Miami Hurricanes Football: S Season Recap, Part 3.

Here is the final part of the safeties season recap for 2017. We already took a look at the MVP, MIP, and ROY in part 1. We also discussed some highlights, lowlights, and overall grade of the safety position in part 2. This final piece is all about 2018 as we look at who is a part of the group, potential sleeper and bust, and an outlook of 2018.

2018 Miami Hurricanes Safeties:

Jaquan Johnson - Sr.

Sheldrick Redwine - Sr.

Amari Carter - So.

Robert Knowles - Jr. (RS)

Romeo Finley - Jr.

Derrick Smith - So.

Gurvan Hall Jr. - Fr.

Gilbert Frierson*- Fr. (Could play either corner or safety)

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sleeper Pick: Amari Carter

Carter has the making of a big physical safety who is not afraid to deliver a big hit. He looks the part of a starting caliber safety and has the talent to back it up. Carter was getting playing time from day one due to his versatility and the creativity of Manny Diaz. He was used a lot as a QB spy specialist and a blitzer from the LB position. I think Carter has a real shot to push one of the starters for meaningful playing time if their level of play starts to fall.

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Bust Potential: Sheldrick Redwine

If I had to pick one of the starters to possibly falter and lose a grip on their starting position, it would be Redwine. Redwine had a fine season and showed he can be a starting caliber safety after making the switch from corner. He had a knack for making big plays and causing turnovers, and I loved how aggressive he was trying to make big hits on the opponent. There were just too many times that he was out of position to make a tackle because he over pursued, or he got caught cheating and was burned by receivers. If Redwine does not clean this up, he could be pushed for playing time by some of the young guys.

2018 Outlook

The Hurricanes are losing a handful of defenders due to graduation, early departures, and injuries. Luckily the Canes are pretty stacked when it comes to the safety position. They are returning two starters who will be seniors, two sophomores who saw meaningful playing time, two juniors with experience as backups, and potentially two 4 star recruits (If Frierson plays safety). The safety position was an area of strength for the Canes in 2017 and it looks like that will continue in the 2018 season.