Miami Football: Week 4 Spring Practice Stock Report

The Miami Hurricanes are soon entering the final week of spring practice, but competition is heating up in the limited workouts that remain before the end of the session.

It was a slower week in Coral Gables, Fla., as an intrasquad scrimmage and a single practice were the main headlines. Miami also held pro day on April 3 while the current 'Canes prepared for a second scrimmage on April 4.

A few players stepped up during the first scrimmage, earning status as offensive or defensive team leaders. Other teammates, however, were brought back from the highest ranks and must work their way back toward a coveted orange-black jersey.

Miami has a pair of practices on April 8 and 10 before the spring game, which takes place at Sun Life Stadium on April 12.

News & Notes

Following the first scrimmage of the spring, sophomore defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad was seen wearing a red no-contact jersey.

Muhammad is the leading candidate to replace departed senior Shayon Green on one edge of the defensive line, bringing more intensity to the position.

Jamal Carter, who had been wearing a coveted black jersey, donned a yellow limited-contact get-up. Carter had been performing well in the absence of incumbent starter Rayshawn Jenkins before the setback.

According to Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, expect Anthony Chickillo and Ufomba Kamalu to play defensive tackle on third down while Muhammad and Tyriq McCord prowl the outside.

As reported by InsideTheU, the 'Canes are adding a tight end, but he isn't traveling a far distance.

Raphael Akpejiori, a 6'9", 241-pound forward on the Miami basketball team, has been watching practice over the past week and will join the team sometime this spring.

Stock Up

Dallas Crawford continues to be more impressive on a weekly basis, earning a black jersey in just his fourth week after switching to safety.

Per Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said Dallas has been physical and is "not making mental errors, doing a good job of putting his eyes on his keys and reading run-pass and showing up."

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Sophomore linebacker Jermaine Grace also impressed coaches and was given a black jersey of his own.

Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald notes D'Onofrio said Grace "made a lot of plays [in Saturday's scrimmage]. Didn't have mental errors. Has a ways to go, but [he is] doing a good job."

Defensive tackle Earl Moore was certainly the biggest surprise of the past week, becoming the first D-lineman to earn a black jersey. According to Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, Golden said the junior is ahead of JUCO transfer Calvin Heurtelou and Corey King.

The timing of Moore's emergence is perfect because returning starter Olsen Pierre has been sidelined for a few weeks due to a head injury.

Stock Down

Credit: 247Sports

Tracy Howard, the No. 1 cornerback on the team, had his black jersey taken away following what was apparently mediocre performance in the scrimmage. Additionally, Alex Figueroa also lost the black, but it is not clear if the sophomore's injury was a contributing factor in that.

Per Jackson, D'Onofrio wants the pair to be more consistent because they were "not up to the standards" during the scrimmage.

As discussed earlier this week, I believe head coach Al Golden and D'Onofrio are attempting to send a message with the shakeup.

Thurston Armbrister was rewarded for his performance late last week, but the black jersey was quickly taken away from the linebacker. Armbrister is the second-most experienced linebacker on the team and may occupy a larger role than many anticipate.

Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.