By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Matias J. Ocner
Miami Hurricanes’ running back ChaMar Brown, tight end Elija Lofton, wide receiver Cooper Barkate, and defensive lineman Damon Wilson II spoke with the media about their training camp, relationship with coaches, and teammates.
Brown finished second on the Hurricanes with 474 rushing yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns. He’s an exceptional playmaker and seeks to have a bigger role in the upcoming season. Brown understands that the competition level for the running back position is high.
“We keep each other on our toes,” Brown said. “When it’s time to get in, I feel like I’m ready.”
Brown loves the competition. He also tries to mentor the younger players on the team. Brown seems like he’s in great spirits and feels confident about his ability to produce.
Lofton is feeling healthy coming into the camp. He understands that in this game you have to be tough and compete against the best. Physical play is necessary in football.
“This is like the healthiest I’ve ever been since I’ve been here,” Lofton said. “Getting my playbook, slowing down the defense and getting to the right spot and understanding the playbook in every route that’s on the field.”
Barkata is happy to transfer to Miami. He came from Duke, and in one season with the Blue Devils, he recorded 11 career games with 100+ receiving yards, including a career-high 172-yard performance versus Georgia Tech. Barkate will be going up against wide receivers Malachi Toney, Joshua Moore, Daylyn Upshaw, and many more receivers. It’s a stacked position.
“We got a lot of depth,” Barkate said. “So every day we’re just feeding off each other, trying to make plays. I’d say the culture is great. I think everyone respects each other and loves each other. I came here because I wanted to sharpen my game.”
Wilson is learning more and more from coach Jason Taylor. A hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins legend who is known for being a great defensive player. He’s a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Taylor is the Hurricanes defensive line coach.
“He expects the best out of you all the time,” Wilson said. “There’s never a moment that just lets a play slide. Every play is being coached. Every play is important. No hands on hips. The small stuff is big with him.”
Under Taylor’s leadership, four of Miami’s starting defensive linemen earned all-conference recognition in 2024.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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