MIAMI FOOTBALL

Evaluation, progress are keys for MU spring football

By MIKE SMITH
While there is something comforting about being surrounded familiar friends, there is also something exciting about being surrounded by new faces - especially when you are a football coach and the "newbies" are a talented bunch.

After one of the largest player turnovers during his time at Miami, Head Coach Chuck Martin is settling in with his 2025 crew. He sees talent. He sees enthusiasm. In time, he anticipates more consistent execution. 

To get there, Martin embraces the process.

If you like . . . 

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. . . coaching, the portal era is for you. I know a lot of coaches don't feel that way, but I feel like I am a freshman football coach. 

Last year, we had so many returners. I still had to coach, but day one of spring, (most of) our kids knew our offense, knew our defense, knew our expectations (and) culture. Every year now, with the transitions and turnover, you're not going to start all over ... but start with an earlier place and build (from there). 

For those who might question the value of spring practice, Martin called that viewpoint "insane." 

"It's already practice eight, but I wish we had about 30 more," Martin said. "Even if you are an older kid that is a talented transfer, there is a learning process where ever you go."

Defensive back Silas Walters (29) started 14 games for Miami last year. (MVSmith/MRO)

Given the massive turnover -- between graduation and portal moves -- Miami's coaching staff needed to adjust. The spring roster includes 13 portal transfers and 11 early enrolees. 
"A lot of times you  try to pick up from where you left off.," Martin said. "We had to slow everything down. We had to teach the fundamentals of what we're doing from scratch. We've gone very slow compared to most springs as far as implementation and installation, which is fine. We're going to walk before we run. We're going to master something before we move on, but its been fun. It's a very energetic group."
That enthusiasm has been a major plus during the process. 
"I love the energy. We are storming the hill, and if we get bumped off it it, we're going to storm the hill again tormorrow," Martin said. 

Former Toledo QB Dequan Finn is an elusive runner who also has passing skills and a wealth of experience against Mid-American Conference competition. (MVSmith/MRO)

Even as they are learning, the players are also competing for positions -- and there are plenty of opportunities on both sides of the ball. Other than game tape on some players, spring is the first chance for players to demonstrate their capabilities -- or at least potential. 

"We're a long way from figuring out what this new crew is ... going to be great at; they are (already) good.
"Some battles will be won (in the spring). Some battles will go through fall camp. (In) some battles, we'll probably be rotating (personnel) the first couple games. We've got two Big Ten teams out of the chute, so you can throw some kids out there - throw them in shark-infested waters and see (how it goes)." 

He continued, "We play a very (tough early) schedule, but the nice thing is to find out who really likes to play football. Who really wants to be out there and who doesn't." 
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The roster includes proven play-makers. Transfer quarterback Daquan Finn, for example, was Mid-American Conference Player of the Year in his final season (2023) at Toledo. 

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The incoming group also includes former Power Four school players looking to prove their skills. Among them are several receiving targets for Finn.

Although there are few returning starters, there are a number of players with significant game experience. 

"Guys like (linebacker) Corban Hondru have been waiting to be the guy. Now is his chance," Martin said. "It's just like when a guy goes down with an injury. I feel bad for that guy, but I don't feel bad for the next guy. It's his time."

For now, evaluation and progress are the keys. 
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"We've got so many new guys (and) so many young guys. There is a huge learning curve," Martin said. "Saturday, we started doing more things right. ... I think when we watch tape tomorrow, we'll see a lot more guys doing the little things right that you have to do to win games."
The RedHawks wrap up spring practices Saturday, April 28.