Miami Hurricanes CB Trajan Bandy becomes leader in Johnson’s absence
The Miami Hurricanes had to play over half their win over Toledo without the leader of their defense. Senior Safety Jaquan Johnson left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury.
Miami Hurricanes Sophomore cornerback Trajan Bandy became the leader of the defense with Johnson out. The Hurricanes defense allowed 17 of the 24 points Toledo scored on Saturday with Johnson out of the game. After Johnson’s injury Bandy talked to his teammates and said they had to continue to fight.
Bandy also led by example. The Sophomore cornerback had a key interception in the fourth quarter that led to a Miami Hurricanes touchdown. Bandy has gotten to be the inaugural wearer of the turnover chain in each of the past two weeks. He had a fumble recovery last week against Savannah State.
Bandy has recovered nicely after getting ejected for targeting in the season-opening loss to LSU. Bandy’s absence limited the Miami secondary against the Tigers. On the season Bandy has four tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, one interception and the fumble recovery.
Bandy was quoted in the Miami Herald by writer Susan Miller Degnan discussing what he said after Johnson was lost for the remainder of Saturday’s game.
"“Just because Quan went down, it’s the next man. We went out there and we continued to fight. We gave up a couple plays but, you know, great players, they’ve got short mindsets.Their wide receivers were good. They gave us a battle. But at the end of the day we won that battle, and that’s all we can do. Just keep winning those battles and keep winning as a defense and we should be OK.”"
Miami was also without backup safety Amari Carter on Saturday. Carter stayed home to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of a family member. That left Miami woefully thin at safety. The Hurricanes were already facing a tough Toledo receiving corps.
Speaking on WQAM this morning Miami Head Coach Mark Richt discussed the attrition the Hurricanes had in the secondary on Saturday.
"“The perimeter took a little bit of a hit…..So, we got thin real quick at the safety position and it got a little scary there for a minute.”"
Johnson’s status for Saturday’s game against FIU is not yet known. He pulled a hamstring. Richt did say it’s not as serious as the one that Ahmmon Richards had at the beginning of last season. Carter will definitely be back for Miami on Saturday.
There could be some shuffling around at safety if Johnson can’t play. Junior Robert Knowles struggled. Knowles gave up an 18-yard completion on Toledo’s first touchdown drive. That cut the score to 21-7 and gave the Rockets some momentum. Carter could be the one starting if Johnson cannot go.
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A pair of players to watch at safety if the Hurricanes need depth are Junior Romeo Finley and Sophomore Derrick Smith. They were moved to the newly created striker position this season because of the Hurricanes depth of talent at safety. Either or both of them could receive playing time at safety against FIU.