Miami Hurricanes top LB target Wesley Bissainthe looking how defense uses him

Miami Hurricanes top linebacker recruit Wesley Bissanithe is looking at how defenses will use him and potential playing time he told David Wilson of the Miami Herald. Bissainthe told Wilson that new Miami strikers coach Ishmael Aristide is his primary recruiter after the Hurricanes have had a high turnover on the defensive staff.

Manny Diaz replaced nearly the entire Miami Hurricanes defensive coaching staff following the 2020 season. After former co-defensive coordinator Blake Baker had his play calling stripped by Diaz, he left for LSU to become their LBs coach. Baker had previously coached inside LBs at Miami before leaving for the Bayou.

Travis Williams was initially hired after being let go by Auburn when head coach Gus Malzahn was fired. When Malzahn was hired by Central Florida he brought Williams with him as a defensive coordinator after the Miami Hurricanes hired him. Ishmael Aristide then replaced Williams as the strikers coach.

Jonathan Patke who previously worked with the strikers in addition to being the special teams’ coordinator was moved to work with the inside LBs. Aristide was an elite recruiter at Texas A&M where he was instrumental in the Aggies signing a few players from Miami in recent classes.

"“Definitely how they would use me in their defense, that’s one of the main things I’m looking at…If I like the defense and do I feel like I can play in your defense, that’s the main things I’m looking for….I talk to Coach Ish (Aristide) a lot. We talk on a day-to-day basis. He’s a very funny guy.We talk, and I just can’t wait to get up there on the first for the cookout to see all the coaches in person and see their vibe. Most schools like my speed. They like that I can get to the ball and make plays.When I get to a school, I’m going to put on weight automatically, so the focus is just I’m fast, I’m smooth and I can tackle, and I’m versatile.”"

The cookout Bissainthe is referring to is being put on by Miami for recruits in May. Miami needs to upgrade their talent at LB. There will be an opportunity for a highly ranked LB to play for the Hurricanes immediately. For various reasons, the Hurricanes struggled to replace Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman.

Pinckney and Quarterman were four-year starters at LB who graduated after the 2020 season. Bissainthe told Wilson that he doesn’t plan on committing to the fall. Miami head coach Manny Diaz stated earlier this month he expects a manic June for recruiting. Miami is expected to try and get Bissainthe that month.