UM’s Starting Right Guard Max Buchanan Sidelined for the Foreseeable Future?

MIAMI, Fla. – Coming off a 41-13 win over Clemson at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium) last Saturday, the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes are navigating through several injuries, and an update on starting right guard Max Buchanan was provided on social media from a reliable source.

In the second quarter, freshman running back Javian Mallory was carrying the football down the middle. Buchanan went up to block Clemon’s junior linebacker Sammy Brown, but as fifth-year defensive end Jahiem Lawson went for the tackle, his legs swung out and made contact with the Hurricanes sophomore’s left knee. The 19-year-old had to be checked in the medical tent, then later returned to the game.

Despite Buchanan’s great efforts, it didn’t prevent the following news. He posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed either on the way to get surgery or coming out of it. Buchanan appears to be sidelined for an extensive period. When asked about the injuries at Monday’s media availability, head coach Mario Cristobal didn’t provide any clear updates on specific players. Buchanan had started every game of the season thus far.

The Hurricanes’ offensive line features several new personnel. Even though left tackle Samson Okunlola, center Ryan Rodriguez, and right tackle Matthew McCoy are experienced veterans, they are taking on expanded roles. Buchanan’s absence is an opportunity for someone on the roster to emerge from the shadows.

Sophomore Seuseu “SJ” Alofaituli filled in at right guard against Clemson. He was the Hurricanes’ left guard starter until freshman Ben Congdon took the job before kickoff against the Tigers. The main concern with Alofaituli is the lack of size – listed at 6-2 and 298 pounds. It was exposed in the Hurricanes’ 33-20 win over Wake Forest. Alofaituali had a 22.8 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

Another viable option is redshirt junior Jamal Meriweather, who’s logged snaps at every position on the offensive line except center in the last three years of college football at Georgia. He played right guard in the Hurricanes’ 52-3 win over Central Michigan. When junior running back Jordan Lyle fumbled the football while diving in the end zone, Meriweather recovered and was credited with a touchdown. The versatility could propel him to the starting lineup.

Freshman Jackson Cantwell has an opportunity to climb the depth chart. The former elite five-star recruit is unlikely to see the field at left tackle, as Okunlola is heavily occupying the position. As part of the Hurricanes’ cross-training, Cantwell has practiced at right guard, including in fall camp. As Congdon has emerged as an early freshman standout, Cantwell can carve out the same path, but in the interior.

The Hurricanes are in a bye week before returning to Hard Rock Stadium for next Saturday’s in-state rivalry clash against the Florida State Seminoles; kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

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