Miami Hurricanes Defense Not Dominant Says DC Manny Diaz

When the Miami Hurricanes defense was snubbed from postseason awards last year Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz opined that “Maybe just everybody tripped on the way to the end zone when they played us.’’

Despite last season’s success, Diaz added in the Miami Herald today that no one should assume that last season’s success means this season’s defense will be dominant. Although the Miami Hurricanes return their front seven they have to almost completely rebuild the secondary.

Jaquan Johnson returns at rover after starting five games last season. Malek Young started four games at corner. Young is likely to be the nickel back this season.

Mark Richt brought in two cornerbacks with experience to start this year. Dee Delaney is a two-time FCS All-American Graduate transfer from the Citadel. Jhavonte Dean was the top ranked cornerback in Junior College last season

Diaz discussed Saturday’s scrimmage with Susan Miller Degnan of the Herald.

"“You have your first scrimmage coming up…If the quarterbacks are live, your defense is so dominant. Are you concerned about some inexperienced quarterbacks getting crunched?”"

Diaz downplayed some of the sizeable expectations for his defense this season.

"“Our defense has not established any dominance over anything. And that’s important….Strength assumed is weakness doubled. And there are a lot of assumptions being made.’’"