Powell embracing ‘mental battles’ with Ward at practice. And more Hurricanes practice notes

Mishael “Meesh” Powell and Cam Ward have competed against each other over the past two seasons — Powell as a defensive back for the University of Washington, Ward the quarterback for Washington State.

The competition has continued this spring as well as over the past two days and will continue over the next month. This time, though, they’re pushing to make each other better for a common goal with the Miami Hurricanes after both transferred to UM.

Powell, speaking after practice Thursday, said he is embracing the “mental battle” that has come so far and will continue to come by going up against Ward on a regular basis in practice ahead of their season opener on Aug. 31 against the Florida Gators.

“He’s the quarterback of the offense. I see myself as the quarterback of the defense being able to see everything,” Powell said. “[We’re] just kind of giving him different looks and [I’m] just kind of picking his brain after practice. I’ll say ‘Hey, on this play, how do you feel out here? Did this work? Did this kind of throw you off?’ And vice versa. He’ll be like, ‘Did I pull you away from this guy?’ Or if I’m at the nickel spot, he’ll ask ‘Did I fake the run enough?’ Me and him going back and forth is just making each other better. He’s a hell of a competitor. He’s a trash talker, too, so I make sure I can jaw back a little bit. It’s been you know, a hell of a competition for sure.”

The Hurricanes’ secondary is experiencing an overhaul this season.

Kamren Kinchens, James Williams and Jaden Davis left for the NFL, while Davonte Brown transferred to Florida State. That leaves fifth-year senior cornerback Daryl Porter Jr., who has five pass breakups and 34 tackles in two seasons with Miami after beginning his career in West Virginia, as the main holdover from last year’s secondary.

Powell, who will primarily play safety but is still taking reps at nickel corner, said the group’s chemistry has grown from the start of spring practice.

“We were really gelling in the springtime,” Powell said, “but I think the summer offseason was great and not just during workouts. We hang out outside of this facility. That’s the important thing — getting to know each other, know each other’s stories, know what people’s ceilings are, how to push their buttons the right way and how to push each other.”

Arroyo on the field

Tight end Elijah Arroyo has been relegated to the sideline for the better part of the past two seasons after sustaining a torn left ACL in September 2022.

The redshirt junior hopes those days are behind him. He has looked smooth during individual drills during the first two days of fall camp and, for the first time in a while, feels fully healthy.

“It feels great,” Arroyo said. “I feel like myself again. It’s just good being able to play without thinking about any injuries or anything that’s going on and focus on the task at hand.”

That task at hand: Finding a way to contribute in an offense that on paper is loaded at skill positions.

The running backs are led by Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher, with Ajay Allen, Chris Johnson, Jordan Lyle and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey also available to contribute.

The receivers include Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, Sam Brown, Isaiah Horton, Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr.

Tight end is where the Hurricanes know they need to see more production in the passing game. The position accounted for just 18 catches and 154 receiving yards last season.

“Tight ends have always been big in this offense,” Arroyo said. “I feel like we had a little setback last year with injuries and everything, but I’m just excited for this year. I’m excited to see where we can take it.”

What Bissainthe learned as a starter

After being a standout at Miami Central during his high school career, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe has seen his role evolve through his first two seasons at Miami.

He made just three starts as a freshman, logging 30 tackles in 12 total games. Last year, he emerged as a starter and up his production to 44 total tackles, including six-and-a-half for loss and two sacks in 13 games (10 starts).

Bissainthe said the game has slowed down “a lot” for him over the past two years, which should help him be more productive going into his junior year.

“I have way more confidence,” Bissainthe said. “I know what I’m doing. Everything is slow to me. I just play fast. ... Just knowing what you’ve got to do takes you a long way.”

This and that

▪ In addition to his primary spot at right guard, junior offensive lineman Anez Cooper said he is taking reps at both left guard and right tackle during camp.

▪ One bit of communication issues that has popped up among UM’s tight ends: The fact that they have two “Elijahs” in Arroyo and freshman Elija Lofton. “We both get mixed up all the time,” Arroyo said, adding that Lofton is “a beast. He’s crazy. Just to be able to do what he’s doing, especially as a freshman, it’s cool to watch.”