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Michael Wyche
Senior - DT - 6'4 325 - Chesapeake, Va (East LA College JUCO)
Recorded 9 tackles, a half of sack, and combined on 1 TFL last season in 10 games.
Did accrue 26 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and one interception as sophomore at East Los Angeles College 2 seasons ago.
Has been picking up the slack this spring, and came in healthy and lighter at the start of camp.
Summary: Wyche looks fantastic having dropped a ton of weight, and worked quite a bit with the 1's this Spring. That's a great sign for UM. Last year they had hoped Wyche could be the impact interior defensive lineman that the D has been starved for, for years. But it never materialized. When you watch this kid's film from JUCO, and look at him physically, he has the highest upside of any NT/DT on the roster. He battled injuries last year. Is he healthy? Is he ready to make a big leap? Time will tell. There are whispers that the Hurricanes defense will go to a lot more one gap technique on its' fronts in 2015. That can only help Wyche make more plays. He will be competing with Calvin Heurtelou and Courtel Jenkins among others for snaps. When all is said and done I expect Wyche to be the starter at NT and see the most time. If he can produce 30-35 tackles, 2-3 TFL, and a sack or two, it would be huge for the unit, and the 'Canes as a whole.
Stay tuned for more player profiles from SOTU as we count down to kick off.