Miami Hurricanes' offensive line faces massive upheaval. Matthew McCoy moves to right tackle, embracing a new challenge to anchor a revamped unit.
As spring training unravels, the Miami Hurricanes will have a ton of voids to fill, especially on the offensive line. Left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, all of whom were starters last season, declared for the upcoming NFL Draft. They provided high-quality protection for quarterback Carson Beck, plus created gaps to establish the run game.
Jamal Meriweather was the only offensive lineman to join the roster through the transfer portal, signaling that the program will rely on in-house talent to step up, including Matthew McCoy. Last season, the redshirt senior played and started in 15 games at left guard. However, there’s been a change of plans, after revealing to the media on Tuesday that he’s working out at right tackle.
Some challenges come with switching positions, especially when moving from one side to another, as McCoy highlighted.
“Tackle, of course, you got to be more mobile,” he said. “You’re doing a lot of dancing with guys, so they’re a lot more athletic than you. It’s different for sure, especially going from left to right side. Flipping your feet, it’s a little different, but I’m just getting better. That’s all I’m working on, just keep building my craft.”
McCoy has the responsibility of stepping into Mauigoa’s role on the team, not just productively on the field, but as a leader. Outside of the St. Augustine native and redshirt junior Samson Okunlola, the rest of the projected starting offensive line is rather inexperienced, such as Meriweather and five-star freshman Jackson Cantwell. Also, despite entering his fifth season with the program, center Ryan Rodriguez has seen limited game action due to various injuries.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, the Hurricanes’ success revolved around dominating matchups in the trenches. Despite falling short, the historic College Football Playoff run established a new culture and standard within the program, which veterans like McCoy are expected to uphold.
The offensive line will still play a critical role in the team’s success next season, regardless of new faces. As Beck departed for the upcoming NFL Draft, they will be responsible for providing high-quality protection for quarterback Darian Mensah. After winning an ACC championship with the Duke Blue Devils, the 21-year-old joins the Hurricanes, looking to accomplish greater things.
“He’s [Mensah] a great leader,” McCoy said. “We hang out with him outside of football. It’s not just like we are just in the facility working with him. He’s a good person outside of football as well. He’s a great leader and he came in humble as well, just like I would say with Damon [Wilson II]. They just wanted to come in, lead, and just hungry to work, which is great. It’s what we need.”
As a new season approaches, the Hurricanes look to remain competitive and take care of unfinished business.
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