MIAMI FOOTBALL

McDonald sees MU receiver room  primed for production

Cade McDonald (15) gets congratulations from teammates after a touchdown reception Saturday at Yager Stadium.

By MIKE SMITH
Senior wideout Cade McDonald agreed with Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin's assessment of last Saturday's public practice. There is work to be done in the next couple weeks. At the same time, both agree the potential is there for a big year by Miami's offense. 

In particular, Brett Gabbert's return at quarterback should mean a revitalization of Miami's passing game. McDonald is also confident that MU's receiver room . . . 

---

. . . has the right stuff to finish what Gabbert starts.

Gage Larvadain, a big-play talent who shined brightest while Gabbert was still in the 2023 lineup, is now at South Carolina. Joe Wilkins and Miles Murphy are also gone. Collectively, they accounted for 65 of MU's 165 catches. Larvadain owned a team-high 42 receptions with six TDs. 

McDonald was second among MAC receivers with 28 catches (355 yards, 3 TDs), followed by then-freshman Javon Tracy (22 catches, 348 yards 2 TDs). Those two returnees will be joined by transfers Kam Perry (5-9, 168, Indiana) and Andre Johnson (6-4, 219, Arizona State), as well as some younger in-program talents.

Cade McDonald advances against Toledo standout DB Quinyon Mitchell, (MVSmith/MRO)

"We definitely miss those guys from last year . . . but I feel ... we've got a lot of guys making plays," McDonald said. "Even our younger guys were stepping up and making plays (in fall camp). I think we'll be just fine in the receiving corps this year."

This is just McDonald's second year as a RedHawk. He started his collegiate career at Michigan State where he played in 25 games. Eighteen of his 28 season catches last year came in the four games before Gabbert's injury. 

The 2023 experience has already paid dividends, he said. This "being my second year in the Miami offense, I just feel a lot more comfortable than I did earlier last year. I feel like I know the offense like the back of my hand now and am able to just play fast." 

While he is playing fast, McDonald knows his quarterback is able to think -- and react -- fast. 

Brett Gabbert's experience compliments his throwing skills. (MVSmith/MRO)

"Brett is a great quarterback. It's going to be great for our offense to have him back," McDonald said. "It's such an advantage ... with the experience he has. He has run the checks ... He just knows (what to do) and he's really good at putting the ball in our hands."

As fall practice winds down, receivers still have work to do. "We work on (skills) every day (and) we catch extra balls after practice," McDonald said, noting receivers can be one catch away from an explosive play.

By next Monday, MU practices will be focused on preparation for Northwestern. After that, the RedHawks have two weeks to prep for a huge showdown against Cincinnati in Oxford. Non-conference games at No. 7 Notre Dame and against UMass at home wrap up non-conference play. A road game at powerful Toledo opens MAC play Oct. 5. 

Its a formidable beginning, but McDonald feels good about his RedHawks -- particularly the passing game. 

"The receivers are really happy going into this year, and we feel we can make a big impact."

---