The buzz on Miami Hurricanes’ defensive personnel and who has excelled in practice
What we’re hearing on the Miami Hurricanes’ defense from a UM staffer, days before Friday’s opener against Miami of Ohio at Hard Rock Stadium (7 p.m., ACC Network):
▪ On the defense overall: “We’re better than last year. I think we’re better schematically and athletically. Lance Guidry will get people in the box and stop the run. It’s far more of a chess game with Guidry than [predecessor] Kevin Steele.
“Guidry will take stuff away from opponents. He will look at opponents, find a weak link and try to attack that. Steele’s philosophy is this is our defense, and this is what we do. Guidry has more things he will go to. It’s an attacking defense, like Manny [Diaz’s] was.”
▪ On the linebacker room:
“I think we’ve upgraded. If Wesley [Bissainthe] plays the way he’s capable of playing, that would be big. KJ Cloyd makes Bissainthe a better player, because he has really pushed Wesley.
“Cloyd has been getting a lot of reps. He’s in the right spots, doesn’t make mental mistakes. Sometimes it takes four years with a guy for the light to go on. That could be the case with Cloyd.
“Francisco [Mauigoa] will help us because of his size [6-3]. He’s got a nose for the ball.”
Opponents were able to scheme against 5-11 Corey Flagg Jr. and get him matched up against much bigger guards. Mauigoa should be able to win some of those matchups more often.
And “Keontra Smith has to hold up against the run,” the staffer said. “But he’s had a good camp and he’s solid in coverage. [Freshman] Bobby Washington has flashed.”
Chase Smith remains out with a knee injury.
▪ On the defensive backfield: Freshman Damari Brown has been among the pleasant surprises of camp, positioning himself to possibly start ahead of several veterans.
“He’s fast, physical and a natural at that position,” the staffer said.
Davonte Brown, the UCF transfer and Damari’s older brother, “has good makeup speed. He’s fast. He’s going to help us. And there’s more depth in the secondary. Jaden Davis has made some plays, and you have Te’Cory Couch there too [in the slot]. Before, when guys went out, there was a drop-off. This year, there’s not a huge drop-off.
“Jadais Richard made a lot of plays the first two weeks of camp. They can plug him in at multiple spots. Has good size.”
Guidry said Monday that both Brown brothers, Richard, Couch, Davis and Daryl Porter Jr. all will play, and the most playing time will go to those who play the best.
The staffer said last week that he expects James Williams to be deployed in ways that make him effective. “You can use him at linebacker, use him off the edge. James is responding.”
Guidry said that Williams would be used as a safety at times and linebacker at times, depending on the matchup.
Markieth Williams and Jaden Harris appear to be the top backup safeties behind Kamren Kinchens (perhaps UM’s best player) and Williams. “Harris has done a good job at safety, in the nickel,” the staffer said.
▪ On the defensive tackles: “You’re hoping Leonard [Taylor] can dominate. Branson Deen is a really good technician, very physical, a good mentor to Leonard. Joshua Horton has flashed; he’s going to help us eventually. That’s a position we need to continue to address.
“I think Rueben Bain eventually will end up inside. He’s 275 and he’s going to keep growing. He’s going to be a monster. There was one play where he hit Jalen Rivers and Anez Cooper and was able to split them.”
▪ On defensive ends beyond Bain, the staffer said: “Nyjalik Kelly is very strong, can really be disruptive. He forces turnovers, can rush the quarterback. Everyone here has a lot of faith in him that he can be really, really good.
“Akheem Mesidor is going to have a great season. You can kick him inside on passing downs. He can be a pro; I hope he’s not content with where he is. He can take it to another level.”
Among freshmen ends besides Bain, the staffer mentioned Jayden Wayne: “He gets his hands up, gets deflections. He’s versatile, can drop into coverage. Big wingspan. He can create a lot of negative plays during his time here.”
Guidry said Monday that Wayne will play as a freshman. He previously said Bain will play this season.
Here’s some of the feedback we’ve received on UM’s offense.
This story was originally published August 29, 2023 at 1:18 PM.
