Shifting to right tackle, Matthew McCoy pushes for constant improvement, embracing the challenge to elevate the Miami Hurricanes' retooled offensive line.
On Saturday’s spring game, it featured the Miami Hurricanes’ new-looking offensive line. Despite losing four key starters from last season to the upcoming NFL Draft in left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, the up-and-coming group is expected to produce similar results and be among the best in the nation. The team retained a few veterans with familiarity, including Matthew McCoy. However, this year’s spring practices have gone differently from those in the past.
The redshirt senior revealed to be switching positions to right tackle after splitting snaps last season at left guard, alongside veteran offensive lineman Samson Okunlola. It’s difficult playing in a different spot, but going to a whole other side creates a greater challenge. However, it’s one that McCoy was asked to do and fully embraced. After the spring game, he revealed there is still more room to grow.
“I’m never satisfied,” McCoy said. “I can always get better and I can play anywhere on the [offensive line]. I’m just getting better and I’m not satisfied.”
According to 247Sports, the redshirt senior had struggled in pass blocking at the spring game. However, it shouldn’t be a major concern by the time fall camp opens. The group as a whole is still learning to play together and live up to past results.
The Hurricanes’ offensive line ranked No. 16 in sacks allowed last season in the Football Bowl Subdivision, 20 total in 16 games.
The team’s offense underwent significant changes throughout the offseason due to several departures, including Carson Beck, CJ Daniels, and Keelan Marion. However, the program filled the voids with significant transfer portal talent: All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah, All-ACC wide receiver Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Cam Vaughn. Each of them had moments in the spring game, including Mensah throwing for three touchdowns.
McCoy described the process of building chemistry with the 21-year-old as “awesome,” and he’s emerging as a leader.
“He’s [Mensah] a funny guy [in the huddle,” McCoy added. “He always makes sure we’re on the same page and he’s always getting on going. It’s important and that’s what I want for a quarterback.”
As spring football comes to an end, the objective for the Hurricanes is to enter fall camp as healthy as possible.
Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal will have more work to do in getting the new group to gel as a unit and be ready for the upcoming season.
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