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The Hurricanes lost a projected starter on the defensive line a week before the season – then another key rotation player broke his hand. For most coaches, those would be as debilitating blows, but Canes D-line coach Craig Kuligowski does not sound like a man who is panicking.
“I just think that whoever we put out there is going to play how they’re supposed to play,” he said. “Everybody that gets in the game is going to play how they need to play.”
Kuligowski was asked about Trent Harris’ absence as he deals with his fractured hand and he responded, “Our first team did well.”
Sophomore tackles R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton seem top have separated themselves from the pack at their position, with Gerald Willis also in the mix once he returns from his game suspension. Kuligowski weighed in on the underclassmen.
“They’re really big, talented guys,” said Kuligowski. “It’s between them and me to get it working. It think in terms of separation, those guys are consistent, trustworthy, hard working – all the stuff that you need.”
Demetrius Jackson will likely start opposite of Chad Thomas in what could be a breakout season for the freakish athlete. Kuligowski showed some confidence in Jackson in his post-practice comments. He was especially pleased with his progress since spring practice.
“He’s just more consistent in his effort and technique and he’s shown more toughness on the football field. He’s a very tough kid anyways, but on the football field he wasn’t demonstrating that in terms of effort and physicalness and now he is,” Coach Kool said.
“I like former basketball guys – they’re athletic, so sometimes it takes a little while to transition, but he’s been very good since I’ve been here. I’m very pleased with him.”
Another former basketball player on Miami’s defensive line is freshman Joseph Jackson, who will play a large role in the Canes’ rotation now with AQM gone and Harris injured. R.J. McIntosh assessed Jackson’s progress.
“He understands his role and understands that he has to step up. He just has to be in his book a little bit more, but I expect that since he’s a freshman,” McIntosh said. “He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s physical too, and we’re working with his hands.”
It is also possible that we will see some of Willis and McIntosh at defensive end, as R.J. noted they both played that position last year. McIntosh said he’s been learning the plays at defensive end in this new system as well.
“I just think that whoever we put out there is going to play how they’re supposed to play,” he said. “Everybody that gets in the game is going to play how they need to play.”
Kuligowski was asked about Trent Harris’ absence as he deals with his fractured hand and he responded, “Our first team did well.”
Sophomore tackles R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton seem top have separated themselves from the pack at their position, with Gerald Willis also in the mix once he returns from his game suspension. Kuligowski weighed in on the underclassmen.
“They’re really big, talented guys,” said Kuligowski. “It’s between them and me to get it working. It think in terms of separation, those guys are consistent, trustworthy, hard working – all the stuff that you need.”
Demetrius Jackson will likely start opposite of Chad Thomas in what could be a breakout season for the freakish athlete. Kuligowski showed some confidence in Jackson in his post-practice comments. He was especially pleased with his progress since spring practice.
“He’s just more consistent in his effort and technique and he’s shown more toughness on the football field. He’s a very tough kid anyways, but on the football field he wasn’t demonstrating that in terms of effort and physicalness and now he is,” Coach Kool said.
“I like former basketball guys – they’re athletic, so sometimes it takes a little while to transition, but he’s been very good since I’ve been here. I’m very pleased with him.”
Another former basketball player on Miami’s defensive line is freshman Joseph Jackson, who will play a large role in the Canes’ rotation now with AQM gone and Harris injured. R.J. McIntosh assessed Jackson’s progress.
“He understands his role and understands that he has to step up. He just has to be in his book a little bit more, but I expect that since he’s a freshman,” McIntosh said. “He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s physical too, and we’re working with his hands.”
It is also possible that we will see some of Willis and McIntosh at defensive end, as R.J. noted they both played that position last year. McIntosh said he’s been learning the plays at defensive end in this new system as well.
