MIAMI FOOTBALL

O-line experience should serve MU well -- again

Will Jados against Buffalo (MVSmith/MRO)

Part 2 of 2

By MIKE SMITH
Quarterback Brett Gabbert's presence in the lineup gives Miami a dangerous passing threat. On the other hand, his absences during each of the past two years changed that dynamic. MU was forced to adapt as Aveon Smith moved into the starter's role. 

Smith (now with Alabama A&M) was just a freshman and more of a running threat when he took over for Gabbert in Week 2 of 2022. However, he gained experience and Miami adapted. When Gabbert went down again eight games into last season, the RedHawks again . . . 

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Reid Holskey blocks against Delaware State. (MVSmith/MRO)

. . . turned to Smith and more of a run-heavy game. 

Miami pulled off a huge upset of Ohio the very next week and went on to win 2023 Mid-American Conference and MAC East titles. 

It helped that MU's run game was boosted by newcomer Rashad Amos, who eventually ran for 1,075 yards and 13 TDs. However, Miami's successful transition also had a lot to do with its offensive line. 

"We had been there before," MU offensive tackle Reid Holskey recalled following a RedHawk practice earlier this week. "Aveon did it with us in '22, and in '23 when he (was needed again) I think ... he had a lot of confidence. That confidence was contagious ... for the guys up front. (We) feed off of that."

Because of the previous year's adjustments, MU was able to tap a Plan B right away. That proved valuable in the one-week lead up to MU vs OU. Miami eventually won 30-16 and ran off five more wins after that to reach the conference title game.

"It wasn't an uncomfortable feeling. We had run an offense with (Aveon) before," Holskey said. "It's weird for about one or two plays, and then its like, 'OK, lets get it going again." 

He continued, "That was the mindset of the whole team -- no matter what you're going to throw at us, let's just roll with the punches."

"We were really confident about what we had to do and how we had to do it," offensive line coach and run game coordinator James Patton recalled. 

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Entering 2024, Miami's line figures to get plenty of run AND pass blocking opportunities. (MVSmith/MRO)

With a healthy Gabbert at the helm, Miami figures to again embrace the airways. Meanwhile, Amos transferred out, but former UNLV/Purdue running back Dylan Downing (6-0, 225) has joined an experienced group of ballcarriers. 

"I think he has that ability to lower his shoulder when he needs to, but he can also break it loose." Holskey said of Downing. He added, "I think the running backs are doing a great job of stepping it up."

Ultimately, a successful run game is only going to help the passing game -- and vice versa. 

Game plans may change from week to week, but Patton feels his O-line's experience and depth will allow it to execute well on either path. "We've got a good group," he said. "Whether its throwing the ball or running, we'll be versatile ... physical and smart."