New running backs coach Favian Upshaw brings NFL experience and a unique quarterback perspective to a talented Miami Hurricanes backfield.
As the Miami Hurricanes continue to schedule official and unofficial visits with high-caliber high school prospects, a staff vacancy was filled. It was reported on Thursday that Favian Upshaw will be the program's new running backs coach, following the departure of Matt Merritt, who accepted a job with the Arizona Cardinals.
They retained many core players, including star Mark Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, Jordan Lyle, and Girard Pringle Jr.
Upshaw was a former quarterback with the Georgia Southern Eagles from 2014 to 2016. He completed 84 of 159 passes, 52.8 percent, throwing for 1,126 yards and six touchdowns, plus eight interceptions in 32 total games over three seasons.
However, the former three-star athlete showed mobility. He rushed 189 times for 1,309 yards, 6.9 yards per carry, scoring 10 touchdowns.
Upshaw spent the previous three NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos as an offensive quality control coach. The organization reached the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2016, but suffered a 10-7 loss against the New England Patriots.
The 32-year-old had previous coaching experience at Astronaut High School, Savannah State, Benedict College, Georgia Southern, and Tulane. He's taken different responsibilities at each stop, including as a running backs coach.
Upshaw will have the luxury of working with a stable core.
Fletcher Jr. finished with a historic run towards the National Championship: rushing 75 times for 507 yards, the most in College Football Playoff history, scoring three total touchdowns.
Brown proved to be a valuable backup: rushing 122 times for 474 yards, scoring nine total touchdowns for all of last season. He's a physical running back, listed at 5-11, 220 pounds. The 20-year-old thrives on power.
The Hurricanes had multiple freshmen step up and make an impact, including Pringle Jr. In the final four games of the regular season, he rushed 48 times for 302 yards, 6.3 yards per carry, scoring two total touchdowns. Despite limited time on the field to begin the year, the 19-year-old produced for the team when it was needed.
As the Hurricanes finished the regular season with a four-game winning streak, it was necessary to provide a case to the Selection Committee to make the College Football Playoffs through an at-large bid. It was reported in late Jan. that Pringle Jr. planned to enter the transfer portal, but shortly after withdrew.
Lyle dealt with injuries last season, which resulted in limited action. He rushed 34 times for 108 yards, scoring a touchdown in six games, including two starts. The Fort Lauderdale native did not play in the College Football Playoffs.
The Hurricanes added numerous talents through the transfer portal, including All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah, and none were running backs.
Upshaw's experience as a coach and perspective as a former quarterback could be highly valuable throughout next season.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: