Miami Hurricanes defense left off two top 10 lists nationally LSU is on

In 2017 the Miami Hurricanes defense led the nation in sacks, were fourth in tackles for loss and third in turnovers. Yet, somehow two different lists ranking the top ten defenses in the country left Miami out of the top ten defenses for 2018.

Seven starters return to the Miami Hurricanes defense in 2018. Two defensive players are ranked in the top 15 players in the country by Sports Illustrated and a third in the top 70. Three different players have been selected to All-American teams.

It’s questionable how the Miami Hurricanes defense is not top ten in any and every list that comes out ranking the nation’s best defenses for 2018. UPI selected safety Jaquan Johnson and cornerback Michael Jackson as first-team All-Americans. Linebacker Shaq Quarterman was selected to UPI’s second-team.

The only true question marks on the Miami Hurricanes defense entering 2018 is at defensive tackle. Talk to any coach on the Miami defensive staff and they will tell you they expect Gerald Willis to dominate at one tackle. The other starting tackle will almost definitely be unproven.

Pat Bethel was fourth in the Miami rotation at defensive tackle in 2017. The Hurricanes lost starters Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh to the NFL a year early. Top backup Anthony Moten was a Senior in 2017.

Rising Sophomore Jon Ford and Freshman Nesta Silvera are expected to compete with Bethel. All three, plus Willis will receive playing time in 2018. Miami Head Coach Mark Richt likes his players to rotate on both sides of the ball.

The top ten lists of the Nation’s best defense were compiled by 247Sports and Chat Sports. It’s inconceivable how the Miami Hurricanes defense was left out of the top ten.