Miami Hurricanes CB coach Mike Rumph likes CBs entering 2020

Under cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph, the Miami Hurricanes have had one of the best pass defenses nationally. Rumph stated the 2020 Hurricanes group of CBs is one of the best during his five-year tenure on the coaching staff.

Under cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph the Miami Hurricanes have had one of the best pass defenses in the country. The Hurricanes finished first in the country in pass defense in 2018 by over 10 yards per game and were 18th nationally in pass defense in 2019. Miami has to replace two-year starter Trajan Bandy at CB.

The projected starting CBs for Miami in 2020 are juniors Al Blades Jr. and D.J. Ivey. After being inexperienced beyond Bandy in 2019, Blades and Ivey bring a year of extensive playing time to the Miami secondary in 2020. Sophomores Te’Cory Couch and Christian Williams are expected to challenge Blades and Ivey for snaps.

The Miami Hurricanes signed four-star CB Isaiah Dunson and three-star Marcus Clarke. Rumph stated that Clarke and Dunson will have an opportunity to play. It would not be surprising for one or both to redshirt this season. Couch is the likely nickel cornerback for Miami in 2020. His slight build lends well in the slot.

According to Pro Football Focus via Inside the U Blades was targeted 41 times in 2019, allowing 18 receptions for 240 yards and no touchdowns. Blades finished 2019 with 36 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. Blades will need to decrease the eight missed tackles he had in 2019.

Ivey did not produce as much as Blades in 2019 and he had a few lapses that cost Miami touchdowns. Ivey recorded 25 tackles, two tackles for loss and three interceptions in 2019. PFF noted that Ivey gave up 23 receptions for 347 yards and three TDs according to Inside the U. Rumph likes the CBs on the Miami roster.

"“I like what I have. It’s a good amount of depth. This is one of the best groups of corners I’ve had since I’ve been at UM. All these kids can contribute this year; they have a good skill set and hungry to learn and fit into what we’re doing. We’ve always been able to play a bunch of freshmen at Miami, and that trend will continue.These kids will have an opportunity to play.”"

Williams and Couch step into their sophomore seasons with the expectations they will have much bigger roles than they did as freshmen in 2019. Williams had four tackles and one pass breakup in 2019 playing primarily on special teams. Couch doubled Williams production with eight tackles.

Rumph told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that all six of the Miami CBs are positioned to become ACC quality CBs. Williams showed great improvement during the abbreviated spring practice during the first week of March. Jackson asked Rumph about Williams lining up with the first team during that week.

"“Statistically, each day when Christian started, it was because he did better than the other corners…Coach (Manny) Diaz constantly grades every day, and there is no indecisiveness about [who grades out best]. He played decently.Him being in the weight room and being part of coach (strength and conditioning coach David) Feeley’s workout program has helped. His athleticism jumped out in high school, but he wasn’t the strongest kid. I said, ‘Once you get in that weight room, once you get bigger, faster stronger, you can be a big-time corner.’His vertical, broad jump, everything went up this offseason. He put on about 5 pounds.”"

Couch is listed at 5’10 158 pounds on the official Miami website HurricaneSports. He will need to add muscle during the offseason. It will be up to Couch to do that on his own with nearly the entire Miami campus shut down because of the quarantine. Rumph spoke to Jackson about Couch’s hard work in the weight room.

"“Te’Cory went hard and lifted hard and put on 14 pounds” since last season ended. He’s the most confident guy I have. What I love about him is he knows how good he can be. With his technique, he shows flashes and is brilliant [when he’s at his best]. Last year, he led the spring in interceptions. His ball skills are really good.I feel he can be physical when he wants to be. He has a tremendous upside. He can play nickel and blitz and play man.”"

The Miami Hurricanes are building depth at cornerback on the roster. Other than Couch and Clarke who is listed at 5’11, the Hurricanes have good length at CB. Blades, Ivey and Williams are all listed at 6’1 and Dunson is 6’2. Rumph, Diaz and defensive coordinator Blake Baker all like the lanky CBs.

As Miami heads into the 2020 season paired with the excellent depth Miami has at safety with Gurvan Hall, Bubba Bolden and Amari Carter, the Miami pass defense should continue to be one of the best in the country. With the new spread offense, high tempo offense Miami is installing opponents might be throwing more in 2020.