There’s optimisim and opportunity for Miami’s 2024 season

Miami welcomed fans to Cobb Stadium for their annual spring game on Saturday, as the Hurricane faithful got a taste of what is to come in 2024 and beyond.

Of course, all eyes were on Miami’s flashy new quarterback. Who else impressed and where might Miami look to add talent come the spring transfer window next week?

What we’ve seen at practices makes this performance not much of a shock, but Cam Ward got settled and quickly started becoming a playmaker. Per the broadcast, Ward finished 19/24 passing for 324 yards and three touchdowns.

One of only 14 quarterbacks to throw for over 3,500 yards last season, Ward looks to have even better receiving talent than he did this past season. With Miami seemingly in the rumor mill for several transfer portal targets, Ward expressed that he’ll be involving himself in the recruiting process to bring players to Coral Gables.

This is absolutely not a shot at Jacolby George, who played sparingly today due to being limited, but the connection between Ward and Isaiah Horton appears to be a dangerous one. Horton, who was the heir apparent to Colbie Young after his departure, has stepped up and appears to be working hard every day to be a better receiver.

After the game, Ward let the media know that Horton is consistently one of the first players at the practice facility. Horton also informed the media that he and Ward are practicing nearly every day, no matter where the location is. While it will be tough for Horton to take over George who had an All-ACC season, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.

One of the biggest storylines from the spring has been Miami utilizing freshman tight end Elija Lofton is working at running back. With an unorthodox size for a tight end, Lofton’s switch to the backfield provides Miami with the versatility to use him as a pass-catching threat from there as well.

However, with the departure of Henry Parrish Jr., Miami will definitely have running back in mind when they head into the start of the portal this week. All eyes will be on Oregon State running back Damien Martinez who is set to enter the transfer portal and has links to a potential move to Coral Gables. Martinez, who finished with over 1300 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns last season, would give Miami a strong 1-2 punch, alongside Mark Fletcher, Jr., for this upcoming season.