Back It Up Baby

Through three games, Miami is No. 1 in the country in tackles for loss with 35 and rank first in third down conversion percentage defense, holding opponents to a 16% conversion rate. The entire Hurricanes defense is proud of its accomplishments and eager to maintain its status atop the NCAA.
 
"That is just a testament to the entire defense," defensive lineman Pat Bethel said. "Whether it's the coaches calling the plays and stuff like that or all of us on the defensive side are playing together like that and stopping dudes before they get to the line, that's always a big deal. And being able to lead the country is huge. We will try to keep that up."
 

The Canes have 17 different players that have combined for 35 tackles for loss over three games. Redshirt senior defensive lineman Gerald Willis leads the Canes with 7.0, while sophomore defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin has 6.0. 
 
"It starts with the style of play here," defensive line coach Jess Simpson said. "We talk about getting our feet across the line of scrimmage, running off the ball, never void of fundamentals – for the most part, our guys have done that really well. We can obviously do it even better. That's kind of our mindset and where we start from. That's ground zero for us."
 
Many assume that Miami is racking up tackles for loss because it is constantly blitzing, but defensive coordinator Manny Diaz assures that the Canes' success has nothing to do with trickery or exotic blitz schemes.
 
"We blitz very infrequently…it's not a ton this year," Diaz said. "We always are accused of blitzing more than we actually do because we play so downhill. Mike Pinckney made a tackle for loss last week for a seven- or eight-yard loss on a running play that looked like a blitz, but it's not. The gap opened, he read 'run' and shot in there before the lineman could get him. Our guys want to play downhill. We want to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. When you've got guys like Gerald that are causing disruption amongst the offensive line, it's easy for the linebackers to find cracks in there to get TFLs."
 

Willis and Garvin have been especially impressive in 2018. In the first two seasons under Diaz and his defensive coaching staff, Miami had a total of six individual game performances of at least 3.0 tackles for loss. The Canes already have four such games in 2018 – two by Willis and two by Garvin.
 
"It means we're doing what we're supposed to do because that's a goal we set and we're achieving it," Garvin said. "All we have to do is keep being in our playbook, being in film study, and keep doing what we're supposed to do so we can make it happen." 
 
Diaz has been very impressed with Willis, who will serve as team captain for the second time in four games when the Canes face off against FIU on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Hard Rock Stadium. He leads the ACC and ranks fourth nationally in tackles for loss, averaging 2.3 per game.
 
"Gerald is playing as good as anybody we've had here, for sure," Diaz said. "He has always been quick and disruptive, but he's playing so strong and physical at the point of attack. You've got to give some credit to Jess Simpson and the way he is working with all of our guys on the defensive line. Our TFL [tackles for loss] numbers and sack numbers are all spread out among a big group of people, but Gerald certainly leads the charge."
 

Willis' success has been pushing his fellow defensive linemen to try and match his performances. The internal motivation has resulted in consistent excellence on Saturdays.
 
"We make it a big part, especially, not just on the defense or on the team, but especially on the D-line to kind of fire each other up," bethel said. "And you know, guys seeing him do that is like, 'okay, I got to get him now. I have got to compete with him now.' And I think that is a big part about pushing each other."
 
Other defensive linemen have benefitted from Willis' dominance, as teams are forced to try and double-team him and that opens opportunities for the rest of the talented players to wreak havoc in the backfield. Garvin has noticed teams have begun adding more layers to their protection schemes to try and slow the charging Hurricane defenders.
 
"What everyone likes to do is not leave any of us with one-on-one matchups since the first game," Garvin said. "Since the first game, they did that once and regretted it. It won't just be double teams on him."  
 

While Willis has been the headliner, the Canes have gotten plenty of disruption in the opposing backfield from a variety of defensive linemen.
 
"Joe Jackson has played really, really hard and been really, really solid," Simpson said. "Jonathan Garvin has done a super job and is a rising star. He could really be a great player. He cares about the game, it's important to him. Some of those other young guys have done a good job as well."
 
Sophomore Jonathan Ford and freshman Nesta Jade Silvera are two other young linemen that have caught the attention of their defensive line coach. Simpson loves how well the 6-foot-5, 300 lb. Ford is moving and penetrating and is encouraged with the growth Silvera has shown since he arrived on campus over the summer.
 
"I've seen a guy who's hungry and wants to learn, who knows he has a lot to learn but has had a great attitude about it," Simpson said of SIlvera. "I always talk about getting one percent better. If you look at his progression through camp, you can slowly see him starting to climb and do things a little bit better every day. That's what ball is – the details of learning how to do the fundamentals, the details of the fundamentals and being able to take those drills to the field and being able to execute in those 11-on-11 situations."

Comments

[HillviewCane]

Uno

[YooperCane]

Give me Canes or give me death!

