Offseason Additions: Deandre Johnson (Tennessee transfer), Zach McCloud (moved from LB), Thomas Davis (2021 signee)
Offseason Departures: Jaelan Phillips (NFL Draft), Quincy Roche (NFL Draft)
A position group that loses key starters will now be coached by Jess Simpson. Typically, when a team loses 2 defensive ends to the NFL Draft, it takes a year or two to get some of that talent back; while it does not seem like Miami will enter the spring with that true elite presence, there are plenty of guys who will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and trying to prove themselves. The defensive end group profiles to be a “player by committee” this season and should have a lot of guys contribute.
Deandre Johnson, the Southridge alumni who transferred in from Tennessee, made his mark in the Volunteers defense last season and will look to use his last season in Miami to catapult him to a future NFL player. Johnson is not the only player trying to make the most of his final season at Miami - Zach McCloud, a sixth-year senior, will be officially making the switch from LB to DE after finishing at the position last season. McCloud may have regressed as a linebacker the past few years, but did show a spark when switched to the end position in the bowl game. His size and quick step off the line could potentially make him an intriguing asset as a pass rusher.
Another pass rusher Miami Hurricanes’ fans are very familiar with is Jahfari Harvey. Harvey, who made his first start as a Cane last season in the Cheez-It Bowl, will hope to use that as momentum to carry him into this spring and remain a starter. The 6’4” Vero Beach star has been a player most fans have been waiting to see get his turn and this will be the year all eyes are on Harvey.
The younger defensive ends have potential that we have seen glimpses of in Cam and Chantz Williams. Both Williams will be primed to have key roles in a position group that could be constantly be rotated. Both players bring a different element to the game off the bench, whether it is their speed off the line or their outstanding length, that could cause mismatches for opposing defenses.
While the 5 previous guys are set to get most of the snaps, true freshmen Thomas Davis out of Valdosta, GA will be getting acclimated with Miami’s scheme after enrolling early for spring. His work ethic, dog mentality, and ability to play multiple positions could help him see the field early. Although many believe Quentin Williams is set to play defensive tackle, CIS has been told that he is likely to contribute at end as well, and that will be something to watch during spring practices. Quentin originally was switched to defensive tackle during last season, but has used the offseason to get his body in a place that would allow him to play either spot. Williams’ crazy athleticism could give him a chance to crack either rotation.
Bottom Line
Make no mistake, losing 2 potential early draft picks at the end position is a blow, but Miami is poised under Jess Simpson to bring the aggressive pass rush back to Coral Gables. Although there is no clear star at defensive end, this group has multiple guys who can cause mismatches. This spring we will find out who has been putting in the work and taking their talent to the next level. All in all, look for the group to be a “player by committee” until somebody emerges as the leader in the room.
Offseason Departures: Jaelan Phillips (NFL Draft), Quincy Roche (NFL Draft)
A position group that loses key starters will now be coached by Jess Simpson. Typically, when a team loses 2 defensive ends to the NFL Draft, it takes a year or two to get some of that talent back; while it does not seem like Miami will enter the spring with that true elite presence, there are plenty of guys who will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and trying to prove themselves. The defensive end group profiles to be a “player by committee” this season and should have a lot of guys contribute.
Deandre Johnson, the Southridge alumni who transferred in from Tennessee, made his mark in the Volunteers defense last season and will look to use his last season in Miami to catapult him to a future NFL player. Johnson is not the only player trying to make the most of his final season at Miami - Zach McCloud, a sixth-year senior, will be officially making the switch from LB to DE after finishing at the position last season. McCloud may have regressed as a linebacker the past few years, but did show a spark when switched to the end position in the bowl game. His size and quick step off the line could potentially make him an intriguing asset as a pass rusher.
Another pass rusher Miami Hurricanes’ fans are very familiar with is Jahfari Harvey. Harvey, who made his first start as a Cane last season in the Cheez-It Bowl, will hope to use that as momentum to carry him into this spring and remain a starter. The 6’4” Vero Beach star has been a player most fans have been waiting to see get his turn and this will be the year all eyes are on Harvey.
The younger defensive ends have potential that we have seen glimpses of in Cam and Chantz Williams. Both Williams will be primed to have key roles in a position group that could be constantly be rotated. Both players bring a different element to the game off the bench, whether it is their speed off the line or their outstanding length, that could cause mismatches for opposing defenses.
While the 5 previous guys are set to get most of the snaps, true freshmen Thomas Davis out of Valdosta, GA will be getting acclimated with Miami’s scheme after enrolling early for spring. His work ethic, dog mentality, and ability to play multiple positions could help him see the field early. Although many believe Quentin Williams is set to play defensive tackle, CIS has been told that he is likely to contribute at end as well, and that will be something to watch during spring practices. Quentin originally was switched to defensive tackle during last season, but has used the offseason to get his body in a place that would allow him to play either spot. Williams’ crazy athleticism could give him a chance to crack either rotation.
Bottom Line
Make no mistake, losing 2 potential early draft picks at the end position is a blow, but Miami is poised under Jess Simpson to bring the aggressive pass rush back to Coral Gables. Although there is no clear star at defensive end, this group has multiple guys who can cause mismatches. This spring we will find out who has been putting in the work and taking their talent to the next level. All in all, look for the group to be a “player by committee” until somebody emerges as the leader in the room.
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