Transfer U: D’Eriq King’s former LT Williams joins him at Miami

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Over the past couple of years, Canes coach Manny Diaz made the most out of the transfer portal, landing valuable contributors such as KJ Osborn, Trevon Hill, Bubba Bolden, and even a few more this year in Quincy Roche and D’Eriq King. Diaz found himself yet another possible gem from the same school as King in Houston grad transfer Jarrid Williams. 

 

 

Williams picked the Canes over FSU, Baylor, Ole Miss, and USC. The offensive lineman will play his final year of eligibility in Coral Gables and if everything goes as planned, Williams should win a starting job at one of the tackles spots to protect King once again.  

 

Williams played three seasons at Houston, with his best one coming in 2018. While blocking for King at right tackle, he earned All-AAC honors from Pro Football Focus, allowing only 12 total pressures amongst 465 pass-blocking snaps to finish with a 98.5 pass-blocking efficiency rating. 

 

2019 was not as pleasant for Williams. Similar to King, he played in four games before suffering a season-ending injury. Because he already used his redshirt in 2015, Williams had to apply for a medical hardship waiver to preserve a year of eligibility, which was granted.

 

Houston coach Dana Hoolgorsen expected Williams to return (like he also did with King) but Williams elected to enter the transfer portal in late April of this year. 

 

Miami had quite possibly the worst offensive line in the country last year, allowing 51 sacks. Much needed help for offensive line coach Garin Justice will arrive in 2020 as they now add Williams, Florida transfer Isiah Walker (if granted a hardship waiver to play immediately), as well as 2020 signees Jalen Rivers and Chris Washington. 

 

More Top High School Hoop Prospects Look to Take Over G-League

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The up and coming idea of another transition to get to the NBA began on April 16th, when the number 2 prospect in the 2020 class, Jalen Green, announced he’d bypass college and join this select G-league team. This lead to 5 star athletes, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix, and Kai Sotto, to follow along and join this team as well.

As great as this team sounded already, there are more rumors that opened up today after Oklahoma State was hit with a postseason ban due to NCAA violations. With the number 1 player in the 2020 class, Cade Cunningham, committed, there are rumors flying around about what he will do next. College? Overseas? G-League?

Cade Cunningham was offered a lucrative deal that was believed to be at least as much as Jalen Green’s as well. But if he elects to continue with the college route, Kentucky will most likely be atop of his list after he committed to Oklahoma State over them.

 

With all of this being speculated, there is even more news connected to this G-League team. The number 1 player in the class of 2021, Jon Kuminga, has been “50/50” on whether he’d reclassify up to the class of 2020. Today, Corey Evans from Rivals stated “Bank on Kuminga reclassifying into the 2020 class and turning pro.” This is very promising for the new G-League avenue, but continues to look worse and worse for the future of college basketball.

 

 

Miami Heat in favorable position as latest season odds come out

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Some new odds came out on Friday courtesy of BetOnlne. All things considered, the odds have the Miami Heat in decent positions.

Miami has a 50/1 shot to win the NBA Championship. The Lakers are the favorites at 11/5 odds followed by the Clippers, Bucks, and Celtics. Miami has a 18/1 shot to win the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee is the favorite to win the conference, followed by the Celtics and Raptors.

There is one other particular number that could be of interest to NBA fans. The odds of a play-in tournament in the Western Conference are very high at -1000.

Ours are favorable to Miami Heat

These odds are right about where I expected the Miami Heat to be. They are certainly an extremely talented team. However, there are other veteran teams in the Eastern Conference with more playoff experience. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see a full back half of the schedule.

As some of you may recall, Miami was up-and-down following the return from the All-Star break. Immediately following the All-Star break, they dropped their first two games.  Their final game before the stoppage was a 109-98 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.  On a more positive note, they found some sort of groove in the middle of February, winning four games in a row.