[SOUP]

Canes it is! Death is really bad I hear?

[BigWindyCane]

Great article, Soup!

The most concerning defensive position group before the start of the season has been one of the strengths of the defense through the first three games (one quarter of the season). Simpson is doing great!

[nemo2002]

Hi 5

[Go Canes!!]

Good stuff Soup.

[raizecane]

Now I know where my head covers went to.

[canezilla]

ANYBODY ELSE GET THE GREEN LOT PARKING E-MAIL? I REALLY THINK THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE US PARK IN A ASSIGN SPOTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE,JUST LIKE THE ORANGE LOT USED TO BE

[NativeCane]

Give me Canes or give me death!

Posted by: YooperCane | September 19, 2018 at 11:37 PM

I regret that I have only one life to give to the Canes!

[Terrance Sullivan]

49-21 Miami this Saturday at the Rock!

[YooperCane]

I suppose I would have taken death during the Golden years! 😂

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup, KYCane, NativeCane, Raizecane, I went ahead and booked a 3rd Room at the Gables Inn for the 5th Annual Canespace Four Play Scheduled for February 22-24,2019. So I am expecting at least 6 of us plus the locals that hang with us at the Titanic, and at the Games. If any changes happen I will let U know or any others would like to attend let me know and I can adjust the reservations as needed.

[SOUP]

Terrance Sullivan, Travel Agent Services

"Forget The Rest, He's The Best!"

[SOUP]

Manny Diaz: "Our guys want to play downhill. We want to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. When you've got guys like Gerald that are causing disruption amongst the offensive line, it's easy for the linebackers to find cracks in there to get TFLs."

#ManCrush

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup I appreciate it. But I learned from the Best in U Brotha!

[NativeCane]

Thanks Terrance, I need an 8 lateral shake like a pig needs slop!

[BigWindyCane1]

Its official: DB Johnson and WR Richards are out Vs. FIU

[BigWindyCane1]

I think Amari Carter is going to play very well. Carter isn't quite up to Jaquan's level, but he is more than ready, and I think he will have a big game.

At DT, Willis will be his usual dominant self, and Bethel is doing fine, but I would like to see the backups Ford and Silvera get more reps.

As Bandy would say, "next man up!"

[Terrance Sullivan]

Native Yes Sir Brotha! I value all our friendships and its a Rockin good time in the Gables in February.

[solarcane]

Carter is my LOF, if history is any indicator he and I are in big trouble.

Seriously I think he will be good to go unless he gets a bogus targeting penalty.

[SOUP]

As of 4:24 CST here are your leaders for Legends of the Fall:

Offense: Malik Rozier (30% of votes)
Defense: Gerald Willis (26% of votes)
Freshman: Brevin Jordan (62% of votes)
Special Teams: Jeff Tjomas (44% of votes)
Coach: Jess Simpson (33% of votes)

Posted by: TonyCane | September 02, 2018 at 05:24 PM

[SOUP]

Special teams: Feagles

Posted by: CGNC | August 28, 2018 at 05:58 PM

Rhuh Rhoo!

Rosier Offense
Jackson Defense
Rousseau Freshman
Thomas Special Teams
Simpson Coach

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 28, 2018 at 06:16 PM

Hmmm...no Carter here?

[MLAlumni1970]

Do I dare ask what is the 5th annual Four Play? Is it golf or did I miss out on some really down and dirty CANES stuff??? I would never miss that, even though I am 70 now. CANES ALL THE WAY!

[Terrance Sullivan]

LOL MLAlumni1970 haha we go to 4 Canes Games on camous during a weekend usually Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, etc and we mix in grabbing food and drinks and usually a trip either to the Keys or a short drive over to Key Biscayne or something ha we might make a stop in South Beach and check out the scenery lol.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup LOL my LOF picks are Basura lol!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soup would have to approve but the LOF Winner gets a Adidas Miami Hurricanes T-Shirt and Cap. Which will be bought by yours truly during the Canespace Four Play and will be given out their in the Gables or if someone is not attending it will be mailed to U. Also I have already booked rooms at the Hampton Inn Orlando on International Drive for the Canes vs Gators Labor Day Weekend 2019.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Offense: Malik Rozier (30% of votes)
Defense: Gerald Willis (26% of votes)
Freshman: Brevin Jordan (62% of votes)
Special Teams: Jeff Tjomas (44% of votes)
Coach: Jess Simpson (33% of votes)

Posted by: TonyCane | September 02, 2018 at 05:24 PM

Posted by: SOUP | September 20, 2018 at 02:01 PM

Who are the suckers who took Rosier? LOL!

[Terrance Sullivan]

TBC I did listening to you and WWIN and The Dude lmbao.

[UMike]

Carter should be more than capable against FIU.

