Miami Hurricanes defensive tackles coach Damione Lewis keeps it simple when he's asked about comparing this year's defensive line to last season.
"25 is 25, this is 26, it's a new year, it's a new team," Lewis said.
This new team will feature new leaders and one guy that Lewis is looking to is big man Ahmad Moten Sr. to be the guy that sets the standard for the young, emerging players to follow. Moten has been around since the start of the Mario Cristobal-era and it would be poetic for him to be the catalyst on defense behind a Hurricanes championship team.
Canes DTs coach Damione Lewis, on why he thinks Ahmad Moten Sr. made the decision to come back to Miami this season:
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“For him, it’s about finishing…what does that mean for him as a leader on this football team? … He’s the guy people are looking to for leadership.”
"He felt like he had more to give in college, and he's met that challenge. For him, it's about finishing it this time," Lewis added. "What does that mean for him as a leader of this football team? What does that mean for him as he's leading and helping this d-line group continue to grow?"
All eyes are on Ahmad Moten Sr. to lead the Hurricanes defensive line
There's no question that Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor will have their place secured in Miami lore, and they will be missed. But when the Hurricanes are at their best, that defensive line machine keeps churning. That's when Jerome Brown set the table for Russell Maryland, who set the table for Warren Sapp.
Lewis himself was part of that machine. He was part of Butch Davis' early classes and took his lumps before becoming a first-round pick and setting the table for Vince Wolford, Jerome McDougle and others.
The way he sees it Moten Sr., a second-team All-ACC performer in 2025, is now ready to assume the role of being the guy. At times last season, Moten was a beast in the middle against the run and a guy that could provide a pass rush on the interior. This year it's about being consistent and pushing a group of defensive linemen that are hungry for their opportunity to shine.
"To me, it's a sign of maturity on his end to step up and really get involved in a way he hasn't had to do before," Lewis explained. "He's the guy people are looking at for leadership."