Miami Hurricanes College Football Season Preview

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Sep 5, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) is tackled by Bethune Cookman Wildcats linebacker Jaime Wilson (11) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Departed Players

The team returns 16 starters combined but the players who have departed played significant roles for the team in 2015. Cornerback Artie Burns wasn’t the greatest of cover corners, but he was improving and had the best season of his career by leading the ACC in interceptions. The secondary also lost the hard-hitting safety Deon Bush, whose physical presence over the years equals his provided leadership to the team.

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Bush totaled 168 tackles in his four seasons, while battling injuries and off-the-field misfortunes (Father dealing with cancer). Defensive end Tyriq McCord (34 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) provided reliable depth despite the underachievement that shadowed his collegiate career.

Kaaya will be missing two of his favorite targets in receivers Rashawn Scott (52 catches, 695 yards, five touchdowns) and Herb Waters (41 catches, 624 yards, one touchdown).

Both provided size and speed to the offense which is now in need of quality depth, especially with sophmore receiver Lawrence Cager suffering a torn ACL this summer and is now shelved for the 2016 season.

Next: Impact Freshmen

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