Mario Cristobal on Miami Hurricanes Freshman Ben Congdon: 'He Plays Big'

MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the Miami Hurricanes’ 41-13 win over Clemson last Saturday at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium), head coach Mario Cristobal decided to start freshman Ben Congdon at left guard rather than stick with sophomore Seuseu “SJ” Alofaituli; however, the gamble ended up paying off.

The 18-year-old played 61 of 66 snaps and made an impact at the line of scrimmage. Protecting quarterback Darian Mensah was a challenge, as Congdon finished with a 54.7 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He was credited with allowing a pressure and a hurry. However, Congdon didn’t allow a hit or sack on Mensah.

When the Hurricanes ran the ball, the Zoarville (Ohio) was more than reliable in creating space and gaps. Congdon finished with a 71.3 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade. He played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes rushing for 192 yards on 35 carries. Although Mensah has shown elite accuracy to start this season, impacting the game on the ground remains a program top priority. Congdon played every snap of the Hurricanes’ fourth-quarter touchdown drive, which consisted of nine consecutive run plays for 62 yards.

"Strong performance," Cristobal said in Monday's media availability. "He plays [big], but the moment was not too big for him. I liked his performance, attitude, and approach."

Initially, Jackson Cantwell was the popular freshman on the Coral Gables campus. He was an elite five-star recruit coming from Nixa High School in Missouri. However, Cantwell has only logged 78 total snaps in the first five games of the season. He’s primarily been on the field at right guard, but playing the interior has been another challenge in itself.

Although Congdon shares a similar frame to Cantwell, listed at 6-8 and 330 pounds, the adjustment has seemingly gone smoother for one freshman than the other.

The Hurricanes cross-train every offensive lineman that steps through Greentree Practice Fields and the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility. Cristobal and position coach Alex Mirabal want the players to have a better understanding of each position. Although Cantwell is naturally an offensive tackle, specifically on the left side, the job is currently occupied full-time by redshirt junior Samson Okunlola. If he’s to carve out a consistent role on the field, it will need to be at right guard, as starter Max Buchanan underwent surgery on Wednesday.

Congdon was overlooked entering fall camp; however, it’s difficult to ignore him now.

Playing a freshman offensive lineman has its risks, but the Hurricanes play those who have earned trust through hard work behind the scenes. Congdon has accomplished that early and has a strong chance to stay in the starting lineup for the rest of the season.

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