Miami’s Cristobal talks recruiting, injury updates and if Emory Williams is backup QB

The night after the now-No. 20 Hurricanes dominated Bethune-Cookman University 48-7 at Hard Rock Stadium, University of Miami football coach Mario Cristobal — decked in a green UM shirt, black slacks and his trademark black loafers — on Friday strode up and down the sideline at the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna vs. Plantation American Heritage game.

“Miami is working its way to looking like what Miami should look like,” Cristobal said on Thursday night after the victory and just a few hours after Miami Central five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount committed to UM. “What you’re seeing, in terms of recruiting, is monstrous as it applies to anything that is legal and compliant.”

On Monday, Cristobal spoke about it in his weekly radio segment with Joe Rose of WQAM, which was followed in the late afternoon by his on-campus news conference heading into UM’s first road game at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN2) at Temple in Philadelphia.

Chaminade-Madonna won 28-16 at Heritage Field, and Cristobal, along with UM receivers coach Kevin Beard, were showing support for their commits and other top prospects — including Ohio State commit and five-star receiver Jeremiah Smith (Chaminade), who is the nation’s No. 1 receiver but still being heavily recruited by the Hurricanes.

“We’re at every single school with our top players and whatnot, and not only visible, but also to show support,’’ said Cristobal, who, per NCAA rules, cannot mention specific players. “The football down here is one of a kind. We know that. We feel like we’re making a lot of headway with those guys.

“The best part of it us they know each other. They’ve been playing football since they were like 4 years old. A lot of these guys want to play together. And just as importantly they know who is really good and who maybe is not at the level. They’re super helpful in bringing the right guys on board.’’

Class 1M defending state champion Chaminade-Madonna will travel to the Class 2M defending state champion Miami Central on Thursday at Traz Powell Stadium, but Cristobal said he won’t be there.

“Unfortunately, that’s a game we can’t attend, because we attended a game of one of the schools last week,’’ Cristobal told Rose. “And the only way to make it to all of our commitments’ games is to strategically pick and choose so it works out that way when they’re playing, because some games have been moved and canceled.”

Smith, the Ohio State commit, told CaneSport of the On3 recruiting network that he likes “how [Miami’s] offense is looking, the way the program is going in the right direction...I’ve just got to wait and see how they do for the rest of the season.’’

UM class of 2024 five-star/four-star Chaminade-Madonna receiver commit Joshisa Trader and four-star Chaminade-Madonna safety/athlete commit Zaquan Patterson were well aware of who was watching Thursday.

Freshman defensive end Rueben Bain, who had his first college sack last Thursday in his first start, was asked about South Florida players starting to embrace the Hurricanes.

“Local players are starting to stay home,” Bain said. “And that’s what we did back in the day, as Canes. That’s what really made Miami, Miami. Coach Cristobal is very adamant about that. The guys coming to stay home — y’all make that move. Because, if not, I don’t know what you’re doing. Being a Cane is the best thing I ever did.”

Injury statuses

Five Hurricanes, four of them starters, missed the Bethune-Cookman game because of injuries: running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (the only nonstarter), safety Kamren Kinchens, defensive end Akheem Mesidor (in a boot), defensive end Nyjalik Kelly and defensive tackle Branson Deen.

Cristobal was asked in the afternoon about Kinchens, who was transported to the hospital after sustaining a head/neck injury Sept. 9 against Texas A&M, then released the next day.

“He’s doing well’’ Cristobal said. “Everything is progressing nicely. Him and all the other guys are really close. We’re in a good spot. We’re in a good place.’’

Later in the day, Cristobal added, “We feel good about those guys this week and the coming week. We’ll have more details as the week goes on.”

QBs Williams/Brown

True freshman quarterback Emory Williams has played in two games this season and sophomore quarterback Jacurri Brown still has not hit the field.

When asked by Rose if Williams is the backup going forward, Cristobal said it’s a “week-to-week thing.’’

“Both those young guys are really talented and they work hard and are really good players. We’re going to keep doing that because every game plan is a little bit different. It’s such a tight race for that particular spot. The only way to make it real is to let those guys keep competing.’’

Williams is now 12 of 14 (85.7 percent) for 144 yards, with no touchdowns. He has been sacked twice.

Last season, Brown played in five games and started against Georgia Tech and Clemson. He was 27 of 45 (60 percent) for 230 yards and three touchdowns, with three interceptions. He also had 54 carries for 223 yards.

UM offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson was asked before the Texas A&M game if he wanted to get Brown some playing time. “Yeah,’’ Dawson said. “Look, they’re both there to play. And ultimately I have four games to play with both of them. So, I’m going to be very strategic with what I do with both of those guys. “People can read into whatever they want to read into. But I got four games and so...’’

Players can redshirt, if they haven’t already, if they are limited to four games.

Point spread

The Canes (Atlantic Coast Conference) opened as a 24-point favorite over Temple (American Athletic Conference).