Podcast: Cristobal’s confidence, Zion Nelson’s injury and more on the eve of Miami camp

After a few days in Charlotte for Atlantic Coast Conference media days, the Miami Hurricanes are ready to get back on the field. The start of college football season is just about here and so too is the Eye on the U podcast.

David Wilson and Susan Miller Degnan, the Miami Herald’s Hurricanes beat writer, come back this week to check in ahead of the start of training camp and examine all the ways Miami has a chance to be improved in 2023.

First, they check in on everything from North Carolina, from coach Mario Cristobal’s continued confidence in the state of his program to the frustratingly long recovery of star tackle Zion Nelson.

Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, offensive lineman Matt Lee and All-American safety Kamren Kinchens also all checked in from The Westin Charlotte to give their initial thoughts on the season.

The biggest takeaway from the week is, unfortunately, the status of Nelson. Once thought to be a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft, Nelson played in just one game last year after getting knee surgery before the season and still won’t be ready for the start of fall camp Tuesday. What was thought to be a relatively minor procedure has turned into a multiyear issue.

Still, the offensive line is a place where the Hurricanes have a chance to be massively improved, with star guard Javion Cohen also transferring to Miami from Alabama and Lee coming in from UCF, not to mention the arrival of freshman offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, who was the No. 2 tackle in the Class of 2023, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

Miami also should get improved play from its quarterbacks, linebackers and, possibly, wide receivers next season. Throw in seven new coaches and the Hurricanes have good reason to believe they’ll be much better in 2023 than 2022, even if it might take some time.

As always, thanks for listening and please continue to rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.