Hurricanes' Tyler Van Dyke, Kam Kinchens focused on upcoming season

After a disappointing 2022 campaign, QB Tyler Van Dyke and safety Kam Kinchens of the University of Miami football team are ready to turn the page. 

The former was the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, as well as the overall ACC Rookie of the Year just two seasons ago. The latter finished the 2022 season as a first-team AP All-America selection. Both are key players that will serve big roles in determining how Miami's season fairs and they're not looking at past successes as anything other than just that.

“I don’t look at it. Nothing I did in my sophomore year is going to help us win in my junior year.” Kinchens said recently, referring to a banner barring his name that hangs in the practice facility in honor of All-American performers.

These Canes aren't looking in the rearview mirror and that's a good thing because this year should see things begin to head in the right direction after finishing 5-7 last year. Miami has the talent to succeed at a high level, they recently saw eight players showcased on the All-ACC Preseason Team, the most in the conference. Some are returning players, others are from an influx of talent via the transfer portal. 

The coaching staff underwent a massive overhaul from last year as well, with new coordinators Shannon Dawson and Lance Guidry taking over the offense and defense. The Hurricanes needed a scheme change on the offensive side of the ball. 2022 was marred by injuries on offense, most notably to Van Dyke, where a hurt throwing shoulder severely hampered not just his health, but the offense's potential as well. Add to that a scheme that didn't fit the personnel and it made sustained offensive success a long shot.

In fact, it led to Van Dyke weighing his options on whether to stay or leave Miami. Ultimately, there was only one option for him.

 “It’s just that this is where I want to be,” Van Dyke said. “Miami’s the spot.”

Miami will now feature an air-raid style offense under Dawson, one that's much similar to the offense they ran two years ago that saw Van Dyke flourish. Improved health on top big-time additions in recruiting, returning starters, and impact additions in transfer portal guard Javion Cohen and center Matt Lee, give Miami a strong chance to have one of the better offensive lines in the nation if they stay healthy. 

Head coach Mario Cristobal is committed to ensuring his quarterback's success this year and getting his team headed in the right direction.

“We expect to be a much more explosive offense. But it starts with protection and that falls on myself. We’ve gotta protect the quarterback better. We’ve gotta put him in situations, whether it be moving the pocket, making sure our run-pass ratio [is good], and the types of protections and concepts we use are conducive to him having success,” Cristobal said. “And the pieces around him, knowing what they’re doing and being in the right spots, so that the timing and precision of the passing game is on point. But combined with a great running game. We’ve got some powerful guys up front and some improved, mature backs with an influx of some young talent that should make for a really good ground game.”

The Hurricanes are a team with plenty of talent. With leaders like Van Dyke and Kinchens utilizing the lessons they learned from a tough 2022 and looking to let their play do the talking, 2023 could be a year in which Miami takes a big step toward sustained success.