STATE OF THE U 2024: Miami Hurricanes LB analysis

CaneSport continues its State of The U series with a closer position by position look, unfiltered and objective, based on what Miami has returning, the projections and whether this will be an improved unit or not.

Today we are focusing on Miami’s linebackers:

OVERVIEW

The good news here is Miami’s main two starters in Lance Guidry’s 4-2-5 return: leading tackler Francisco Mauigoa in the middle along with OLB Wesley Bissainthe. The duo is more than good enough to get the job done – Mauigoa had 82 tackles, 18 TFL and tied Rueben Bain for the team lead with 7.5 sacks ( Pro Football Focus noted him allowing 19 of 33 receptions when targeted for 186 yards, and he had 10 missed tackles), while Bissainthe started from Game 4 on after initially getting beaten out by KJ Cloyd and wound up with 44 tackles, 6.5 TFL and two sacks (PFF noted him allowing 13 of 15 receptions when targeted for 166 yards, and missing five tackles). Bissainthe looked bigger and faster this spring, which is encouraging, while Mauigoa was out coming off shoulder surgery. He’ll be find for the fall.

The depth is the issue here, and it will certainly help that the team added Louisville MLB/OLB Jaylin Alderman in the second portal window. Alderman can push Bissainthe to start and at worst eat up some of the almost 800 backup reps that departed Corey Flagg and KJ Cloyd contributed. Last year Alderman started every game for the Cardinals (his first year starting) and had  58 tackles, seven for losses, with 1.5 sacks. PFF noted him with 12 missed tackles, and he also has struggled in coverage in his career, allowing 27 completions on 33 targets for 331 yards with three TDS and one INT.

Aside from Mauigoa, Bissainthe and Alderman there’s talent but no one who’s really done it in games to this point. Raul Aguirre played sparingly last year as a true freshman, and he joins first-year LB Cam Pruitt as the apparent next guys up based on what we saw in the spring. The team’s only other linebackers are oft-injured Chase Smith, redshirt freshman Bobby Washington and true freshman Adarius Hayes.

STATE OF THE U SERIES: Gary Ferman’s series introduction overview as Miami looks to turn around program … 2020 recruiting class analysis …. 2021 recruiting class analysis … 2022 recruiting class analysis … 2023 recruiting class analysis … Year 3 for a coach can be a flashpoint for success, so pressure is on Mario Cristobal and Miami … Where Miami Hurricanes stand in the college football landscape … QB analysis … RB analysis … WR analysis … TE analysis … OL analysis … DL analysis

BIGGEST QUESTION

Who will win the battle between Bissainthe and Alderman. Both are capable, and while Bissainthe has started the last two years he hasn’t been consistently at a high level. Alderman looked good last year at Louisville but he may not be a better option than Bissainthe. So it will be very interesting to see who emerges as the other starting linebacker alongside Mauigoa. You have to hope they push each other to be their best based on the fall competition.

BOLD PREDICTION

That Mauigoa will have over 100 tackles and again lead the team in tackles for loss. Why not, right? He had a team-high 82 tackles and led the team in tackles for loss a year ago, and we think he’ll be better with another offseason and be that much more comfortable in Guidry’s scheme this year. He’s utilized in a variety of ways, and Guidry does a good job scheming to get Mauigoa free to make plays in the offensive backfield. He had 15 QB hurries last season, fourth-most on the team behind Rueben Bain (who had 26) and the now-departed Jared Harrison-Hunte (22) and Leonard Taylor (17).

PROJECTION: POSITION WILL BE BETTER/WORSE THAN LAST YEAR?

Mauigoa and Bissainthe are back for their second year in Guidry’s system, so you have to think that will mean a higher level of production from each. And while it wasn’t like last year’s backups that are gone – Corey Flagg, KJ Cloyd and Keontra Smith – were bigtime difference-makers, the question here is going to be the depth. Yes, Jaylin Alderman helps a lot and will compete to start. But you need more than just three guys at this position. So a lot will hinge on Chase Smith, Raul Aguirre and Cam Pruitt. If one or two of those three can show he’s ready to make an impact, that would bode really well for this spot (we see Bobby Washington and Adarius Hayes as more developmental guys for now). The bottom line is there is only one linebacker that’s proven he can play at a consistently high level, and that’s Mauigoa. Bissainthe and Alderman need to step to the plate and really deliver to make this a great position and not just an okay or good one. 2023 GRADE … B+; 2024 PROJECTED GRADE … B+

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