CORAL GABLES – The Miami Hurricanes are less than a week away from their highly anticipated season-opening game against rival Notre Dame.

Fortunately for UM, the team made it through fall camp relatively healthy, and Miami coach Mario Cristobal credited players and staff members for the team’s ability to stay healthy.

“We’ve certainly reduced the number of soft-tissue injuries, so we’ve been able to just maintain a healthier team, overall, for the most part,” Cristobal said.

After strength coach Aaron Feld resigned, the Hurricanes brought back strength and conditioning coach Ervin Young, who spent one year at Tennessee after working at UM from 2022-23.

“I think our medical staff, our sports science staff and our strength staff together have worked diligently to put our guys in the best spot they could be in, physically,” Cristobal said.

Cristobal also credited his players for making sure they take care of their bodies.

“I think guys are maturing, as well,” Cristobal said. “They recognize and understand the importance of nutrition, of rest — like sleep is actually important. Putting down that phone, that blue light, getting off the game system for some extra rest, getting over and getting some hyperbaric chamber treatment and some red light, all that other stuff that we never had.

“The old ice tub used to do the trick, if that.”

Marion could make big impact on offense

New Hurricanes wide receiver Keelan Marion has gotten recognition for his special-teams prowess. He was picked as an All-American kick returner last year, and earned preseason All-American honors at the same spot this year.

But Marion, who transferred from BYU, could become a key wide receiver, as well. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson thinks he brings high-level ability to the wide receiver group.

“I do think he has the unique ability to blow the top off the (coverage),” Dawson said. “I mean he has true game-breaker speed.

Marion had 24 catches for 346 yards and one touchdown last season. He also ran 21 times for 96 yards and two touchdowns. But Dawson said Marion can run any route he’s assigned, and he impressed in camp.

“A lot of times, guys like that struggle with intermediate routes and he doesn’t,” Dawson said. “He has the ability to run the whole route tree, which you know, doesn’t limit him, which is a good thing. He can be out there in any situation in any play call. He’s really had a really good camp. I’m excited to watch him play.”

Hetherman hopes UM will tackle well early

College teams do not do much live tackling during fall camp as they seek to avoid injuries. But that makes every season-opening game an opportunity for offenses to break tackles against unprepared defenses.

“Last year, I think we missed (20) in the first one where I was,” Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman said. “It’s hard. You can’t live tackle a lot in practice, especially with limited numbers and the way that the rules are. So to us, we just want to play fast.”

Hetherman, entering his first season as the Hurricanes’ defensive coordinator, said the team has been steadily working on their tackling form.

“It’s tackling circuit every day,” Hetherman said. “It’s the technique, it’s the different styles that we tackle with.”

Last year, Hetherman’s Minnesota defense was ranked 93rd in Pro Football Focus’ tackling grade. Miami was 90th.

We’re going to run through the hip and we’re not going to break down,” Hetherman said. “We’re not going to settle. That’s where the swarm is so important. It’s the style where we play where we need 11 hats swarming to the ball, no matter what.”

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/25/hurricanes-monday-notes/