Now, it will be interesting to see how the Miami Heat function with this revamped schedule. They certainly have the talent to make a deep playoff run. It’s going to be interesting to see how the rookies and younger players bounce back from the long layoff. Can they recapture the same magic that they had at the beginning of the season?

In any event, this is going to be an exciting continuation of the season. With a ton of talent in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat now get their chance to prove if they can go toe-to-toe with the NBA’s best.

Five names who could land with Inter Miami

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It’s fair to say that things haven’t quite gone to plan for David Beckham and co since Inter Miami made their first strides into the MLS. It’s currently two defeats from as many games with just one goal to their name and, on top of that, the expected star quality is yet to be truly sprinkled on the squad.

 

We’re sure the results will turnaround soon enough for Diego Alonso’s men but getting a noteworthy signing in might take a little longer. Here we look at five names who might be that arrival that Inter needs to surprise in the MLS table.

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Number 5. Jurgen Damm​

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Okay, so Damm is hardly the name would draw in viewers from Europe, but he’s well known this side of the pond for his impact with Tigres in Liga MX. He has a dozen Mexico caps to his name and can operate on either flank where he is a constant threat to his opponents thanks to his pace, which was once clocked at a rapid 35km per hour – enough to earn him the title as the world’s second fastest player.

 

He’s out of contract and only 27 so still has plenty to offer. It would still be a relatively decent statement signing given that several MLS clubs along with European sides Roma and Besiktas have had links made. The odds of this happening still remain long though with Beckham likely keen on a more global name. ​

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Number 4. Daniel Sturridge​

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Not that Beckham really needs much help to pitch Inter Miami as an attractive proposition but the fact that Sturridge grew up watching his compatriot on television is bound to give Miami an edge as DC United also line up talks with the former England international.

 

Despite a fine scoring record throughout his career, he now finds his livelihood in soccer hanging by a thread after betting breaches have seen him suspended from the game.

 

Injury problems have undoubtedly played their part in seeing him go from Premier League sharpshooter to an unattached rule breaker but at 30-years-old he’s hardly over the hill. A fit and focussed Sturridge would score goals for fun in the MLS.​ However, if Daniel does turn up in the US, at least he might want to shift his focus to BetAmerica.com baseball online betting to avoid being banned from soccer practice again.

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Number 3. Edinson Cavani​

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Now here is a name that would prick up the ears of global soccer fans. Cavani is leaving Ligue 1 giants PSG this summer with his contract up and he’s keen to find regular game time after only featuring in 600 minutes of league action this season. His output throughout his career has been nothing short of phenomenal with his spell at Napoli his most impressive in terms of goals to game ratio with a goal every 1.3 matches. Mind you, 200 in 301 in France isn’t half bad either! Some will point to his 33 years but, despite a few niggles in the 2019/20 campaign, Cavani is far from past it with several major European clubs – including Inter Milan – chasing him.

 

Beckham might need to pull out all the stops to convince Cavani to turn his back on Europe but the fact he’d be some five hours closer to his homeland of Uruguay – and a handsome pay packet – might be a good starting point.​

 

Number 2. Rogelio Funes Mori

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On the surface of it, you might be forgiven for thinking that the concerns over whether or not Damm’s profile would be enough to tempt Beckham to bring a relative unknown (to European fans) in apply to Funes Mori too. Scratch a little deeper though and you’ll quickly see why he’d be willing to sacrifice a worldwide profile for one and, potentially, not the other.

 

Mori has been in Mexico, where he plays for Monterrey, since 2015 and has proven himself to be a deadly center forward. In 200 games he’s knocked in 101 goals and provided a further 27 assists for team. Monterrey will be desperate to keep him but a move for Mori might prove somewhat easier than luring someone of Cavani’s ilk. ​

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Number 1. James Rodriguez​

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This man would be an enormous coup for Inter Miami. Not only is James a talented ball player but he’s also in the prime years of his career at 28. James started out in his native Colombia, for whom he’s shined at international level, but quickly moved to Argentinian outfit Banfield. From there he’s gone to FC Porto – where he won the Europa League – Monaco, Real Madrid, a loan to Bayern Munich and back to Madrid for combined fees of $150m.

