Tag: corey hetherman
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JJ Dunnigan can become Miami’s third-down eraser
JJ Dunnigan does not need to win an every-down job to change Miami’s defense. The freshman’s cleanest early role is becoming the defender Corey Hetherman trusts to erase a third-down matchup. This is a projection based on Dunnigan’s skill set and Miami’s needs, not a report that the staff has awarded him a package. Corey…
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Chase Smith sees mental leap from Miami’s young linebackers
Miami linebacker Chase Smith says sophomores Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. and Kellen Wiley Jr. have made their largest progress in the mental part of the position, giving the Hurricanes two young defenders who can anticipate plays instead of only reacting to them. Smith discussed their growth after Miami’s second preseason scrimmage in a media session detailed…
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Justin Scott can replace lost edge pressure from the middle
This is an analysis of how Justin Scott can help Miami replace pressure from two departed edge stars without pretending that a defensive tackle must become Rueben Bain Jr. or Akheem Mesidor. The Hurricanes lost both edge rushers to the first round of the NFL draft. Damon Wilson II, Marquise Lightfoot and Armondo Blount will…
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Ahmad Moten, Damon Wilson make Bednarik Award watch list
Miami defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. and edge rusher Damon Wilson II were named Friday to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors college football’s outstanding defensive player. The selections place Miami’s most established interior defender and its major edge transfer in the same national award race. Their roles are different,…
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Corey Hetherman should turn Miami’s DB versatility into disguise
Corey Hetherman should turn Miami’s secondary versatility into a weekly disguise, using the same defensive backs to present different answers before and after the snap. Omar Thornton said Thursday that he is comfortable playing wherever Miami places him and has learned the calls required when he switches positions. In Miami Athletics’ camp report, he also…
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Mohamed Toure lands on 2026 Butkus Award watch list
Mohamed Toure was named to the 2026 Butkus Award preseason watch list Thursday after leading Miami in tackles during his first season with the Hurricanes. The 51-player field represents 42 programs, according to Miami Athletics’ announcement. Nine ACC linebackers made the list. The Butkus Foundation will announce semifinalists Oct. 28, finalists Nov. 20 and the…
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Ahmad Moten makes ESPN’s preseason All-America team
Ahmad Moten Sr. earned a place on ESPN’s 2026 preseason All-America team Thursday, adding national recognition to the biggest returning role on Miami’s defensive line. Craig Smith of A to Z Sports reported that ESPN writers Eli Lederman and Max Olson selected Moten after a season in which his interior disruption helped Miami reach the…
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Miami commit AJ Randle plans early enrollment, two-sport career
Miami linebacker commit AJ Randle plans to enroll early and pursue football and baseball in Coral Gables, adding two concrete details to his path from the 2027 recruiting class to campus. EJ Holland of CaneSport reported both plans Wednesday after speaking with the top-100 prospect from Garner, North Carolina. Randle committed to Miami in May,…
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Damon Wilson’s outside-hand can close Miami’s escape lanes
Damon Wilson II reduced his next step to an outside hand and violent leverage. The technique sounds small, but it can decide whether Miami’s new edge rotation creates a negative play or opens an escape lane. Wilson said Monday that he wants to improve his two-to-one leverage, keep his outside hand free and become more…
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Miami should move Bryce Fitzgerald before quarterbacks stop testing him
Miami should make Bryce Fitzgerald harder to avoid in 2026. Six interceptions as a freshman gave every opponent a reason to locate him before the snap and send the ball elsewhere. Corey Hetherman’s answer cannot be waiting for quarterbacks to challenge the same alignment. Fitzgerald has to move until the coverage makes them find him…