Miami Hurricanes 2019 Position Preview: Defensive Ends

The Hurricanes often boast proficient and dominant defensive linemen on their roster — 2019 will be no different. Despite multiple schemes and coaching changes over the last handful of years, talent was still added and developed. It seems that having an elite corps of edge-rushers is a tradition at Miami — it’s a group that’s highlighted by former legends, and upheld by recent stars.

Key Losses

Joe Jackson

Coach Jess Simpson

Key Additions

Trevon Hill

Jahfari Harvey

Cameron Williams

Jaelan Phillips (ineligible due to NCAA transfer rules)

Coach Todd Stroud

While Joe Jackson was a major force on the line, Miami is reloaded at the position group and should be even better than last year. Trevon Hill was a massive addition for the ‘Canes, as he can make an immediate impact on the field. While Harvey and Williams are both raw prospects, they’ll be able to train, develop, and potentially show flashes of their ability this upcoming season. Coach Stroud replaces Jess Simpson, who left Miami’s staff to rejoin the Atlanta Hawks for the same position. Stroud has over 33 years of coaching experience — hopefully, he can maintain and build off what Craig Kuligowski and Simpson started.

Players at the Position

Jonathan Garvin

Gregory Rousseau

Trevon Hill

Scott Patchan

Cameron Williams

Jahfari Harvey

Projected Starters

First Team — Garvin/Hill

Second Team — Rosseau/Patchan

Third Team — Williams/Harvey

Both Garvin and Hill have proven themselves on the field, despite Hill missing all but 3 games of his junior season. However, in his sophomore year, he appeared in 13 games and recorded 46 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Even if he’s not a day 1 starter, Hill will surely make an immediate impact.

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Scott Patchan and Gregory Rousseau would make for an interesting line, as Patchan is one of the most experienced players on Miami’s roster, while Rousseau has appeared in just 2 games. Patchan has proven to be versatile, and a loyal teammate, switching from defensive end to tight end in 2017, then back to defensive end in 2018. Rousseau has shown promise in spring, giving him a decent chance to win the starting role against Hill or Patchan.

The projected third line is a pair of freshmen, so that could possibly change due to redshirts or injuries. Freshmen defensive linemen have often found early success at Miami, so it’s safe to assume that at least one of them will make it into the typical lineup.

Strength of the Unit

Bringing Out the Chain

The intensity that it gives the defense must be continued, putting some pressure on the new staff members as well. While relying on turnovers isn’t great either, we can recognize its importance to the defense to force them. Regardless, Miami has done a wonderful job of forcing them over the last 2 years in particular, and we should expect the trend to continue.

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Biggest Concern Entering the 2019 Season

Injuries

While a major concern for every new season, this year may ‘shake’ things up to a greater degree. We’re not sure how the new coaches will react to forced lineup changes, adding importance to remaining healthy. Here’s hoping for an injury-free fall camp, and 2019 season.

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