I’ve posted this every few years or so 'cause to me its the berometer if Miami’s ever going to play with the big boys. Miami’s had an issue in recent memory of under-recruiting the lines, it really doesn’t matter how many skill guys you have if you can’t control the line of scrimmage. Anyways, here’s where we are as of 21 so folks understand how bad its been.
Alabama During Sabans reign - 5.7 DL taken per year, 4.1 OL taken per year.
Georgia During Smart’s reign - 4.7 DL taken per year, 4.5 OL taken per year.
Ohio State Since Meyer was there - 4 DL taken per year, 4.1 OL taken per year.
Miami During Coker - 4 DL taken per year, 3.5 OL taken per year
Miami During Shannon - 4.5 DL taken per year, 3.3 OL taken per year
Miami During Golden - 5.4 DL taken per year, 3.4 OL taken per year
Miami During Richt (Diaz as DC) - 3.3 DL taken per year, 2.7 OL taken per year
Miami During Diaz - 3.3 DL taken per year, 2.7 OL taken per year.
Essentially, when comparing a Miami under Diaz for four years versus Saban. Alabama would have 23 defensive lineman on the roster to pick from, Miami would have 13.
When comparing a Miami under Diaz for four years versus Smart. Georgia would have 18 offensive lineman on the roster to pick from, Miami would have 11.
The difference that has on your teams ability to develop talent, get guys ready, overcome injuries, and make sure your starting lineup is high quality is extremely stark.
Diaz OL and DL recruiting has been abysmal. The next guy is going to have a hell of a job ahead of them considering the hole we’re not in from a roster standpoint, and thats not even considering talent, just numbers.
Overall, if you want a sign that the next staff is going to change Miami’s W/L record, the first you’ll look for is for them to sign around 5 to 6 DL, and 5 to 6 OL in year one and to hold that average nearly ever year. The truly elite programs do that annually as lines are the one thing you can’t overcome.
