Meet the Freshmen: Offense
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.”
Jackson Carver
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.”
Kyan Gibbs
Position: Wide receiver
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“When I took my visit here with one of my buddies, it just felt like home. I loved everything about it. I loved the campus, the culture, the coaches. It was a pretty easy decision for me.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Frank Gore. He’s one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL and he was a great running back here. I’m hoping to do something he did.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“I would say winning the state championship and then going to see my mom and dad right after we won. I’d say that moment made it all worth it. It’s what I worked for my whole career, up until now. I hope to have a similar moment, but at a national title game here at the University of Miami.”
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I grew up playing the cello and the upright bass in grade school. I dropped it in high school, but that’s something a lot of people don’t know about me.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“I would say the culture with the coaches around here, all the new coaches, and the history. That 2001 Miami football team is arguably the greatest college football team of all time. Just to wear and put on the same jersey as Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, what’s better than that?”
William Hawkins IV
Position: Wide receiver
Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I came here because I wanted to take a chance on myself. All my years playing football…I played some really good competition, went against some really good guys that went to some really good schools and I know for a fact I can play anywhere. So, I wanted to take a chance on myself, and I felt like there was no place better to do it than Miami.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Andre Johnson. In my opinion, he’s the best receiver to ever play here. Or my other answer is probably Ed Reed or Sean Taylor. Everyone’s seen their highlights. Everyone knows they’re amazing.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“All of them. I’m just thankful God allowed me to play the sport I love, and I can do it for him every day. Whether I’m getting up at 5:00 a.m. and I have to go to a workout or I’m playing in the biggest game of the year, I’m just thankful. Every moment – the good and the bad, even on the little plateaus, I’m thankful for it.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My mom and my dad, Bonita and William. They raised me up in the way I should go. I never departed from it. I’ve always been in firm in what I’ve said. I’ve tried to be an upstanding young man, so I’m thankful for them.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Honestly, I think what makes it special is that everything that you’re going to get here, everything you learn here, everything you do here can’t be replicated anywhere else. I picked this school because I wanted to take a chance on myself. I felt it was the best place to do that, at a school of this caliber, at a school that has produced so many NFL draft picks, but good people and people that are going to do great in the world.”
Christopher Johnson, Jr.
Position: Running back
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I chose Miami because of my family. I wanted to stay home and be around them. The coaches are from my hometown, change the school, change the environment and getting Miami back to where it’s supposed to be.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“It would be Edgerrin James. He was one of the greatest running backs that came out of Miami. I want to be like him, follow in his footsteps. He’s a Hall of Famer and he came here. I want to be a part of that.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“For me, it was signing day. As I was growing up, I saw a lot of people sign and go to college. It was such a big step for me. I was emotional and really excited. It was a dream come true.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My role model is my dad. He did a lot for me to get in this position. He put in a lot of work, a lot of time. Nobody really knows what went on behind the scenes, so I really appreciate my dad for putting me in this situation.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Once Miami is going, the whole city is going. It’s a great place to be a part of. It’s real good. We haven’t had that in a long time, so hopefully, this year we can change that.”
Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph
Position: Wide receiver
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“Just being a homegrown kid, I’d rather stay home and put on for my own city and my own town than to go elsewhere and put on for somebody else’s hometown. Coming here was always a dream. Being able to live out my dream was kind of the best decision I could ever make…I’m a Hurricanes fan. I’m more than just a player. I’m a fan, too. It was a no-brainer for my decision.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Devin Hester. He’s a bad man on those returns.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“My touchdown in the spring game, just catching the ball and going to go score. The best thing about it was watching the replay and hearing the commentators, everyone calling me ‘Ray Ray.’…It was crazy hearing that.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My dad, Nathaniel. He’s been there since day one. He’s the one that really got me started with football and helped me get into football and was training me since a young age and just putting me out there to go compete. That’s why he’s been my role model and everything.”
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I played volleyball for a season. Nobody probably expects that. We didn’t have enough real volleyball players, so most of the football players got on the team and just kind of tried our best. I had to really jump because the net was so tall, so I really learned how to jump.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Just the rich history. The other day, I was watching ‘The U.’ The family atmosphere, the legends that come back and pour into the program, that rich history that UM has…it’s just unbelievable. When Miami stepped on the field, other colleges feared them. That rich history and that swagger that they carried, that was really the biggest thing.”