 

He’s now back with Real Madrid but establishing himself in their side looks hugely unlikely given he’s only managed 124 appearances since signing in 2014. Given that an in-form James will be one from the very top drawer, Miami will face serious competition from Europe with Real’s rivals Atletico and English trio Everton, Newcastle and – less realistically – Manchester United all mentioned as possible destinations.

 

Even so, if Beckham can pull out all the stops then James could dominate the MLS and make Miami a genuine force to be reckoned with.​

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There you have it, five names who could be pulling on the Inter Miami strip in the coming months. Who would you most like to see come to Florida? ​

 

MLS to Restart after New CBA Reached

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After reaching a deal on a new CBA in February, MLS and the MLSPA due to the global pandemic were forced to make revisions as circumstances changed drastically. An original deadline to reach the agreement was mid-day Tuesday, but luckily was postponed another 24 hours. With a lockout looming, MLS players and owners were forced to reach a deal that included the reduction of player income, and a plan to restart the season.

Money Cuts

Negotiations between the Player’s Association and owners about salaries started and ended in drastically different places. It has been reported that owners were originally looking to have player salaries cut by 50%. It was later talked down to 8.75%, then an agreed 7.5%, but continued to drop. Sources state that the new deal reached yesterday morning have only reduced player salaries by 5%.

Players also took a reduction on their cut of the new broadcast deal set to begin in 2023. Originally, players were set to take 25% in 2023, but instead that percentage will be cut in half. However, in 2024 and 2025, the revenue share will return back from the 12.5% to 25%. Team and bonus funds have also been reduced to a $5 million pool. $1 million of those funds will be allocated towards the upcoming Orlando Tournament as prize winnings.

The Disney Cup

Returning to play was extremely important in this new deal. A lockout during a time like this would be devastating for the league financially. With the plan to start a summer tournament in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, a product will be put back on the pitch, something MLS fans haven’t witnessed since March 12th.

The plan is to have teams arrive in Orlando in about three weeks, and begin play at the beginning of July. It is reported that each team will play a minimum of three games. Each side will have the results of these three games counted towards their 2020 regular season standings.

In what seems to be a World Cup style format, the first three games will determine what 16 teams will move on to a knockout tournament. One team will host a new trophy, and might even take the entire $1 million prize pool. It is unclear how the money will be dispersed.

What Does this Mean for Inter Miami?

With all of this time off players were given a rest period like no other. Inter Miami are set to benefit from this time off with Julian Carranza returning from injury. The club had posted pictures of him back in training on their social media accounts. The team’s goal scoring in the first two games was almost non-existent (only recording one goal), and Carranza could come into Orlando looking to fix that.

Inter Miami being a new team in the league were destined to face adversity in the beginning stages of their inaugural season. Recording zero points in two games is never ideal. But, with every MLS team essentially starting from square one, being an expansion team in a circumstance like this gives a level playing field. The first three games in Orlando will be extremely important so look for Inter Miami to capitalize and boost their 2020 record.

Uncertain Future for MLB Among Rule Changes, Labor Differences

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Baseball is at a crossroads.

From the no- spitting rule to the trade deadline fast approaching, there are a huge number of changes coming to the MLB that have rustled the feathers of the union and players at this time. With a huge amount of speculation from the MLB and the rush towards returning to sport after the Coronavirus pandemic, the uncertain future and ongoing disagreements continue. In this article, we will be looking at the changes to the MLB and what to look forward to for the return to sport.

 

The Return To The MLB Following The Pandemic

A return to the MLB is something that is being strongly considered at this time as a number of the worlds leading teams to head back to training in the coming weeks. With a number of the New York’s major teams such as the Yankees training in Florida until the pandemic dies down in the heart of New York, there are many wondering when a safe return to the MLB will continue. With many in the league hoping for a quick return to the league, there was an ergonomic plan for the return to sport sent to the Union on the 25th of May. This will, of course, determine when the league will return in a safe manner. This is something that the MLB higher-ups have been criticised for throughout this process as the union as well as some players who believe the higher-ups are pushing for a return to the sport without considering the health of players and the staff involved.

