ANALYSIS: Who has most to prove on offense looking ahead to tomorrow’s Miami spring game?

The Miami Hurricanes have wrapped up 14 spring practices. One remains: The Spring Game tomorrow at Cobb Stadium on campus at 4 p.m. Today we cast an eye toward the five offensive players with the most to prove looking ahead to tomorrow’s game:

5. RB CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

With injuries assailing the running backs room it’s been Johnson as the main guy this spring. He’s shown excellent speed, but it remains to be seen if he’s a guy that will be going down on first contact given his slight build (listed at 6-0, 180). The spring game will give us a chaance to really get a handle on what kind of workload he can handle, a must given the that Miami is expected to add a portal running back (Oregon State RB transfer Damien Martinez is a strong possibility) and is hoping to get back Mark Fletcher at some point close to the season. Ajay Allen is also rounding into shape and TreVonte’ Citizen is also looking more explosive off a major knee injury. Freshmen Chris Wheatley-Humphrey and Jordan Lyle (summer arrival) also hope to have a say on the reps here. This spring game is a chance for Johnson to leave a lasting impression if he can break off some explosive runs.

4. OL Samson Okunlola

There is one open spot on the offensive line with three solid returning starters (Jalen Rivers, Anez Cooper and Francis Mauigoa, who is coming off injury), plus the team added veteran Indiana starting center Zach Carpenter. This spring has seen several guys get looks at left guard (where Javion Cohen is gone) as well as right tackle. It seems Okunlola has made the most progress up the depth chart as the spring progressed, with a nod to Luis Cristobal and Matthew McCoy. JUCO OT Markel Bell could also factor in if there’s some shuffling on the line. The spring game will be a chance for the former 5-star Okunlola, in Year 2, to really show his physicality and quickness relative to size at the point of attack. Honorable mention here goes to Carpenter, since he needs to show Miami can rely on him as the replacement at center for Matt Lee.

3. TE ELIJAH ARROYO

Heading into this spring the expectation was a healthy Arroyo would be that do-everything guy for Miami. But with Riley Williams bulking up in Year 2 and true freshman Elija Lofton flashing there’s the possibility Arroyo won’t be that every-down guy. Arroyo has practiced in a knee brace this spring and had some good moments. He has to start showing he can be that guy at tight end for Miami, or someone else will be snapping up the receiving yards in a very talented tight ends room. Remember that Arroyo has been plagued by injuries the last two years so he’s never had that breakout season. It wouldn’t surprise us if Lofton winds up leading the team in receiving yards from the tight ends position this year … unless Arroyo really steps up.

2. WR ISAIAH HORTON

It is expected that Miami will hit the second portal window for a top receiver to complement last year’s starting duo Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George. The team might even take two WR transfers. Which makes it oh-so-important for Horton to step up and show progress in his third year with the program. Horton had 168 yards as a backup last season and is hoping to fill the departed Colbie Young’s spot. He also could get passed by a JoJo Trader, who has made a big impression as a true freshman. So Horton really needs a strong showing to help make his mark as a guy that can be a capable playmaker.

1. QB CAM WARD

You may look at this one and shake your head a bit, along the lines of Ward’s already proven himself as a top national playmaker at Washington State, right? Well, the expectations are ratcheted up sky-high for Ward to take this Miami team to the 10-win mark for just the second time in the last two decades. If he looks great tomorrow then his NIL deal and the risk Miami is taking on him as a one-year wonder for the program will be justified. If he struggles? Well, fans will enter the next few months with a lot of questions about a program that has been shaky the first two years under Mario Cristobal. So yeah, a lot is riding on Ward’s shoulders (arm) starting with this spring game. It’s also a chance to see fellow transfer Reese Poffenbarger for the first time, with the likelihood he’ll compete to start next year … assuming he sticks with the program.

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