Five takeaways from Hurricanes’ spring practice, and six standouts from Saturday’s spring game

Showed off the chemistry between him and Mensah that carried over from their time together at Duke. He had a touchdown catch in the live period.

“He’s my best friend, so just to go through anything with somebody who you’re so close to is pretty awesome,” Mensah said. “And he’s also a stud, and it’s only up for him. So I can’t wait to see the growth for him this season.”

Daylyn Upshaw, wide receiver

Upshaw, a sophomore, created good separation on several downfield passes. He also caught a touchdown pass from Mensah.

“I think Daylyn’s going to have a big year for us this year,” Mensah said. “He’s kind of taking after (Malachi Toney). He’s a dude that is well-coached, and he takes coaching well.”

Omar Thornton, safety

The Boston College transfer may move between nickel and safety this season, but he did a good Keionte Scott impression on Saturday. He came up to make a big stop in a goal-to-go run.

JJ Dunnigan, safety

The touted freshman defensive back made some nice pass breakups and played violently.

Five takeaways

UM has the potential for an explosive offense

With Mensah leading the way, the Hurricanes have a chance to boast a special offense this season. Mensah was excellent at Duke last year and does not appear to have missed a beat after transferring to Miami.

The players around Mensah are not slouches either. The running-back group returned everyone from last season, including 1,000-yard rusher Mark Fletcher Jr., and the wide receivers and tight ends offer numerous playmakers in the passing game.

UM’s defense was its strength last year, but this year’s offense could be excellent.

“I wouldn’t label or judge or rate anything until games are played,” Cristobal said. “We recognize that we have pieces that are coming together. We recognize that we’ve enhanced the talent in several areas, and we’re working on depth in others, but that we have a long, long way to go.”

Wide receiver may be deepest position on the team

The Hurricanes have two 1,000-yard receivers on the team, and that is just the start of their depth at the position.

Barkate and sophomore Malachi Toney both excelled last season and are poised to have big years again. Several other Hurricanes receivers performed well in the spring, including Upshaw, Josh Moore, Dre Jacobs and Cam Vaughn. Several freshman receivers also had strong moments in camp.

Offensive line still a work in progress

Miami has a lot to replace on the offensive line, as four starters are hoping to hear their names called in the upcoming NFL draft. Replacing them is a challenge.

Although the Hurricanes have capable players on the roster, those players need to continue building chemistry and improving as the season nears.

“Some of the guys (have) been there, and some of the new guys were here during the playoffs,” offensive lineman Matt McCoy said. “So we all have a good relationship.”

Defensive line won’t regress much

Similar to the offensive line, UM has a lot to replace on the defensive line. Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor were game-wrecking defensive ends last year.

But Miami has plenty of talent to fill the void. Damon Wilson II, Marquise Lightfoot, Armondo Blount and Third Scroggins are among the players who will see time at defensive end, and all four have had either sustained success or have had positive moments in limited time last year.

Corners on point

Going up against Miami’s receiver room is no easy task, but the Hurricanes cornerbacks were up to the challenge this spring.

Xavier Lucas and OJ Frederique Jr. were two standouts during the spring, going toe to toe with the Hurricanes’ top receivers. Ethan O’Connor was solid, as well. Sophomore Ja’Boree Antoine, who held his own when thrust onto the field in the playoffs, also had good moments.