By: Bryce Mitchell
The U is all about the blend.
With the kickoff of the 2023 ACC Media Days on July 25, the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes said that the team’s strength stems from their blend.
“The blend is the right percentages of the different kinds of roster make-up components,” said Mario Cristobal.
By that, Cristobal means his seasoned Hurricane veterans, an elite freshman class and some experienced transfer portal players.
The transition has been seamless for the transfer players because Cristobal was upfront and honest that the team’s goal is to build and rebuild.
“We didn’t sell any lofty expectations or any BS dreams,” said Cristobal.
That has created a good combination for Miami.
Cristobal also says that the diversity of the team is another positive aspect for the upcoming season. In Cristobal’s words, it’s a reflection of their home city, Miami.
“You see every color, ethnicity. You see it all. You see it on our team in terms of their backgrounds, in terms of the different ways they got to Miami,” said the head coach.
But one thing they all have in common? They like to work and are driven. They have the self-motivation and aren’t afraid to put in the extra time and work it will take to improve the team.
The rules are changing
Although many college football coaches have expressed their dislike for the transfer portal, Miami’s head coach understands that change is inevitable and you “have to adapt.”
For him, he’s always looking for ways to make his roster the best it can be and the portal is just another way to do that.
But, he won’t stray from his principle values in the sport of football. He believes in putting in time and effort to develop not only a great player, but a great person as well. He will still keep high school recruitment at the forefront.
New transfer wave
Offensive lineman and a transfer from UCF, Matt Lee represented Miami at the podium on Tuesday.
When asked why he chose Miami over other offers, Lee said that after an official visit, choosing Miami was a “no-brainer.”
He saw the work ethic, the discipline, the type of people the players are and could see himself becoming the kind of person he wants to be.
Coming into the season, Lee and the other transfers are ready for play.
“We just have to hang our hats on being the toughest, meanest guys on the field every snap, every single game. It doesn’t matter. Always be able to rely on us five no matter what,” said Lee.
One thing in common
Cristobal remarked that it’s important to remember that Miami has always been really good when it’s filled with people that want to be at Miami. He refers not only to his players but his staff as well.
All people are important to the team. With new staff in Shannon Dawson and Lance Guidry, that winning feeling is spreading among the Hurricanes.
