Miami football depth chart mostly as expected defensively

There were few surprises on the depth chart for the Miami football team on defense as released on Monday for Saturday’s game against Florida.

The starting 11 for the Miami football team on defense was as expected as named on the first depth chart of 2019 released Monday. Very few surprises existed throughout the depth chart for the Hurricanes defense. Most of the depth chart for the Miami defense went two-deep. The exceptions are strong safety, defensive end and cornerback.

Junior Jonathan Garvin and senior Scott Patchan are the first-team defensive ends, Senior Pat Bethel and junior Jon Ford are the defensive tackles, the all-senior linebacking corps is back for their fourth year starting together. Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud form the soul of the Miami defense.

Junior CB Trajan Bandy is the only returning starter in the secondary. Sophomores Al Blades and D.J. Ivey are listed as the co-starters at the other corner. They will play outside and Bandy will move into the slot on passing downs. The new starting safety tandem is Junior Amari Carter at strong safety and sophomore Gurvan Hall at free safety.

Senior Romeo Finley returns as the first-team striker in 2019 with sophomore Gilbert Frierson backing him up. Striker is a hybrid between linebacker and safety. It was created by now head coach Manny Diaz because of a surplus at safety in 2018 during spring practice.

The perception nationally is that the Miami defensive line will dropoff in 2019 due to the losses of DT Gerald Willis and DE Joe Jackson. Garvin had a breakout season in 2018. Bethel and Patchan give Miami experience and consistency on the defensive line. Ford is ready for a breakout season somewhat like Willis had in 2018.