While a quarterback battle and eight new additions to the defensive line will make headlines for the Miami Hurricanes this spring, competition at linebacker could very well wind up the offseason’s biggest story.
Ryan Williams has the inside track on Kevin Olsen and a new crop of freshman, all batting it out for the job under center. Meanwhile, a handful of line departures all but ensure a lot of new blood up front on defense.
The Hurricanes’ linebacking corps will be anchored by Denzel Perryman, who recently opted to return for his senior season. Outside of the talented upperclassmen, the rotation remains wide open.
Big things are expected out of junior Raphael Kirby. The coveted inside linebacker was one of the best in the nation when signing with Miami in 2012. Relegated mostly to special teams the past two seasons, Kirby has seen action in 17 games and has 26 total tackles. A breakout seems due.
Also in the mix, sophomores Jermaine Grace and Alex Figueroa—two solid pick-ups last year, yet broken in slowly—especially after Figueroahad his shoulder dinged up. Both served in back-up roles, but will move up the depth chart due with graduates moving on.
The losses of Jimmy Gaines and Tyrone Cornelius should most-likely results in an addition-by-subtraction situation for the Hurricanes. Veterans with an two-year understanding of Al Golden’s defense, experience seemingly outweighed athleticism, as both got the nod over over highly touted true freshmen.
Miami coaches won’t have that luxury next season, meaning that the more physically-talented Grace and Figueroa will have to learn on the fly. There is no Plan B.
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