DEFENSIVE FEEDBACK
▪ Former UCLA linebacker Jaelen Phillips is going to be a big factor.
“His size really jumps out,” one practice observer said.
It will take time for him to get back in rhythm after not playing for more than a year, but the athleticism and quick first step were evident to one source in attendance. Despite several injuries, observers saw the skill set that made him one of the top recruits in the nation in 2017. The Canes had him bulk up to play defensive end.
▪ One source said Temple grad transfer Quincy Roche isn’t overwhelming physically (just 235 pounds) but has polish and savviness as a pass rusher. That source compared his frame to longtime NFL pass rusher Dwight Freeney.
▪ Defensive tackle Nesta Silvera was “very disruptive” last week, one source said. “Best I’ve seen him look.”
▪ Redshirt Jalar Holley was impressive last week - the guy has a serious motor - and figures to join the defensive tackle rotation with Silvera and Jon Ford (the likely starters) and either Jordan Miller or redshirt freshman Jared Harrison-Hunte, who also has made a jump. Diaz noted how Harrison-Hunte made some plays last week where he “knocked some guards back.” What’s clear is UM is recruiting athletic defensive tackles who can really move.
▪ Jason Blissett, the other defensive tackle from last year’s class, is getting a look at defensive end after losing weight; he’s now at 257 pounds.
▪ The thinking is that senior Zach McCloud is going to be solid, reliable and prepared for whatever offenses throw at the Canes. One source said he expects Sam Brooks - who is out for the spring with an injury - will become “the guy” who plays alongside McCloud the most.
▪ Amid several injuries at the position, Avery Huff is getting a lot of linebacker reps this spring, and “you can see how athletic he is,” one practice observer said. “But he’s raw, too skinny.”
▪ One practice observer said safety Gurvan Hall looked very good last week; UM believes there’s another level he can get to after allowing three touchdown catches last season.
▪ Amari Carter will get a lot of first-team work this spring, with Bubba Bolden sidelined at least for the first half of spring ball. Carter is a cerebral and physical player but must improve in pass coverage; during the regular season last year, he gave up 212 yards on just nine receptions…
▪ There’s internal confidence in new striker Gilbert Frierson, who allowed too many receiving yards (133) on just five completions against him last season. By comparison, Romeo Finley - whose eligibility is up - relinquished 166 yards on 15 completions against him in the regular season.
▪ Sophomore Christian Williams, the ballyhooed four-star cornerback from Alabama, wasn’t a big factor last season - he was primarily used on special teams - but UM believes he has improved and he got some first team work last week.
▪ One observer at closed practices was struck by cornerback Al Blades Jr.’s intensity; he has become a vocal leader and was doing a good job “motivating guys.”
▪ Though the offensive line could use help, one source said he won’t be surprised if UM uses its remaining scholarship on a grad transfer cornerback or linebacker.
... @brock
I feel like Nesta has been disruptive since the womb but never does anything on the field.
