In 2024, the Miami football team’s offensive line will see tackles Francis Mauigoa and Jalen Rivers, along with right guard Anez Cooper, returning as starters. Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter will take over as the starting center, replacing Matt Lee. As for the left guard position, it remains open as Miami progresses through the rest of the offseason.
Mauigoa and Rivers were among the top 20 graded players for Miami according to Pro Football Focus, as highlighted by David Lake of Inside the U. Cooper, although not ranked among the top 20, shared the highest number of snaps with Rivers for Miami during the 2024 season.
According to Lake, in 2023, the best run blocker for Miami received a grade of 71.8 from PFF. Mauigoa showed improvement in his pass-blocking, with a grade of 62.9, despite allowing 24 pressures and five sacks. Rivers, who will enter his fourth season in 2024, demonstrated solid performance as both a run blocker and pass blocker in 2023, earning grades of 69.9 and 74.5 respectively while allowing 14 pressures and two sacks.
The competition for the left guard spot in 2024 is likely to involve redshirt freshmen Tommy Kinsler and Samson Okunlola, as well as redshirt sophomore Matt McCoy. The remaining player will serve as the primary backup on the offensive line. Ryan Rodriguez is set to support Carpenter at center and is anticipated to be his successor in 2025, while Louis Cristobal provides depth on the interior line.
With the experience and proven production of the returning players, Miami is expected to maintain one of the top offensive lines in the ACC in 2024. The team has the potential for all five starting offensive linemen to contend for All-ACC honors after the upcoming season.
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