In his article “ACC Spring Preview: One burning question for every team” Brandon Marcello of 247 Sports “Can Miami fix tackling issues.” Miami football has been one of the worst tackling teams in college football over the past few seasons. That is expected to change with new co-offensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
The Miami football team needs to significantly improve their play at linebacker. Corey Flagg and Waynmon Steed return at LB as the top two tacklers on Miami in 2021. The LB play was too inconsistent throughout the 2021 season. Flagg who led Miami in tackles in 2021 was just 44th in the ACC.
No one else on the Miami defense finished in the top 50 in the ACC in tackles in 2021. The strength of the Miami defense in 2022 will be at defensive tackle and safety. Miami also needs to generate a better pass rush in addition to improving their tackling in 2022. Fundamentals will be stressed on defense this spring.
When he was hired as head coach in December Mario Cristobal mentioned that everything with his team will start in the trenches. Jared Harrison-Hunte and Leonard Taylor provide Miami with a stout pair of DTs. Miami returns seven starters on defense. Having experience is a good start for Steele and Co-DC Charlie Strong.
Kevin Steele on what his vision of a UM defense is: "You want to go into Pro Player Stadium and in the fourth quarter, you want to make your opponent start thinking, ‘Hey, I can’t do this any longer. Let’s get on the bus and go home. This is Miami.'"
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) February 10, 2022
"MIAMI HURRICANESCan Miami fix tackling issues?Miami’s offense came to life late last season thanks to the emergence of youngster Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback, but while many will focus on the ever-improving offense this spring, you can bet the biggest task on Mario Cristobal’s list is sharpening technique on defense.Miami has been one of the worst tackling teams in the FBS over the last three seasons under former head coach Manny Diaz. The Hurricanes finished with the third-worst grade in the 130-team FBS last season, ranking as the worst Power Five team in the country in tackling, according to Pro Football Focus.Veteran defensive coordinator Kevin Steele arrives in Miami with the task of turning around a subpar defense that can be so much better by simply improving fundamentals. Steele turned around Auburn half a decade ago on defense, but can he do it again?Don’t go searching for standout players or big plays at Miami’s spring game. Fans should instead watch that defense and see if players are simply squaring and wrapping up players, finishing tackles and pursuing great angles."
Safeties Kamren Kinchens and Avantae and James Williams could all see the field at the same time. Steele stated in his introductory press conference the desire to get his best 11 players on the field. At 6’5, 224 pounds James Williams has the ideal size to play a hybrid LB/safety position for the Miami football team.
The question Marcello asked if Steele can turn around the Miami defense will determine how good the Hurricanes can be in 2022 and the future. Cristobal and the Miami coaching staff getting their own players on the roster will help in the long term. In the short term, Steele and Strong will focus on fundamentals.