Miami Football: North Carolina Game a Perfect Chance for True Freshmen to Shine

Even under the threat of sanctions throughout an NCAA investigation, the Miami Hurricanes recruited well under Al Golden.

Four classes into Golden's tenure, the current freshman group has established itself as the best immediate-impact unit, earning starting roles and contributing in the box score.

A meeting with the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday, Oct. 31 will be the biggest opportunity yet for the young Hurricanes to shine.

"All of these freshmen work. I can't take that away from any of them. All of them work," Denzel Perryman told Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

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Although Darrion Owens is well behind Perryman as a backup linebacker, he'll likely see additional time Saturday. Since UNC moves at a deliberate pace, Owens should register a decent number of meaningful reps at outside linebacker as a spot sub.

But it's not necessarily the amount of playing time that counts.

"It comes down to knowledge of the playbook and when you get your opportunity, are you making the best of it or not?" Perryman said. "Those guys are really making the best of their opportunities."

Chad Thomas and Trent Harris, a pair of defensive ends, have started to become stalwarts in the rotation. The duo's speed off the edge will be paramount in stopping the speed of Marquise Williams every single time the respective freshmen line up.

While the defensive youngsters will attempt to contain UNC's high-powered attack, the Hurricanes will feature even more freshmen on their own offense.

Braxton Berrios registered a catch in seven consecutive games, reeling in 18 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. The only time he didn't record a reception, Virginia Tech couldn't stop the running game, so Miami didn't need to throw.

Nevertheless, the shifty slot receiver has a perfect chance to rebound, matching up against the nation's No. 119 pass defense. Plus, it won't hurt to have Brad Kaaya tossing him the pigskin.

Kaaya needed a few outings to adjust and settle in, but the 6'4" gunslinger is markedly improving on a weekly basis. He's already among the best shot-callers in the ACC and is creeping up national rankings, too.

Category	Value	ACC Rank	Nat'l Rank
COMP %	61.6	5	44
YDS	1,898	3	38
YDS/ATT	8.8	T-2	T-13
TDS	17	T-1	T-23

Though Kaaya has thrown nine interceptions to date, he's only been picked twice during the last four contests. The maturation process of a young quarterback certainly contributes to that, but efficient passing is also a direct product of satisfactory pass protection.

One lineman contributing to that cause is left guard Nick Linder, who entered the starting unit following season-ending injuries to Taylor Gadbois and Kc McDermott.

Whether he's been asked to neutralize a weak-side defender or open the immediate running lane, Linder has been surprisingly good throughout two games.

Starting Saturday, Linder won't be the lone freshman on the O-line. After an injury to left tackle Ereck Flowers, Trevor Darling will be pressed into his first career collegiate start. Consequent to senior Jon Feliciano sliding over to replace Flowers, Darling should take over the right edge.

Darling was a talented prospect, heralded as a 4-star offensive tackle and top-100 overall recruit, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Potential is great, but the Hurricanes need the 6'5", 310-pounder to execute despite his inexperience.

If Darling handles his first start well, Miami is likely to light up the scoreboard.

However, the conference battle might be decided by a game-winning field goal, since the Tar Heels have corrected myriad offensive issues in recent weeks.

Of course, this could result in walk-on place-kicker Michael Badgley lining up to give the 'Canes a victory.

Saturday afternoon, Miami will be relying on its talented handful of freshmen to make those chances count, no matter if they are a starter or reserve.

The difference between a win or loss will absolutely be affected by the youngsters, and the ACC tilt might even be decided by one.