Miami Hurricanes Football: Canes Warning Staff Previews the 2015 Hurricanes Season

Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Deon Bush (2) tackles Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback Fredi Knighten (9) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Which defensive player are you most excited to watch this year?

Juan Toribio: I’m going to have to go with Chad Thomas. Coming from Booker T. Washington, Thomas had a ton of buzz surrounding him and he showed some flashes of it as a freshman. Hitting his sophomore season, Major Nine looks a lot more focused and he has the body to play anywhere on this defense. He’s added a lot of good weight, but most importantly he seems to understand that he has to play a big role in the defense this season. He’s a good rapper, but he’s also one hell of a football player, and I think he reminds us of that this season.

Harry Kroll: This isn’t a particularly creative answer, but it has to be Deon Bush. The senior safety is a legitimate NFL talent and really came into his own last year. I can’t wait to see what he can put together this year as the highlight of a very strong secondary.

Daniel Gould: Darrion Owens, and this was a lot harder to pick than I was expecting. Owens plays probably the hardest position in Golden’s defense because it demands so many different things from the player. They have to play on the line against tight ends in the run game, and then are asked on the next play to line up over a slot receiver and play in space. While also being asked to rush the passer. The reason I am so excited about Owens is, he is fully capable of doing all of these things. He is an incredible combination of size and athleticism, combining great length and explosion to rush the passer, but also the fluidity to cover receivers in zone. Owens is a prototype.

Shanon Culiner: The defensive player I’m most excited to watch this year is safety, Deon Bush. He’s going into his senior season and I expect really big things from him. He was a 4-star recruit with offers from most of the powerhouse programs out of high school and watching him at his best, you can see exactly why. In my opinion, Bush has everything you want in a great safety – size, instincts, speed, loves contact, and is a ball-hawk. I believe this coming year he’ll put himself in the category of best safeties in the country going into the 2016 draft.

Daniel Nordwall: The defensive player I am most excited to watch this season is Jermaine Grace. Even though he did not start last season, he certainly made an impact with 60 tackles and two fumble recoveries.Also, Grace ran the best 40 yard dash on the TEAM! The junior linebacker is bound to have great season.

Sam Jacobs: I really think Deon Bush can have a special season. He always seems to be making plays, whether it’s a hard hit, forced fumble, or interception. I’m excited to watch him, with AQM’s return a close second.

Justin Fessenden: I have to go with Deon Bush here. When it comes to defense, there’s nothing I enjoy more than big hits and interceptions. Deon has the ability to provide bone-jarring hits while also making highlight interceptions. Now a Senior, he knows it’s time to impress NFL scouts. I am confident that barring an injury, Deon Bush will become a household name throughout the college football world at the end of the season.

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