Miami Hurricanes Football Preview: Nose/Defensive Tackle

With fall camp starting up on Thursday, it’s time to take a look at position previews. In this edition, we take a look at the nose and defensive tackle spots for the Miami Hurricanes defense.

Nose Tackle

The lack of production at defensive tackle has plagued the Miami defense for quite awhile now, at least in the Al Golden era. Yet, Miami added a few bodies that made strides in the 2014 season which might leave some fans optimistic for this year. Randy Melvin, the new defensive line coach, will count on senior Calvin Heurtelou, sophomore Courtel Jenkins, senior Earl Moore, and senior Michael Wyche at the nose tackle position. Nose tackle is critical in the 3-4 defense because the player has to control the 2 Gaps, and spill holes for the linebacker to fill

2 Gap principle, Miami vs. Florida State, 2014

Last year, the highly touted recruit Michael Wyche came into fall camp out of shape, and played few snaps last season. Most expected him to be a game changer, but that wasn’t the case. The two standouts at the nose position were Heurtelou and Jenkins. Going into fall camp, Courtel Jenkins holds the upper-hand because he was able to practice all spring, unlike Heurtelou who missed practice due to injury. Although it definitely helps that all these players have been in the off season program and presumably in better shape. Earl Moore has been on campus since the start of the Golden Era , but he has not seen the field that much. Miami definitely needs a beast at the nose to play the 3-4 effectively.

There is no doubt that there will be some competition at this position in fall camp. Wyche, Jenkins, and Huertelou have the talent and skill to play the difficult position. On September 5th, expect Huertelou to start. According to off season reports, he has accepted a leadership role and could be the anchor for the defensive line. He has to the biggest upside and has shown that he can play effectively in the scheme.

Defensive Tackle

Leading into fall camp, Miami has solid depth at defensive tackle. The players include junior Ufomba Kamalu, sophomore Anthony Moten, redshirt junior Jelani Hamilton (who also could play end). Kamalu and Moten will see majority of the snaps at defensive tackle this season. Both have big frames (Kamalu 6’6 295lbs) and (Moten 6’4 299lbs) . They will have to replace Olsen Pierre, a consistent player but lacked in play making ability.

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Even though Kamalu has shown promise and glimpses, it’s time to put it all together. There is no doubt that Kamalu has NFL size and potential, but it’s time for him to step up. Moten played at times last year and showed some potential — A year in the offseason program and spring ball should help make some significant strides. Overall, Jelani Hamilton has been bit a of disappointment due to his high recruiting rank out of his school. Although, Hamilton did had a decent spring, and it’s never too late to turn on the switch.

Even though these positions don’t require getting in the backfield against opposing offenses, the defensive line is a critical aspect of Miami’s defense.

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