Five reasons Miami football should be favored in the ACC Coastal

Miami Hurricanes defensive front seven

The Hurricanes front seven will be the strength of their defense in 2019. The all-senior linebacking corps are entering their fourth season together as starters and the rotation at defensive end will be one of the best in the country.

In an earlier article, Athlon projects four Miami players on defense to be first-team All-ACC. Defensive End Jonathan Garvin, linebackers Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman and cornerback Trajan Bandy were chosen by Athlon to their first-team preseason All-ACC team.

Garvin was somehow left of all of the All-ACC teams in 2018. He led Miami defensive linemen in 2018 with 60 tackles and finished second on the Hurricanes with 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. He leads all returning Miami defensive linemen in those categories.

Garvin will be joined in the rotation at defensive end by Virginia Tech graduate transfer Trevon Hill, rising senior Scott Patchan, rising sophomore Greg Rousseau and incoming freshman Jahfari Harvey. Hill was on pace for an all-ACC and possibly All-American season with the Hokies before being dismissed from the team.

The Senior linebacking corps gives Miami experience at that position that is unparalleled in college football. Bandy will provide leadership to the remainder of the Miami secondary that are stepping into much larger roles this season. Getting a good pass rush will be critical and expected from the Miami front seven.