Jonathan Garvin had an outstanding Freshman season for the Miami football team. As the fifth defensive end, he made the most of his snaps last season.
Garvin was behind Senior Chad Thomas and Trent Harris, Sophomore Joe Jackson and Junior Demetrius Jackson last season. Later in the season, he moved up to fourth in the rotation after Demetrius suffered a season-ending knee injury. Garvin made some big plays for the Miami football team as a true Freshman.
Playing all 13 games, Garvin had nine tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two fumbles recoveries and a forced fumble. In Miami’s 41-8 win against Notre Dame Garvin had a strip sack and the fumble recovery.
Garvin is projected to share time this season with both Jacksons and incoming Freshman Greg Rousseau. Rousseau was the talk of Spring Practice. He had nine sacks in the three scrimmages.
With Demetrius Jackson’s status unknown for the beginning of the season coming off the knee injury, Garvin could begin the season in the starting lineup.
The departures of Thoams and Harris will provide a lot more playing time this season. Thomas was a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns. Harris signed as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots. He will join his former teammate Braxton Berrios in training camp.
The 6’4 235 pound Garvin was a unanimous four-star recruit from Lake Worth, Florida in the Class of 2017. He was the 265th ranked player overall, the 10th best strongside defensive end and 36th best player in Florida in 2017 according to 247Sports.Com
Garvin enrolled early. Miami football Head Coach Mark Richt has talked extensively about the importance of getting the players enrolled early so that they can participate in Spring practice.
Garvin is an NFL talent who will likely have to bulk up to play defensive line in the NFL. He was called a freak of nature by Joe Jackson. Garvin realizes he will have to battle for the starting job with Demetrius Jackson when he returns. He told Inside the U earlier this spring.
"“It is kind of like a fresh slate…A chance to make an impression. With D-Jax out, I had to step up. When he gets back, coach says it will be a fair opportunity, so I will be looking to battle with him. I’m sure when he does get back, he will be great.”"
Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz was impressed with Garvin’s growth this Spring. He also spoke with Inside the U.
"“What is showing up is his competitiveness…He is still doing the thing where he runs around and he can bend and turn the corner in a way that a guy his size shouldn’t be able to do. He is remarkably always on his feet because his center of gravity is so low…That is just playing with a sense of urgency. He is becoming a full-speed guy and when he starts to do that, then his God-given talent will start to shine.”"
Next: A very early preview of the 2018 Miami Hurricanes
Garvin’s talent, assertiveness and big-play ability will make him an important part of the Miami defensive line for the next two seasons. Diaz’s upfield aggressive attack style suits Garvin perfectly.