There have been rumblings since Spring about the addition of the "Striker" role to the defense. We're not running a 4-2-5, but we have hints of it by adapting the 4-3 to include more of a hybrid Nickel/LB in the spot traditionally reserved for the Strong-side linebacker. This is a direct response to our issues in defending the short passing game, particularly when teams would be spread out and result in alignment of the SAM backer out over the slot or in space. The Striker calls for a player who can be more adept to handle what will be thrown at us on 50/50 downs and ideally make us less susceptible to simply scheming to exploit the SAM backer in coverage/space.
As such, the Striker needs to be someone with coverage skills in space, but the size, strength, and tackling ability to take on blockers (inline TE) without getting washed out of position and make tackles in run support.
All of the early talk was that Derrick Smith was likely to be that guy. As a true freshman he got reps towards the latter half of the season as a nickel back for us. This was likely the beginnings of Diaz wanting to implement this sort of response to what teams were doing to us. He had mixed results.
This spring, the talk was that Derrick Smith and Romeo Finley were both getting major reps at the Striker spot. The resulting rhetoric that we heard was that both were competing, with Smith looking stronger in pass coverage and Finley looking stronger in run support. Finley ended Spring at the top of the depth chart at the Striker spot.
Many of us that follow recruiting are familiar with Finley and Smith's skillsets and HS tapes. But, I think it's worth revisiting their tapes because now we're looking at them through a new lens. We're no longer looking to evaluate them solely as safeties, but rather for this new position in our defense.
Both guys have good size and athleticism for the position:
Derrick Smith - 6'2 215
Romeo Finley 6'1 215
So, based on the tape below and what we've seen and heard of these guys during their time at Miami, what do you all think? Who's best suited to get the majority of the reps at this role and how will they perform?
Romeo Finley
Derrick Smith
As such, the Striker needs to be someone with coverage skills in space, but the size, strength, and tackling ability to take on blockers (inline TE) without getting washed out of position and make tackles in run support.
All of the early talk was that Derrick Smith was likely to be that guy. As a true freshman he got reps towards the latter half of the season as a nickel back for us. This was likely the beginnings of Diaz wanting to implement this sort of response to what teams were doing to us. He had mixed results.
This spring, the talk was that Derrick Smith and Romeo Finley were both getting major reps at the Striker spot. The resulting rhetoric that we heard was that both were competing, with Smith looking stronger in pass coverage and Finley looking stronger in run support. Finley ended Spring at the top of the depth chart at the Striker spot.
Many of us that follow recruiting are familiar with Finley and Smith's skillsets and HS tapes. But, I think it's worth revisiting their tapes because now we're looking at them through a new lens. We're no longer looking to evaluate them solely as safeties, but rather for this new position in our defense.
Both guys have good size and athleticism for the position:
Derrick Smith - 6'2 215
Romeo Finley 6'1 215
So, based on the tape below and what we've seen and heard of these guys during their time at Miami, what do you all think? Who's best suited to get the majority of the reps at this role and how will they perform?
Romeo Finley
Derrick Smith
