Miami's Offense Will Rock Opponents Like a Hurricane: Top 10 Playmakers

A Hurricane is, by definition, a violent force of nature which strikes with extreme force and speed. When most powerful, it is capable of destroying anything in its path.

This is what awaits opposing defenses this season.

Miami is going to kick off their season versus Florida A&M this weekend, and when it's all said and done, the Hurricanes will have put up 60 plus points in the contest.

The Hurricanes will have to call off the dogs in that game. They don't want to show too much, because the following week, they travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the No. 2 ranked Buckeyes. That will be the best barometer for gauging just how potent this year's team will be.

Thanks to Coach Randy Shannon and his staff, Miami has put together what may very well be the most explosive offense in the country.

There is balance in the attack, thanks to talented players at both the wide receiver and running back positions.

Miami will be able to methodically wear opponents down with a relentless ground game that boasts five players capable of running through or around defenses. The Canes' will also be to strike as fast as lightning thanks to playmaking abilities of several speedsters in their arsenal.

Whether it be a 13 play, seven minute drive or a two play, 15 second score, Miami is going to be putting points on the board.

The main question mark will be centered around the offensive line. If this group can hold its own against top level competition, then Miami will be poised to make a National Title run.

The reason for that is the abundance of talent at the skill positions.

No team in the country can cover all of Miami's weapons if they go for wide. They also will be hard pressed to withstand the constant assault of hard charging fresh running backs that Miami will be able to put out on the field.

Here are the players that Miami will be terrorizing opposing defenses with.

10. Mike James

Mike James is challenging Berry to be the main ball carrier on the club.

Regardless whether he starts or not, Miami figures to give James plenty of carries this upcoming season.

James is a strong runner and is capable of moving piles. He isn't as flashy or fast as, say, Lamar Miller, but he's still a threat every snap.

Projected Numbers: 90 Carries, 440 Yards, 6 Touchdowns

9. Chase Ford

Who knew Shia Labeouf could play football? 

Don't let the likeness to the actor fool you, Ford is a 6'7, 250-pound Texan. 

He transferred in from Kilgore Community College, the same school which produced former Cane, Kevin Everett.

The hype surrounding this kid is big. Many have taken to calling him the next Jeremy Shockey. Not sure if such a comparison is warranted yet. Still, if he's anything like the people at camp have said, then Miami has itself one heck of a Tight End

Chase figures to get extended playing time along with starter Richard Gordon.

Projected Numbers: 27 Receptions, 370 Yards, 5 Touchdowns

8. Graig Cooper

Graig Cooper is the most experienced back on Miami's roster.

Last season Cooper showed what he can do. Be it through special teams returns, screen passes, or just carrying the ball, Cooper proved he is a playmaker.

A serious knee injury in the Champs Bowl Game versus Wisconsin derailed Cooper's chances of going pro. Instead he opted to comeback for a final year at UM.

His presence gives Miami a reliable and seasoned player who can come in and contribute in any facet necessary.

Projected Numbers: 82 Carries, 510 Yards, 7 Touchdowns

7. LaRon Byrd

You have to be pretty special to wear number 47 at the University of Miami.

Wide Receiver LaRon Byrd has the potential to be playing on Sundays. He has a combination of side, speed, and hands, which make for an ideal wide out.

He will be one of the two starting receivers for Miami and should put up career high numbers.

Projected Numbers: 41 Receptions, 580 Yards, 5 Touchdowns

6. Lamar Miller

Lamar Miller is posed to be a football star.

Miller has world class speed and it shows whenever he touches the ball. Opponents must be wary of the quick and elusive Miller because he can take it the distance every time he gets a carry.

This is not to say Miller is soft. He can just as easily run through you thanks to his frame and size.

The Canes would be wise to let him get as much playing time as possible.

Projected Numbers: 85 Carries, 705 Yards, 6 Touchdowns

5. Leonard Hankerson

Expected to forgo his senior season after a stellar junior year, Leonard Hankerson surprised and pleased many Hurricane fans by announcing he'd return.

Hankerson will be a starting wide out and reliable target for Jacory Harris.

Many thought Hankerson would be a bust after a sophomore year filled with drops. That was until he went to train with former Miami Dolphin great Mark Duper. Last year, Hankerson was a man possessed. He made one sick catch after another.

Expect for Hankerson to put up strong numbers again. Although they may fall short of last year's marks because of all the weapons Harris will have to alternate in between.

Projected Numbers: 42 Receptions, 670 Yards, 5 Touchdowns

4. Aldarius Johnson

It's time for Aldarius to take the next big step in his evolution as a college player.

No player on this team should have a tighter bond with quarterback Jacory Harris than Aldarius Johnson. The two have known each other since the Optimist Football days. They then played together at perennial national powerhouse Miami Northwestern High. You often see Harris lock in on him in big play or third down situations.

With the trust factor there, Johnson also brings great size, speed, and skills to the table. This young man has the potential to be a high NFL draft pick. He just needs to get over the injury bug that has plagued him since arriving at UM.

Projected Numbers: 40 Receptions, 705 Yards, 6 Touchdowns

3. Travis Benjamin

Travis Benjamin is the most electrifying player on the Miami roster.

With his combination of speed, quickness, and elusiveness, Benjamin is a nightmare for opponents. He has been making plays all over the field in his first two seasons.

Benjamin is very similar to UM greats Santana Moss and Roscoe Parrish. With his skill set and playmaking ability, he is assured to make an NFL roster.

This season, expect opponents to pay more attention to Benjamin, thereby freeing up Byrd, Johnson, Ford, and Hankerson to make some big plays of their own.

Projected Numbers: 37 Receptions, 715 Yards, 7 Touchdowns

2. Damien Berry

Damien Berry is the favorite to start at running back for the Hurricanes.

Last season, fans chanted his name in hopes of seeing him get more playing time. Instead, Berry was used sparingly behind starters Graig Cooper and Javaris James.

Whenever he came into the game, Berry showed he was a hard nosed runner capable of running up the middle or bouncing one outside. He doesn't shy away from contact and will look to have a break out season.

Most of all, Berry needs to prove he is able to be "the man." It's much harder being successful when going up against a defense that has been game planning for a week or more, looking for ways to stop you.

Berry must show he can still slash through defenses even when their primary focus is to prevent him from doing so.

Projected Numbers: 170 Carries 1,020 Yards 13 Touchdowns

1. Jacory Harris

Jacory Harris is entering his junior season at Miami.

Since the time he arrived on campus, Harris has been given a chance to showcase his talents. His freshman year, he competed with Robert Marve for snaps under center. Last season, he took command of the offense and showed a knack for making big plays.

Harris, more than any one Hurricane, is still a total enigma. At times, he looks like he can become the greatest Hurricane to ever play the position. Other times, he seems like a skinny mistake prone young man that can either throw a dumb pick or get broken in half if hit hard enough.

This year will be the best indication of who Harris is.

He can turn into a Heisman Finalist with gaudy numbers or just as easily finish a forgettable season with 18 Touchdowns and 14 Interceptions.

Harris has all the tools a quarterback could wish for at his disposal. Now it becomes a question of "what can Jacory really do?"

Projected Numbers: Attempts 395, Completions 240, Yards 3,420 Touchdowns 32 Interceptions 12