Miami Hurricanes led the ACC in this unique category

The key to building a consistent winner in college football is depth. Getting players as much experience as possible until they become starters themselves is the best way to ensure the transition from part-time to full-time goes as smoothly as possible. 

After Week 1, it certainly seems as though the University of Miami has big plans for a good portion of their seventh ranked recruiting class.

The Hurricanes had the most snaps, 180, played by true freshmen in the ACC by a wide margin against the Redhawks of Miami of Ohio. The next closest in the conference was Clemson with 152 true freshmen snaps. 

The snaps were headlined by the top offensive line recruit in the nation, Francis Mauigoa. The teams starting right tackle, who played 61 snaps, did not allow a sack and only two pressures in his debut. 

The next was defensive back Damari Brown, who totaled 22 snaps, 10 in the nickel and 12 outside. Running back Mark Fletcher left his mark on the game playing 16 snaps while tallying 76 yards and a touchdown on nine carriers. 

The rest of the true freshmen snap count include:

Wide receiver: Ray Ray Joseph, 15

Defensive linemen: Reuben Bain, 14, Jayden Wayne, 13, Josh Horton, 8

Linebackers: Bobby Washington, 8, Raul Aguirre, 1, Malik Bryant, 1

Tight ends: Riley Williams, 5, Jackson Carver, 2

Offensive lineman: Samson Okunlola, 4

Quarterback: Emory Williams, 10 

Miami's seventh ranked class was an improvement upon its 16th ranked class in 2022. The program has shown a commitment to developing its young players as head coach Mario Cristobal attempts to guide the program back to the consistent national championship contender that he himself once played for. The Hurricanes boast a talented roster that was also aided by a top seven transfer portal class.

Miami is set to square off against the No. 23 ranked Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday and continued contributions from the freshman will go a long way in not only their own improvement, but in potentially earning Miami a big victory as well. 

Damari Brown is a big corner, the type many teams covet, listed at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, and his length looks to come in handy against a big A&M receiving core that features 6-foot-6 sophomore, Noah Thomas and 6-foot-4 junior, Jahdae Walker. 

Running back Mark Fletcher looks to get it going again this week after he played a sizable role in his unit putting up 250 yards and three TDs on the ground in Week 1. 

Miami could have an advantage when it comes to controlling the clock this week and a big performance by Fletcher would go a long way in helping wear down a talented Aggie defense and help create big play opportunities when they take the field Saturday afternoon.