Would Manny Diaz make a better Head Coach than Mark Richt?

It appears that the defense will continue to be ahead of the offense in the future. Seven of the top ten commits according to the 247Sports Composite in the Miami Hurricanes 2019 Class are on defense. The 2018 signees focused more on the offense, but other than tight end Brevin Jordan none have made an impact yet.

Miami has had five Freshman All-Americans during the Richt and Diaz era. Three came on offense and two on defense.

Linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney and wide receiver Ahmmon Richards were named True Freshmen All-Americans by ESPN in 2016, offensive guard Navaughn Donaldson was named to the team last season and Jordan made the midseason Freshman All-America team this year.

Miami defensive tackle Gerald Willis was also named to the  ESPN Midseason All-America team. The eponymous sports network called Willis the best interior lineman in College Football.

Diaz’s defenses have improved in some major category each season he had been the Miami Hurricanes Defensive Coordinator. They were 20th overall in total defense in his first season returning home in 2016, 38th last season and first this year.

Miami did make a major leap in turnovers and sacks from 2016 through this season. Soft on getting after the passer and forcing turnovers in 2016, Diaz’s ramped up the assertiveness of his defense and improved those areas last season

Miami was 22nd in the nation averaging 2.85 sacks per game in 2016. The Hurricanes led the nation in 2017 with 3.39 SPG and are fifth this season at 3.43 per game.