FWIW Barry Jackson’s Column
DEFENSE:
We examined where the Hurricanes roster stands on offense in this piece on Wednesday. Here’s an early look at where they stand on defense:
UM loses arguably its two most productive ends with Zach McCloud (5.5 sacks) and Deadre Johnson (4.5). Both have used up all of their college eligibility. That leaves Jahfari Harvey (6.5 tackles for loss/2.5 sacks in 2020), Chantz Williams (2.5/2.5), Elijah Roberts (0.5/0.5) and impressive four-star freshmen Nyjalik Kelly and Cyrus Moss as the likely top five next season, in no particular order. But that could change if Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace five-star Class of 2022 prospect Shemar Stewart picks UM. Though Texas A&M has been considered the front-runner for Stewart, UM remains very much in play. If he commits to UM, he very likely will be part of the rotation as a freshman. Jacob Lichtenstein, the transfer from Southern California, can play end or tackle, but seems to be needed more at tackle. Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal called Kelly among the nation’s best high school pass rushers. And Moss is UM’s highest-rated player in this 2022 cycle, according to 247 Sports’ rankings. Also on the roster: Jabari Ishmael (who played sparingly as a freshman) and Thomas Davis, who missed the year with an injury. At least two defensive ends are visiting UM this week: UAB transfer Antonio Moultre (62 tackles, two sacks last season) and four-star San Diego-based Class of 2022 prospect Gracen Halton.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE Jon Ford and Nesta Silvera are moving on, with Ford hoping to forge an NFL career and Silvera intending to play college ball elsewhere. The Canes added Lichtenstein in the portal to supplement Leonard Taylor (7.5 tackles for loss/2 sacks), Jared Harrison Hunte (6.5/2) and Jordan Miller (4.5/1.5). Lichtenstein had 28 tackles, 6 for loss and 4 sacks at USC last season. Allan Haye is the only other tackle on scholarship, with Jalar Holley having transferred and Roberts having moved to end last year. Harrison-Hunte made eight starts last season, Miller and Taylor none. Lichtenstein started eight games for USC. Taylor, Lichtenstein and Harrison-Hunte figure to compete for two starting tackle spots, unless Lichtenstein ends up at defensive end. All three will obviously play a lot. The Canes remain in the mix for four-star Fort Lauderdale Dillard tackle Ahmad Moten. And another veteran defensive tackle would be helpful.
LINEBACKER When I asked UM defensive analyst Bob Shoop about the position that needs more elite players, he said linebacker, noting that weak-side linebacker Keontra Smith (who started four games) and middle linebacker Corey Flagg (who started every game) have been asked to play too many snaps. Fact is, UM needs elite players at linebacker (and the defensive line) to escape this predicament of being a middle-of-the-pack ACC team. Miami finished 77th of 130 FBS schools in total defense this past season, allowing 389.6 yards per game. Cristobal hopes he has found an impact linebacker in Miami Central four-star prospect Wesley Bissainthe, who signed last month. Cristobal said he expects him to contribute immediately, and Bissainthe has a good chance to beat out Smith (38 tackles, three sacks) for a starting job if he’s as good as advertised. Another option would be moving safety James Williams to outside linebacker, but that decision will be made by Cristobal and the new yet-to-hired defensive coordinator. Barring an addition from the portal, Flagg (60 tackles/7 for loss/3 sacks/1 interception) remains the front-runner at middle linebacker. The Canes are bullish on Chase Smith, who entered UM as a striker but could be moved to weak-side linebacker. Shoop said he could play either. Waymon Steed, who made eight starts and whose 54 tackles were second on the team, has another year of eligibility if the new staff wants to keep him around. The former UM staff saw considerable upside in freshmen Deshawn Troutman and Tyler Johnson. Troutman could back up Flagg at middle linebacker. Sam Brooks could be an asset if he could stay healthy; he played in only two games last season. Avery Huff and Tirek Austin-Cave haven’t carved out significant roles to this point. Ryan Ragone has exceeded expectations as a walk-on. But even after signing Bissainthe, UM could still use an impact linebacker from the portal, at either weak-side or middle linebacker.
STRIKER This was a pseudo linebacker/safety position created in the Manny Diaz defense and might not exist in UM’s new defense. Amari Carter, who played the position last season, is moving on. Gilbert Frierson’s metrics were poor (23 completions in 27 targets), and Smith got some playing time at striker late in the year. But this position might morph into a third linebacker or fifth defensive back, depending on the scheme and game situations. Frierson announced this week that he’s returning to UM in 2022. If there’s no striker position, he could play safety or perhaps linebacker.
SAFETY Bubba Bolden is moving on to the NFL. But presuming nobody transfers, UM is set at the position with Williams (two interceptions; started seven in a row before missing the final two with an injury), Kamren Kinchens (the Canes’ most consistent tackler in their secondary; started UM’s last five games) and Avantae Williams (one interception; made first start in finale against Duke). And don’t forget Isaiah Dunson (who moved from cornerback to safety in October when Gurvan Hall left) and Brian Balom, who had a strong freshman season but missed 2021 with an injury. Even if Williams hypothetically moves to linebacker, UM would be in good shape with a Kinchens/Avante Williams pairing. Keshawn Washington and Jalen Harrell will compete, barring a transfer by either. UM added three-star Orlando based safety Markeith Williams, who signed last month.
CORNERBACK UM has been exploring the transfer portal, but upgrading the lines is considered a bigger priority. Even so, UM could have everybody back: Tyrique Stevenson (one interception/four pass breakups), Al Blades Jr. (missed the last eight games due to injury), Te’Cory Couch (five pass breakups but lost his starting job after the 2-4 start), DJ Ivey (went from starting 11 games in 2020 to four starts in 2021), Marcus Clarke (one interception; started four of UM’s last six games), and freshman Malik Curtis. Ivey announced on Thursday that he’s coming back for the 2022 season; Stevenson and Blades previously announced plans to do so. That group will be supplemented by three freshmen who have signed: Mississippi-based Khamuari Rogers, Fort Myers-based Chris Graves and Atlanta-based Jaden Harris. UM is pursuing four-star San Diego-based cornerback Jahlil Florence (who canceled his visit to UM this weekend and all other visits because of family reasons).
SPECIALISTS Lou Hedley previously announced he’s returning to UM for the 2022 season. Australian Nelson Foley is his backup. Andres Borregales returns for his second season after finishing 17 for 21 on field goals and 45 for 45 on extra points.
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OFFENSE:
(A strange translation but you’ll get the gist)