You don’t want to meet the Miami Defensive Line in a back alley after dark
The Miami defense continues to consistently slow down opponents better than most ACC teams, yet like Rodney Dangerfield, they get no respect as one of the better units in the league. Why are the Hurricanes overlooked? Simply put: they’re just a bunch of badasses.
The way Miami plays is a direct reflection of the Hurricanes’ head coach. The defense has taken on the personality of Mario Cristobal. It has raised the unit’s floor. The group’s ceiling is determined by the talent of the defense’s top playmakers.
I do think you see what Jayden Wayne is capable of, what Rueben Bain is capable of and they might be a little bit more tweaked up this year than what they may have been last year. But I think it’s just the blueprint of the program. That is we’re always going to be a little bit disrespected, but we’re going to fight you to make you respect us in the end. That’s what Coach Cristobal just kind of is and I think the defense has always taken that personality
The Hurricanes were especially efficient against the run last season. UM gave up 89.2 rushing yards per outing. That number was good enough to rank first in the Conference. A closer look depicts a unit that did register a high number of QB sacks (30). In fact, the Canes finished the season ranked 11th in the nation for sacks. Miami intercepted 12 passes and recorded 13 forced fumbles.
Last month, Miami completed the transfer portal for Middle Tennessee defensive lineman commit Marley Cook. The three-star prospect with excellent physical traits (6-foot-3) and good film. That was significant because it was another solid recruiting win for this position room. The Hurricanes also added four-star DL commit out of NC State C.J. Clark.
Since the class of 2020, Miami has inked thirteen top-500 high school defensive line prospects. The Hurricanes have also gone to the transfer portal and added a pair of former blue-chip recruits. There is also roster balance. UM will enter the 2024 season with two seniors, one junior, four sophomores, and six true freshmen. The coaching staff is consistently recruiting the defensive line well and stacking quality depth at a very important position.
Miami has also found a cornerstone piece to be a star.
Four-star signee Rueben Bain was outstanding as a true freshman in 2023 playing over 500 defensive snaps and becoming a full-time starter at outside tackle. The Miami (FL.) Miami Central product led the defensive line in sacks (8) Bains tape against Clemson, Virginia, and Rutgers flashes big-time potential as a pass rusher and the young player is already stout against the run in multiple playing spots along the defensive line. The sophomore should be a very popular talking point in Charlotte at ACC Media Days in July. Expect the hype train to get rolling this summer for Miami’s defensive star.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of the best position groups on the team in 2024. The pieces are in place and Miami could make a run again at being a top-15 defense due to what is available in the trenches. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry has stability with a high ceiling on the line of scrimmage. That could go a long way.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
