Miami Hurricanes DT Jared Harrison-Hunte pushing for first-team

Redshirt freshman Jared Harrison-Hunte has been the best defensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes this season and is pushing to be a starter.

Redshirt freshman Jared Harrison-Hunte has been the best interior defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes in 2020 according to Pro Football Focus. In fewer snaps than starters, senior Jon Ford and junior Nesta Silvera, Harrison-Hunte has five tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Harrison-Hunte has been sensational rushing the passer with a 79.7 grade to rank ninth in college football among interior lineman. The New York native has work to do against the run. Harrison-Hunte has a 60.9 grade against the run to rank 77th out of 148 interior linemen against the run according to PFF.

Overall, Harrison-Hunte has a 73.3 overall grade to rank 27th among interior linemen. Silvera is ranked 46th overall nationally among interior defenders on the defensive line, redshirt sophomore Jordan Miller is 163rd and Ford 172nd. Miller has not recorded any stats, Ford has three tackles and a half TFL.

Ford continues to underachieve in what will likely be his last season. The NCAA granted all 2020 fall athletes an extra season of eligibility. Ford has an overall defensive grade of  44.7 to rank 172nd out of 178 defensive linemen, a 36.6 grade against the run which ranks 146th out of 148 DTs and a 59.9 pass-rush grade.

Ford ranks 105th out of 176 DTs against the run. Miami needs more consistency out of the 6’5, 318 pound Ford. When he signed with Miami in 2017, Ford was hailed as the next great Miami DT because of his size. Harrison-Hunte is pushing Ford and Silvera for playing time. On passing downs, Harrison-Hunte has been excellent.

Head coach Manny Diaz praised the basketball background Harrison-Hunte had at legendary Christ the King high school in New York. At 6’4, 285 pounds, Harrison-Hunte has continually shown the ability to get into opponents backfields this season. Harrison-Hunte’s best game was against Louisville with two tackles and one sack.

"“We have seen his potential and he is just so athletic…It really goes back to his basketball career. He was starting at Christ The King, which is one of the top programs in New York City basketball and he was running down the court gracefully at his size.He’s got an athleticism where he can finish a play in the backfield and that is what we are seeing.”"

The future for Miami at defensive tackle with Harrison-Hunte, Jalar Holley and Miller is bright. The Hurricanes will likely have Silvera for at least another season. Miami will also add five-star DT Leonard Taylor and four-star DT Savion Collins in the 2021 recruiting class. Harrison-Hunte should continue to develop in 2020.

After a bye this week, Harrison-Hunte and the Miami Hurricanes DL should have success against what has been an average Clemson offensive line. The Tigers have allowed four sacks in two games to rank 38th out 72 FBS teams that have played this season. Harrison-Hunte should continue to make an impact for Miami.