Miami Hurricanes Linebackers Playing Big-Time Football
The 3-0 Miami Hurricanes are now preparing for the Temple Owls in their first road game of the 2023 college football season. Before the Canes go on the road, there are four linebackers to discuss. As a unit, overall, this is a linebacker corps that’s truly making strides and creating havoc for opposing offenses.
No particular order.
Francisco Mauigoa, Middle Linebacker
He is earning the Mr. Consistent title in the middle of the Canes defense. Mauigoa has 15 tackles, tying him with James Williams as the team leader. He’s also second on the team with 1.5 tackles for loss, and forcing a fumble is also on his resume.
Also of note, Mauigoa’s ability to time up when to blitz, that’s fun to watch! He does a quality job of disguising what he will do.
K.J. Cloyd, Weak Side Linebacker
When watching the Hurricanes play, ever notice how No. 23 is consistently near the football? That’s Cloyd. The Louisville transfer is at 8 tackles and a tackle for loss.
He’s also been active in coverage even if it is play-action passing. Cloyd is a great addition to the Canes second level of defense.
Wesley Bissainthe, Weak Side Linebacker
There’s not been a reason to question Bissainthe’s speed, and the first three games of the 2023 season is a prime example of that. He’s tracking down running backs and quarterbacks equally well even if that means having to catch them from behind. Like Mauigoa, Bissainthe is also doing well as a blitzer and that’s huge for the Canes.
So far this year, Bissainthe is responsible for 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack. It’s great to see this young man develop.
Corey Flagg, Jr., Middle Linebacker
Flagg just grinds. Regardless of the situation, he’s battling and placing ball carriers on the ground. Flagg is another Hurricanes getting after the signal caller, too. He has 9 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 quarterback hurries.
It’s great to have a veteran leader like Flagg coming off the bench and still making a sizable impact.
This Miami linebacker corps has cohesion and character. By playing as a unit, the Canes linebacker unit is making the most of its chances to make plays. It’s great to see all of these guys have success that are directly above, plus linebackers like Ryan Ragone and Chase Smith, among several others.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.