Despite defections Miami Hurricanes believe DL can thrive

Diaz spoke about having to regroup after the attrition.

"“At any big-time program, you’re going to have guys leave…You recruit guys to want to take those guys’ place. I think the guys on our line are excited. They kind of sense the challenge…. I look at it as the exact same situation we were in this time two years ago, when nobody really knew anybody we had on our defensive line and they were all sort of sophomores-to-be and unknown quantities. We played with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder in 2016 and it turned out pretty good. If it’s happened before I know it can happen again.”"

The Hurricanes defensive line will also be under the tutelage of new position coach Jess Simpson. Craig Kuligowski left after two seasons in Coral Gables to take the same position on Nick Saban’s staff with Alabama. Joe Jackson spoke about the differences.

"“He’s got a lot of different drills than coach [Craig Kuligowski], but it all helps us add more to our technique. Running-wise, he wants everything fast, 100 percent. He’s helping us get a lot better technique.” (Simpson is helping us) turn our hips more…get a better punch.”"

The Miami defensive line set a high standard last season. The Hurricanes led the nation in sacks in 2017 and finished third in tackles for loss.  The production from the Miami defensive line in 2017 was more of a team effort than from one dominant player.

Next: Rebuilding DL will be Miami Hurricanes top offseason priority

None of the Hurricanes linemen were named first-team All-ACC. McIntosh was second-team All-ACC and Harris was named to the third team. Norton was honorable mention.