LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Hurricanes had two key players return for their road game against Louisville on Saturday.
Left tackle Jalen Rivers and defensive end Elijah Alston came back from their respective injuries, warming up before the game on Saturday. Rivers had not played since Week 1 against Florida, while Alston missed UM’s previous game against Cal.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal said earlier in the week that Rivers was due to return.
“Jalen’s an elite leader, he’s the most versatile lineman that we have,” Cristobal said. “He plays left, he plays right, he plays center. He’s an excellent center, as well.”
Markel Bell has been playing left tackle while Rivers recovered.
“Markel Bell has done a great job,” Cristobal said Monday. “Markel Bell is going to play. He’s earned the right to play. He’s going to keep playing, he’s going to keep developing. He’s done a great job and is going to be a great player at the University of Miami.”
Alston, a transfer from Marshall, has been a solid contributor to the Hurricanes’ deep defensive line. He has 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
South Florida stars lead the way for Louisville
Some of the Cardinals’ top players come from the Hurricanes’ backyard. Louisville has eight players from South Florida, including several playmakers.
Star freshman running back Isaac Brown is a Homestead native, and he is backed up by former UM and Belen Jesuit running back Don Chaney Jr.
Standout defensive end Ashton Gillotte was a Sun Sentinel Palm Beach County defensive player of the year when starring for Boca Raton High. He is joined on defense by former Miami Central linebacker Stanquan Clark and Miami Columbus alum and linebacker T.J. Capers.
This story will be updated.
