As Miami prepares for its 15-session spring practice schedule, which is due to open on Sunday at 3 p.m. and end with the Spring Showcase on April 22, here are five questions faced by the Redhawks:
Who sacks the opposing quarterback?
Miami racked up 24 sacks last season, costing opponents 174 yards, but the graduation of defensive ends Austin Gearing and J.T. Jones deleted a combined 10-1/2 sacks and 72 yards from the attack. Junior lineman Ikeem Allen, who finished with 3-1/2 sacks for 30 yards, and third-year sophomore linebacker Brad Koenig, who also set opponents back 30 yards with three sacks, are Miami’s top returning rushers.
Who protects Miami’s quarterbacks?
This might not be as big of a problem. Four out of five offensive line starters return – including left guard Jordan Diamond, the graduate transfer from Auburn who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA – but the RedHawks must find a replacement for right offensive tackle Collin Buchanan. Martin and Miami’s coaches have focused on improving the RedHawks’ offensive line depth, and that should start to pay off this season.
The 6-foot-5, 327-pound Diamond never played in more than four games in any one season with Auburn, which helped lead to him earning another year of eligibility.
Can Nick Dowd become more consistent?
The sophomore placekicker missed five PATs last season, which could be crucial if the RedHawks play as many close games in 2017 as they did in 2016. Six of their 13 games were one-possession outcomes, including a one-point win over Ball State in the regular-season finale and a one-point loss in the bowl game.
How much will the new Athletic Performance Center help?
More than 56,000 total square feet, including a plush 6,000 square-foot locker room, an 8,200 square-foot weight room, a 5,000 square-foot athletic training and rehabilitation area and a 1,400 square-foot players lounge – Martin is convinced that the facility which just opened helped Miami’s recruiting efforts.
Connected to the Dauch Indoor Sports Center, the new facility should help the RedHawks squeeze more out of every practice session. The question now is what impact will it have in the RedHawks’ on-field performance.
Can Miami maintain its momentum?
The RedHawks closed 2016 with a rush. They won’t be sneaking up on opponents next season, and spring practice is a good place to start honing their techniques in an effort to build on the foundation they laid in the second half of last season.
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