The Miami Hurricanes have 13 returning starters from 2013 meaning no less than nine positional battles are up for grabs.  Headlined by the quarterback position,  the ‘Canes are hoping to see a step up in their rebuilding process as they aim for a return to the top of the AP polls.

Quarterback

Ryan Williams,  who backed up former starter Stephen Morris for two seasons,  was favorite to land the job with plenty of experience in the system and solid showings when spelling Morris in the past under his belt.  Sadly,  a recent scrimmage accident saw the fifth year player tear his ACL.

Former four-star recruit and now redshirt freshman Kevin Olsen is now the assumed starter,  however,  gunslinger Gray Crow will look to seize the opportunity presented to him and push Olsen as far as possible.  Either way,  both youngsters will need to grow up quickly.

Right Tackle

Seantrel Henderson departed for the NFL,  creating an opening for true freshman Kc McDermott and redshirt sophomore Taylor Gadbois to battle it out.  McDermott,  a four-star recruit out of Florida,  can play tackle on either side and has been with the second-team offense over the Spring.  Gadbois is a solid player and featured in four game last season,  giving him the upper hand over the youngster.  Nevertheless,  it is an open competition that will last well into the Summer.

Wide Receiver

Stacy Coley caught 33 passes for 591 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman making him the clear cut number one wide receiver.  Who will play opposite him is less certain. 

Phillip Dorsett was plagued by injuries last year but was the Hurricanes’ best wide-out in 2012 with 58 catches and four touchdowns.  Rashawn Scott is in the same boat as Dorsett after suffering injuries in the past two campaigns despite seeing plenty of game time.

Many players will contend for the starting spot but the winner could be the man who stays healthy.  My early prediction would be Dorsett replicating his sophomore season.

Safety

This is a position that was supposed to be secured by returning starter Rayshawn Jenkins.  However,  with an injury derailing his pre-season,  sophomore Jamal Carter and junior Dallas Crawford will close ground on him.  Carter has looked solid after playing solely on special teams last season,  while former running back Crawford said his switch to the position has been smoother than he anticipated.  Jenkins should resume the rule upon his return but the position is not as clear cut as expected.

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