register at the end of the academic year, additional competition will arrive on campus, and defensively, Miami’s interior linemen are still getting settled after switching from their separate programmes. Marquise Lightfoot, a freshman early enrollee, had a fantastic day as an edge defender, recovering a fumble and recording a sack. Lightfoot’s performance was praised by coach Mario Cristobal, but also pointed out that he still has to gain more muscle. Lightfoot weighed 207 pounds when he arrived in Miami and hopes to get up to 230.
