No media access today for the Miami Hurricanes but that won’t stop us from recapping the past few days in camp. A legend made his return and Jimmy Johnson had a candid talk with Alonzo Highsmith while discussing Mario Cristobal.

“Them hiring Mario, I’m excited. I haven’t been as excited for UM ever as what I am right now.” – Jimmy Johnson via Miami Herald

Coach Johnson also mentioned how the Miami Hurricanes are finally ponying up the dough. The administration’s dedication to compete financially has even resonated with the coaching legend.

“Obviously, it comes down to money. And for the first time ever — even going back to when I was here — for the first time ever, they put money into the program. It’s allowed him to get as quality of a coaching staff as I’ve seen since my guys.” – Jimmy Johnson

Saturday night the Miami Hurricanes had their first fall scrimmage. Unfortunate buzz came from camp in the form of injury news and freshman TreVonte Citizen suffered an injury what Coach Cristobal considered significant.

“Two players that sustained injuries in the scrimmage were freshman RB TreVonte’ Citizen and freshman WR Isaiah Horton – (Horton) probably a three to four day injury for him to come back. TreVonte’ is a little more significant and we’re continuing to assess and evaluate.” -Coach Mario Cristobal

Coach Cristobal also commented on Zion Nelson, Will Mallory and Jared Harrison-Hunte, who also got nicked up in scrimmage, about availability. All are set to return soon baring any set backs. Nelson will definitely solidify the trenches on the offensive side of the ball.

“Going top to bottom I’d say both sides of the trenches did a good job taking care of business at the line of scrimmage, a back and forth matchup. Early in the scrimmage it was the offense, as the scrimmage went on the defense did a really good job of forcing three-and-outs, coming up with big plays.” – Coach Mario Cristobal

UCLA transfer Caleb Johnson also received praise from the head guy this week and is poising himself to see a major role in Kevin Steele’s defense this fall.

“Caleb is explosive, athletic. Really fast, has natural rush ability and experience. Caleb’s had a really good camp-I had experience against him at Oregon when he was at UCLA. He’s a really good player. He’s in a position room where guys are playing really good football.”

Speaking about Caleb Johnson, he was not shy about what he felt about was a strength of this Miami Hurricane team. The defensive line is starting to establish itself with depth and demolition in camp and the UCLA transfer had this to say about them. This is easily a quote of the day candidate.

“The best in the nation.” – Caleb Johnson

On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver, and Tyler Van Dyke’s roommate, Xavier Restrepo is establishing himself as a formidable option. The shifty slot receiver made plays all over the field in scrimmage and coach Cristobal has called him the most productive receiver in camp.

“Unquestionably the most productive receiver in camp.” -Coach Cristobal.

Restrepo’s work ethic and motor turned heads of NFL scouts in attendance according to Coach Cristobal. The Miami Hurricanes were recently ranked preseason number 16 in the AP poll and outright winners to win the coastal division. Restrepo didn’t seem phased about the preseason.

“Ready for week one.” – Xavier Restrepo via Athletic

Some closing notes. The wide receiver position has a clear leader in terms of production but a supporting cast needs to emerge. Click the ’22 wide receiver position preview HERE. The concerns at the position are mounting and offensive coordinator/WR coach Josh Gattis stopped practice on Monday and voiced some displeasure. Either a concern about footwork or some occasional drops, Gattis is a vocal coach and a perfectionist.

WVU transfer Akheem Mesidor is factoring in a big way. His position change from nose tackle to defensive end is paving the way for what we believe a multiple front defense. As an undersized defensive tackle in a 3-4 last year he was still able to provide the mountaineers with tons of pressure. Now patrolling the line at the defensive end position for the Hurricanes , you could see an easy transition from odd to even looks with Mesidor outside. Mesidor gives the defense options.

The running back room has leaned on the Rooster and Henry Parish early. I expect both to factor and the prerequisite for more speedy counterparts could be the reason why. The Hurricanes are confident in their tight end group and with questions at wide receiver, having speedy options at running back could provide mismatch potential. This staff believes that Miami should be synonymous with speed and the great Miami teams had a plethora of it.

Tyler Van Dyke has been increasingly vocal in camp and his leadership skills are improving almost daily. The staff is very confident in his skillset and they believe they have something very special on their hands.  Van Dyke is requiring more from his teammates and the push for perfection is permeating the whole offensive side of the ball.