Tag: Cristobal

Nov 30, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal looks on prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Mario Cristobal, No. 10 Miami embrace ‘opportunity’ of opener vs. No. 6 Notre Dame

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Mario Cristobal is sticking to his vow to keep Miami focused on the first game of the season.

The alternative for Cristobal would be to have his Hurricanes resist the urge to put too much emphasis on the team coming to Miami Gardens for the opener.

A win over preseason No. 6-ranked Notre Dame would go a long way toward putting the No. 10 Hurricanes on the map in 2025.

“It’s such a big, such an incredible opportunity for our program that that’s going to take care of itself come game week,” Cristobal said in an interview with ACC Network’s Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain.

“We know. And I think it’s great when you have it on the schedule because you can say what you want as a coach, say, ‘Hey, let’s focus on this and whatnot,’ but everybody knows the opportunities that await us. The only way to perform to your best levels is to prepare as hard and as best as you possibly can.”

Miami is replacing key pieces on offense, including Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Enter Carson Beck, the Georgia transfer who has played in more than his share of games defined by monumental opportunities.

Over the last two seasons at Georgia, Beck was 24-3 as the starter for a perennial national title contender. His tenure with the Bulldogs ended with a right UCL injury in the SEC Championship game on Dec. 7. But Beck said he’s operating without limitations and eager to prove he can still win the big one.

Cristobal said last month at ACC Kickoff he’s asking Beck not to be a super hero, but simply the “best version of himself.”

“That’s what I got away from at times last year was trying to be Superman trying to save the day,” Beck said. “That’s not what’s needed. What’s needed is just play, right? The more efficient I am, the more efficient our offense is, the more positive plays we have, the more we’re going to score. I just want to play football and have fun, and that’s what I think I’m looking forward to most.”

–Field Level Media

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck puts in his mouth grad on the final play during overtime of the SEC championship game against Texas.

Report: Miami QB Carson Beck cleared after elbow surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Miami quarterback Carson Beck will be able to participate in summer activities with his new team following his elbow surgery in December, ESPN reported Monday night.

“He’s good to go. He’s exceeding every benchmark,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal told the outlet at the Atlantic Coast Conference’s spring meetings.

Beck had surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on Dec. 23, ending his season and his career at Georgia in the midst of the College Football Playoff. The quarterback was injured on the last play of the first half in Georgia’s win over Texas in the SEC championship game.

Without their two-year starter, the Bulldogs turned to Gunner Stockton for their playoff opener in the quarterfinal round. They lost to Notre Dame 23-10 at the Sugar Bowl.

Beck entered the transfer portal instead of the NFL draft given his injury situation, and he signed with Miami, which needed a new starter to replace No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward.

Beck could not practice during the spring, but Cristobal said the QB has been throwing for the past three weeks. He was described as “approaching 100 percent,” per ESPN.

–Field Level Media

Oct 14, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) looks to pass against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke to return from injury vs. Virginia

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Miami will have starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke back this week for the Hurricanes’ home game against Virginia on Saturday.

Van Dyke missed last Saturday’s 28-20 double-overtime win over Clemson due to an undisclosed injury. Miami coach Mario Cristobal said Monday that Van Dyke was “good to go” and practiced earlier in the day.

“Last week caught us off guard during the week,” Cristobal said. “He doesn’t have anything that’s serious, but if it takes a certain turn it can delay you, so that’s really what ended up happening. We’re in a good place right now.”

In his fourth season playing for the Hurricanes, Van Dyke has completed 70.5 percent of his throws for 1,721 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions for Miami (5-2, 1-2 ACC).

In Van Dyke’s absence, freshman Emory Williams completed 24 of 33 passes for 151 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Miami’s win over Clemson.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes safety James Williams (20) reacts as trainers check on Miami Hurricanes safety Kamren Kinchens (5) after an injury against the Texas A&M Aggies during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Miami S Kamren Kinchens says he’s ‘doing better’ after scary injury

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Miami All-American safety Kamren Kinchens, who was airlifted to a trauma center Saturday night at the end of the Hurricanes’ game, wrote on social media Sunday that he is “doing better.”

