FORT LAUDERDALE – Miami (Fla.) showcased its talent in front of many fans at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale last night (April 14).
Fans have been anticipating the Hurricanes football spring progress despite last year’s 5-7 season.
Second-year head coach Mario Cristobal expressed his satisfaction with his team’s play on both sides of the ball.
“We played physical in spots, were successful in spurts on both sides of the ball, and showed some inconsistencies,” Cristobal said. “But overall progress. We feel like we have progressed, and we’ve got to continue progressing from here.”
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke showcased his skill connecting to top receivers, including Jacolby George, who had two catches for 46 yards.
“All the receivers did a great job catching the ball and getting the separation,” explained Van Dyke, who completed 13 of 19 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown in the first half.
Wide receiver and Deerfield Beach alum Xavier Restrepo had three catches for 79 yards in the first half. He talked with media members about the chemistry between him and Van Dyke as he was coming off an injury last year.
“The work that we put in over the last three years is finally coming together,” Restrepo said. “God’s timing is perfect. That’s how I look at it.”
Van Dyke ended with 286 yards and two touchdowns while completing 22 of his 29 passes, looking more like his 2021 self.
Defensively, It was all about lineman and Miami Central legend Rueben “Hurricane” Bain. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound freshman was explosive last night as he single-handedly sacked Van Dyke three times during the spring scrimmage.
“He’s a good player. He’s going to make an impact here and continue to grow,” Van Dyke commented on Bain coming after him. “He’s got a relentless motor, a ton of pride, and has been coached really well at his high school (Miami Central).”
Fans expect to see Bain play a lot as a true freshman in the fall after playing so explosive at last night’s spring game.
Cristobal described Bain in a succinct way.
“Extremely disruptive and very tough,” Cristobal said.
On special teams, kicker Andres Borregales made a 51-yard field goal in this spring game.
SIDE NOTE: Canes football received a commitment from home during the spring game as St. Thomas Aquinas receiver Chance Robinson gave his pledge to UM.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Robinson finished his junior season with 540 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 29 passes.
There will be a lot more upcoming changes at UM.
The transfer portal will be opening today (Saturday, April 15). Players have until April 30 to determine if they want to enter the transfer portal.
Cristobal will be aggressively recruiting players as needed. Only time will tell in who will be coming to or leaving Miami.
PHOTO CREDITS: Chuck Bethel
