The Miami Hurricanes this offseason overhauled their defensive line with several veteran transfer additions and have been reaping the benefits.
Tyler Baron emerged as a top edge rushing from the start. Elijah Alston has made his share of plays on the outside as well.
And now, defensive tackle Simeon Barrow is making a name for himself.
The Michigan State transfer has become an integral part of Miami’s interior defensive line. Heading into the No. 6 Hurricanes’ road game against Louisville on Saturday, Barrow has recorded 17 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He has recorded at least one sack in three of the past four games, including three tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in Miami’s 39-38 come-from-behind victory AGAINST Cal on Oct. 5.
“He exploded,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said. “He played with physicality. He played with toughness. He’s played with effort. And I was communicating with him earlier that that’s the Simeon Barrow we signed, and that’s what we need to see every single week, just a better version every single week. He’s an awesome young man, super talented, has an awesome future ahead of him, and for Miami to keep winning, we need him to play his best football all the time.”
Added defensive coordinator Lance Guidry: “He’s playing a little bit more relentless. He understands the defense. Each week, he’s understanding it better, and he’s got a lot of confidence right now.”
Barrow, 6-3 and 290 pounds, said he has grown to better understand the team’s defensive scheme as the season has progressed. That is allowing him to play with a little more freedom.
“Simeon Barrow has been a dog,” linebacker Francisco Mauigoa said. “You see every time he practices that he practices hard. He practices with physicality and speed. So it never surprises when he shows up on game day. He’s a big dude, strong dude, that could run to the ball. He’s a guy that’s fun to play with.”
Wilfork named to Orange Bowl Hall of Fame
Former Hurricanes defensive tackle Vince Wilfork on Tuesday was named as one of three inductees for the 2024 class of the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame.
He is joined by former USC quarterback Matt Leinart as well as past University of Florida and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer.
The three will be honored in an on-field ceremony on Jan. 9, when the Orange Bowl will serve as a semifinal for the 12-team College Football Playoff.
He said it
“We’ve gotta be more physical. Point blank. That’s where it starts. That’s where the game starts up front. I feel like we’ve come out a little slow and a little soft, to be honest with you, the last couple games, but that’s a big emphasis this week, is to really just hit, be violent, make the first strike.” — Hurricanes center Zach Carpertener on where the offensive line needs to improve
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