The Miami Hurricanes linebacker corps is expected to be one of the most experienced groups in the ACC. With Francisco ‘Kiko’ Mauigoa, Wesley Bissainthe, and Louisville transfer Jaylin Alderman, Miami has a group of experienced and battle-tested linebackers. The Canes also have a mix of young, up-and-coming talent eager to make their mark in the 2024 season. So, what does the LB room look like?
LB – Francisco “Kiko” Mauigoa
Arguably Mario Cristobal’s biggest recruiting win last year, outside of landing Cam Ward, was convincing Francisco “Kiko” Mauigoa to return for his senior season. Mauigoa is an elite linebacker with an insanely high football IQ and all-conference-worthy production. Last year, Mauigoa played 697 snaps, more than any other linebacker by far, and recorded 82 total tackles, including 48 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. With a full year in Miami’s program, Mauigoa is set to man the middle, providing the Canes with an elite playmaker at the second level of their defense. For Miami, Mauigoa is like having a coach on the field, directing traffic. Expect an even more productive year from Kiko. The country agrees, as Kiko is a preseason All-American and is on three preseason watch lists, trailing only Cam Ward, who is on four.
LB – Jaylin Alderman
The Canes added a starting-level linebacker through the portal with the addition of Louisville transfer Jaylin Alderman. Alderman continues the trend of big linebackers, and at 6’1”, 230 lbs, he is a physical specimen. A durable player who started every game for the Cardinals last year, Alderman recorded 62 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, with 47 of those tackles coming against ACC opponents. Outside of Francisco Mauigoa, who played 697 snaps, no other linebacker played at least 500 snaps for Miami. In contrast, Alderman played 606 snaps for the Cardinals this past season, which would have been the second most for the Canes in 2023. Expect Alderman to be an upgrade over K.J. Cloyd, who was very solid for Miami last year.
LB – Wesley Bissainthe
Bissainthe was one of the most talented players in Mario Cristobal’s transition class. In 2023, Bissainthe recorded 44 total tackles, including 25 solo tackles and two sacks. Although he had decent production, Bissainthe has the opportunity to take a major leap in his junior year. Coaches have been raving about his work ethic and focus this camp season, and it seems he is ready to take the next step as one of the defensive leaders on this team.
LB – Raul “Popo” Aguirre Jr.
Aguirre is entering his sophomore season and, on paper, is one of the most talented linebackers on the team. Aguirre is expected to play middle linebacker, a spot that has been locked down by Kiko Mauigoa last year and this year. The good thing about Aguirre is that he has a great mentor in Mauigoa to learn the game from both a technical and preparation standpoint. Expect him to get a lot of action on special teams this year and some playing time at linebacker. Aguirre is capable of filling in for Mauigoa and is a very good depth piece with a bright future as the future starting MLB for the Canes.
LB – Cam Pruitt
Pruitt was a Miami-Alabama battle that the Canes ended up winning. So far in camp, it is evident why Saban wanted him so badly. Pruitt has been one of the most impressive freshmen at fall camp, making plays all over the field. A versatile linebacker who can cover in space, Pruitt is going to see the field a lot this year, especially in the second half of the season as he starts gaining more weight.
LB – Bobby Washington
Washington is a physical specimen, standing at 6’3”, 220 lbs, and is considered one of the biggest hitters on the team. Washington plays with violence and will get a lot of action for Miami on special teams. One of Washington’s standout qualities is his elite speed, and it’s believed he is even faster than his brother, Robby Washington. Bobby has all the physical tools to become an elite linebacker, and I expect him to start making an impact this year as the game has slowed down for him in his sophomore season. Expect him to be in the rotation and start earning meaningful snaps this year.
LB – Chase Smith
Smith has had an uneventful tenure at Miami, marred by injuries. Now healthy and entering his junior season, it is unclear how big his role will be in this linebacker room, but it is undeniable that he is one of the most talented backs from a raw talent standpoint. If Smith can stay healthy, I believe he will see the field and contribute as a quality depth piece, providing Miami versatility with his speed and agility to cover tight ends, running backs, and even wide receivers.
LB – Adarius Hayes
A true freshman who was a big-time signing day flip from Florida, Hayes has a ton of potential. I expect him to redshirt this year, as there are at least six linebackers ahead of him in the rotation for the Canes. Hayes is likely to start making his impact next year for Miami.
For many years, linebackers were one of the biggest weaknesses for the Hurricanes. The linebacker rooms were small and slow. This year’s linebacker room is exceptional, with size, speed, and experience that hasn’t been seen in at least 15 years. Miami’s second line of defense is sturdy, led by Kiko Mauigoa, and it appears that a good unit on paper has taken a step forward and will be a great unit in 2024.
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