3 Miami football defensive breakout candidates
Two linemen and a safety are poised to be the breakout players on defense for the Miami football team in 2024. True freshman defensive tackle Justin Scott, transfer edge rusher Tyler Baron and safety Mishael Powell are on the precipice of breakout seasons for Miami in 2024.
The uncertainty surrounding Michigan State transfer DT Simeon Barrow should benefit Scott. After transferring to Miami in early May, a report emerged on Friday that Barrow was not with the Hurricanes. If Barrow departs as reported. transfers C.J. Clark and Marley Cook would be the expected starters.
Miami is not very experienced at DT behind Clark and Cook. Scott should challenge Miami returnees Anthony Campbell, Joshua Horton and Ahmad Moten and for snaps at DT in 2024. Campbell only played versus Temple in his first season with Miami in 2023. Horton played in three 2023 games. Moten played in 11 games in 2023.
Scott was the 10th-ranked signee, third defensive lineman and top player in Illinois in the 2024 class. Scott is the highest-ranked DL, the sixth defensive player and the 12th overall signee in Miami history. Although Clark and Cook will likely remain the starters throughout the season, expect Scott to become the third DL in the rotation by the middle of 2024.
Baron is projected to begin the season as the third edge rusher behind returning starters Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor. Mesidor played in only two games in 2023 after a season-ending foot injury. Baron should be in line for starter's snaps with the likelihood Miami brings Mesidor along slowly.
Baron had 101 tackles, 27.0 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown and a forced fumble in four seasons with Tennessee. The 2023 season was Baron's best with 28 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.0 sacks, two pass breakups and the fumble return for a TD.
Powell primarily received snaps as a slot cornerback during spring practice. With Miami thin at safety entering the 2024 season, Powell will likely return to the position he played at Washington. Powell has 92 career tackles, 4.0 TFLs, 3 interceptions, 12 PBUs and 1.0 FF. In 2023, Powell had 38 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, three interceptions and six pass breakups.
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Baron and Powell provide Miami will experience defensively. Scott is a potential impact player as a true freshman who can help build the foundation on the Miami DL for the next two seasons. Baron and Scott can be impact players on the DL. Powell will lead a young group of Miami safeties.