MIAMI FOOTBALL

RedHawk receiving stock on the rise

Gage Larvadain led Southeast Louisiana receivers in 2022 with 59 catches for a total of 731 yards and two TDs.

CAMP REPORT 2
Two years ago, when Brett Gabbert was throwing for over 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns, his targets included Jack Sorenson, Mac Hippenhammer and Jalen Walker. That trio of wide receivers combined for 155 catches, 2,590 yards and 19 touchdowns.  

Sorenson, who had an uncanny knack for finding holes in, under or behind opposing defenses, earned First Team All-MAC honors after registering 76 receptions, 1,406 yards and 10 scores in his final season. 
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Hippenhammer, a transfer from Penn State, led RedHawk receivers in 2022. Despite often seeing double coverage and operating in a significantly scaled back passing game due to Gabbert's (injury) absences, Hippenhammer caught 54 passes for 769 yards and nine TDs. 
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With Hippenhammer AND Walker gone, Miami is now . . .

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. . . working on building another cast of "credible threats" who can compliment the return of Gabbert, as well as other passing options.

Redshirt senior Miles Marshall is a good start. The 6-4 wideout from Lilburn, Georgia began his collegiate career at Indiana and started 10 games for the Hoosiers in 2021. He appeared in all 13 games for Miami last season, finishing with 24 catches for 390 yards and two TDs. His best stat game was against Western Michigan, when he grabbed seven balls for a total of 94 yards. His game-winning touchdown against Ball State helped lift Miami to a crucial sixth win and bowl appearance. 

Miles Marshall picks up a key first down against Western Michigan. Marshall started his collegiate career at Indiana. Several other transfers could figure in the receiver mix this year as Miami seeks to reinvigorate its passing game. (MVSmith)

"He really took some big steps forward," MU Head Coach Chuck Martin said after a recent practice session. "He played good for us last year, and I expect him to play great for us (this season)."

As optimistic as he is on Marshall, Martin had his concerns earlier this year. "I didn't feel great in January," he said, noting MU needed more targets.

Sophomore Reggie Virgil and redshirt freshman Jevan Tracy have emerged as a pair of internal options. "They both had tremendous springs, and we are expecting them to be major contributors," Martin said. 

"We (also) brought a couple guys in from the outside," he continued. "They did some nice things in the spring." Gage Larvadain (5-10)  recorded 59 catches for 731 yards and two TDs last year at Southeastern Louisiana. He also averaged 25.1 yards on kick returns and rushed 15 times for a total of 74 yards. Joe Wilkins, meanwhile, transferred to Miami from Notre Dame. The 6-2 receiver saw action in seven games last year (4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD) before suffering a season-ending injury against Cincinnati. 

One more option arrived in July. Cade McDonald (5-11, R-JR) played in 25 career games for Michigan State after finishing a prep career with the Naperville Central Redhawks. 
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"From January 6 to now, I feel a whole lot better about the weapons we have out there," Martin said, adding that MU quarterbacks also feel good about their target options.