Kinchens collided with Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith after a 20-yard completion with just under two minutes left in Miami’s 48-33 win and fell down to the turf. He was attended to for nearly 10 minutes before being removed from the field and taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami.

The school hasn’t yet revealed the nature of Kinchens’ injury, but later that night the program’s official Twitter account posted a photo of Kinchens sitting up in his hospital bed, making the school’s signature “U” with his hands.

Kinchens then released a short message Sunday afternoon.

“I want to Thank everyone for the prayers, I’m doing better Love Y’all,” Kinchens wrote.

Kinchens had seven tackles and an interception during the victory over then-No. 23 Texas A&M.

“So far, the reports that we have on (Kinchens) are that everything seem to be relatively normal, so I’m going to head over there right after I get done with the press conference and see how he’s doing,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said in his postgame press conference. “I think we’re going to be fine. Obviously, aside from that, it’s hard to talk about the game when something like that happens, but the guys played really hard.”

Last season as a sophomore, Kinchens earned first-team All-American honors while grabbing six interceptions. He also was first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.

Kinchens earned first-team preseason All-American honors prior to this season and is one of the team leaders.

–Field Level Media

Jul 25, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke answers questions during ACC Media Days at The Westin Charlotte. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke mulled transfer, stayed for Mario Cristobal

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Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was tempted to transfer out of the program, he said on Tuesday at ACC Media Days in Charlotte, N.C.

But Van Dyke “couldn’t do it,” he said, instead explaining his allegiance to Miami coach Mario Cristobal.

After the Hurricanes finished Cristobal’s first season 5-7, Van Dyke said five programs contacted him, trying to persuade him to enter the transfer portal.

“There was a time, everything was so bad with how the season went, and I had no idea what was going on with the coaching staff, that I was considering (a transfer),” Van Dyke said. “But I couldn’t do it. This is where I wanted to be the entire time.”

Van Dyke, entering his third year as Miami’s starting quarterback, conveyed his belief in Cristobal, who was hired ahead of the 2022 season after a successful run as head coach of Oregon.

“I’ve had immense trust in Coach Cristobal throughout this entire process,” Van Dyke said. “The guys he’s brought in to help our team. Just the coaches he brought in to help us as players. It’s been great. This offseason, we’ve worked hard.

“(There are) a lot more guys in our leadership council, and a lot of the guys stepped up. Nobody wants to be 5-7. So it set a fire under us. And now, like I said before, we’re just excited to get things going.”

Van Dyke threw for 1,835 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in nine starts last season after earning 2021 ACC Rookie of the Year honors. He took over the starting job that year when D’Eriq King went down with an early-season injury and threw for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and six picks in 10 games.

Van Dyke may not have transferred, but the Hurricanes lost almost two dozen players to the portal after the disappointing 2022 campaign. Cristobal also replaced both of his coordinators; he fired offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, while defensive coordinator Kevin Steele left for the same job at Alabama.

Shannon Dawson will be Miami’s new offensive coordinator and Lance Guidry is the new DC. Dawson was hired away from Houston.

“What Shannon has done in his history really fits Tyler, his skill set, the pieces around him,” Cristobal said. “It gives him the opportunity to enhance a supporting cast.”

As for the expectations for Cristobal’s second year coaching his alma mater, the 52-year-old used the “r” word — rebuilding.

“I think whenever you start up at a program again, and it has a rebuilding aspect, you have to sometimes go through a season like that and not make any excuse or sugarcoat it, but you go directly at the things that need to be addressed, and it starts with people,” Cristobal said. “People in the locker room, people on the coaching staff, people in a support staff role.

“Now, we’re eager to get to camp so we can put all of that to good use, and the bottom line is just to get to work. Not worry about anything or anyone and just get to work and put to good use this hard work that we have done.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2022; Northport, AL, USA; Tuscaloosa County High's running back Kevin Riley (6) runs the ball against Hewitt-Trussville at Tuscaloosa County High School Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Tuscaloosa News Football Hewitt Trussville Vs Tuscaloosa County High School Football

Miami earns commitment from 4-star RB Kevin Riley

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Running back Kevin Riley, a top-100 high school recruit in the Class of 2024, said Monday that he will play his college football at Miami.

