Miami Hurricanes projected safety spring practice depth chart
Safety will be one of the deepest positions for the Miami Hurricanes in 2022. Rising sophomores Kamren Kinchens, Avantae Williams and James Williams all started games for Miami in 2021. Miami has excellent depth at safety. The depth at safety will provide new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele versatility.
Brian Balom, Keshawn Washington and 2022 signee Markeith Williams will be the backup safeties entering spring practice. Jalen Harrell has played cornerback and safety in his Miami Hurricanes career. Kinchens led the Miami safeties with 44 tackles, one tackle for loss, four pass breakups and one forced fumble.
James Williams had 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks. led Miami with two interceptions and added two pass breakups. Avantae Williams had 18 tackles and one interception playing in only the final six games of 2021. Miami has a deep and talented trio at safety in 2021. James Williams could potentially play striker at times in 2022.
Getting Kinchens and Avantae and James Williams on the field at the same time will allow Steele and co-defensive coordinator Charlie Strong to put the best talent on the field defensively. Balom who missed the 2021 season with an injury showed promise in 2020 with 10 tackles as a true freshman.
Washington has only been credited with three tackles during his true freshman season in 2020. The rotation for Miami at safety will almost definitely be Kinchens, Avantae Williams and James Williams will Balom behind them. Washington is a player to keep an eye on in the transfer portal post-spring practice.
James Williams will be a player to watch as spring practice begins on Monday. Williams missed the final two games of the 2021 regular season and might not participate in spring practice. If James Williams does not participate in spring practice that will provide the younger safeties with a chance to showcase their skills.
Next. Miami projected CB depth chart entering spring practice. dark
Miami has not hired a special teams coordinator yet. Balom, Washington and Williams are potentially special teams contributors for Miami. Kinchens, Avantae Williams and James Williams will anchor the Miami defense in 2021 in addition to the depth the Hurricanes have at defensive tackle.