The Rundown Take
Sixteen Down, One Line Deep: U Talk Previews Miami's Spring Game Position Battles
The night before Miami's spring game hit ACC Network, Devin, Egray and guest Jeffrey O'Neal broke down a roster banged up with sixteen players out — then Larry Frank Jr. called in with a full scouting report on every position battle worth watching. Between draft-day grievances and a Louisiana rap debate, the panel built its case for why this Hurricanes team, injuries and all, looks different heading into a full offseason.
Key Takeaways
- Sixteen players are out for the spring game, including D'Eriq King, Al Blades, Bubba Bolden and Don Chaney, but the staff expects most back by summer camp.
- Amari Carter moves off deep safety into the striker/weak-side linebacker role — Larry Frank calls him a lock to be a "superstar" now that he can play downhill instead of getting flagged from ten yards off the ball.
- The offensive line returns three deep at multiple spots for the first time in years, with DJ Scaife vs. Jarrid Williams at right tackle as the marquee camp battle Larry Frank is most excited to watch.
- New DL coach Jess Simpson has the panel high on defensive end depth, with Zach McCloud projected to finally cash in his physical tools after a slow post-freshman stretch.
- Panel is fired up on Charleston Rambo as the vertical threat Miami lacked last season, says returning receivers who don't perform should expect to lose reps to the young guys.
The Offensive Line Larry Frank Can't Stop Talking About
Larry Frank framed the offensive line as the real story of spring camp: a group entering its third year together and second under Rhett Lashlee, finally with enough bodies to rotate instead of grinding the same five guys into the ground. He's watching Zion Nelson and John Campbell battling at left tackle, Jakai Clark and Rivers at left guard, DJ Scaife versus Jarrid Williams at right tackle, and a healthy Nevonte Donaldson as the swing piece who could anchor the interior if his injury history finally breaks his way.
Amari Carter's New Home
The linebacker and secondary shuffle got equal airtime: Carter to the striker spot on the weak side, DeAndre Smith sliding from striker to linebacker, and Zach McCloud settling in at defensive end under Simpson's coaching. In the secondary, Devin and Larry Frank are watching Al Blades and DJ Ivey battle for a corner spot opposite presumptive starter Tyrique Stevenson, with Torry Couch projected to nickel if healthy.
Draft Grievances and the Rambo Bet
Devin was heated about reports questioning Jaylen Phillips' medical history ahead of the draft, laying blame on former UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr. for the timing of the leak. The panel also relitigated Kyle Pitts versus Brevin Jordan one more time before turning optimistic on Charleston Rambo, the Oklahoma transfer they believe arrives with a chip on his shoulder and the traffic-cone speed to finally stretch a defense vertical.
"You gotta go with skill over class, and at this point, unless they're outdoing these boys in practice, you gotta go with your young guns. Hey, if they don't like it, that's what the portal's for."