Miami’s protection was unit that most individuals have been taking a look at to see in the event that they might be a championship contending staff. The Linebackers have been a veteran unit with loads of younger depth pushing for taking part in time as effectively.
There have been moments of greatness, but in addition issues to overlook from this unit in 2024. It wasn’t the black gap of efficiency dying that the defensive backs have been, however there’s a lot to enhance upon at this degree of the protection.
Starters
MLB Francisco “Kiko” Mauigoa — 13 video games, 13 begins, 2nd Group All-ACC, team-high 96 tackles, 11 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 5 PBUs, 5 QB hurries, 1 compelled fumble
SAM Wesley Bissainthe — 13 video games, 13 begins, 59 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 QB hurry
This pair has been the nailed-on starters for the final 2 years. Each are high quality gamers who impression video games with their physicality and ability, however have gaps of their video games as effectively.
For Mauigoa, he might be (and has been) taken benefit of in man protection in opposition to sooner offensive gamers. He was seen chasing after guys working inside slot fades many occasions this 12 months. Moreover, he acquired out of his run matches in a number of cases, which opened up large lanes for the opposition to run freely up the sphere.
Bissainthe has lastly grown into the 3-down linebacker Miami dreamed of after they recruited him in 2022. His deal with numbers have been a bit decrease as a result of Mauigoa is extra of an element within the run sport than Bissainthe, however the junior made loads of performs all through the season.
Whereas many of the blame will (rightfully) be positioned on the defensive backs for the million explosive performs allowed by the protection, among the blame goes on the LBs, too. I already spoke about Mauigoa’s struggles with sure varieties of gamers and schemes, and groups went to these repeatedly to their nice success. Bissainthe is a significantly better move defender, however nonetheless had his struggles. All in all, it good 12 months statistically for the starters, however not as profitable if you peak underneath the hood just a little.
Grades:
Mauigoa: B-
Bissainthe: B
Contributors
Jaylin Alderman — 11 video games, 3 begins, 24 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 sack
Raul “Popo” Aguirre Jr. — 10 video games, 27 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 fumble recovery-TD
Malik Bryant — 12 video games, 17 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries
Chase Smith — 13 video games, 13 tackles, 1 TFL
A fairly strong group of contributing gamers at Linebacker this 12 months. The headliner is Aguirre Jr, a bodily and dynamic participant who, if not for Mauigoa coming again for a fifth 12 months, would have been beginning alongside Bissainthe. He has al the bodily instruments on the planet, and was the go-to 1st possibility off the bench.
Alderman, a switch from Louisville, is the subsequent rotation participant. He was the selection to start out a number of video games alongside Mauigoa and Bissainthe when Miami was making an attempt out completely different appears to assist the protection carry out higher. He’s not as bodily as Aguirre Jr., however Alderman was strong to spectacular in his function.
Bryant is one other blue chip recruit who has a wealth of bodily capacity. He was introduced in to assist spy on cellular QBs at occasions all through the season as he continues to transition from an EDGE rusher to Linebacker on the faculty degree. Resulting from accidents (and lack of efficiency) up entrance, Bryant moved again to EDGE through the season. Nonetheless, he confirmed up huge when his quantity was referred to as. And, his INCREDIBLE play to snuff out a faux FG in opposition to Virginia Tech was one of many prime defensive highlights of the season.
And, lastly, Smith is a veteran Miami legacy who has battled accidents all through his profession. He’s acquired nice measurement and immense arm size, and was one other participant who flashed actually welly in his restricted snaps on protection. Smith was additionally a stalwart on particular groups.
Grades:
Alderman: B
Aguirre Jr.: B+
Bryant: B
Smith: B-
Remainder of the Room
Cameron “Bobby” Pruitt — 13 video games, 11 tackles, 1 interception, 1 compelled fumble
Adarius Hayes — 10 video games, 4 tackles, 1 interception, 1 PBU
Bobby Washington — 11 video games, 3 tackles
All of those gamers made their presence identified on particular groups primarily. Pruitt particularly was regularly seen making performs and standing out on particular groups, and in addition earned his manner into rotation snaps by the 12 months. Was a few of that the failings of others in entrance of him? Sure. However, he nonetheless confirmed flashes of his immense expertise, and will simply work his manner into a much bigger function in 2025, probably whilst a starter.
Washington is one other standout particular groups participant with tons of pace who can work his manner into the rotation sooner or later. He, like Pruitt, has the mix of measurement and pace that Miami has lacked in earlier years.
Hayes is the bodily prototype of a big-time center linebacker. Tall, muscular and athletic, Hayes would slot in on any SEC staff’s protection within the center. He has all of the instruments wanted to change into a frontrunner on Miami’s protection, and with Mauigoa shifting on to the NFL, the spot is there for the taking.
Grades:
Pruitt: A
Hayes: B+
Washington: B+
There may be loads of expertise within the linebacker room, with much more added within the 2025 recruiting class. It’s incumbent upon new DC Corey Hetherman to develop and unlock it, however there’s a strong basis to work from if nothing else.