Hidden in the fireworks show of the Miami Hurricanes 41-17 victory over the Florida Gators is a massive storyline that could make Miami’s offense even better than anticipated. As quarterback Cam Ward, receivers Xavier Restrepo and Isaiah Horton, and transfer running back Damien Martinez stole the show, a big piece of the offense might have gotten swept under the rug.
That piece is Miami’s tight ends, led mainly by junior Elijah Arroyo; they combined for seven receptions for 136 yards along with a touchdown from ninth-year tight end Cam McCormick. That nearly eclipses the 154 yards, and it ties the single touchdown the group scored all of last year. To further show how little the position was used last year, Miami’s second-leading tight end, freshman Elijah Lofton with 2 receptions for 38 yards, had a better day than any single game for the group. Now this season, there seems to be a change in philosophy within the offense.
It’s just what’s been going on in practice every day,” offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. “So you hope that when you go play the game, the ball gets distributed like it has been in practice. To me, that’s the key.”
It’s a clear designation that tight ends will be a focal point in the offense once again. Not only does it provide Ward big options over the middle, it expands Miami’s offense as a whole. Now Miami can operate from its bigger sets with two, maybe even three, tight ends and still have that uncertainty of pass or run. More so, Miami can bring them in motion, line them up in the backfield, and put them anywhere on the field. Then, with a simple run fake, as Florida saw, Miami can get any one of their tight ends out into space. Now, wherever they line up, teams have to know that the tight ends are a threat to get the ball.
The question is, what changed this year? The answer is health and versatility. Arroyo, who was expected to fill the void left by Will Mallory after he left for the NFL, struggled with injuries. Last year he was limited to just six appearances, only recording a single catch. Arroyo, now healthy, seems confident that he will be a real threat with this group.
“When I got hurt, I was able to take a step back and learn defenses and also get a better perspective on our offense. Also, route running. I feel as fast as I’ve ever felt,” Arroyo said days before the game.
His return, mixed in with the arrival of the freshman Lofton, has added a lot of juice and life to this tight end room. The two are more versatile than McCormick, who though valuable as a blocker does not necessarily have that receiving upside. Though it might be early to say Miami is officially back as “Tight End U,” it is a promising start for a group that could be a massive asset for the Canes quest to take the ACC.