Mario Cristobal likes Miami football progress defensively
Mario Cristobal stated the Miami football team has made a lot of progress defensively last season. Miami returns four starters from the final 2023 regular season game versus Boston College. The Hurricanes have filled in the remainder of the defensive roster with high-end transfers.
Cornerback Damari Brown, defensive lineman Rueben Bain, linebackers Wesley Bissainthe and Francisco Mauigoa are the four returning defensive starters for Miami in 2024. Several of the transfer additions for Miami are projected starters during the 2024 season.
Simeon Barrow from Michigan State, C.J. Clark from North Carolina State and Marley Cook from Middle Tennessee State are expected to be the top three defensive tackles for Miami in 2024. Barrow, Clark and Cook are experienced players with multiple seasons as starters entering 2024.
Louisville transfer Jaylin Alderman adds depth and experience at linebacker with Bissainthe and Mauigoa. Alderman will re-unite with Miami linebackers coach Derek Nicholson who he played under at Louisville. Alderman had a breakout 2023 season with 62 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 pass breakups.
"We made a lot of progress last year from a total defense standpoint, really just about every statistical category. Part of that was the caliber of player in the building had improved. We bolstered that even more this off-season.
- Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
I think when you have continuity at the defensive coordinator position, that bodes well also...Kiko Mauigoa, he's a big reason why, as a leader of that defense, being surrounded by people that are driven, hungry and want to be there.
We took a good step last year. We expect to take an even bigger one this year."
Miami was 44th nationally in 2023 allowing 22.8 points per game, 24th allowing 321.6 total yards, 12th with opponents rushing for 105.62 yards per game and 55th allowing 216.0 passing yards. As Cristobal stated those numbers were improved across the board from 2022.
Miami was 67th allowing 26.8 PPG in 2022, 65th with allowing 375.2 total YPG, 52nd with 142.08 rushing yards against and 79th allowing 233.1 passing yards per game. Expect Miami to continue to improve defensively in 2024 with the additions in the front seven.
The return of defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and Mauigoa will help the continuity of Miami defensively. Mauigoa should compete to be the ACC Defensively Player of the Year. In his first season with Miami Mauigoa led the Hurricanes with 82 tackles and had 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2.0 forced fumbles, 4.0 passes defended and 1.0 interception,
Safety Mishael Powell could be the most overlooked transfer for Miami. Powell brings experience and stability to a young group at the position for Miami. Powell was a key player for Washington during their run to the College Football Playoff National Championship game in 2023.
Defensive players Miami needs to develop at every position. Defensive players Miami needs to develop at every position. dark. Next
In addition to Guidry returning to the coaching staff, Miami also returns defensive line coaches Joe Salave'a and Jason Taylor. Nicholson and cornerback coach Chevis Jackson are new to Miami in 2024. The returning players for Miami know what to expect defensively in 2024.