Scouting Miami: Defense

Linebacker Sean Spence is a big time player for Miami.

The Miami defense is loaded with speed and talent. They swarm to the ball and make the tackle in space. They get a tremendous pass rush and will make life hard for the USF offense to get anything going. Let's see who are the playmakers for the Canes defense.

Defensive line

Starting at defensive end is freshman Anthony Chickillo (6-4 24-pounds). He has 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks on the season (young man is talented). Behind him is senior Andrew Smith (6-3 250-pounds), he has 22 tackles and 1 tackle for loss this season. Starting at the other end position is senior Marcus Robinson (6-1 255-pounds). he has 34 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks on the season (big time pass rush). His back-up is junior Olivier Vernon (6-4 265-pounds) who has 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a half sack. He is one of their most talented pass rushers.

Junior Darius Smith (6-2 360-pounds) is the starter at defensive tackle. He has 21 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and one sack. Senior Micanor Regis (603 305-pounds) is his back-up. He has 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks on the season. Junior Adewale Ojomo (6-4 270-pounds) has 18 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. His back-up is freshman Jalen Grimble (6-2 280-pounds). Miami has size up the middle, making the job of our offensive line tougher in this game.

Linebackers

Senior Sean Spence (6-0 224-pounds) is the leader in the middle of the field. He has 89 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks on the season. Freshman Denzel Perryman (6-0 217-pounds) has started a few games. He has 51 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Sophomore James Gaines (6-3 220-pounds) has 53 tackles and 3 tackles for loss as well. Watch for senior Jordan Futch (6-3 235-pounds) who has 20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and one sack. Kelvin Cain (6-3 230-pounds) has 11 tackles and one interception. Freshman Gionni Paul (6-0 230-pounds) has 4 tackles in limited playing time.

The Miami defense changes their look a lot of the time, bringing in another defensive back, going with two linebackers at times. Spence never leaves the field and they will load the box when USF tries to run the ball against them.

Secondary

Starting at corner is senior JoJo Nicholas (6-1 200-pounds). He has 55 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions. His back-up is junior Alonzo Highsmith (6-0 195-pounds) who has 12 tackles for the season. Starting at the other corner position is junior Brandon McGee (6-0 190-pounds). He has 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one interception. Freshman Thomas Finnie (5-10 170-pounds) is his back-up. Another player to watch is senior Mike Williams (6-1 170-pounds) who has 25 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Senior Lee Chambers (5-10 185-pounds) is another back-up.

Starting at safety is Ray-Ray Armstrong (6-4 215-pounds) (if he is not suspended). He has 25 tackles, a half tackle for a loss, and one interception. Vaughn Telemague (6-2 200-pounds) has 59 tackles, a half tackle for a loss, and one interception. The Canes rotate in corners to play at safety at times, depending on the situation.