Raul Aguirre would be highest rated Miami Hurricanes linebacker

Four-star linebacker Raul Aguirre who committed to the Miami Hurricanes on Tuesday is higher rated than any players at the position on the current roster. Miami significantly needed an upgrade at LB. Four-star 2022 Miami signee Wesley Bissainthe will be the highest-rated LB on the 2022 Hurricanes’ roster.

Aguirre has a rating of 0.9451 from 247 Sports and is the 121st rated player, ninth LB and ninth in Georgia in the 2023 Class. Bissainthe has a rating of 0.9274 and was 188th, 23rd and 18th in Florida in 2022. At 6’2, 220 pounds, Aguirre has better size than any LBs currently on the Miami Hurricanes roster.

Gilbert Frierson and Keontra Smith who are the highest-rated returning LBs for Miami signed with the Hurricanes as defensive backs. Frierson is a converted cornerback and Smith originally signed with Miami as a safety. Frierson and Smith both played the previous Miami hybrid LB-safety position of striker.

Under new Miami co-defensive coordinators Kevin Steele and Charlie Strong the new hybrid position will be called star. Miami recruited smaller, faster players for LB and striker in the past few recruiting classes. Mario Cristobal and his staff are recruiting more traditional LBs. It could take Miami a few classes for a more traditional LB corps.

Aguirre and Bissainthe could potentially be the starting LBs for Miami in 2023. The potential is there for Aguirre and Bissainthe to be the next Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman at LB. Pinckney and Quarterman were four-year starters for Miami from 2016-19. Aguirre and Bissainthe could start together for three years.

Corey Flagg and Waynmon Steed led Miami in tackles last season playing LB. Flagg and Steed were both three-star prospects when they signed with Miami. The Hurricanes need more production and versatility at LB. Aguirre and Bissainthe will provide Miami with more athleticism and size at LB in the future.