Every year it is fun to look at one player who is flying under-the-radar heading into the new season. ESPN thinks that player is coming off the defensive line.
The media outlet released their top-51 sleeper players entering the 2026-27 college football season, naming Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Armando Blount among the list.
Blount heads into his junior season at 6-foot-4, and 275-pounds. He hails from Fort, Lauderdale, Florida, and his playing time has significantly increased since arriving at Miami. During his freshman season he saw limited snaps only recording two tackles in eight appearance. This past season, he took a major step in the Hurricanes depth chart, carving out a huge role for the defensive line, recording 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. His best outing came against Stanford, tailing two tackles and one sack.
Blount is back with his run stopping and pass rushing skills to help Miami be one of the most feared defenses. The Hurricanes are projected to have one of the most dangerous lines in the country. Heading into the new season, Blount is expected to take a step into a more important and bigger role.
Over the course of the off-season he has been in the weight room bulking up and getting in shape for the new season, adding over 25 pounds of muscle to his big frame.
Check out what ESPN had to say about the former five-star prospect:
Blount is another former blue-chip recruit who hasn't quite broken through at the college level but could take a major step this fall for the national runners-up. Miami has a clear need at the end spots after losing first-round NFL draft picks Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor. While Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II will help, Blount gained valuable experience last season, including during Miami's CFP run. Armondo Blount is a guy I really pay close attention to," coach Mario Cristobal told ESPN. "That guy has a great skill set, and he is big, strong, fast, and he is relentless. Like, that motor is insane. I know everyone talks about Damon Wilson, and they should. Can [the ends] play as good as Mesidor and Bain? Let's go find out if they can.
The media outlet released their top-51 sleeper players entering the 2026-27 college football season, naming Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Armando Blount among the list.
Blount heads into his junior season at 6-foot-4, and 275-pounds. He hails from Fort, Lauderdale, Florida, and his playing time has significantly increased since arriving at Miami. During his freshman season he saw limited snaps only recording two tackles in eight appearance. This past season, he took a major step in the Hurricanes depth chart, carving out a huge role for the defensive line, recording 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. His best outing came against Stanford, tailing two tackles and one sack.
Blount is back with his run stopping and pass rushing skills to help Miami be one of the most feared defenses. The Hurricanes are projected to have one of the most dangerous lines in the country. Heading into the new season, Blount is expected to take a step into a more important and bigger role.
Over the course of the off-season he has been in the weight room bulking up and getting in shape for the new season, adding over 25 pounds of muscle to his big frame.
Check out what ESPN had to say about the former five-star prospect:
Blount is another former blue-chip recruit who hasn't quite broken through at the college level but could take a major step this fall for the national runners-up. Miami has a clear need at the end spots after losing first-round NFL draft picks Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor. While Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II will help, Blount gained valuable experience last season, including during Miami's CFP run. Armondo Blount is a guy I really pay close attention to," coach Mario Cristobal told ESPN. "That guy has a great skill set, and he is big, strong, fast, and he is relentless. Like, that motor is insane. I know everyone talks about Damon Wilson, and they should. Can [the ends] play as good as Mesidor and Bain? Let's go find out if they can.
