The linebacking corps for the Miami football team regressed significantly in 2020. The loss of four-year starting LBs Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman hindered the middle of the Hurricanes defense last season. Miami finished 17th in run defense in 2019 allowing 114.62 yards per game.
The Hurricanes fell to 76th against the run in 2020 allowing 174.45 yards per game. Manny Diaz and his staff have made signing elite local players a priority for rebuilding the Miami football roster. After mediocre LB play in 2020, signing blue-chip players at the position is a priority in the Class of 2022.
Four-star 2022 LB Wesley Bissainthe is a priority for Miami. Bissanthe is the 112th ranked player in 2022, the 12th ranked LB and 14th in Florida according to the 247 Sports composite. Miami signed LBs Tirek Austin-Cave and Corey Flagg in 2020 and Tyler Johnson and Deshaun Troutman in 2021.
All of the Miami LBs on the 2021 Miami roster have eligibility remaining beyond this fall. Bissainthe is the perfect LB for modern football. The Hurricanes would be able to use multiple players interchangeably if they can sign Bissainthe. James Williams, a 2021 signee has the same projection.
"“NO. 15 MIAMI HURRICANESThe Recruit: Wesley BissaintheComposite Rank: No. 113The days of Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney manning the middle of the Hurricanes’ defense are over, and they’ve felt that absence. After finishing third nationally in yards allowed per play in 2018…the Hurricanes dropped to 57th nationally last year without them.Inside linebacker remains a question mark for Miami entering 2021, which makes an asset like Bissainthe so important. Not only is Bissainthe local, but he’s a new-age off-ball linebacker who can play sideline to sideline and cover when called on. Miami is battling with Penn State, West Virginia and Florida State for Bissainthe.”"
The analysis from Chris Hummer of 247 Sports could project Bissainthe as the next great Miami LB if he chooses the Hurricanes. Bradley Jennings Jr. returns as the starting MLB for Miami in 2021. Flagg will challenge Jennings to be the first team MIKE this fall. Bissainthe would have a chance to start immediately for Miami.
The Hurricanes have yet to receive a commitment on defense in 2022. June is going to be a critical month for Miami in recruiting. Florida State, Penn State and West Virginia are the programs Bissainthe is strongly considering. Bissainthe will take official visits at West Virginia on June 11, Penn State on June 18 and Miami on June 25.