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RJ McIntosh
DT - Sophomore 6'4 280 - Ft Lauderdale, Fl
Made just two tackles in limited duty in 2015.
But during the spring, showed off his talent running mostly with the 1st team defense, including a very noteworthy play in the Spring Game:
RJ McIntosh sacks Kaaya on the blitz. Kaaya dropped back, stepped up and 80 was cruising in. 2-yard loss. 1v1
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) April 9, 2016
Now playing as full time DT, a position he promises to bring athleticism to.
Speed matters more to this #Canes coaching staff than size. RJ McIntosh lost 10 pounds in off-season and moved from DE to DT
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) March 24, 2016
Has excellent tools to be a productive defensive lineman, including good burst, long arms, strong hands, and a knack for the ball.
Summary: McIntosh clearly has impressed the new coaching staff, given his 1st team status. But can he hold off players like Courtel Jenkins and Anthony Moten and remain among the 1's? He's a little lankier and also carries less weight than the aforementioned DT's he is competing for snaps with. But McIntosh is also more athletic, which may give him an edge in Manny Diaz' attacking scheme. Either way, he is certainly going to be a part of the rotation. Other than Gerald WIllis, I like him as the best pass rushing threat from the interior. If he is going to be a 3 down player though, he will have to prove he can hold up against the run. The sophomore to be will be one of the more interesting players on the UM defense to watch this fall. I expect him to have a very nice developmental season and produce anywhere from 3-5 TFL and 2-3 sacks this season, while learning his new position.