[SOUP]

1. Soup would have to approve but the LOF Winner gets a Adidas Miami Hurricanes T-Shirt and Cap. Which will be bought by yours truly during the Canespace Four Play and will be given out their in the Gables or if someone is not attending it will be mailed to U.

2. Also I have already booked rooms at the Hampton Inn Orlando on International Drive for the Canes vs Gators Labor Day Weekend 2019.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | September 20, 2018 at 02:31 PM

1. Approved.

2. Excellent!

[solarcane]

Wasn't it Amari that told CMR
"Tell coach Richt I'm comming and I'm bringing hell with me" when he committed?

[solarcane]

Canes I think would get more than one targeting a season if they played now
Rohan Marley, Jon Vilma, Sean Taylor,
Warren Sapp,Ted Hendricks, Matt Bosher,
Others?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Thank U Soup! Have to get permission from the CEO!

[BigWindyCane1]

Willis has had the best three-game stretch of any DT at the U since Wilfork left. I knew Willis had potential, and I saw him in shorts at CMR's camps and was impressed with how he looked physically, but Willis has definitely exceeded my expectations for the first three games. If Willis keeps this up, he will move up draft boards quickly. Willis is playing that good.

Credit to CMR and Simpson for being patient with him and helping Willis work through his off-the-field issues before they put him out there on the field. This is what college athletics should be all about, developing and educating young men.

Willis has even stayed out of trouble while in Coral Gables (knock on wood). The Gators may have given up on him, but CMR's patience seems to be paying off.

[CGNC]

Ugh. I know I picked Feagles for special teams. But I also picked Bandy on defense.

[CGNC]

Posted by: solarcane | September 20, 2018 at 03:17 PM

Ray Lew

[solarcane]

Hi cg!
Remember way back before the turn over chain, the back pack and all that nonsense we had "The Snow Bra"
That poor kid is probably still in therapy lol

[HawaiiCane]

solarcane, add these to the list:

Ray Lewis, Bennie Blades, Dan Morgan, Jessie Armstead, Darrin Smith, DJ Williams, Jerome Brown (RIP), Shane Curry (RIP), Al Blades (RIP), Rusty Mederias, and Ed Reed.

They would have all had a few vicious ones!

[HawaiiCane]

Oh, forgot Darryl Williams and Robert Bailey (that hit on the kick off in the Cotton Bowl... for real)!

[HawaiiCane]

Brandon Merriweather never cared about how he "laid wood"! He was always looking to knock someone out. Period.

[solarcane]

Hawaii, good list
Remember when Dan Morgan came into the
huddle wearing that black zombie face, and Ed Reed ask him what the hell he was doing?
Morgan said he was trying to scare the other team.. Reed told him to knock it off he was scaring the hell out his own team. Man I loved me some Dan Morgan trying to play barefoot

[VA Cane]

I would really bet on Rohan getting many; not dirty just hurled himself into people. I saw him at VT one time slam the ball carrier and Ray.....Rohan walked away....Ray was groggy struggled to get up...ball carrier was down. He was a hitter indeed.

While the #s look good I look at the competition..or lack of it. LSU kicked our ass....we sure did not look like Top 25 at all.
The last 2 games were no real games..Savannah is awful....and Toledo though small gave us some competition. I think this is a very weak schedule; I hope we win them all; we should do that but these teams are not really good...maybe Pitt or BC...not sure. So we win the conference but then have to play Clemson....Yikes they are a really good team and their D will smother us.
Just keep winning thats what we have to do.

[solarcane]

VA I remember an interview with Warren Sapp. They asked him the toughest part of the game, and he said Rohan Marley blasting him when he was making a tackle. Marley would come in run support and just destroy everybody.

[john vermillion]

i need a ride to the game from orlando...anybody going and coming back the same day.....i will pay for the gas and tolls....email me at jvcanes@aol.com

[solarcane]

Rohan carnage

https://youtu.be/15Y5VRoPFuI

[TruCane81]

VA I remember an interview with Warren Sapp. They asked him the toughest part of the game, and he said Rohan Marley blasting him when he was making a tackle. Marley would come in run support and just destroy everybody.

Posted by: solarcane | September 20, 2018 at 05:52 PM

Dude was a 205 lb. linebacker.

Would be a monster in striker role.

Probably never see a guy like him again.

[TruCane81]

As a kid , Rohan was my favorite pre probation player.

[MLAlumni1970]

HawaiiCane has the best list.
THE ALL TIME GREATS.

[TonyCane]

Who are the suckers who took Rosier? LOL!

Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | September 20, 2018 at 02:31 PM

Jeff Thomas was my offensive pick.

[SOUP]

This is what college athletics should be all about, developing and educating young men.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | September 20, 2018 at 04:12 PM

There IT is right there.

#NeverForgetIt