The Miami Hurricanes' offensive line is gearing up for a major transformation. Matthew McCoy is shifting to right tackle, ready to take on the challenge of leading a revamped unit.
As spring training kicks off, the Hurricanes face significant gaps to fill on their offensive line. With left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa all heading to the NFL Draft, the team is relying on fresh talent to step up. These players were instrumental in protecting quarterback Carson Beck and paving the way for the run game.
Jamal Meriweather is the sole addition from the transfer portal, signaling a focus on developing existing players like Matthew McCoy. Last season, McCoy, a redshirt senior, started 15 games at left guard. Now, he’s switching gears, revealing to the media that he's training at right tackle.
Switching positions isn’t without its hurdles, especially when moving from left to right, as McCoy explained.
“At tackle, you’ve got to be more mobile,” McCoy noted. “You’re doing a lot of dancing with guys who are more athletic than you.
It’s different, especially flipping your feet from left to right. But I’m just focusing on getting better and building my craft.”
McCoy is stepping into Mauigoa’s shoes, not just in performance but as a leader. Alongside fellow veteran Samson Okunlola, the rest of the starting lineup is relatively inexperienced, including Meriweather and five-star freshman Jackson Cantwell. Center Ryan Rodriguez, despite being in his fifth season, has had limited playing time due to injuries.
Following a National Championship appearance, the Hurricanes’ success was built on dominating the trenches. Although they fell short, their historic College Football Playoff run set a new standard for the program, one that veterans like McCoy are tasked with maintaining.
The offensive line remains crucial to the team’s success next season, even with new faces. With Beck heading to the NFL, the line's role in protecting quarterback Darian Mensah is vital. Mensah, fresh off an ACC championship with Duke, joins the Hurricanes with high aspirations.
“He’s [Mensah] a great leader,” McCoy shared. “We spend time with him off the field too.
He’s not just a teammate; he’s a good person. He came in humble, ready to lead and work hard, which is exactly what we need.”