The Miami Hurricanes went through an extensive roster overhaul during the offseason, something not uncommon amongst teams in the new age of the transfer portal and NIL, adding 26 incoming freshman and 15 players from the transfer portal to their roster. 

Taking the podium on Tuesday, for the ACC Media Days, second-year head coach, Mario Cristobal, spoke about the Hurricanes’ roster construction and how he feels about this group heading into the 2023 season.

Cristobal believes he and his staff have put together a roster that has the right mix of different components, saying, “I think what makes this roster work well is the blend. The blend is the right percentages of the different kinds of roster make-up components.” 

Cristobal explained that the “blend” he is referring to is comprised of seasoned veterans that have been with the Hurricanes, incoming freshman, and seasoned and experienced transfer portal players. 

In terms of returning veterans, the Hurricanes brought back a handful of players including QB Tyler Van Dyke and safety Kam Kitchens, who were both present at the ACC Media Days alongside Coach Cristobal. 

The Hurricanes’ incoming freshman class ranked as 6th best recruiting class in the country and 1st in the ACC. Referring to the incoming freshman, Cristobal mentioned, “Some guys are going to be able to contribute and be impactful members on the field.”

Cristobal and his staff brought in a talented group of transfer portal players, including former UCF center, Matt Lee, who was also present at media days alongside Cristobal. The head coach seemed pleased with how the transfers have acclimated to the program thus far.

I think they understand that the secret is out there in the dirt and to get their hands dirty and put in time and put in effort.

Mario Cristobal – Head Coach, University of Miami

Bringing in over 40 new players is a big change for a locker room, but Cristobal said they all have one thing in common, explaining, “They like to work, and they are driven. They are internally driven and self-motivated, and it’s been fun and exciting to watch these guys work. I think they understand that the secret is out there in the dirt and to get their hands dirty and put in time and put in effort.” 

Anyone who has listened to Mario Cristobal over the last 2 years or so certainly knows that he is not averse to hard work, and he expects the same from anyone in his program. This is his first season where he has been able to fully construct the roster in his image, and if you listen to Cristobal speak, it seems that he has found players that fit the mold. Cristobal seems excited about the group that he’s brought in and their potential on the field heading into the 2023 season. 

Photo credit: Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports