Aggies vs. Miami Hurricanes: Defensive Players to Watch

Safety Kamren Kinchens is the first returning All-American for the Canes since 2006, and he'll lead a very talented group. But there are still holes remaining from the abysmal crew from the prior year.

The return of Mario Cristobal to the Miami Hurricanes' program didn't completely go according to plan, but 2023 could be a massive rebound season. The defense - like the offense as we discussed yesterday - is under new leadership by defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, and is loaded with talent.

Safety Kamren Kinchens is the first returning All-American for the Canes since 2006, and he'll lead a very talented group. But there are still holes remaining from the abysmal crew from the prior year.

Kinchens tied for second in the nation with six picks. He's joined by fellow safety and five-star recruit James Williams as well as defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III. One of the biggest bright spots of the Miami defense last season was linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, who returns for possibly an even bigger role in 2023. Returning defensive ends Akheem Mesidor and Jahfari Harvey combined for 12.5 sacks last season.

But the Hurricanes have to figure out how to replace the departed pair of corners, Tyrique Stevenson and DJ Ivey, and have looked to the transfer portal to help, but time will tell how the position reacts to new players under Guidry's tutelage.

S Kamren Kinchens

Kinchens returns as the bonafide leader of the defense and led the team with six interceptions last season, including a 99-yard pick-6 against Georgia Tech. He also registered one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, while making 59 total tackles.

S James Williams

Williams co-led the team with 59 total tackles in 2023, with one interception, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He also registered six passes defended.

DL Akheem Mesidor

Mesidor led the team with seven sacks last season while posting 28 total tackles and four passes defended. He also forced one fumble on the season. The junior Ottawa, Ontario, Canada enters 2023 as the anchor of the defense and should play a bigger role in Guidry's new system.

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