Dylan Joyce
Position: Punter
Hometown: Kyabram, Australia
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“Why not Miami? Miami’s pretty cool. I did a program called Prokick in Australia and they’ll send the videos to teams where they think you’ll be the best fit and obviously, with Lou [Hedley] leaving, we have a lot of similarities. I really thought it was the best fit for me.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“Just seeing the fans and the atmosphere. I think it’ll be totally different from playing country footie back home, where there was like 200 people there…I think just the number of people that will be at the game.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Probably Lou. He’s been really good to me. When I first got here, he kind of took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. He’s left very big shoes to fill, but I think I can fill those shoes. We’re going to have a good time.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My dad, Stuart. His work ethic and what he’s done for our family, what he’s done to help me get over here, that kind of thing. At first, he was a bit weary of me trying to come over and do this, but he backed me.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“The culture that we’re bringing at the moment. Obviously, I’ve only been here since January, but from what I can see already, it’s really exciting to see what we’re going to do. We’re a real community, our entire team…The [specialists] have become my brothers…All the boys have been really welcoming. Moving halfway across the world is an intimidating thing. But everyone on the team has been really awesome and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. I feel at home already.”
Tommy Kinsler IV
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: Ocala, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“The coaches made it feel like home here. I loved that.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“Going out there, playing, having a great time and getting the ‘w.’”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I’m going to say Ray Lewis. I love the energy he brought to the team and during games. He had that dog in him. He never wanted to lose a game and he brought that to the whole team. He made everybody feel the same way.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My mom, Janique. All my family, my whole family looks up to her. She played sports growing up, too and she motivated all of us to play sports. All of my siblings are in college right now, playing sports.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“The culture and the fans. Everywhere you go, you have fans recognizing you and supporting you. I love it.”
Kolby Luna
Position: Wide receiver
Hometown: Kellogg, Idaho
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“This is 100 percent the right place for me. I really like the big-city feel in Miami. I wanted to experience that. I’m from a pretty small town. I live in the mountains and I’m always around snow, because I live in Idaho. I wanted that heat and the weather, obviously. Then I came on two visits here and I loved the atmosphere, the workouts, the games, just the team locker room feel. I loved everything about it. The coaches made me feel like I was wanted here, and they made it feel like home, so I made the decision to come to Miami.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“I think running out of the tunnel will be an unreal feeling. I just think I’ll lose it. It’ll be one of the greatest feelings ever. The crowd, just hearing the cheers, I can’t wait to feel the energy in the stadium.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“He didn’t play my position, but I just love Ray Lewis. The way he played, he just brought the energy, the physicality, the overall intimidation factor. I love the way he played. He just played with so much tenacity and aggressiveness. I would say Ray Lewis is probably the greatest Hurricane I can think of.”
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I’ve had one quarterback my whole entire life. I’ve literally had one quarterback my whole entire life and I know him really well…Also, I’ve been able to juggle for a long time and I can ride a unicycle.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“The tradition, the winning nature, the coaches…They’re such good people. The whole staff is always taking care of you. They all make our lives so much easier. Just the kind nature of the whole entire team, the staff, the energy in the weight room and practices. It makes you want to work so much harder when people are going like that for you. I would just say the overall energy and the family-feel of the environment.”
Riply Luna
Position: Quarterback
Hometown: Kellogg, Idaho
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I really wanted a change of pace from Idaho. I’ve been there my whole life, so I was really looking to have some new experiences and I really wanted to play Division I, Power Five. That was one of my dreams. When this came along, it was obviously a very good option and obviously, the weather. I came on my visit, the facilities, the weather, the coaching staff. It all kind of worked together.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I’d have to go with Ken Dorsey. He’s a quarterback, really good, All-American. If I can mimic anything he did, and try to play like him and win…”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“Probably the state quarterfinal win this [past] year. It was just big because it was my team. I had started for three years, but I was a senior. I was a leader. To be able to get there and win league and all that, just overall winning the league title and going on to state. That’s my favorite memory.”
