Five things to watch with Miami Hurricanes defense in Spring Game

Rebuilding the defensive line is the Miami Hurricanes biggest task on defense this offseason. That and many other questions will be on display when UM holds its spring game on Saturday.

The losses of defensive tackles R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton a year early to the NFL and ends Trent Harris and Chad Thomas who graduated has left a large hole in the Miami Hurricanes defense.

Other issues include building depth in the secondary, analyzing the new position of striker and can the defensive line dominate the offensive line for a second straight scrimmage.

Gerald Willis has gotten continual praise at defensive tackle since dominating on the scout team last fall. He has continued to be impressive this spring. Who will start at the other defensive tackle?

Miami should be very good at defensive end despite the losses of Harris and Thomas. The Hurricanes have returnees, Demetrius and Joe Jackson and Sophomore Jonathan Garvin, plus Freshman Greg Rousseau.

The linebacking core is starting to build depth behind the Juniors Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud. DeAndre Wilder, Bradley Jennings and Waynmon Steed should see playing time this season.

One or all of the starters are likely to leave for the NFL after the season. The projection is that Quarterman and Pinckney are gone. McCloud is likely to return for his Senior season.