Future stars revealed in big Miami win

By NEIL DWYER
College Contributor Network

I had the pleasure of being on the call for the Miami Hurricanes home opener against the Florida A&M Rattlers, an FCS team. Normally, these games between FBS (D-1) and FCS (D-2 and D-3) aren't exactly well advertised or that exciting, for that matter, and like I had figured, the Canes blew out the Rattlers 41-7.

One thing a true football savant can appreciate is that by the time a D-1 team has an insurmountable lead in the 3rd quarter or so, the younger guys -- the second and third stringers -- get reps and have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Freshman wide-out Braxton Berrios was quarterback Brad Kaaya's favorite target during the whole game, averaging 10.5 yards per reception. He's 5'9" and 183 pounds soaking wet but obviously quick and unafraid to make the catches while surrounded. He fits in nicely as a backup to Phillip Dorsett and Stacy Coley on the ends.

Third-string running back Joseph Yearby has been called the second coming of the great Duke Johnson and he showed why for most of the second half. Obviously another quick back that pulls off some sick moves in the trenches (I believe he leapfrogged a couple Rattlers defenders at one point) and also has the help of the very mature left side of the offensive line in Erick Flowers, Jon Feliciano and Shane McDermott. They blocked well to give Yearby, Johnson, and Gus Edwards big holes to storm through all game. Yearby is also a good blocker as evidenced by his effort on special teams in support of the returner, Berrios.

My last man to watch out for is defensive end Trent Harris -- he's just a big ball of thunder whose playing shape can remind of you of William "Refrigerator" Perry. When he hits you, it's like in an old cartoon where the skeleton leaves the body and screams in terror before re-entering. Look out for #33 in the years to come.

So there you have it, my three Canes freshman studs. Get the binoculars out when they come in in future blows and see how they mature.


Neil Dwyer is a senior at the University of Miami who loves the Yankees, Giants, 'Canes and screaming about all three. Follow him on Twitter: @neildwyer1993