Canes Report: Eyes on Miami's Offensive Line as Season Opener Approaches

By Joe Zagacki

As the Hurricanes make their final preparations for Saturday's opening game against Bethune-Cookman, a major emphasis has been on the offensive line, where Miami has lost three starters from a year ago.

They return only Danny Isidora, Nick Linder and Trevor Darling with any game experience, totaling just 22 starts combined.Linder will start at center with Isidora at right guard and Darling at left tackle. It's expected Alex Gall will get the nod at left guard and redshirt sophomore Sonny Odogwu at right tackle, but the competition will continue into the game.

Miami will use several combinations against Bethune-Cookman, with Joe Brown playing guard and Isidora at tackle.

"I'm excited to see our unit gel together," a sweat-drenched Nick Linder said.

Also getting a good look Saturday will be freshman tackle Tyree St Louis and freshman guard Tyler Gauthier, as both have received significant reps in practice.

The line is charged with the mission of protecting quarterback Brad Kaaya after last year's group allowed just 21 sacks on the season.

"Kaaya is poised to have a stellar second year with all the hard work he has put in," Linder said. "He's a professional in everything he does and we have to do our part to protect him."

Notes:

- Brad Kaaya threw a touchdown pass in every game last year.

- Coach Al Golden said yesterday that Joe Yearby would start at running back. Yearby gained 509 yards last year.

- Today's practice was more of a walkthrough and Canes will wrap up game prep tomorrow with a normal practice.

Follow Joe Zagacki on Twitter at @CanesVoice and listen to the voice of the Miami Hurricanes call every game on Miami Sports Radio 560-WQAM