With the hiring of Mark Richt, a major culture change is underway within the Miami Hurricanes program. Already having a week of spring practice under their belt, Miami is looking to build upon the athletic ability currently on the team, especially in the Hurricanes secondary.
Strengthening the Front Line
But of course, a good secondary needs a good front seven.
Miami hired local son Manny Diaz from Mississippi State in January as defensive coordinator. Diaz hopes to revamp a Hurricane defense that has been inconsistent at times throughout the tenure of defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofario, stating “We want to be aggressive. We want our defensive line to penetrate, and that should sound familiar because it was here in the ‘80s, then it became the trend in college football.” That should be no problem as Diaz will inherit experienced defensive lineman such as Al-Quadin Muhammad and incoming Florida transfer defensive end Gerald Willis.
The incoming freshman class at Miami features ten defensive players, with four at linebacker to add depth at a position that had suffered greatly due to injury.
Leaders Emerging in the Hurricanes Secondary
Senior cornerback Corn Elder will be filling in the leadership role left by departing players such as Artie Burns and Deon Bush.
After a breakout junior year, the elder statesman at cornerback has taken it upon himself to ensure that the Hurricanes secondary maintains its legendary status for producing high caliber defensive backs. “We have a lot of meeting time where we can talk, after practice and after school, we all get together and watch film together. It’s easy for everybody to get together because everybody is willing to learn.”
This is good news for a defense in the process of a facelift. With the hiring of Diaz as defensive coordinator, the Hurricanes will be looking to return to the 4-3 defense that produced Miami legends such as Warren Sapp, Sean Taylor, Jon Beason and a host of others defensive studs.
Speaking on the defense, first year cornerback coach Mike Rumph stated “We’ve got an idea and a plan where these kids can go out and play fast.”
Senior safety Rayshawn Jenkins echoed that sentiment, stating: “If you’re an athlete, you’re going to excel in this defense. They try to utilize that and I think it’s good for our defense because we have a lot of athletes.”
Jenkins is also expected to step up in a mentorship role amongst the Hurricanes secondary. After recording a career high of 52 tackles and snagging three interceptions in 13 games played after missing a year due to preseason surgery, Jenkins will take the reins in the secondary at safety and will be vital in helping first year starter Jamal Carter adapt to his new role in the Hurricanes secondary.
The Hurricanes secondary features a motley crew of young players, such as Jaquan Johnson and Ryan Mayes. Elder’s veteran presence and an improved front seven will be key in improving a Hurricanes secondary that gave up 11 yards per pass completion last year.
