The primary strength for this season’s Miami Hurricanes squad was a defense that ranked in the top 30 in the nation in points allowed.
Head coach Mark Richt will now have to find more depth along this unit with news that defensive tackles R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton have reportedly decided to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.
BREAKING: Miami junior DTs R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton have decided to enter the NFL draft, sources tell @CanesInSight. Announcement soon
— Peter Ariz (@PeterAriz) January 8, 2018
Both are considered likely mid-round picks at this point in the draft process. But good showings leading up to the annual event in April could change this.
McIntosh racked up 52 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and 2.5 sacks this past season. At 6-foot-4 and 293 pounds, he seems to fit the mold of an interior defensive lineman at the next level.
Meanwhile, Norton recorded 26 tackles and two sacks as a junior. He’s more of a run-stuffing defensive tackle.
Miami finished this past season with a 10-3 record, losing to Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. With these two key departures, their depth will definitely be tested in 2018.