Cam Ward excels and other observations from the Hurricanes spring game

CORAL GABLES — The Hurricanes celebrated the end of their spring practice slate with their annual spring game on Saturday. For the first time in years, Miami held the spring game on campus, playing the game at Cobb Stadium — the university’s soccer and track stadium.

While getting a look at the Hurricanes’ future, the program honored its past, bringing in new Pro Football Hall of Famers Andre Johnson and Devin Hester to serve as honorary captains after being honored at the Friday night alumni dinner.

Johnson gave his verdict on where the Hurricanes stand during an interview on the ACC Network Extra broadcast.

“(Miami is) not far away,” Johnson said. “I think we’re getting the right guys in place.”

Here are five things we learned from watching UM’s spring game on Saturday:

1. All eyes on Cam Ward

Ward, the highest-profile addition for Miami this offseason, took the field in a Hurricanes uniform for the first time. He did not disappoint, hitting Xavier Restrepo for a long pass on his first drive. He ended the first series with a short touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaiah Horton and threw another, mid-range touchdown pass to Restrepo.

Ward ended the first half, when the Hurricanes played with live tackling, with 17 completions on 23 attempts with a pair of touchdowns. He showed his arm talent, throwing easy deep balls and also tossing a couple of shovel passes when needed. Ward tossed another touchdown in the second half to Jacolby George.

Ward, Reese Poffenbarger, Emory Williams and Jacurri Brown all got reps at quarterback on Saturday.

Brown had the day’s second touchdown, tossing a long pass to tight end Jackson Carver. Williams tossed a short touchdown to Ray Ray Joseph at the end of the first half.

2. Restrepo building chemistry with new QB

Restrepo’s connection with former Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was well-documented. Although Van Dyke struggled at times, Restrepo became just the sixth receiver in UM history to notch a 1,000-yard season. He was an All-ACC selection.

This offseason, Restrepo returned to UM even as Van Dyke transferred to Wisconsin. Now, Restrepo is working with Ward. The two veterans showed off their connection on Saturday. Restrepo had a nice touchdown catch on the edge of the end zone, caught a pass from a scrambling Ward near the sideline and got open on other plays, as well.

He finished with 116 yards on six catches.

3. Versatile parts on O-line

The Hurricanes, needing to replace two starters from last year’s strong offensive line, has also missed starting right tackle Francis Mauigoa during the spring. That necessitated a major shuffle up front for UM in the spring game.

Matt McCoy started the game at left guard, Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter took over at center and touted former five-star prospect Samson Okunlola started at right tackle.

4. Tight ends show off

Miami’s tight end group should have much more of an impact on the field this year than it did last year.

Carver, a rising sophomore, had the highlight of the game for the group, hauling in a long touchdown pass from Brown. Carver is still new to football, having only started playing as a senior in high school.

Freshman Elija Lofton, who has been one of the most talked-about players this spring, moved out of the tight end spot and got some time in the backfield.

Riley Williams, who is entering his second season at UM, made an impressive catch on a pass from Poffenbarger.

5. Running backs look solid but need depth

The Hurricanes end spring practice with just three healthy scholarship running backs: Chris Johnson Jr., TreVonte’ Citizen and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey. Two running backs, Ajay Allen and Mark Fletcher Jr., missed spring practice with injuries, and another, Henry Parrish Jr., is transferring.

The three healthy running backs got reps in the spring game, with Citizen suiting up in a Miami jersey for the first time since suffering a devastating injury in fall practice in 2022. Johnson and Wheatley-Humphrey each had explosive runs, and Lofton also had solid carries out of the backfield.

However, Miami will likely look to add more running back depth when the transfer portal opens next week.