Coral Gables - New defensive line coach Randy Melvin, a 35-year coaching veteran, has impressed players with his technical knowledge. Dallas Crawford said he even offers advice to the defensive backs.
“He’s a pro,” Crawford said of Melvin, the only Hurricanes staffer who owns a Super Bowl ring (he was the 2001 New England Patriots’ defensive line coach). “He could probably teach every position on the defense.”
Ufomba Kamalu was one of several players who said Melvin, who worked at FIU last year, emphasizes “getting up-field more” and that UM’s defense — roundly criticized by fans and former players for passive play — will be more aggressive this year.
“He brought a different element to the entire defense, not just the defensive line,” Crawford said. “It’s crazy the way they’re getting off the ball and trying to make plays now.”
Areas in which the Hurricanes can improve: “More disruptive. More tackles for loss. More sacks. Improvement in the red zone. Improvement on third downs and takeaways.”
So, too, have Hurricanes fans, who have bemoaned the unit’s performance for the last four seasons. Though UM improved in several statistical categories last year, the defense simply did not contribute enough during UM’s dismal 6-7 campaign. But a group of eager players believe it is now a strength.
The Hurricanes, who were 120th in yards allowed in 2012 and 90th in 2013, jumped to 14th last year. But they allowed more than 300 rushing yards in losses at Nebraska and Georgia Tech. They finished 67th in sacks per game, 105th in tackles for loss per game and were minus-1 in turnover margin (T-67th).
Though their most proven playmaker, middle linebacker Denzel Perryman, now plays for the San Diego Chargers, an influx of depth, a dash of experience and a couple new ideas could help those numbers improve. Heading into Saturday’s scrimmage, the last major test of camp before UM’s Sept. 5 season-opener against Bethune-Cookman, no starting spots have been claimed on the defensive line, safety or the second unit of linebackers or cornerbacks. That has, in Al Golden’s words, “created competition” and “made us better.”
On defense, eight seniors and six juniors are expected to crack the two-deep depth chart. Of the linebackers, only senior middle linebacker Raphael Kirby and junior weak-side linebacker Jermaine Grace have starting spots. The strong-side job, since the spring, has been a hot competition between sophomore Darrion Owens and senior Tyriq McCord.
Three cornerbacks — senior Tracy Howard and juniors Artie Burns and Corn Elder — are battling for two positions.
At safety, seniors Deon Bush and Dallas Crawford and juniors Jamal Carter and Rayshawn Jenkins have a combined 93 games (41 starts). It’s unclear who will see the most time.
But no position is more unsettled than the defensive line, where D’Onofrio wants more disruption, quarterback pressure and turnovers.
UM hopes for increased production from holdovers such as senior nose tackle Calvin Heurtelou, senior end/tackle Ufomba Kamalu and sophomore end Chad Thomas; players coming off redshirt seasons (rush end Al-Quadin Muhammad, end/tackle Jelani Hamilton) and promising freshmen Kendrick Norton, a nose tackle, and end R.J. McIntosh.
UM plans to rotate players in and out, depending on formation; generally, it runs a base 3-4 scheme with a 4-3 “speed” package on third down. Golden commented Wednesday he believes he has the collection of size and skill to execute it properly.
“He’s a pro,” Crawford said of Melvin, the only Hurricanes staffer who owns a Super Bowl ring (he was the 2001 New England Patriots’ defensive line coach). “He could probably teach every position on the defense.”
Ufomba Kamalu was one of several players who said Melvin, who worked at FIU last year, emphasizes “getting up-field more” and that UM’s defense — roundly criticized by fans and former players for passive play — will be more aggressive this year.
“He brought a different element to the entire defense, not just the defensive line,” Crawford said. “It’s crazy the way they’re getting off the ball and trying to make plays now.”
Areas in which the Hurricanes can improve: “More disruptive. More tackles for loss. More sacks. Improvement in the red zone. Improvement on third downs and takeaways.”
So, too, have Hurricanes fans, who have bemoaned the unit’s performance for the last four seasons. Though UM improved in several statistical categories last year, the defense simply did not contribute enough during UM’s dismal 6-7 campaign. But a group of eager players believe it is now a strength.
The Hurricanes, who were 120th in yards allowed in 2012 and 90th in 2013, jumped to 14th last year. But they allowed more than 300 rushing yards in losses at Nebraska and Georgia Tech. They finished 67th in sacks per game, 105th in tackles for loss per game and were minus-1 in turnover margin (T-67th).
Though their most proven playmaker, middle linebacker Denzel Perryman, now plays for the San Diego Chargers, an influx of depth, a dash of experience and a couple new ideas could help those numbers improve. Heading into Saturday’s scrimmage, the last major test of camp before UM’s Sept. 5 season-opener against Bethune-Cookman, no starting spots have been claimed on the defensive line, safety or the second unit of linebackers or cornerbacks. That has, in Al Golden’s words, “created competition” and “made us better.”
On defense, eight seniors and six juniors are expected to crack the two-deep depth chart. Of the linebackers, only senior middle linebacker Raphael Kirby and junior weak-side linebacker Jermaine Grace have starting spots. The strong-side job, since the spring, has been a hot competition between sophomore Darrion Owens and senior Tyriq McCord.
Three cornerbacks — senior Tracy Howard and juniors Artie Burns and Corn Elder — are battling for two positions.
At safety, seniors Deon Bush and Dallas Crawford and juniors Jamal Carter and Rayshawn Jenkins have a combined 93 games (41 starts). It’s unclear who will see the most time.
But no position is more unsettled than the defensive line, where D’Onofrio wants more disruption, quarterback pressure and turnovers.
UM hopes for increased production from holdovers such as senior nose tackle Calvin Heurtelou, senior end/tackle Ufomba Kamalu and sophomore end Chad Thomas; players coming off redshirt seasons (rush end Al-Quadin Muhammad, end/tackle Jelani Hamilton) and promising freshmen Kendrick Norton, a nose tackle, and end R.J. McIntosh.
UM plans to rotate players in and out, depending on formation; generally, it runs a base 3-4 scheme with a 4-3 “speed” package on third down. Golden commented Wednesday he believes he has the collection of size and skill to execute it properly.
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