Linebacker was the most inconsistent position for the Miami Hurricanes football program in 2021. Corey Flagg and Waynmon Steed who were the starting LBs at the end of the 2021 season and were first and second in tackles last season return for Miami. Expect them to be challenged as first-team LBs in 2022.
Flagg led Miami with 60 tackles in 2021 and had seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception. Steed had 55 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and one sack. True freshman Tyler Johnson, Ryan Ragone and Keontra Smith who was moved from striker after signing with Miami as a safety were behind Flag and Smith on the depth chart.
Ragone had nine tackles, two TFLs and one sack. Smith had 38 tackles, five TFLs, three sacks and one forced fumble. Johnson was one of three LBs Miami signed in 2021. Chase Smith and Deshaun Troutman were the other two. Smith signed with Miami as an LB, moved to striker in 2021 and could be moved back to LB in 2022.
Smith had 13 tackles, one TFL and two pass breakups as a true freshman in 2021. Troutman had five tackles last season. With new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and LBs coach Charlie Strong on the Miami staff, the middle of the Hurricanes defense will receive instruction from two experienced mentors.
Wesley Bissainthe who signed with Miami in the Class of 2022 is expected to challenge for snaps this fall. Bissainte is the highest-rated LB on the Miami Hurricanes roster. Miami is likely to target LBs in the next few recruiting classes and through the transfer portal. It’s surprising Miami hasn’t added a transfer LB.
Flagg and Steed will likely begin the spring as the first team LBs. There will be a lot of competition for Miami at LB when Spring Practice begins on March 7. Miami needs great production from their LBs in 2022. With Steele and Strong hired by Mario Cristobal, their experience should help the Miami LBs improve.