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

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Raphael Kirby (56) tackles South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Mike Davis (28) during the first quarter in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of defensive players have thrown out the word “dominant” when talking about the defense, do you think this is the year Miami’s defense takes the next step?

Juan Toribio: I definitely don’t think they’ll be dominant, but they’ll be much improved. The defense wasn’t completely horrible last season. They didn’t play super aggressive like most want them to play, but they weren’t that bad. In fact, in some games, the only reason Miami stayed in the game was because of their defense (looking at you Louisville and South Carolina games.) Miami has as much talent as they’ve had during the Al Golden years so it’ll definitely be interesting to see how the defense plays this year. But it won’t be dominant.

Harry Kroll: In a word, no. The secondary is legitimately great, but generating an organic pass rush from the front four (or three, depending on the alignment) is going to continue to be a problem. Furthermore, the linebacking corps is pretty good, but incredibly thin. Any injury is going to have a major negative impact. Will this be a pretty good defense? I could easily see that. But in terms of taking the next step and becoming truly dominant, I just can’t.

Daniel Gould: I reserve dominant defenses for the Alabamas and TCUs of the college football world, so while I think the defense will be very good, I don’t think dominant applies. Miami will win games this year that they haven’t won in the past when the offense isn’t producing, and it will be because of the depth of the defense. In the last year’s Louisville game the defense played fantastic, for 3 quarters. With the depth and ability to rotate defenders, they will be able to finish those games.

Shanon Culiner: Compared to what we’ve been used to under Golden, I think in comparison, this upcoming season will come off as very dominant. Nevertheless, in the grand scheme, I think our defense will be much improved, but probably not a top-10 defense in the country (but, you never know). It’s comprised of a lot of highly recruited guys and I believe, they’re all ready to make that jump to the next level. In addition, there’s great depth, a veteran secondary and (from what I’ve read & heard) they seem to all be playing as a solid unit. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.

Daniel Nordwall: Stats show that Miami improved significantly last season on the side of the ball. But, they did not play well in important games. If Miami plays the same way as they did against Florida State in the first half, the sky is the limit. Miami is returning a veteran secondary and a deep defensive line. Sure, there is some optimism for the Canes defense in 2015. Coaches just need to allow the players to play their game and they will be “dominant”.

Sam Jacobs: I wouldn’t use the word “dominant,” but another step forward isn’t unreasonable.  The ‘Canes ranked No. 14 in the country in yards allowed and No. 36 in points allowed, despite all of the criticism Mark D’Onforio receives. Miami lost Denzel Perryman and Ladarius Gunter, but it also returns a number of key contributors.

Justin Fessenden: Yes I do think the Canes defense takes the next step and could possibly become dominant. I am still a bit skeptical but the talent and confidence is there. I think it comes down to whether Coach D and his players are on the same page. The total defense was ranked #14 last season, however, the scoring defense ranked #36. The defense needs to learn how to buckle down in crunch time in order to become dominant.

Next: Freshman to Watch