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

Starting Sam Linebacker: Gilbert Frierson

Backup: Wesley Bissainthe

Starting Middle Linebacker: Corey Flagg Jr

Backup: Avery Huff

Starting Will Linebacker: Keontra Smith

Backup: Tirek Austin-Cave

This is probably the weakest position on the Miami defense. The defensive line has questions about it, but this group just lacks talent. Don’t be surprised if Cristobal looks to add a transfer or two at some point.

The linebackers are tough to project due to Miami’s change in defensive systems. New defensive coordinator Kevin Steele runs a 4-3 scheme and that will be different than what Miami has been employing in the last couple of years.

Gilbert Frierson started as Miami’s striker last season and should be able to transition to one of the outside linebacker spots. Frierson has been a playmaker at times for Miami but lacks consistency. Corey Flagg Jr has not turned out to be as good as projected up to this point, but that could change with better coaching. Keontra Smith is Miami’s most talented linebacker that played last year and he should be easy to pencil in as a starter.

For backups, the guy all Miami fans have their eyes on is Wesley Bissainthe. Bissainthe is one of the most talented linebacker recruits in this recruiting cycle and could even start right away. Avery Huff and Tirek Austin-Cave have been at Miami for a few years, but have yet to make significant contributions. This might be their last chance.