Miami football: Five Hurricanes likely to get more playing time
Miami. 22. player. 834. Pick Analysis. Safety. Robert Knowles. Scouting Report
The Miami secondary has been decimated with losses at safety this season. Derrick Smith announced he was entering his name into the transfer portal three days before Miami opened the season against Florida. USC transfer Bubba Bolden still has not been cleared to play yet and Amari Carter was ejected Saturday for targeting.
Miami Hurricanes Football
Sophomore starter Gurvan Hall and Senior Robert Knowles were the only safeties Miami had left Saturday against North Carolina. Miami could have played senior striker Romeo Finley there if Hall or Knowles had gotten injured. Now healthy Knowles is playing the best football of his Miami career.
The Miami native is fifth on the Miami football team with eight tackles through the first two games of 2019. Knowles is only 10 off of his career-high set in 2017. He is second among Miami defensive backs in tackles to Hall. Saturday’s five tackle game against North Carolina tied Knowles career high.
Diaz and Baker were both impressed with Knowles play against the Tar Heels. Diaz stated Knowles helped calm a Miami secondary that allowed was part of a defense that allowed 17 points in the first quarter.
"“I think he calmed the secondary down when he went in there because obviously we were a little rattled in the first quarter. He’s always been an A-plus in terms of tackling and just getting to the football, getting it on the ground. Because those safety tackles, you take them for granted, but if he misses it, it’s going to be a problem. … I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”"
Baker was also impressed with Knowles play. The first-year Miami defensive coordinator gave Knowles credit and that he was prepared when the Hurricanes lost Carter.
"“Hats off to Rob Knowles. He came in and I don’t think we skipped a beat back there. [Losing Carter] hurt from a depth perspective for sure, but a lot of credit goes to Rob Knowles and being prepared just like a starter.”"
Knowles should be back to the third safety with Carter returning this week. With a convincing win looming against Bethune-Cookman, Carter, Hall, Knowles and freshman Keontra Smith will all likely see significant playing time against the Wildcats.