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I have a twin brother. That’s probably the biggest thing…It’s cool [to play with my twin]. I’ve never had any different. He’s always been there. It’s just like another day. But to be on a Division I stage now together, it’s a little different. But overall, just kind of playing with him is great. It’s like a built-in best friend that’s always there. Whenever you want to go throw, you don’t have to text somebody. Just hit him on the shoulder and you go.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“I’d say the energy. The guys bring energy, but the coaches bring so much energy every day. They’re always hyping us up. It’s easy to want to play and want to be here, even early in the morning…And the culture, too. The amount of national championships, it’s just overall so great.”
Francis Mauigoa
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: “Ili’ili, American Samoa
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“It was the environment and the culture and the background that Miami produced on athletes. You do the research – Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, some of the Hall of Famers all came from here. Just how many legends have come here, Miami has proved itself. And with Coach Cristobal and Coach [Alex] Mirabal being the offensive line coach – especially Coach Cristobal being the head coach – that’s a big boost for offensive linemen.”
Who is your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I would say Ray Lewis because of his playing style and how he motivated the whole defense when he was with the Ravens. I grew up watching Ray Lewis and he inspired me a lot.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“Being able to play next to my brother. We played together when I was a freshman and sophomore and now, we can play again, in college. It’s fun to play with your brother and cherish that moment with your family members.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My dad, Sa’alialia. What he’s done and what he’s sacrificed for us to be at this moment…he’s worked overnights, through the day, just to take care of us and it’s hard. It’s hard. We came from a small background in American Samoa and now we’re here. God led us here.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“The culture and the standards that we hold each other up to. We tend to hold everyone accountable and that’s what I like and that’s what I think makes Miami special.”
Samson Okunlola
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: Brockton, Mass.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I just felt the family atmosphere here. I felt like between all the coaches – the head coach, the o-line coach, who I talked to the most during the recruiting process – I felt like it was a family and a tight-knit group that could take me to the next level where I want to be.”
What’s been your welcome-to-college-football moment?
“The first day of spring ball. The first day of spring ball, there was a moment where I was like, ‘This is college.’ It was quick pace, go by the whistle, move when they tell you to move. Just try to play football and try not to get too mental about it. That was really it for me.”
Favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I’d say Bryant McKinnie. How he conducted himself, looking at his tape from back then, how good of an o-lineman he was.
What’s your favorite football memory?
“I’d say probably me and my brother playing next to each other. I’m helping him to get a sack, he’s helping me to get a sack…That was two years ago, in high school.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Being on the team since January, I’ve seen the effort we put into our grind. We grind different. We’re changing the culture and really producing good talent out of Miami as well. I see the grind and the level of talent we have, how hard the coaches are working, the lift, the runs, how detailed we are. All of that.”
Owen Ruskavich
Position: Tight End
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“Miami produces a lot of good tight ends and me being a tight end, you can’t say no to Miami.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“I think it’s just going to feel great. I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid. I’m just ready to work, do whatever it takes. I don’t care what my role is. But I’m going to help this team win games.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“It’s definitely got to be Jeremy Shockey or Ed Reed. Two different positions, but Jeremy Shockey was a great tight end. Came out of Miami and the Ed Reed was a dominant player in the NFL.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“One of my favorite football moments would probably have to be winning back-to-back championships with my high school team. My senior year, we were doubted. We were ranked one of the lower teams in our division, but we won the championship.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“It’s just a talented group of individuals working together as a team. I think the culture here, especially for past championships, the 2001 team, I think we’re hungry to get back to that and earn a championship and win games.”
