Miami will open spring practice Saturday without eight players -- including five projected starters -- the school announced Friday.
Starters Thurston Armbrister, Malcolm Lewis, Shane McDermott and Gabe Terry will be held out, along with running back Eduardo Clements, receiver Robert Lockhart Jr. and defensive lineman Dave Perry. Linebacker Eddie Johnson remains suspended indefinitely.
Among the most notable items on the preseason depth chart:
Freshman Alex Figueroa is listed as the No. 1 strongside linebacker with Armbrister and Johnson out.
Sophomore Raphael Kirby is listed as the No. 1 middle linebacker ahead of Jimmy Gaines.
Sophomore Matt Goudis is listed at both kicker and punter as the Canes have to replace punter Dalton Botts and kicker Jake Wieclaw.
Tracy Howard is listed No. 1 at cornerback in the spot departed by senior Brandon McGee played last season.
