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Miami Football: Way-too-Early 2022 Depth Chart Projection

By Jackson Caudell

Sep 30, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) scrambles with the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) scrambles with the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Starting Defensive Tackles: Leonard Taylor and Jared Harrison-Hunte

Backups: Jake Lichtenstein and Jordan Miller

Starting Defensive Ends: Jahfari Harvey and Antonio Moultrie

Backups: Chantz Williams and Nyjalik Kelly

This is one of the biggest question marks on the Miami defense. The Hurricanes, who usually put out solid defensive ends and pass rushers, did not have that kind of guy last season. There is some talent at the position, but no star as of yet. The same can be said for the interior of the line.

Leonard Taylor has all of the talent to be the next great defensive tackle at Miami. Taylor is a former five-star recruit who flashed his ability to pass rush last season. He can be the best player on Miami’s defense and a potential first-round pick. Jared Harrison-Hunte has talent, but can’t find consistency. He should start next to Taylor.

The rest of the position is unclear. USC transfer Jake Lichtenstein should be a factor, either on the interior or edge, but he is not a star. Jordan Miller has not improved enough in his time at Miami to be relied upon consistently. This is a position that the coaching staff may look to find another transfer for after the spring.

At defensive end, UAB transfer Antonio Moultrie should have a spot locked down. Moultrie was a good player for the Blazers and one of the best defensive linemen in Conference USA. Jahfari Harvey is a former four-star recruit and got plenty of playing time last season. Chantz Williams could start over Harvey this year and was more impressive at times than Harvey was last season.

Miami has some talented freshmen coming in at the position, but it is always hard for freshmen to make a huge impact at pass rusher. Nyjalik Kelly and Cyrus Moss were two big recruiting wins for Cristobal and have big-time potential in the future for Miami. It might be too much to expect them to contribute significantly in 2022 however.

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