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Miami Player Profile: Thurston Armbrister

In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Player Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile two players from each position that they think should get more face time. They will recap their previous year, or in some cases, preview what may be to come. That way, when the season get's here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

By Jerry Steinberg
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Thurston Armbrister

Senior - LB - 6'3 235 - Hollywood, Fl

Last season as a part time starter, Ambrister registered 33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.

Ambrister came to UM as an undersized 190 pound LB who looked like he might be converted to S. But now he checks in as one of the bigger players on the unit and is a physical specimen who also runs a 4.6 40.

#34 showed last season that he is capable of being a sound tackler, and pretty sturdy at the point of attack.

But just as he did two seasons ago (Eddie Johnson) he faces a serious challenge to playing time with more highly touted prospect in sophomore Alex Figueroa.

Summary: I like this guy as an occasional blitzer and against the run. But I do not like him out in space or trying to cover athletic tight ends. Nonetheless Armbrister is an underrated player who can be very effective as a situational player and adds depth to a defense that desperately needs it.  I fully expect Figs to get the majority of snaps and develop into one of the better players on defense. But as he learns Armbrister is a solid option.  Look for 2 or 3 sacks and some solid play from #34 this season.

Stay tuned for more player profiles as we count down to Labor Day Vs Louisville.