CORAL GABLES, Fla. – As the Hurricanes prepare to kick off a new season, we asked some of the newest members of Miami’s football team – the freshmen – to tell us a little bit about themselves.
We asked them all five questions. Here’s what those freshmen on the offensive side of the ball had to say, in their own words.
Aristides Angelo, Jr.
Position: Quarterback
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“The atmosphere. There’s no other atmosphere like it, taking the field at Hard Rock during a football game.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Probably The Rock. He’s my favorite movie [actor].”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“Probably when we went undefeated my senior year in high school. First [time] ever in school history.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My dad. He played football and he was a quarterback. My uncle’s a quarterback. My brother’s a quarterback. Everybody’s a quarterback.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“The atmosphere. There’s nothing like Miami, like I said. The talent that has come through here, the talent that’s here now. The head coach, Mario Cristobal, he’s a great coach.”
Joseph Borchers
Position: Quarterback
Hometown: Sarasota, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“Florida’s always been home. I was born and raised in Sarasota, so I’m close to my family. It’s a big-time college football program and it’s the best weather you can ask for.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“The atmosphere. It’s such a cool place and really embodies what Miami is.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“Probably the state semifinals. We ended up losing, but it came down to the last play of the game and that’s as much as you can ask for in a game.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Definitely Steve Walsh. I was a player under him at IMG [Academy] and we’ve known each other a long time. Just the nicest guy you could ever meet.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“I think the culture is the biggest thing. There’s a certain feel when you walk into the locker room and there’s kind of a chip on our shoulders from the past few years. We’re ready to get after it.”
Position: Tight end
Hometown: Woodbury, Minn.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“The coaching staff here is unmatched. I feel like they’re the best coaches to help me get to the next level and they treat me and my family as part of their family.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“My favorite Hurricane has to be Greg Olsen, not only because he was a great tight end who came here and went on to the NFL and did great, but also because I was able to be taught by him, hands-on, which was great.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My role models have to be my parents, Jim and Kelly. They’re the hardest working people I know, and they’ve done everything possible to help me get to this level. They’re just always supportive, through and through.”
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“This is only my second season playing football. I’m just blessed to be in this position. God’s granted me with athletic ability and my physical size and I’ve been able to work hard and be granted these opportunities…I was recruited for hockey and lacrosse…but after playing football my senior year, I fell in love with it and knew it was what I wanted to do.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“I think the history of this place is pretty special and pretty significant, not just Florida history, but also just throughout the country and throughout college football. We’re trying to bring that back and add a couple more championships to the list.”
Mark Fletcher, Jr.
Position: Running back
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I’ve been succeeding in South Florida my whole life, in education and football, in every level, whether it be little league or high school. I didn’t want to do that for any other state, so I chose home.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“Just seeing all those fans and actually being on the field instead of being in the stands. That’s what I’m excited about, being on the field, playing. It’s crazy.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Sean Taylor. Even though I play running back, I’ve been watching him since I was about 9 years old. My old little league coach introduced me to him, and I think that’s a big reason why I fell in love with Miami, the way he played so fearlessly. Even though I didn’t play that safety position, he just made me love Miami.”
Who is your role model and why?
“I’d have to say my parents, Mark and Linda. Definitely my parents. All that they sacrificed and how they carried themselves…what a lot of kids don’t really recognize about their parents, even though they’re raising you, you’re watching them grow up, too. Just seeing how they deal with certain situations and how they still managed to raise me, it’s inspirational.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“I would say how it’s such a brotherhood. It’s so family oriented. Everybody from the staff to the trainers, everybody’s family…That’s the part I like. You can step anywhere around here and everybody’s just nice, asking ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ It’s a really big family-oriented place and everybody really takes care of each other, no matter what.”