Miami Hurricanes 1st fall scrimmage gives glimpses of depth chart, talent level: Mario Cristobal sums it all up

There were highlights on both sides of the ball during Saturday’s first fall scrimmage in Hard Rock Stadium, which was open to fans. Afterward Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal summed up his thoughts, saying “they (the offense) got downhill in the running game, made some big plays in the passing game. In protection we looked a little bit different up front with our size and power and really controlled the line of scrimmage, marched down and did a nice job early. But a really nice counterpunch later by the defense.

On the offensive side there were standout performances from WR Xavier Restrepo (long reception of around 50 yards), WR Colbie Young (athletic TD catch), WR Jacolby George (frequent target of Tyler Van Dyke with several grabs), RB Ajay Allen (had two 20-yard plus runs including one that went more than 40 yards and while there were no official stats he likely passed 100 rush yards) and RB Mark Fletcher (pair of TDs, physical running).

QB Tyler Van Dyke was fairly solid, but Jacurri Brown struggled with accuracy on some throws. Emory Williams looked good for the most part, but was running third team.

On defense?

Sacks came from Nyjalik Kelly, Rueben Bain, Jared Harrison-Hunte, Anthony Campbell, Te’Cory Couch and Marcellius Pulliam.

There also were turnovers, with Keontra Smith intercepting Jacurri Brown and Daryl Porter picking off  Van Dyke.

“When the offense was good on first down, they were good all the way through; when the defense was good on first and second down, third down was a lot more difficult,” Cristobal said. “They (the defensive front) showed their athleticism on third down with some of the stuff they did and putting us in a tough situation and getting to the quarterback.”

PK Andy Borregales also hit a 57-yard field goal.

As for some of the issues Cristobal noted off Miami first scrimmage: “There were some times we were there to make a play and we didn’t make it,” he said. “The biggest thing we’re emphasizing is really high, high effort, physicality, playing smart. Being a Miami Hurricane it’s supposed to be really cool to work hard, to play hard, to go max effort all the time. That’s what is really cool, that’s swag, right? So confident, you played so hard that you’re not going to give in, going to give  up.

“We have worked our way there, have progress, still have a long way to go.”

This scrimmage also was missing a lot of players: On the injured list held out were DL Akheem Mesidor (a bit of a surprise given he’s been practicing) and then the same guys that have been missing practices – OL Zion Nelson, RB Chris Johnson, TE Elijah Arroyo, TE Riley Williams, CBN Demetrius Freeney, RB TreVonte’ Citizen, OL Jon Denis and OL Frankie Tinilau.

While Miami’s depth chart remains in flux, the starters today on offense were QB Tyler Van Dyke, RB Henry Parrish. WRs Colbie Young, Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, TE Cam McCormick (ahead of Jaleel Skinner) and OL (L to R) Jalen Rivers, Javion Cohen, Matt Lee, Anez Cooper and Francis Mauigoa.

So pretty much as expected.

On defense?

With Mesidor out it was true freshman Rueben Bain at DE with the ones opposite Nyjalik Kelly (who continues to lead Jahfari Harvey). The DT first team were Leonard Taylor and Branson Deen, as expected, and at OLB KJ Cloyd was ahead of Wesley Bissainthe, joining Francisco Mauigoa with the ones. True freshman Damari Brown has been making strides this fall as we’ve reported, and he was with the ones today opposite his big brother Davonte, with Jaden Davis ahead of Te’Cory Couch at nickel.

James Williams didn’t start at safety, so it was Markeith Williams with the ones next to Kam Kinchens. Williams played some reps at linebacker in the scrimmage as well, and it’s likely he will be in the box quite a bit this season.

A bottom line takeaway from Cristobal?

“Football is not a fashion show,” the Miami coach said. “We have a lot of big, good-looking body types that are learning to play. We have got to emphasize that. We’re not walking down the runway, you have to put your hand in the ground, get to work, knock each other around, make plays, understand coverages, angles. That being said we saw some of that happen today. Then we saw other moments where there are lapses. This game is very unforgiving, we have to be more consistent.”