CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Since the University of Miami will likely kickoff the Mark Richt era by leaning on young players on the defensive side of the ball, they're taking a simple approach to their 4-3 defense -- play fast and violently.
That's the game plan from new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who after practice on Wednesday, said that they plan on tackling the perceived lack of depth with the mindset that "no one has to try and put a cape on, because if everyone just does their job and plays in a violent manner we are going to be pleased with the outcome.
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"And that's the message being imported to the team, because otherwise people are going to try and do more than they should, and they don't need to do any more than they should because nothing has changed," Diaz said.
Diaz said he has just two rules for his defense.
"Everyone just play, and play fast and play violently, and we will like the outcome," he said.
Ahead of their opener Saturday against Florida A&M, the 'Canes have listed three true freshman on the depth chart at each of the three linebacker positions -- Zach McCloud, Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney.