Miami is strong in the secondary with the return of three of the four starters. Malek Young who was heading into his Junior season would have made it four for four. He had to retire because of a spinal injury suffered in the Orange Bowl loss to Wisconsin.
While Miami has experience in their starters in the secondary they have to build depth with younger players. They have one of the best Freshman group of defensive backs in the country. Richt noticed the play of Frierson and D.J. Ivey.
The addition of the striker position has opened up more playing time in the defensive backfield. The striker is a hybrid linebacker/defensive back that will be used primarily in the nickel. Safeties Romeo Finley and Derrick Smith and linebacker DeAndre Wilder have been playing the position this Spring.
Diaz created the position when McCloud was lost for the Spring with a wrist injury. The move was also made to give Miami more length and athleticism on the field.
"“Those two corners…we’re blessed to have them.”"
Next: Miami Hurricanes defensive line continues dominance in Spring Game
Frierson and Ivey will be joined by Al Blades Jr and Nigel Bethel later this summer. Gurvan Hall had been impressive at safety during Spring practice before suffering an injury that will cause him to sit out the remainder of the Spring. He will be ready to play this summer.