Miami Hurricanes transfer DT Chigozie Nnoruka will make 2019 impact

Replacing Gerald Willis at defensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes will be done by committee. The addition of UCLA graduate transfer Chigozie Nnoruka will make an impact in 2019.

The loss of redshirt senior all-American defensive tackle Gerald Willis left a huge hole in the interior of the Miami Hurricanes defensive line. The addition of graduate transfer defensive tackle Chigozie Nnoruka will have a big impact on the Miami DL in 2019. The Hurricanes will have to replace Willis by committee

Nnoruka will be in the rotation on the interior of the Miami Hurricanes defensive line as the third tackle behind starters Pat Bethel and Jon Ford. Nnoruka joining the Miami football program became more critical earlier this week when sophomore DT Nesta Silvera had foot surgery. He is expected to be out four to six weeks.

The Hurricanes hope to continue to have the same disruptive defensive line they have had in the three seasons that head coach Manny Diaz was the defensive coordinator. Miami led the nation in tackles for loss per game in 2018 and was among the national leaders in sacks. Signing Nnoruka was critical for Miami’s depth.

Miami defensive line coach Todd Stroud is excited by the potential Nnoruka brings to the Miami football program.

"“He is a dynamic player, he really is. He just has to continue to learn our system and learn our style of play and what we are doing, but he is coming along at a really fast rate.”"

Nnoruka came to Miami after three seasons at UCLA. He got caught in a coaching change and did not receive as much playing time in 2018 as he did in 2017. Nnoruka had 46 tackles, eight TFLs and two sacks in a very productive 2017 season. He won’t put up those numbers for Miami but should be an impact player.

Ford is expected to have a breakout season. At 6’5, 306 pounds the Miami Hurricanes coaching staff has stated Ford is a prototype defensive tackle and they love his potential. The redshirt sophomore DT had eight tackles and two TFLs in 2019. Ford spoke about how well Nnoruka has performed in training camp

"“He has been a big factor for us. His hands are good, he’s quick, he runs to the ball—he moves real good. I am real excited about him.”"

In addition to Nnoruka, Ford and Bethel, Miami has redshirt freshman Jordan Miller and true freshmen Jared Harrison-Hunte, Jason Blissett and Jalal Holley. Bissett and Miller are the most likely of those four to receive playing time. Stroud talked about the competition in training camp.

"“The competition has been unbelievable with their effort and attitude. It has been a great camp so far.”"

The starting positions throughout the Miami Hurricanes roster are expected to be decided following Saturday’s second scrimmage. Bethel and Ford seem entrenched at DT, especially with Silvera’s injury. Nnoruka is almost definitely going to be the third DT in the rotation.