Miami Football: 5 Under-the-Radar Hurricanes to Watch During Spring Practice

Spring practice represents more than the beginning of on-field preparation for the next season; it allows under-the-radar players to rise from the depths of the roster.

The Miami Hurricanes have a handful of athletes who, while they won't necessarily lift themselves into starting positions, can stake a claim to a notable role.

Previous playing time is the main factor in determining the list, which is organized by position beginning with the offensive side of the ball.

Though younger contributors usually best fit the category of "under-the-radar" players, the Canes have a couple of upperclassmen to keep an eye on, too.

Chris Herndon, Tight End

Credit: 247Sports

Chris Herndon

Over the past four seasons, Hurricanes fullbacks tallied just 17 catches for 112 yards. Mike James, on the other hand, occasionally lined up in front of Lamar Miller and Duke Johnson—and excelled.

The ability to run routes out of the backfield would be a valuable boost to a Miami team that has rarely asked its fullback to be a receiver, and tight end Chris Herndon could provide that lift.

"He is probably 255, but he runs like a wide receiver," head coach Al Golden said, per David Lake of 247Sports. "He runs well. He is tough, too. We can line him up in the backfield or split him out wide. He is doing a good job."

Herndon is an unproven commodity, considering he appeared in three games and did not record any stats. Nevertheless, if Golden is impressed with Herndon enough, his versatile skill set is something the Canes should find a way to utilize.

Hunter Wells, Offensive Line

Credit: 247Sports

Hunter Wells

The 6'6", 316-pounder earned few significant snaps during his first three non-redshirt years in Coral Gables, but Hunter Wells might be on track to changing that.

As seen via Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, Wells was listed as the starting left guard on the first depth chart of the spring. Either Nick Linder or Alex Gall was expected to hold that spot, though one of them moving back to left guard remains a realistic option.

However, if Wells continues to receive the first-string reps, that will be an important bonus moving forward, since the Hurricanes prefer a seven- or eight-man rotation on the offensive line.

The senior currently has the best opportunity of his college career to prove he belongs in that discussion.

Demetrius Jackson, Defensive End

Credit: 247Sports

Demetrius Jackson

Demetrius Jackson played just one year of football at Booker T. Washington, but the Canes snagged the high-ceiling local product after that lone campaign.

Jackson redshirted in 2014 while he filled out his frame, which was a smart decision because Miami could hardly have justified burning a season of his eligibility anyway. He might have been ready for some action, but it wouldn't have been a lot.

Now 30 pounds heavier (6'5", 250 lbs), the freshman has the size to validate consistent playing time even as he sits behind Trent Harris and Al-Quadin Muhammad at the edge-rushing position.

Porter notes Golden said Jackson looks to be ready to contribute in more than a third-down role.

Jelani Hamilton, Defensive End

Credit: 247Sports

Jelani Hamilton

A 4-star recruit in the class of 2012, Jelani Hamilton hasn't lived up to his billing as a top-125 player in the class. Through two seasons, he's managed a total of just nine tackles.

Some of Hamilton's problems stem from injury: a knee issue limited him in 2013 before being redshirted in 2014. He recently tweeted, "Finally I can say with confidence that I am 100% thank you God for all you have done to get me here."

The junior wasn't present at the most recent practice, per Lake, but when Hamilton is available, he's worth watching as a reserve in the trenches.

He must avoid getting lost in the defensive end shuffle behind Ufomba Kamalu and Chad Thomas. At 6'5" and 302 pounds, however, Hamilton is a prime candidate to move inside to D-tackle and occupy offensive linemen there as well.

Marques Gayot, Linebacker

Credit: 247Sports

Marques Gayot

Marques Gayot received scattered playing time on special teams and as a safety last year, registering one tackle in six appearances.

However, since the Hurricanes are thin on the second level, the coaching staff moved Gayot from the defensive backfield to outside linebacker. He added some weight during the offseason to his 6'1" frame, checking in at 220 pounds.

Lake notes expected starting weak-side 'backer Jermaine Grace was held out of practice on Feb. 24. Gayot entered the spring as Grace's immediate backup, so the sophomore is next in line for first-string snaps during workouts.

All additional experience is invaluable for a player adjusting to a new position, and the extra reps should reap dividends for Gayot in the fall.

Note: Stats courtesy of CFBstats.com. All recruiting information via 247Sports and rankings based on 247Sports' composite rankings.

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