Miami Football: Holiday Wish List for the Hurricanes

What's on your Christmas list? Well, if the Miami Hurricanes football program made one, ol' Saint Nick would be reading an extensive report of necessities.

But instead of highlighting all the minor issues surrounding the team, let's focus on five holiday wishes for the 'Canes.

Now, each once included actually has a somewhat-realistic nature, so far-fetched dreams like a brand-new on-campus stadium are not included. Sorry, folks. It ain't happening, nor is Santa Claus bringing one down the chimney.

Rip off the wrapping paper, and check out what's inside Miami's list. Next year, we'll find out if the Hurricanes were naughty or nice.

Consistent Disruption in the Backfield

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Anthony Chickillo's freshman season was great, but he never lived up to his 5-star billing.

Open this present Saturday. Find the gift hidden in August, and surprise someone. Whenever it happens, just make it happen.

For the last two seasons, the Miami pass rush fooled many regular viewers of the team. This year, it tallied 11 sacks in three games, highlighted by four against Louisville.

"Hey, this isn't as bad as it was," we naively thought before regression stormed across the line of scrimmage. Ultimately, the 'Canes managed just 55 tackles for loss, which tied for the No. 113 mark in the nation.

This effort, of course, would be bolstered by finding a solid nose tackle, something Miami really hasn't discovered in a decade-plus. Whether the answer is currently on the roster or a high school prospect, Al Golden needs to identify or locate that player.

That or he can repeat, "I wish I may, I wish I might, find an elite defensive tackle tonight," and maybe it will come true.

Commitment from Top Wide Receiver

Credit: 247Sports

Devante Peete

The Hurricanes are losing Phillip Dorsett, leaving the offense with a glaring hole at wide receiver.

Stacy Coley has all the talent, but his invisible sophomore campaign created a few doubts. Rashawn Scott, Malcolm Lewis and Herb Waters have value, but their respective ceilings are unclear. Braxton Berrios is solid, but he's not necessarily a game-breaker.

Consequently, Miami needs a receiver who can blossom into that role. Four-stars Antonio Callaway and Devante Peete are candidates. Granted, snagging a prospect who combines Callaway's and Peete's physical skills and stature would be the ultimate wish, but those players are unlikely finds in this class.

However, locking up either prospect is not settling; rather, it's a step in the right direction.

Independence Bowl Victory

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Steve Spurrier of the South Carolina Gamecocks watches action during the fourth quarter of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty I

After fighting to a respectable 6-3 record with only one truly bad loss, Miami allowed a second-half comeback to Florida State before collapsing against Virginia and Pittsburgh.

On one hand, the apparent lack of motivation and energy was inexcusable. On the other, the 'Canes weren't playing for anything, and there was little difference between 8-4 or 6-6 once the Florida State result officially became an "L."

But Miami actually has something to play for now, taking on the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl.

Yes, it's a down year for Steve Spurrier's team, but the Hurricanes can show something they needed during the final regular-season bouts: pride. They weren't simply outworked by UVA or Pitt; those teams dominated.

Finishing the 2014 campaign on a four-game slide would derail any fleeting signs of collective progress. A win, however, would soften the blow of a disappointing year and provide a more positive start to the impending offseason.

Note: Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

Duke Johnson Returns

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One more season of Duke Johnson and Brad Kaaya together? Deal.

There's a delicate line being drawn here: In many respects, Duke Johnson's best option is to forgo his senior season, declare for the NFL draft and join a professional team.

But it doesn't mean Miami fans cannot wish the stellar running back would return to Coral Gables for one more year.

Johnson has eclipsed a handful of records and would effectively shatter them with another 13-game slate. Most importantly, he would allow Kaaya another season to progress under center, which is quite an appealing thought for lovers of great quarterback play.

Per Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Duke will announce his intentions Sunday, Dec. 28, so this wish will be granted either way.

Coaches Who Will Develop Players

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Al Golden has another season. Will it be any different?

This is not a "Fire Everyone!" discussion, especially not for the head coach. Miami athletic director Blake James said Golden will return for his fifth season, as noted by Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post.

Nevertheless, Butch Davis, engineer of what was arguably the greatest team in the history of college football, told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, "I didn't do it all by myself," noting the outstanding coaching tree that includes three future NFL head coaches.

"I don't see anyone on their staff being promoted to coordinators or jumping ship for coordinator jobs," Davis said. "I know that goes hand in hand with winning. That is an outsider perspective."

According to Porter, James said Golden is in charge of staff decisions. Undeniably, the entire surrounding staff isn't cutting it. Player development continues to be a major issue through four years.

But remember, sometimes you can't—and won't—get everything you want for Christmas.

Note: Stats courtesy of CFBstats.com and recruiting information via 247Sports.

Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.