CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes entered the offseason with plenty of attention on their explosive offense, but wide receiver Malachi Toney said Wednesday that the team’s defense is also playing a major role in preparing the Hurricanes for the upcoming season.
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Miami’s offense features several high-profile players, including new quarterback Darian Mensah, running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and Toney, all of whom were named to the Maxwell Award watch list, which honors college football’s most outstanding player.
But when Toney met with reporters Wednesday, his focus was on the challenge of facing Miami’s defense every day in practice.
“The entire DB (defensive back) room is great,” Toney said. “You got guys that, they’re in the process of mastering their craft, so I feel like we got the best DB room in the country. So just going up against those guys make it easy for us on Saturday.”
Miami’s defensive backfield is led by cornerbacks OJ Frederique and Omar Thornton, along with safety Bryce Fitzgerald, who was named to the Preseason All-ACC team.
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Toney said competing against a talented defensive back group helps the Hurricanes’ offense improve before game day, a reflection of the team’s belief that strong competition in practice leads to better performances on Saturdays.
Head coach Mario Cristobal has emphasized building a balanced team, and the Hurricanes’ players believe the daily battles between the offense and defense are helping both units grow.
Toney, who has quickly emerged as one of college football’s rising young receivers, will be a key piece of Miami’s offense as the Hurricanes look to turn their talent into results this season.
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Click here to view the Canes’ regular season schedule.