 

Ongoing Negotiations At The MLB

As the talks continue for the resumption of the league ion the near future, there is a vast amount of uncertainty surrounding the league at this time. With the resumption of the league still up in the air as well as changes to the league with new rules and legislation, the 2020 season is set to be a huge year for the sport. In addition to this, there are ongoing talks for the contract to the minor leagues. With the contract coming to an end in September, there is a vast amount of talk surrounding the future of the MLB purchasing the minor leagues and giving it a revamp. This will provide the minor league with the stability that it needs at this uncertain time with the sponsorships and funding for the development of the leagues. With the rosters expanding, in the new season, the MLB is looking to make the most of the downtime and come back stronger when the game returns soon. Though this is proving to be difficult at this time with disagreements between several teams as well as the unions, there are soon to be some major news with the resumption of the baseball league to screens.

 

The Oncoming Trade Deadline

Whilst talks for the beginning of the 2020 league continue, there is also the deadline for trades fast approaching. Despite there being no live sport played at this time a number of the major basketball leagues are looking to sign brand new players. With the deadline fast approaching on July 31st of this year, all signings have to be secured at this time. One of the most high-profile trades at this time is Kris Bryant. With several MVP players being moved in the offseason with several clubs in the league already approaching the Cubs to purchase the player for the 2020 season, this is definitely one to watch in the near future. Many have been placing bets on the MLB season as well as popular trades on the 2020 transfer market in any of the different betting sites available.

 

The Proposal Of The Non-Spitting Rule

The final major way that is being changed is the implementation of the non-spitting rule. This is one of the newest legislation to come out of the Coronavirus pandemic and is proposing that players are not able to spit in the dugout. This, however, is a rule that may not be able to be enforced as there are different reasons that players spit. This has had many players upset with fans unsure as to what the future holds for the MLB as a whole.

With this in mind, there are a huge number of changes coming for the MLB that are set to see them come out stronger in the near future.

 

Plantation WR George recommits to Miami

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Persistence paid off for the Miami Hurricanes coaching staff as Class of four-star wideout Jacolby George out of Plantation High has re-committed to the U. 

 

 

The 5’11” George decided to make the decision public a few days earlier than expected as he initially had his announcement slated for June 6th. He picked the Canes over Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Penn State, and UCF.

 

Ranked as the 34th-best wide receiver and 178th overall in the Class of 2021 according to 247Sports, he was previously in the fold from June to November of last year before he re-opened his recruitment. Since then, George pieced together a great junior season. 

 

He compiled 1,030 receiving yards on 46 catches with 17 touchdowns for the Colonels, leading them to the second round of the 7A state playoffs.

 

George is now the lone wide receiver commit in this recruiting cycle for the Canes and this is also the first commitment for new WR coach Rob Likens after joining the staff in February. 

 

With George back in the class, Miami’s 2021 class moves up four spots in the 247Sports class rankings, from 15th to 11th and out of the 15 commits, it is interesting to note that 12 of them hail from South Florida.

 

Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler vs. NBA’s best duos

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The NBA is filled with star powered duos. The league has gotten more and more balanced each year, that even the bottom tier teams have an enticing one-two punch.

A prominent duo is not only based off each player’s personal success, but the camaraderie that the two players have together on the court.

This list is based on the current status of the best duos in today’s NBA, and barring no injuries.

 

15. Karl Anthony Towns and D-Angelo Russell: Minnesota Timberwolves

This one will take a little time, after Russell was acquired for Andrew Wiggins at the deadline. Towns and Russell should have pretty good chemistry established since they rose through the AAU circuit together.