Riley attends Tuscaloosa County High School in Alabama and had the Crimson Tide as a finalist. He chose coach Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes over Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia and a host of other Power Five schools.

“After a great talk with Coach Cristobal and the entire Hurricane Staff I would like to proudly announce my commitment to the University of Miami,” Riley wrote on social media.

Riley is listed as 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. He’s ranked No. 81 overall in the Class of 2024 and the No. 6 running back, according to the 247Sports composite.

Cristobal took over at Miami, his alma mater, in 2022 after a five-year run at Oregon. The Hurricanes went 5-7 in his first season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 12, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars inside linebackers coach Charlie Strong looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Strong leaves Miami after getting snubbed for DC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former three-time head coach Charlie Strong is leaving Miami after just one season after being passed over for defensive coordinator.

Strong, 62, who was co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Hurricanes in 2022, told ESPN on Thursday he would not return in 2023.

“Coach (Mario) Cristobal and the program made a decision to go in a different direction. It’s time for me to go in a different direction,” Strong told ESPN.

Miami reportedly hired Lance Guidry on Tuesday to replace Kevin Steele as DC, who left the program after one season to return to Alabama as its defensive coordinator.

Strong told ESPN he was not interviewed for the DC post, learned of Guidry’s hire Tuesday and informed Cristobal on Wednesday that he would not return.

Strong is the fourth coach to leave Cristobal’s staff after just one season. In addition to Steele’s exit, offensive coordinator Josh Gattis was fired and quarterbacks coach Frank Ponce is not returning.

Strong went 74-53 as head coach at Louisville (2010-13), Texas (2014-16) and South Florida (2017-19). He also coached a game on an interim basis at Florida in 2004.

He was assistant head coach and linebackers coach under Urban Meyer with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 before joining Cristobal at Miami.

–Field Level Media

Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal oversees warmups before the game against Oregon State. Eug 111427 Uofb 02

Report: Oregon offers contract extension to Mario Cristobal

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Oregon has offered to extend the contract of football coach Mario Cristobal in an effort to keep him with the Ducks, ESPN and the Oregonian reported Friday.

Miami is pursuing Cristobal and the Hurricanes are optimistic they can lure him away from Oregon to replace coach Manny Diaz, the Miami Herald reported Friday. Cristobal, 51, is a Miami native who has played and coached for the Hurricanes.

ESPN quoted sources as saying the new contract offer to Cristobal is “aggressive” and is similar to other head-coaching deals reached recently. Michigan State’s Mel Tucker last week landed a 10-year, $95 million contract extension to remain with Michigan State.

Cristobal is in his fourth full season at Oregon. He is 35-12 overall, including 10-2 this season, for the 10th-ranked Ducks. His Oregon teams are 2-2 in bowl games; the Ducks will meet Utah on Friday night in the Pac-12 title game in Las Vegas.

Last December, Cristobal signed a new six-year, $27.3 million deal through the 2025 season. With incentives, including a Pac-12 title, he could earn over $5.5 million this season, ESPN reported.

The outlet said Cristobal would have to pay Oregon a $9 million buyout if he exits for another school before Jan. 14.

–Field Level Media

Catholic's TJ Dudley poses for a portrait at Montgomery Catholic High School in Montgomery, Ala., on Monday, June 8, 2020.

Oregon lands 4-star LB TJ Dudley over Alabama, UCF, Texas

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The Oregon Ducks landed a verbal commit from coveted four-star linebacker TJ Dudley on Monday as the school continues to pick up recruiting momentum on Pac-12 rival USC.

The Montgomery, Ala., native picked the Ducks ahead of reported candidates such as Alabama, Central Florida and Texas, making the announcement live on CBS Sports’ website.

Dudley, listed as 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, is considered a top-10 prospect out of the state and reportedly marks the second high school prospect to leave his home in Alabama for Eugene. He joins four-star quarterback Tanner Bailey.

Just two days earlier, Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal saw two-year starting linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia enter the NCAA’s transfer portal. Oregon is still considered by most recruiting services to have the second-ranked incoming class in the conference behind USC.

–Field Level Media