Today On CT: Exhaling from Miami’s ACC Media Days Marathon
What was once a two-day sprint has transformed into a 17-team, four-day marathon. ACC Media Days concludes today and we’re just now catching our breath. Allow me to spend some time rehashing an eventful week in Charlotte with the CT crew before making a full recap of the Media Days.
Mario Cristobal likes what running back Damien Martinez brings to Miami
Mario Cristobal is pleased with what he sees in Damien Martinez.
“Big, strong, powerful guy that can flat out go,” Cristobal said Wednesday describing his new rusher. “If you’ve got a chance, watch his film out there when he was at Oregon State and whether it be wide zone, tight zone, duo, pin and pull. He does it all protection-wise, screen game, just a big, physical guy. The first contact for him is usually contact plus two (yards). He churns his legs through contact, he finds a way to get extra yards.”
“Well the way we are run the ball, you need bell cows. You can’t have one, one’s not gonna be enough. We pound it up in there and they’re also different. Mark is a big powerful guy who can run, Damien is a big powerful guy who can run, and Chris has got blinding speed right? Jordan is a combination of those guys, AJ’s a combination of those guys,” Cristobal said.
Martines had an amazing true freshman season where he ran for 982 yards and seven touchdowns. He then took it up another notch last season as a sophomore, running for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns. Those 1,185 yards was enough for 24th best in the country. He was also involved in the passing game, catching 11 passes for an additional 126 yards.
Mario Cristobal says Mark Fletcher and Akheem Mesidor will be back by fall camp
“Mark Fletcher is running on land and he is going to be good to go for practice one and game one,” Cristobal said. “When we start practice, it will be his first time playing in a while so we might have a return to play process for him that goes with all that, but he is going to be cleared to play and more importantly he is going to be ready to play.
Fletcher, who rushed for 514 yards this season, has been named by PFF one of the best freshman RBs in college football.
On Mesidor, the veteran defensive lineman has played 45 defensive snaps in 2023, totaling five tackles and one sack. He has generated one pressure this season.
Jalen Rivers believes we have all the necessary components to achieve success this season
Rivers said at today’s ACC Media Day that he wants to see that progress continue.
“I think we have a great team,” Rivers said. “I feel great, we have all the pieces, it’s on us to put the pieces together. I’m excited for where this takes us.”
“We brought guys in to add to depth – if one of us goes down we have that person that can go in and no drop-off,” Rivers said. “I feel we have that at every spot.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Miami ranked 12th in pass block and 35th in run block in FBS college football.
Jalen Rivers was the highest-graded offensive lineman in offensive grade with 74.1, just behind Matt Lee, which is now at the Bengals.
Kiko Maugioa says we are building a great atmosphere and culture around this Miami team
Miami Hurricanes star-studded linebacker Kiko Mauigoa spoke to the media at Charlotte for the 2024 ACC Media Days, and he told the analyst that we are building a bond and culture around this Miami team.
“I think for me, I’m excited for this team,” Mauigoa said. “The D line and guys coach (Mario) Cristobal is bringing in, it’s been a really good additions – Simeon, Tyler, all those guys work so hard to be at the spot they are today. Those guys have the mindset to get better, the will to improve in their craft, to get ahead of everybody. That’s the kind of mindset the Miami Hurricanes have, bringing those people in that can bring all the young guys with them. With the additions, it has been really good for the Miami Hurricanes.”
Mauigoa finished the year with a 69.5 PFF grade, 17th highest on the team. He led Miami with 17 tackles for loss and recorded the second-highest total in overall tackles at 70.
Mauigoa totaled 70 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception as Miami’s top linebacker this year. He also earned All-ACC Second Team honors, as he’ll have a chance to chase new heights next season.
Mario Cristobal says Cam Ward is such a game changer
During the ACC Media Days on Wednesday, July 24th, Mario Cristobal spoke highly of Cam Ward, describing him as a true game-changer.
“In a lot of ways,” Cristobal said. “I think it’s very well documented, his productivity as a player throughout his career, and what really stands out in the short time we’ve been around him is he’s an alpha leader.”
“And on the way in and when we were watching him on film it was obvious to the entire country, and the reason everybody watched him was his playmaking ability, right? Really accurate, great arm strength, the ability to improvise, extend plays. A game changer.”
Cam Ward is trying to help the team to win a national championship
As simple as it sounds Cam Ward told the media at the ACC Media Days that he wants to win a national championship.
“I think we can be real good offensively,” Ward said. “Getting Damien here was a big piece of that. When I played against him (at Washington State) you could just see the different style he runs with. He can be a dominant rusher, also an agility rusher. There are many running backs in the country that can’t do what she does. (At receiver) I’m really comfortable with Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo. If we get where we want offensively, they’re going to be a big part of that. And Isaiah Horton has had a big spring, the way he sees the field is the same as X and JG. Our timing is on point. And I think the biggest sleeper is (TE) Elijah Arroyo. I think he will have a bigger blocking, and pass catching – he will season this yea be the reason our offense goes.
“The offensive line, that’s the group that is the least of our worries. They have the right mindset every day. … it’s good being in my position behind an offensive line like that. With the defensive line, the trenches are the best part of our team right now.”
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Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
