MIAMI FOOTBALL

Defense shines; offense shows flashes in fall preview

Brett Gabbbert has looked good in fall practices. (MVSmith)

FALL CAMP REPORT - FALL PREVIEW EVENT
By MIKE SMITH
Head Coach Chuck Martin's 2023 RedHawks football squad displayed some of its fall camp progress Saturday at Yager Stadium. The MU defense flexed its muscle and experience through much of the session, leading Martin to observe: "Today, the defense wanted to come and kick our you-know what. We weren't so sure we wanted to kick their you-know-what, and so that's what happened." 

He continued, "Sometimes it's just how hard you bite down on your mouthpiece, and today the defense was biting down a lot harder than we were ​(on offense)."

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Gage Larvadain (10) is a transfer from Southeastern Louisiana. Michael Dowell defends on the play. (MVSmith)

OTHER NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS
>> Quarterbacks Brett Gabbert, Aveon Smith and Maddox Kopp all saw action, although Gabbert got the majority of work and had the most completions. 

>> The vast majority of snaps from scrimmage were spent on passing. What little running occured usually resulted in very short gains against a stout and experienced defense. However, Martin said he feels the RedHawks will be able to run the ball enough to have a diverse offense when the regular season arrives. "If we consistenly play at the level we can, we're going to be able to run the football . . .  Consistency is the key. At times we've had it, and (other) times we didn't."

>> With Gabbert back, MU is eager to re-establish its passing game. MAC Hippenhammer is gone (UDFA - Cincinnati Bengals), and Myles Marshall is the key returning wideout. However, the transfer portal has brought in several receivers who could be productive. Part of fall camp has been working some of the new talent into the offense. 

>> Although there are still nearly two weeks until the season opener versus Miami's Hurricanes (Friday, Sept. 1), Martin likes the the potential he has seen. "Today, they weren't great, but we've got the ability to be pretty good," Martin said. 
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>> During the latter part of practice, several receivers worked their way open for big gains and/or touchdowns. 

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Graham Nicholson was part of Saturday's special teams work. Head Coach Chuck Martin said the RedHawks ST unit will be strong again this year. (MVSmith)

>> Special teams got its share of work. Graham Nicholson and Alec Bevelhimer both converted a long field goal among several kicks. The latter showed some extra elevation on his shorter boots. 

>> Martin said special teams will be a strength again this season. "We have multiple kickers that can really kick the ball well. We have multiple punters that can punt the ball well. We have three long snappers."
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Even the return game has potential.  "We have some dynamic returners," he said. "We (also) have a lot of depth at the linebacker position, which (translates well) to special teams. We have some really good coverage guys and guys that can do the dirty work to get in front of the returners."

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Ben Jackson (72) defends against Josh Luckusa (94) Although it took some offseason hits, the offensive line will be a key factor in Miami's offensive production this year. (MVSmith)