The Hurricane that spawned out of southern Florida diminished into a passing breeze last season. After starting out 9-0, Miami lost 2 of its last 3 games and missed out on a playoff berth. Those last-gasp comebacks and heroics courtesy of Cam Ward ran their course and results regressed towards the mean. Even the No.1 overall draft pick can carry a poor defense only so far. Alas, Canes HC Mario Cristobal can take some solace from their ‘24 season now that the dust has settled on it. It served as the launching pad for more prosperity down the line.
Miami breached that pseudo-target of double-digit wins with 10. 9 vs 10 doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things except for a psychological boost. But for the Canes, it epitomized the progression of the program since Mario Cristobal arrived in Coral Gables.. In 3 years, Coach Cristobal has led the Canes to 5, 7 and now 10 wins. This corroborates his ability as a head coach. But it also goes to show just how good a recruiter he is. Which is, of course, his big claim to fame. Well, Cristobal is living up to that reputation yet again.
Over on the “Locked on Canes” podcast, Miami fan and insider Alex Donno relayed some positive news. The transfer portal represents an opportunity for Miami to replenish and retool in areas they deemed substandard in spring camp. Mario Cristobal has seemingly identified position groups that needed help. He has dipped his toes into the portal class to address them. Fortunately for him, the yearning is being reciprocated. 5 players across 4 different positions are visiting campus over this weekend, according to Donno. They include players on both sides of the field. 2 wideouts to bolster the receiving corps. and aid new QB1 Carson Beck. A linebacker, a safety and heck, even a kicker! That lineage of the Borregales brothers driving in field goals has finally come to an end. They indeed ran out of kickers in the family.
One of these visitors is Cincinnati transfer WR Tony Johnson. The Florida native primarily plays in the slot. We know the kind of damage Carson Beck did with Ladd McConkey at Georgia 2 seasons ago. Adding a quality Y target should accentuate the WR room, which is now in a state of flux, having lost players like Xavier Restrepo. Johnson brings experience to a group that is void of it. Another receiver making the trip to Coral Gables is Keelan Marion. He can provide depth on the perimeter while also being an excellent kick returner. Staying on theme with special teams, that kicker target is Bert Auburn out of Texas. Auburn had his shaky moments in the playoffs. However, he’ll be a net positive for Mario Cristobal. His FG% took a dip last season to a measly 64%, but Auburn converted north of 80% in the two seasons prior.
On the other side of the football, Miami is hosting safety Gregory Smith III. The 4-star prospect has left Gainesville and the Gators and would represent a massive coup from neighbors UF. New defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman does need help in a secondary that was pretty bad against the pass last season. But the front 7 needs the help just as much. Coach Cristobal’s also managed to get NC State transfer LB Kamal Bonner down to the U. The redshirt sophomore already has starting experience at his previous school and can slot right in for Miami if required. With so much action across the team, it’s safe to say Coach Cristobal is in his recruiting bag as per usual. Although his forte is high school, the transfer portal fits his repertoire as well. Not only is Cristobal pulling recruits from it, he’s keeping those in-house at bay.
Mario Cristobal’s recruiting prowess works both ways
When Carson Beck reversed his decision to declare for the NFL draft and remained in college to sign for Miami, he probably thought that would be the most sensational U-turn involving the U this offseason. Somehow, it’s been trumped. Mario Cristobal has pulled off the rare and commendable task of making a player withdraw their name from the transfer portal.
Former top-100 recruit, WR Ny Carr, has done a 180 and decided to remain with Miami after initially hitting the portal. What caused this change in mind is inconspicuous and up for conjecture. But whatever led to it, Mario Cristobal and Carson Beck sure will be pleased. Carr was in the class of ‘24 and only enrolled last season.
Miami is expected to take a bit of a step back next season after losing their best player, their figurehead. However, adding weapons around Carson Beck does offset the loss of Cam Ward to some extent. It’s going to need to be a more collective effort now. It’ll be fascinating to see how much noise and disruption the Canes can cause in the ACC next season. And whether they can continue their skyward trajectory under Coach Cristobal.
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