Miami Hurricanes Linebackers Need To Step Up This Spring
The Miami Hurricanes linebacker room is populated mostly by unproven but exciting talent.
There are two notable exceptions to that, but one of the veterans is likely to miss most of not all of the spring practices coming up. The first practice is this Monday, March 4th.
As we've done this week with the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, let's break down Miami's linebacker room in four tiers. Miami had three notable losses at linebacker from last season: KJ Cloyd, Corey Flagg, and Keontra Smith.
Tier 1: The Alpha
You could make a strong argument that Kiko Maugia was the best player at the University of Miami last season. As a junior, the inside linebacker led all Miami defenders with 17 tackles for loss. He led the team with 82 tackles overall and was the co-leader in sacks with Rueben Bain at 7.5.
Mauigoa will likely miss at least parts of spring football after reportedly having an offseason cleanup procedure on his shoulder. His temporary absence should provide opportunities for the rest of the group.
Tier 2: Probable starter who needs to separate from the competition
I think Wesley Bissainthe has another gear that he can hit in 2024. As a sophomore last season, he recorded 44 tackles and 2 sacks. Bissainthe likely projects as Miami's starting weakside linebacker but there's a feeling that he will need to really step up starting in the spring to fend off competition from Miami's underclassmen.
Tier 3: Young and hungry
Miami's haul at linebacker in the class of 2023 was outstanding. Raul Aguirre, Marcellius Pulliam, Bobby Washington and Malik Bryant are heading into their second seasons with opportunities to rise to the occasion. Aguirre could really push to take Bissainthe's spot if the aforementioned junior doesn't play lights out in practice. I also put redshirt sophomore Chase Smith in this third tier.
I am looking forward to seeing how big of a jump these players can make next season. Linebackers coach Derek Nicholson has earned rave reviews from his peers and has found great success at Miami as a recruiter.
Tier 4: The rookies
They may require a year of seasoning like the names above, but I like the true freshman linebackers Miami landed in the class of '24. Adarius Hayes came out of high school already at 6-4 210. He can add another 20-25 lbs to his frame easily.
Cameron "Bobby" Pruitt (6-3, 187 lbs), another four star signee, is considered by many to be a gem in the 2024 class.
My predictions:
Mauigoa will play himself into the first or second round of the NFL draft and will hold down his starting job all year. I also expect Bissainthe to rise to the occasion and start beside Kiko, but we can expect a few of the tier threes to get on the field and flash on a rotational basis.
More: How Will Miami's Wide Receiver Battles Play Out In Spring Football?
Who Will Be The Miami Hurricanes Backup Quarterback Behind Cam Ward?
Will A True Starting Tight End Emerge For The Miami Hurricanes?
