After serving a six-game suspension, Olivier Vernon is back in action this weekend when Georgia Tech visits.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end was suspended for accepting “impermissible benefits” from rogue UM booster Nevin Shapiro – most of them related to his recruiting, which earned the six-game sit down, as opposed to the one or four games other teammates received.
No position on Miami’s defense needs more of a boost than defensive line. The Canes already lost Marcus Forston for the season, as well as Curtis Porter, while Jalen Grimble and Luther Robinson have been banged up much of the season.
Though heavily needed, coaches will ease Vernon back into the mix as they did safety Ray-Ray Armstrong weeks back. Vernon is currently listed as co-second string at left end with Marcus Robinson. They are both backing starter Shayon Green.
Last season Vernon was second on the team and eleventh in the ACC with six sacks and fourth on the team in tackles for losses with 10.5.