Patrick Stepelton
Position: Wide receiver
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I live in Fort Lauderdale and it’s just so close to home. It’s nice to be able to drive home whenever I want…I was thinking about going somewhere else, Florida or Florida State or something, but when Miami popped up, I couldn’t turn it down. It’s like the best opportunity I could have gotten.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“Just to experience it firsthand. I grew up watching so many games from the stands and I’ve never been a part of it. Now, I’m a part of it. It’ll be cool to be a part of.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I don’t play defense, but I have to say Sean Taylor. I watch his college highlights and it’s something I’ve never seen before.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“It’s kind of hard to pick one. I have three. My dad, grandpa, and uncle, all in different ways. My grandpa, Doug, is probably one of the best people I’ve ever met. My uncle Sean’s really involved in my life. He was big on me becoming a receiver because he played receiver in college, and he’s been training me to be better than he was. And then my dad, Brett, is just my dad. Got to love him. He’s a great person.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Just the past history. Historically, one of the best programs in all of college football with NFL draft picks, championships, all that stuff. And Coach Cristobal is a great dude. I couldn’t ask for a better coach. All the staff is great, great atmosphere in the locker room. On the field, everyone motivates each other. It’s just something great to be a part of.”
Frankie Tinilau
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“One, Miami is a beautiful place. It’s paradise. And two, my favorite coaches out in Oregon ended up coming here at the same time as me. It was like a blessing. I was already here playing high school [football] and it’s like the Lord answered my prayers. Now they’re here in Miami and we have beautiful weather every day.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“The intensity on the field, in the crowd and in the stands. I feel like we’re ready to present to the fans and the family of Miami that this is the real deal. Players that are coming in are serious and they’re about their work…I’m excited for that first game.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Dwayne Johnson. Being a Polynesian, that’s my uncle right there.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My parents. They didn’t have the easiest start, but it’s all about the finish. They showed me how to be a grown individual and look after myself. They’re my role models and I’ll always look up to them.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“The history. You google Miami and you can read for hours and hours and hours about the history. And what Miami used to be like will soon be the same. That’s the idea that we want to have now and how we want to change the program and bring it back…Every time opponents stepped in the Orange Bowl, they knew they weren’t walking out with a win. I want to bring that same fear to every team.”
Antonio Tripp, Jr.
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I felt like this was going to be the right place for me when I clicked and bought in and saw the vision the coaches are trying to build and how they want to run things. Just really thinking about and knowing all the coaches ‘whys’ and why they’re doing this and putting all those hours in and why they want to bring Miami back.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“It’d be my senior year, when I was with IMG Academy. IMG is in Florida and my last game, we played against St. Francis Academy, which is a Baltimore team. That’s where I’m from. We beat them in my state, in their home. That felt good, beating those guys I used to play with.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Bryant McKinnie. I’ve been watching a lot of Bryant McKinnie recently. He was dominant. Technically sound. He outmuscled guys, outsmarted guys. He was an all-around guy.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“I’d say my role models are definitely my parents, Antonio and Jaquila. Just seeing them make something out of nothing, watching them put me first, even when things were struggling. They’ve helped me achieve my dreams, no matter what it cost. Those eight-hour drives down south to play football, or wherever. Definitely them.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“When you become a Miami Hurricane, you become a part of Miami. I’m not from here, but I can go anywhere, and people are like, ‘Good luck on the season.’ There are conversations that will stick with me and stick with them. You become a part of Miami. Miami’s a melting pot of cultures. Miami is everything. It’s a unique place. The fans are going to have your back. Everyone loves to support the Hurricanes. It’s a real family vibe.”
Lucas Vargas-Diaz
Position: Offensive line
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“Being from Miami, originally from Miami, coming home was a top priority for me, throughout my entire recruitment process. My family came to this city in the late 70s, and the city has given me so much, it’s great to give back to the city in a way.”
What are you looking forward to most about taking the field at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time?
“Taking the field for the first time at Hard Rock is going to be electric. I don’t even know how I’m going to handle it. I’m just looking forward to the energy. The crowd is always there. I’m looking forward to seeing my people in the stands. It’s just going to be crazy.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I’m sure nobody’s said this, but I’m going with Brett Romberg. He’s one of the best centers in the history of The U. He’s a guy you don’t want to let down when you come to play center at Miami.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“Winning the state championship in high school, winning a state championship last year. That was a big memory.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“I would say my dad, Marco. He’s definitely done his best and I always try to be like him.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Really, just the history. You look at those championship teams from the 80s and the guys that they had…it’s Hall of Famer after Hall of Famer. It’s a crazy tradition to be a part of and I’m just so blessed to be here.”
