The biggest question with Miami Hurricanes roster. And UM personnel notes

A six-pack of Miami Hurricanes notes on a Friday, on the eve of the opener at Florida (3:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC):

▪ On paper, this looks like UM’s best roster in at least a decade. The Canes have an elite quarterback, very good running backs and receivers, a deep group of pass rushers, a capable and well-coached offensive line and an improved linebacker group.

My only serious question is in the defensive backfield. At cornerback, third and fourth reliable players are needed behind Daryl Porter Jr. and Damari Brown. Perhaps impressive freshman cornerback O.J. Frederique will seize that job; he’s reportedly poised to get a lot of work on Saturday.

“[Coaches] do a great job recruiting kids that are able to play,” safety Mishael Powell said of Frederique. “The thing I’m impressed with is his preparation, how he’s prepared this week, over fall camp, and his confidence. Being that young, 18 or 19, being that confident and understanding route concepts and trust in himself — to have that at such a young age is going to do wonders for him.”

As defensive coordinator Lance Guidry said of Frederique: “I remember one of the first days that he was here in fall camp, he went up against an older wide receiver and he covered him and he didn’t back down. From there, your eyes kind of start opening.”

Beyond Porter, Brown and Frederique at cornerback, there’s also Jadais Richard, who permitted a bloated 107.6 passer rating in his coverage area in 178 snaps last season. Richard allowed 11 of the 15 targets against him to be caught for 160 yards.

Marshall’s Dyoni Hill wasn’t a big factor for part of camp, and if Robert Stafford becomes a highly used player this season, it would be a surprise.

At safety, Jaden Harris has a lot to prove as a new starter alongside Powell, the Washington transfer.

“He can make a lot of checks back there whereas last year he couldn’t,” Guidry said of Harris. “He’s playing faster. He’s one of the faster DBs we have. He’s getting all the reps this year where last year it was spotty at practice, so he wasn’t ready for the games. He has to get off to a fast start.”

Guidry admits: “The secondary a little bit thinner than the rest of the defense. I think the strength is up front.”

▪ Of the running backs behind Damien Martinez, Mario Cristobal said on his WQAM coach’s show: “Ajay Allen has been awesome. Chris Wheatley-Humphrey was banged up a little [earlier in camp] but is fine. Jordan Lyle has been great. Mark Fletcher looks great. We are big, strong, fast, have got slashing runners, have got one cut runners, have a little bit of everything in that room.”

▪ It’s a big year for several four-star Class of 2023 players who are looking to leave an imprint.

That group includes tight end Riley Williams, who showed flashes as a freshman but also dropped two passes.

“I have to catch those balls,” he said. “My freshman season was solid but not exactly how I wanted. I’ve got to get better with consistency and route running. I’m ready to show I’m ready.”

Williams was rated by 247 Sports as the No. 8 tight end in the 2023 class. He picked UM over Alabama, which heavily pursued him.

Then there’s Stafford, who was the No. 16 cornerback in the 2023 class.

“I see a big opportunity to play,” he said. “I will prove it.”

Stafford, who played sparingly as a freshman, said he never considered leaving. “I was fully convinced I wanted to stay here.” He said he’s more comfortable on the boundary but also can play nickel cornerback.

▪ Elijah Arroyo said he’s eager to show everyone he’s a complete tight end after being sidelined or slowed by a knee injury for two years.

“He’s long, lean, explosive, great line-of-scrimmage blocker,” Cristobal said. “The guy’s care factor is through the roof. He flew himself up to watch the game [two years ago vs Alabama in Atlanta].”

▪ Quick stuff, Part 1: Martinez has trained with Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been something of a role model…… Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. on tight end/running back/H-back Elija Lofton, who figures to have a role as a freshman: “He is the same version of me, just on offense. Same body type. The stuff he did in the spring, I’m like, ‘damn, that’s crazy.’”...

▪ Quick stuff, Part 2: The Louisville-to-UM linebacker connection continued this offseason with Jaylin Alderman, who transferred from the Cardinals to the Hurricanes a year after KJ Cloyd did. Alderman said Cloyd told him that “I would love the coaches and that fans love Miami players.”... ABC assigned Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer to the UM-UF game.