When he was hired as head coach in December, Mario Cristobal emphasized the importance of winning the line of scrimmage. Miami signed five linemen in the Class of 2022 and three transfers who all committed to Miami since Cristobal was hired. The five DL signees helped the 2022 Miami football class vault to 15th nationally.
Miami signed top 100 DL Nyjalik Kelly and Cyrus Moss during the Early National Signing period in December. On National Signing Day on Wednesday, Miami signed three-stars, defensive Ahmad Moten and offensive linemen Anez Cooper who could also play DT and Matthew McCoy. The three transfers should all contribute in 2022.
Defensive linemen Jacob Lichtenstein and Antonio Moultrie add depth for Miami on the DL. Logan Sagapolu should compete to be a starter for Miami on the OL in 2022. Lichtenstein and Moultrie add depth and versatility. Lichtenstein played defensive end and tackle playing three of the last four seasons at USC.
During his National Signing Day press conference, Cristobal mentioned Miami has Moultrie at 6’4, 275 pounds. Cristobal elaborated that Moultrie played end and tackle at UAB. Moultrie will play tackle for Miami. In 2021, Moultrie set career highs at UAB with 62 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.
Mario Cristobal on how much he values trench play:
— Luke Chaney (@luke_chaney4) February 2, 2022
“The line of scrimmage…you want to be elite at those positions. You want to control the line of scrimmage.”
“The only way you could do that is to bring competition and bring in really good football players.” #CanesFootball
The Miami football team lost all of its starters on the DL from 2021. Jared Harrison-Hunte and Leonard Taylor will almost definitely start at DT in 2022. Kelly and Moss could challenge for snaps as edge rushers in 2022. Moten provides depth for Miami but seems more like a long-term prospect for Miami.
Cooper and McCoy also project more for the future. Miami returns Jakai Clark at center, Zion Nelson at left tackle and D.J. Scaife who will probably play where Miami needs him on the OL. Miami is likely not finished adding talent according to Cristobal. Cristobal also acknowledged the need for Miami at linebacker.