Mario Cristobal stresses need to continue adding depth

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal stressed the importance of adding depth throughout the offseason ahead of the fall.

The Hurricanes coach noted that was an issue in 2022, his first season at the helm. But Year 2 could certainly be different.

And it’s not just one position that needs depth. Cristobal said it was logical to keep adding everywhere.

“Quite frankly, we have to do that, that’s what it requires,” Cristobal said. “That’s always been the blueprint to success at the stops that we have had, got to build and develop to a point where you have legitimate winning and championship depth at every position.

“And we have certainly gained a lot of ground towards that. We still have to gain more at every position. We are looking for players and group that have impressed us the most. We’ll see after Saturday, you know, we still have three more practices.” 

But, Cristobal noted the added depth at offensive line compared to last season, a glaring hole on Miami’s football team

“We’ve certainly poured a lot into the offensive line body types and mentality,” Cristobal said. “Which was a monstrously glaring issue upon arrival and through the season. And it’s something that we feel that we’re getting a lot of ground towards getting better at. So with so many defensive linemen out for spring ball, you wish you would have seen those battles.

“Because that would have been a part of our football team and that had the kind of stuff that we needed to take, that we wanted to take and it significantly improves our program and attracts recruits.”

Despite the down year, Miami pulled in the No. 6 overall recruiting class in the 2023 cycle, per the On3 Industry Ranking. The two-five star prospects on Miami’s roster were offensive linemen.

Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola were both ranked five-star offensive tackles in the class of 2023.

Cristobal certainly added depth at a key position he considered a glaring issue.

After a successful tenure at Oregon from 2018-21 as the head coach, Cristobal came home to Miami. He last coached the Hurricanes from 2004-06 as an assistant.

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But after a 35-13 tenure at Oregon, including two Pac-12 titles, he was criticized for the Hurricanes’ 5-7 record last year. Perhaps 2023 will be different in Coral Gables.