Miami Football: Way-too-early 2-deep depth chart projection for 2021

Defensive Line

Starting defensive ends: Deandre Johnson, Cam Williams
Backups: Zach McCloud, Jahfari Harvey

Starting defensive tackles: Nesta Silvera, Jared Harrison-Hunte
Backups: Jon Ford, Jason Blissett

This is the position that is taking the hardest hit this offseason, as both Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche are both going to the NFL. Both were Miami’s best defensive players last season and their talent and production will be hard to replace. Miami elected to go to the transfer portal and get Tennessee defensive end Deandre Johnson and he should provide veteran leadership and production, although he does not have the talent either Phillips or Roche had.

The depth at defensive end will be something to watch. Miami is moving former linebacker Zach McCloud down to end to provide depth. They have talented young players like Jahfari Harvey and Chantz Williams and it will be worth watching those guys development.

At defensive tackle, Miami will welcome back Nesta Silvera and Jon Ford for their senior seasons and hoping that Jared Harrison-Hunte will take another step after flashing in his freshman season.

A name to watch here will be five-star true freshman Leonard Taylor who was the top-ranked defensive tackle in the country and it would not be surprising if he saw the field as a rotational player.