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| Denzel Perryman (Photo Credit UFootball.Tumblr.com) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
The U has a proud tradition of defensive excellence. That tradition hasn't meant much lately, as this once proud unit has become a laughing stock, and the source of much consternation amongst fans. Is it the scheme? Is it the talent on the field? One cannot answer for certain, but this year is a pivotal year for both the scheme, and the players. The talent has been upgraded through recruiting, but depth continues to be a major concern. That lack of depth was exacerbated by recent events involving former 'Canes JaWand Blue and Alex Figueroa, two linebackers who were expected to play a major role. Fans should expect some improvement, if this thin unit can manage to avoid major injuries. If not, expect to see a defense that will be overmatched against elite talent.
True Freshmen are noted in Italics
Secondary
Tracy Howard
Artie Burns
Corn Elder
Ladarius Gunter
Antonio Crawford
Deon Bush(S)
Jamal Carter(S)
Dallas Crawford(S)
Rayshawn Jenkins (S)
Young group, but very talented. Howard and Burns should be the pick of the litter at corner, and Elder continues to wow coaches with his speed and aggressiveness. Gunter has shown an ability to be solid, and Antonio Crawford provides talented depth. Look for Howard and Burns to be the starters, with Elder and Gunter getting significant playing time.
The safety situation is a precarious, even though some players have shown flashes. Deon Bush has struggled to return to form after injury, and Dallas Crawford was a running back last season. Jamal Carter has all the tools to be good, he just has to get more time on the field, and Rayshawn Jenkins needs to find a way to be more reliable in coverage. This unit will be protected by the corners, but they will need to step up.
Grade: B/B+
Linebackers
Denzel Perryman
Thurston Armbrister
Raphael Kirby
Jermaine Grace
Darrion Owens
Juwon Young
Depth is a major concern. Alex Figueroa and JaWand Blue were dismissed in response to a rape allegation. Denzel Perryman is the unquestioned leader of this unit, and will be a major factor. Armbrister just doesn't have the speed and instincts to be a major factor, and Kirby has been inconsistent. Jermaine Grace, who was highly touted coming out of high school, couldn't find his way on the field last year, and will be expected to learn a complicated system on the fly.
The loss of Blue and Figueroa will not only affect this individual unit, but the defense as a whole. This defensive scheme revolves around the linebackers, and this linebacker corps may not have the experienced, talented players necessary to successfully execute the scheme. Had guys like Eddie Johnson and Alex Figueroa avoided trouble, this unit would have been a strength. Without those talented players, this group is the weakest linebacker corps in recent memory.
Grade: C-/C
Defensive Line
Anthony Chickillo
Tyriq McCord
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Chad Thomas
Michael Wyche
Earl Moore
Corey King
Jelani Hamilton
Olsen Pierre
Calvin Heurtelou
Ufomba Kamalu
What was once the weakest link, is now much improved. McCord and Muhammad saw significant time last year, and with experience comes raised expectations. Look for these two players to be impact players by the end of this season. Heurtelou and Wyche, players who comes to The U via the Juco ranks, provide size and strength in the middle, something that has been missing lately. Anthony Chickillo has been a solid performer, there's no reason to believe that will change. Chickillo's numbers should improve, due to him not seeing as many double teams, and teams concentrating more on McCord and Muhammad. Incoming freshman Chad Thomas will see playing time, you just don't see his combination of speed and size too often. While this unit still has some dead weight, it should be improved, and fans should see major progress from the youngsters. Don't be shocked if McCord, Muhammad and Thomas end up finding their way on some All-ACC teams at the end of the season
Grade: C+/B
Punter
Matt Goudis
Following the graduation of Pat O'Donnell, Miami is without a proven punter. Goudis is the presumed starter, but don't be shocked if he isn't the guy after fall camp ends. Fans should have low expectations for the position, O'Donnell was a rare talent, and we were all spoiled by his play last season. I doubt Goudis will end up a 2nd team All-American like O'Donnell, but he should be effective. This is a position that has to be strengthened through recruiting.
Grade: C/C+
The 2014 Miami Defense won't remind fans of the "Bermuda Triangle", but fans should see improvement from last season. The players, even the young ones have seen enough of the scheme to understand the basics. Fans should expect to see more blitzes and line games with the secondary and defensive line being strengths. Linebackers will be coddled a bit, because of depth concerns. If fans do not see significant improvement, it will be totally justified to question whether this scheme is being taught correctly.
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