Jahfari Harvey and Greg Rousseau will push Jonathan Garvin and incoming Virginia Tech transfer Trevon Hill for snaps with rising senior Scott Patchan also figuring in the rotation. Willis will be the most difficult player for the Hurricanes to replace in 2019.
Rising sophomore defensive tackle Nesta Silvera also looked impressive Saturday. Harvey who enrolled at Miami in January has been impressive this spring. He had two sacks on Saturday and has the potential to be a fierce pass rusher for the Hurricanes this fall.
Rousseau dominated for Miami last spring. He had nine sacks in spring games three games in 2018. Rousseau matched Harvey’s two sacks. Diaz has continually referred to Rousseau as a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. At 6’6 with exceptional athleticism, Rousseau could be ready for a breakout season.
Big shout out to every Canes fan who made it out to @CWStadium today! pic.twitter.com/vmb6ckuulJ
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) April 20, 2019
Rousseau appears to be recovered from a broken ankle suffered in the second game of the season in 2018. Patchan brings experience to the Miami Hurricanes defensive line. He finished Saturday’s game with 1.5 sacks. Patchan has dealt with injuries and position changes throughout his Miami career.
He looks ready to contribute on the defensive line and be part of the rotation in 2018. Silvera began the game with a TFL. He is the player most likely to replace Willis in the starting lineup.
Silvera has the talent to be a dominant force in the middle of the Miami defensive line. The Hurricanes need concentrate and effort from him on every play.
Rising redshirt freshman DT Jordan Miller was also impressive with two sacks. Miami will also get reinforcement at defensive tackle this summer. Graduate transfer Chigozie Nnoruka from UCLA will challenge Silvera to be the second starter at DT next to Pat Bethel.