Robby Washington
Position: Wide receiver
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“When Coach Cristobal came, he changed my whole perspective of things. Knowing he recruited my dad, too, played a very big role in that. And it’s just home. There’s no better place than being at home.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“Santana Moss. If you look at that guy, we have a similar build. We talk a lot. I know. I just love him.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“My first pee-wee game, I got the ball and ran to the other [side] for a touchdown. I went the wrong way.”
Who is your role model and why?
“I would say my role model is my grandad, Joseph. He did everything right. That’s a man you want to follow because that’s a man that can lead.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“It’s the culture…the culture this year is going to be way different and that’s what I want to be a part of the culture of Miami football.”
Emory Williams
Position: Quarterback
Hometown: Milton, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“I would say Coach Cristobal and his staff always made it feel like family, feel like home. Every time I came down here, there was always such a warm welcome. It just felt like a safe place to come.”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“It’s got to be Ray Lewis. I love Ray Lewis. I think he’s a great guy. I like his open stance on his faith about Jesus Christ. That’s something I relate to and want to replicate. And of course, he’s an absolute beast of a player. He’s a great player. All those reasons.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“I would say my last-ever game as a senior. Statistically, it was my best game and I had just the best time playing in that game, my last game with all my senior friends. The last time I got to play football with those guys, to end it literally the best way we could end it and have fun the whole time was special.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“I would say the brand, the brand behind Miami football. You can be any college football fan and when you hear of Miami, you think of The U. You think of The U back in the day, the greatest college football team ever…you know when you hear that, you’re in trouble.”
What was it like to step on Greentree for the first time?
“Oh, nervous. Nervous, but it was a dream come true. It was my first college practice, which is something you never forget. But at the same time, just like that, all your recruiting is done and now it’s time to see what you can do, see if you can perform.”
Riley Williams
Position: Tight end
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“It was definitely Coach Cristobal. I live in Oregon. My brother played underneath Cristobal…It’s kind of like a family connection and I’m really big on that family aspect.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“It was definitely my junior year of high school. We won the state championship, and we went undefeated the whole season. That was definitely my favorite football moment. All the hard work that me and my teammates put in to get there.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My role model is definitely my dad, Antwain. He’s put up with me and my brother. That’s not an easy task. He’s done a lot for me, sacrificed a lot for me. And he’s the reason why I’m here today.”
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I write a lot of poetry. I have a lot of poems that I write down on my phone, on my computer, on a Google doc. I have a good 40, 50 that I’ve written. Some small, some long. It just depends.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“Everything, to be honest. First off, you’re in the city of Miami. That’s just hard to beat by itself. Besides that, it’s the people in the building. The staff is great. Everybody wants to get to know you. They don’t just pass by you and say, ‘What’s up?’ They come by and ask how you’re doing; they ask how was lift, how was your workout. They actually acknowledge you and want to get to know you.”
Justin Wood
Position: Long snapper
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Why did you choose to play college football at Miami?
“Why not Miami? Me being from here, I’ve grown up orange and green. It’s everything I could ever want. Turning on the TV on a Saturday and just seeing the Miami Hurricanes going through the smoke, I told myself, ‘Hopefully, one day I can be a part of that.’”
Who’s your favorite Hurricane, past or present?
“I can’t say just one. Special teams, I’m going to go with Michael Badgley. Offense, I’m going to go with Duke Johnson and defense, I’m going to go with Corn Elder…October 31, 2015, Miami versus Duke, eight laterals to win the game. Corn Elder just made it look great. I remember Michael making some kicks in clutch moments and Duke Johnson…he was just a complete animal.”
What’s your favorite football memory?
“Probably tackling [current Miami teammate Nathaniel] Ray Ray [Joseph] last year. Palmetto versus Edison in a good game. That’s probably it.”
Who is your role model and why?
“My dad, Ron. He’s always setting the standard from since I could walk. He’s taught me right from wrong and showed me the right way of life.”
What makes Miami football so special?
“It’s the love inside the program. You’ll be down, and there’s a hand right there to pick you up. They love to push you, but they’re always there to care for you. When you’re down, someone’s going to be there to help you up.”
