Miami Hurricanes 2024 Place Assessment: Offensive Line

As we proceed our 2024 place recaps, it’s time to show our consideration to the unit that Mario Cristobal used to play, views as foundational to the success of any crew, and one which’s been rebuilt from atrocious to wonderful in his time at Miami: Offensive Line

Starters

LT Markell Bell — 12 video games, 5 begins

LT/LG Jalen Rivers — 8 video games, 8 begins, Honorable Point out All-ACC

LG Matthew McCoy — 11 video games, 11 begins

C Zach Carpenter — 13 video games, 13 begins, Honorable Point out All-ACC

RG Anez Cooper — 13 video games, 13 begins, Honorable Point out All-ACC

RT Francis Mauigoa — 13 video games, 13 begins, 2nd Group All-ACC

Miami’s offensive line was among the many finest within the nation all through the 2024 season. Paving the best way for the nation’s high offense — one which averaged 537.2 yards and 43.9 factors per recreation — the OL was a troublesome, bodily, dominating group in each scenario they confronted.

And, earlier than you run to the feedback, I do know there are 6 gamers listed for five beginning spots. But it surely is smart, I promise.

The headliner of the group was RT Francis Mauigoa. A former 5-star recruit, the 6’6” 325lb sort out is a dominant participant on the level of assault. He was the one Miami lineman to make an All-ACC crew, and he’s unquestionably the lynchpin participant for Miami up entrance.

Together with Mauigoa, C Zach Carpenter — a switch from Indiana — and RG Anez Cooper began each recreation of the 12 months. And, with treasured few exceptions, that trio performed each snap alongside the best way. That consistency, and the excellence of all 3 gamers, was a significant component in Miami’s offensive success in 2024.

On the left facet, Matthew McCoy took over at LG after the opener. He began 10 of the subsequent 11 video games, and actually grew into his position over the course of the 12 months. There have been some points at occasions, however McCoy has prototypical measurement at 6’6” 290lbs, and suits the bodily profile of what Miami and Cristobal need to have up entrance.

At left sort out, returning starter Jalen Rivers began the opener — a 41-17 beatdown of the rival Florida Gators of their beloved on-campus stadium — however acquired injured in that recreation and missed the subsequent 5. His absence opened the door for six’9” 340lb Juco switch Markel Bell to hit the sector. Bell held down the LT spot till Rivers’ return, after which continued to play about half the snaps at that spot off the bench as soon as Rivers returned.

With each Rivers and Bell greater than succesful LTs, Miami had 2 completely different offensive line teams all through the second half of the 12 months:

• Starters: LT Rivers, LG McCoy, C Carpenter, RG Cooper, and RT Mauigoa and
• Starters half 2: LT Bell, LG Rivers, C Carpenter, RG Cooper, and RT Mauigoa

With Rivers leaving after the 2024 season, and with Bell having performed effectively (not completely, however effectively) in his absence, the need to get Bell extra snaps in preparation for the long run was clear. And, when you think about Rivers may probably find yourself again at Guard within the NFL, getting him some snaps there this season was an excellent transfer for his professional potential (are you able to inform I’ve been taking part in a variety of CFB25? lol).

Did Bell’s snaps come at McCoy’s expense later within the season? Sure. However Rivers was adequate to be a nailed on participant alongside the road, and rotating between the 2 OL teams listed allowed each Bell and McCoy to play loads alongside Rivers-Carpenter-Cooper-Mauigoa, and carry out effectively alongside the best way.

Grades:
Bell — B+
Rivers — A-
McCoy — B
Carpenter — A
Cooper — A-
Mauigoa — A

Contributors

G Ryan Rodriguez — 1 recreation, 1 begin

G Luis Cristobal — 7 video games

T Tommy Kinsler — 6 video games

T Samson Okunlola — 9 video games

Rodriquez began the opener forward of McCoy and performed the entire recreation till the bitter finish. He was injured in that recreation and missed the remainder of the 12 months. He most likely suits finest as a backup attributable to his lack of prototypical measurement. And, whilst you by no means need to lose a starter, McCoy greater than made up for Rodriguez’s absence.

Cristobal is the nephew of HC Mario, and performed a handful of snaps, some significant. He, struggled in his time on the sector, nonetheless.

Kinsler and Okunlola had been each blue chip recruits, with Okunlola coming in as a 5-star. At this level, Kinsler appears nearer to the sector than Okunlola, however each supplied high quality depth when referred to as upon.

Grades:
Rodriguez — B+
Cristobal — D+
Kinsler — C+
Okunlola — C-

The Remainder of the Room

Nino Francavilla, Antonio Tripp Jr, Frankie Tinilau, and Deryc Plazz had been different younger gamers who performed in early-season blowouts. Tripp and Tinilau have each transferred elsewhere, and that’s high-quality. They had been probably years from vital taking part in time, in the event that they ever would have cracked the rotation.

Total, this 12 months was an enormous offensive success for the Canes as a result of elite efficiency of the offensive line opening holes for the working recreation, and move defending for one of the best QB within the nation: Cam Ward.

Bravo, offensive line.

Bravo.

Go Canes