 

14. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray: Denver Nuggets

This duo has progressed each year, with Jokic’s unparalleled passing ability and Murray’s shooting, and there’s room to grow. They led Denver team to a three seed in the West this season, and just need to prove it consistently together in the playoffs.

 

13. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert: Utah Jazz

On the court, this has worked, with Mitchell’s playmaking and scoring and Gobert’s paint-patrolling defense and rebounding. Off the court? Well, that’s been a bit more problematic since Gobert’s actions at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, though some say they’ve patched things up. We’ll see.

 

12. Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry: Toronto Raptors

It might’ve seemed as if Lowry would finally be a first option with DeMar DeRozan and Kawhi Leonard elsewhere , but that’s not the case. Siakam emerged as an All-Star, with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Lowry remained steady, at 20 points and 8 assists, and the Raptors kept rolling to a surprising second seed in the East.

 

11. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat

After Butler was traded to the Heat, who would’ve thought he would find a running mate that could help him lead this Miami team to a four seed in the East? Certainly no one outside of Miami. Not a bad result considering that some said Jimmy came to Miami to retire. While they’ve paired well offensively, their real strength is their defensive passion and versatility, the latter of which is virtually unmatched around the NBA.

 

10. Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker: Boston Celtics 

Walker slid in for Kyrie Irving, Tatum took a leap, and suddenly the Celtics were the third seed. Tatum averaged 24 points and 7 rebounds, and Walker added 21 points and four assists. Walker never played with anyone as good as Tatum in Charlotte.

 

9. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons: Philadelphia 76ers

On talent alone, this might be the top duo. But their games don’t really complement each other like some of the others. The collective numbers show that each performs better with the other off the floor, since their lack of spacing together tends to clog the lane. The individual numbers (Embiid with 23 points and 12 boards, and Simmons averaging a near triple double) are outstanding. Time will tell if they can figure it out.

 

8. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis: Dallas Mavericks

Size and offensive skill. Doncic is already elite, and Porzingis was starting to get back to that level after a major knee injury. He’s also shown he’s comfortable being the No. 2 option. But can they defend well enough together to win anything meaningful, coming out of the West?

 

7. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum: Portland Trail Blazers

No backcourt in the NBA can score like this one, outside of a healthy Warriors squad. Defensively? Well, not always ideal. But Portland’s fall this season was due mostly to injuries. Assuming they stick together, they should be contending for a top-4 seed again.

 

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kris Middleton: Milwaukee Bucks

One’s the reigning and likely MVP: 30 points, 14 rebounds, and everything in between. Middleton has always been solid in every area, but he elevated this season, with a 21/6/4 statline, same as Paul George. Can Middleton be counted on when Giannis is crowded in the playoffs?

 

5. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson: Golden State Warriors.

They are the best shooting backcourt in NBA history. They just need to get healthy again. Klay Thompson didn’t rely on athleticism, so the ACL injury doesn’t seem insurmountable. Curry should be fine. They’ll be even better if Andrew Wiggins can give them a third threat, and take some pressure off.

 

4. James Harden and Russell Westbrook: Houston Rockets

The most controversial duo? Sure. James Harden is constantly criticized for his ball-pounding style of play and Russell Westbrook has been criticized in the past for only caring about triple-doubles. And they’ve both had down moments in the postseason, especially Harden. The stats, though, can’t be ignored. Harden leads the league in scoring and Westbrook was surging before the shutdown.

 

3. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets

We haven’t seen it yet, but have a sense of how good it could be. First, Durant needs to get healthy, but it appears that’s already happened. Irving needs to show, again, that he can share the ball and the spotlight. But this dueo has the potential to leap to No. 1 if their games connect as expected. They may be unguardable.

 

2. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George: Los Angeles Clippers

The top two-way duo. Only load management has kept them out of the top spot in the West. They can guard every position, score and distribute. George has something to prove in the postseason, but we’ve all seen what Leonard does there. Both in their prime, too. So this isn’t ending anytime soon.

