‘I know what it takes’: Hurricanes’ Mesidor putting himself on path for success in final season
Last season was a return to the field for Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor.
Now, he’s hoping for a full return to form.
After an up-and-down 2024 season, one in which he primarily played defensive tackle despite being a natural defensive end, Mesidor is looking to make his sixth and final season of college football his best yet.
“I know what it takes,” Mesidor said Thursday. “It just felt good to be back. I felt kind of sluggish [last season], but that happens with most people when they come back from a missed season. I feel like I started off slow, finished off strong. I feel like the spring is going very well, so I feel like I’m getting back to myself as well.”
Mesidor, who transferred to Miami from West Virginia ahead of the 2022 season, missed the majority of the 2023 season with injuries to both of his feet.
He returned to the field in 2024, decked with special cleats to better suit his feet. Mesidor started all 13 games for the Hurricanes, bouncing between playing off the edge and as a defensive tackle, and recorded 32 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five-and-a-half sacks and six quarterback hurries.
Over three seasons at Miami, Mesidor has 75 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and four defended passes in 27 games.
“For us, the best part about Akheem Mesidor is Akheem is selfless,” Mario Cristobal said in January. “Completely unselfish. And you recognized that last year. To help us win, it would benefit us for him to go inside and play. And he got some awesome reps. And you know what? He caught the attention of a lot of scouts. So for his future, it paints well because guys are willing to go in there and do that dirty work. It speaks volumes of your toughness, right? Your resiliency, your competitiveness and, and now, being able to keep him outside and let him do what he does. He’s a special person. He’s a special talent. He’s as explosive and as strong as you can have for an edge-setter. He’s got a ton of experience, so looking forward to him having just an absolute monster year.”
To make sure that happens, Mesidor has prioritized his body this offseason. The sixth-year senior said he has cut his body fat from 22 percent down to 16 percent while still weighing in at 272 pounds.
“I feel more powerful,” Mesidor said. “I feel like I can stand my ground a little more in the run game. I like using my power. I feel like I can knock back a lot easier.”
He also finds himself in a position to thrive in new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s scheme. Hetherman’s message to his defensive linemen is simple: Just attack.
“Just give me an assignment, tell me to get off the ball and just move fast,” Mesidor said of Hetherman. “You just gave me all the freedom I can get. I love it. I have no complaints.
“Just allow me to to play, allow me to rush the quarterback, allow me to just do what I’m good at.”
And while that will come primarily off the edge for Mesidor, he will also get some game reps at defensive tackle on passing downs, something Mesidor came to appreciate after getting significant playing time there last season.
“I’m naturally a defensive end,” Mesidor said. “I do like playing three technique as well on passing downs, but I’m happy to be back outside, and I’m excited to see what coach has got for us.”
And Mesidor wants his impact to extend beyond his performance on game day. As he prepares for his final season with the Hurricanes, he wants to make an imprint on his teammates who will be here after he leaves as well.
“I want to lead by example,” Mesidor said, “but I also need to talk to the young guys, and anybody who needs help, small little details, coaching, whatever they need on the field, off the field. My biggest role is just obviously on the field, but after that, it’s just being there for all the younger guys and making sure they can get the most out of it and not make some of the mistakes I made, or I can help them on certain, different things.”
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