Miami football 2017: Projected Hurricanes depth chart

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Miami Hurricanes fans and mascot Sebastian the Ibis cheer their team on in the second quarter of the Russell Athletic Bowl against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Oct 8, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jaquan Johnson (4) carries the ball after an interception catch in front of Florida State Seminoles tight end Mavin Saunders (88) during the first half against at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Notable Losses:

Courtel Jenkins is probably the biggest loss on defense for the Hurricanes. While the offense lost a lot of key pieces, the Miami defense is young and has the potential to be one of the best in the nation this season.

DE: Chad Thomas, Senior

DT: R.J. McIntosh, Junior

DT: Kendrick Norton, Junior

DE: Joseph Jackson, Sophomore

This group up front is stout and has the makings of one of the best defensive ines in college football. McIntosh and Thomas along with Norton will win more often than not in the trenches. Jackson fits more of that “Viper” role that the Hurricanes love off the edge. They also have incredible depth at the spot and should be able to keep everyone fresh.

WLB: Michael Pinckney, Sophomore

MLB: Shaquille Quarterman, Sophomore

SLB: Zach McLoud, Sophomore

This core of linebackers might be young but they are ultra-talented. When people boast about the potential that this Miami defense has, it’s because of the fact they are stacked and also young. That means this core has the opportunity to grow together for a couple of more seasons. With a deep front seven, opposing offenses are going to see a variety of packages that Richt loves to throw out.

RCB: Jhavonte Dean, Junior

S: Jaquan Johnson, Junior

FS: Romeo Finley, Sophomore

LCB: Dee Delaney, Senior

Nickel: Malek Young, Sophomore

In the spring game, the defense feasted for the Hurricanes. Malek Young had a couple of interceptions and he along with freshman Trajan Bandy are going to make a big push for more playing time. Dean and Delaney are a couple of transfers expected to come in and hold down the spot for a while. Johnson fits that Rover role and shores up the safety unit.

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Special Teams

K: Michael Badgley, Senior

P: Zach Feagles, Freshman

KR: Mike Harley, Freshman

PR: Braxton Berrios, Senior

There are a couple of freshman here in the special teams department. It’s going to be critical they’re locked in from the beginning and limit the inevitable learning lessons as much as possible. Fortunately, seniors like Badgley and Berrios should help with the adjustment process.

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