 

 

1. LeBron James and Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers

Rejuvenated by playing with another top-5 player,. LeBron put up 26 points a game along with 8 rebounds and 11 assists. LeBron has stepped aside in some ways for Davis, who can score at all three levels. Can LeBron continue at this pace? Can Davis hold up physically? And will Davis sign long-term? Those are the only questions. These two guys are the scariest duo for any team they go against.

 

Brady Hawk (@MiamiHawk607) is the youngest member of Five Reasons Sports, and the only one who aspires to be a sports agent. Hear him discuss this piece on Five on the Floor. 

Miami reels in big fish at LB as Troutman finally commits

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After he had indicated that an impending commitment to Miami could come in the very near future, 3-star linebacker Deshawn Troutman finally made the announcement official on Wednesday night on Twitter.

 

 

He chose the Canes over FSU, Minnesota, and Kansas State, and his commitment will be credited to OC/LB coach Blake Baker and TE coach Stephen Field. 

 

Troutman is currently ranked as the 38th best inside linebacker in the country in the Class of 2021 according to the 247Sports Composite. He currently plays at Edgewater High in Orlando but he is originally from South Florida, as he made the move up north for his freshman year of high school. With the help of Troutman’s 89 tackles, Edgewater went 13-2 this past season with an appearance in the 7A state title game.

 

Troutman joins Ja’Corey Hammett and Tyler Johnson as the 3rd linebacker in the 2021 recruiting class. 

 

Miami’s linebacker corps next season is expected to be very inexperienced so adding a player of Troutman’s caliber will be a big addition to the depth. Miami’s eldest linebackers in 2021 will be Bradley Jennings and Waymon Steed, who’ve both dealt with a plethora of injuries so far in their respective careers.

 

Initially, there was concern over Miami not recruiting St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Jaydon Hood harder. As a result, Hood committed to Michigan. But after watching some of Troutman’s film, it’s obvious that despite his 6’1”, 205 lb. frame, he is one of the fastest and harder-hitting linebackers in the state. I really think coach Baker found himself a gem in Orlando.

 

Dolphins’ Ryan Fitzpatrick on Tua: “Loved Watching Him”

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Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux met with the South Florida media earlier today.

(Note: all quotes are paraphrased. Official quotes will be out later today.)

The two players spoke on multiple topics, but the biggest takeaway from this was that the future is bright in Miami.

First, Godchaux met with the media. And between trying to ride 40 miles on his bike and endless zoom meetings, he’s excited for the 2020 Dolphins.

Here’s what he had to say when asked his thoughts on what the Dolphins did this offseason.

Obviously, all the fans wanted a quarterback. That’s big drafting Tua. He had a great career at Alabama….Miami added depth and continued to get stronger, younger… Coach Flo is going to be consistent and expect great things out of you.

He then spoke on what is most important in football.

Lastly, GODchaux discussed what he believes is the process to building a winning franchise.

Everybody wants to win, but everyone has to take the steps to win. New England didn’t win overnight. It takes time to build the process. It’s always a process. I think it’s our time. Why not the Miami Dolphins? I think we kicked it off with a good draft…Sky is the limit

Focus then shifted to Dolphins’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. And the first thing everyone noticed was his epic facial hair, which has not been groomed since barbershops closed down.

Fitzpatrick’s main talking points were obviously rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa and the addition of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey this offseason.

When asked his thoughts on the Dolphins drafting a QB in round one:

It was expected. Tua happened to be the guy in that spot. They obviously really like him. I plan to be myself. To be an open book…but i’m also going to express my opinions and thoughts. I’m excited for him to be here. I loved watching him play in college.

He wrapped things up with his thoughts on Chan Gailey.

The Dolphins have a lot of new faces on both sides of the football. And players and coaches look forward to getting back into the facilities.

One thing however, is clear, and that is on paper; the Dolphins look much improved.

And for two of Miami’s veteran leaders, the sky is the limit.