LOOK: Miami spring game brings out NFL stars, Hurricanes legends
The Miami spring game has brought out the stars on Saturday. As the Hurricanes look to put on a show for their fans, Manny Navarro of The Athletic shared photos of some huge names taking in the beginning of a new era for Miami football.
First, Miami Dolphins 2021 first round selection and former Hurricanes pass rusher Jaelan Phillips was spotted on the sidelines.
After starring for Miami following transferring to the program from UCLA, Phillips got his NFL career off to a fast start. Last season, the first round selection accumulated 42 total tackles and 8.5 sacks for the Dolphins. As you can see, he’s living up to his billing as a premium selection.
While Phillips turned some heads, he wasn’t the biggest star in attendance. To illustrate, Navarro shared a photo of legendary Miami safety Ed Reed taking in the action, bringing former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson along with him.
Of course, Reed helped the Hurricanes become champions of the college football world when he was with Miami. Then, the fantastic defensive back went on to have one of the greatest careers for a safety in NFL history. For his efforts, Reed was enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame.
As you can see, the Miami spring game is bringing out the stars. If the Hurricanes reach their full potential this season, they won’t be able to stay away from the Hurricanes.
Biggest storyline to watch for in Miami spring game
Continuing, ESPN took a gander at the biggest storylines to watch for the Miami spring game.
“There is a new vibe surrounding the Miami football program now that Cristobal has taken over,” wrote ESPN’s Andrea Adelson. “Miami will play its spring game at the home of MLS club Inter Miami CF because Hard Rock Stadium is unavailable. The Hurricanes announced earlier in the week the game is sold out. That is just one small indication of how much the fans in South Florida are anticipating what Cristobal and his staff are going to bring to the table.
“But to answer the age-old question about when Miami will return to competing for championships, the Hurricanes have to win games more consistently than they have over the past two decades. With quarterback Tyler Van Dyke returning to lead the offense, expectations are high, but there is work to be done. Two major areas to keep an eye on Saturday are receiver and defensive line, where Miami needs to find standouts and build depth. Cristobal believes the offensive line might be the most improved part of the team, so that bears watching as well.”
As you can see, excitement is back surrounding the Miami football program under Cristobal. Still, the coach is still enjoying the honeymoon period — the results will have to come on the field for excitement to remain high.
The Hurricanes are looking to return to the forefront of college football, and the program believes Mario Cristobal can do it. The eyes of the college football world will be on his first spring game as the leader of Miami.