Miami coach Al Golden begins his second year with few on-field expectations. The Hurricanes were picked to finish fifth in the Coastal Division, the lowest they’ve ever been picked in the ACC preseason poll. Here is a look at the Hurricanes as they prepare to begin the preseason.

It all starts: The Hurricanes begin preseason practice on Friday, Aug. 3.

Three questions to answer in camp:

  1. Who will produce at the offensive skill positions? Running back Lamar Miller left Miami after running for 1,272 yards his junior year. The Hurricanes not only have to replace their leading rusher from a year ago but also the top two receivers. In the running game, senior running back Mike James returns, and talented freshman Duke Johnson will get a shot. “He’s a young guy that has the tools and the make-up to be a significant contributor to this team,” Golden said of Johnson. Wide receiver Allen Hurns will be the go-to guy, and wide receiver Rashawn Scott had a good spring.
  2. How many true freshmen will see the field? Miami currently has 30 true freshmen listed on its roster, and many of them will play in 2012. Defensive backs Tracy Howard and Deon Bush were both highly touted recruits who will more than likely see the field. Eight players enrolled early in January and went through spring practice, including linebacker Raphael Kirby. The Hurricanes will easily be among the nation’s leaders in playing true freshmen.
  3. Will the defense force more turnovers? In defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio’s first year, Miami ranked No. 105 nationally in takeaways, forcing just 15 turnovers in the team’s 12 games. Furthermore, the Hurricanes had just six interceptions. They have had fewer than six interceptions in a season just four times in the history of the program. Miami has to find a way to create turnovers to make things easier on the offense.

Player who needs to step up: Quarterback Stephen Morris didn’t participate in spring practice after offseason back surgery, but he is fully recovered entering preseason practice. Morris has to have a good year and provide some leadership on offense for Miami to have a good season. He’ll need to take better care of the ball -- he has thrown seven touchdowns in his career compared to 11 interceptions.

Potential breakout player: Defensive end Anthony Chickillo played well in his true freshman year with 38 tackles and five sacks. With such a young roster, he finds himself in a leadership role in just his second year. Chickillo will be part of the foundation as Golden tries to rebuild the program.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.